Dental Vocabulary

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering dental terminology, procedures, and anatomical structures.

Abscess

A local infection in the collection of pus under pressure. A dental abscess may be caused by severe decay, trauma, or gum disease and will be characterized by swelling and pain. If an abscess ruptures, it will be accompanied by sudden relief from pain and a foul taste in the mouth.

acid Etch

Applying etchant to the tooth surface 'roughs up the tooth's surface' to mechanically bind the composite/ resin filling to the tooth.

Alloys

Metals used in making fillings.

Amalgam

A commonly used silver colored filling mixed silver, tin, copper, and mercery.

Anaerobic Bacteria

Bacteria that do not need oxygen to survive and grow.

Anterior

The front teeth. (canine to canine)

Bitewing

Small x-ray that only show the chewing portion of the tooth.

Bridge

Artificial teeth used to replace missing teeth that are attached, usually on both sides, by crowns to the adjacent teeth.

Bruxism

The habit of grinding one's teeth (usually will sleeping).

Bonding

The covering of a tooth surface to correct staining or damaged teeth, by painting a layer of composite/ resin on the tooth.

Buccal

Outside surface of the posterior teeth (near check).

Burs

Small, shaped cutting and grinding tools (like drill bits) used in the handpiece.

Cavity

A hole in the tooth's surface due to decalcification of the enamel and dentin by acid producing bacteria.

Calculus

Hardened plaque otherwise known as tarter. (colonies of bacteria)

Caries

Dental term for dental decay. (a.k.a. cavity)

Cavitron

An instrument that vibrates ultrasonically and sprays water. (Used by hygienist to remove calculus/ tarter)

Cervical Cavity

Decay of the gum line.

Clasp

A metal prong on a partial. Supports denture by 'hooking' around the tooth.

Composite/ Resin Filling

A wear resistant material such as quartz or ceramics. Known as the 'tooth colored' filling. Usually used on anterior teeth, has tendency to stain.

Core Build-up

Hard filling usually accompanied by a post. Used to strengthen the inside of a tooth after a root canal.

Crown

1. The portion of the tooth which projects above the tissue. 2. A porcelain or gold cover for a decayed, damaged, brittle, or discolored tooth that has a strong base and root.

Cusps

The peeks on the chewing surface of posterior teeth.

Deciduous teeth

The first set of teeth or 'baby' teeth.

Denture

False teeth, partial or complete, removable or fixed.

Dentin

Hard tissue under the enamel of the tooth.

Distal

Portion of the tooth farthest from the midline.

Endodontics

Root canals. Removal of the nerve and restoration of the root.

Extra-Oral

Outside the mouth.

Extraction

Removal of a tooth. (Severely decayed, broken, loose, or causing crowding)

Facial

The side of the tooth closest to the lip.

Fistula

Small pus pocket above an infected tooth. (bubble or blister looking)

Gingiva

The soft tissue surrounding the tooth.

Gingivitis

Inflamed and swollen gum tissue most commonly caused by plaque. If left untreated, may lead to periodontal disease.

Gingivectomy

The removal of tissue only surrounding the tooth. Typically used in the treatment of periodontal disease and cosmetic dentistry.

Handpiece

An instrument (Drill) used in dentistry. (Slow and High-speed handpieces)

Impression

A procedure using trays and alginate to make molds of the teeth.

Impacted tooth

A tooth that is either partially emerged, or submerge red under the tissue and sometimes even bone.

Implant

A titanium screw placed in the bone to replace a lost tooth or teeth. A crown, bridge, or bar and denture can be fixed to the implant(s).

Inlay

A gold, porcelain, or composite custom made filling cemented into the tooth.

Intra-Oral

Within the mouth.

Incisal

The edge of an anterior tooth used for biting.

Inter-Proximal

Between the teeth.

Lingual

Edge side of the tooth closest to the tongue.

Laminate Veneer

A porcelain, or composite covering used to restore discolored, or damaged teeth.

Mandible

Lower part of the jaw.

Maxilla

Upper part of the jaw.

Midline

Imaginary line running from the tip of your nose, between the front teeth to the chin.

Mesial

Surface of the tooth closest to the midline.

Nightgaurd

A plastic mouthpiece used to prevent damage caused from bruxism.

N2O

Nitris oxide (laughing gas); does not put the patient to sleep, but does make them relax.

Occlusal

Pertains to the chewing surface on posterior teeth.

Onlay

An inlay that is built upon the occlusal or incisal edges of the tooth.

Periapical X-ray

X-rays of the tip of the root.

Posterior

Back teeth. (1st bicuspid to 3rd molar)

Prophylaxis (Prophy)

Cleaning of the teeth using a rubber wheel and abrasive dental paste.

Pulp

The center of the tooth consisting of vessels and nerve tissue.

Root Canal Therapy

Removal of the pulp (nerve), and restoration of the root tip.

Root Planing

The removal of hard deposits (calculus), with metal scalers, on the root surface to allow for attachment of the gums to the tooth and ultimately pocket reduction.

Rebase

A procedure done by the dentist or dental laboratory which adds new base to denture.

Scaling

Scraping of the tooth above the gums.

Seat

The cementing of the permanent crown.

Sealant

Plastic coating applied/painted on the occlusal surface of the tooth to fill deep grooves and prevent decay.

Sutures

Stitches

TMJ

A problem (disorder) with the joint that connects the lower jaw with the skull. Typically associated with a pop or pain in the joint.