Hosa Dental Terminology

Abrasion

Wear of tooth surface caused by mechanical action.

Abscess

A localized infection with pus.

Abutment

A tooth or implant supporting a bridge or denture.

Alveolar

Refers to the bone that surrounds and supports teeth.

Amalgam

A type of dental filling material made of mercury and other metals.

Analgesia

Absence of pain without loss of consciousness.

Anesthesia

A substance used to prevent pain during procedures.

Anterior

Refers to the front teeth.

Apex

The tip of the root of a tooth.

Apicoectomy

Surgical removal of the apex of the tooth root.

Arch

The curved structure of the upper or lower jaw.

Bicuspid

A tooth with two cusps; also known as a premolar.

Biopsy

Removal of tissue for diagnostic examination.

Bite

The way the teeth come together.

Bitewing

An X-ray that shows the upper and lower teeth in bite position.

Bleaching

The process of whitening teeth.

Bonding

The application of tooth-colored resin to repair or improve appearance.

Bridge

A dental prosthesis that replaces missing teeth.

Bruxism

The grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep.

Buccal

Refers to the cheek side of the teeth.

Calculus

Hardened plaque on the teeth, also known as tartar.

Canine

A pointed tooth between incisors and premolars; also called a cuspid.

Caries

Tooth decay or cavities.

Cast

A model of the mouth created from an impression.

Cavity

A hole in a tooth caused by decay.

Cementum

A hard layer covering the tooth root.

Crown

A restoration that covers the entire tooth.

Curettage

The removal of tissue with a curette.

Cuspid

Another term for canine tooth.

Cusp

The pointed part of a tooth’s chewing surface.

Debridement

The removal of plaque, calculus, or dead tissue.

Decay

Breakdown of tooth structure due to acid-producing bacteria.

Deciduous

The first set of teeth, also called baby teeth.

Dentition

The arrangement or condition of the teeth.

Dentin

The layer beneath enamel that makes up the bulk of the tooth.

Denture

A removable appliance that replaces missing teeth.

Diagnostic Cast

A model used to study the alignment of teeth.

Diastema

A space or gap between two teeth.

Distal

The surface of a tooth farthest from the midline.

Edentulous

Lacking teeth, either partially or fully.

Erosion

Loss of tooth structure due to acid.

Enamel

The hard, outermost layer of the tooth.

Endodontics

The dental specialty dealing with the pulp and root canals.

Eruption

The process of a tooth breaking through the gums.

Excision

Surgical removal of tissue or part of a tooth.

Exostosis

A bony outgrowth from a bone surface.

Extraction

The removal of a tooth.

Facial

The surface of the tooth facing the lips or cheeks.

Filling

A restoration that repairs tooth decay.

Fissure

A deep groove on the surface of a tooth.