Dental Terminology from Lecture (Video)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key dental terms from Pages 1-2 notes.

root

The lower portion of the tooth below the gingiva; the tooth is composed of the crown (above) and the root (below).

crown

The portion of the tooth above the gingiva; the visible part in the oral cavity.

premolars

Teeth located between the canines and the molars in the permanent dentition.

proximal

A surface that is next to another surface; beside.

pulp

The center part of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves.

quadrants

The mouth is divided into four quadrants: upper right, lower right, upper left, lower left.

posterior teeth

The back teeth; teeth behind the canines.

primary dentition

Baby teeth; the first set of teeth that erupt; consists of 20 teeth.

plaque/biofilm

Bacteria in a protective layer on the teeth that can lead to demineralization and decay.

pediatric dentistry

Dental specialty dealing with children, adolescents, and special needs patients (Pedodontists). Requires at least three years of extra training beyond dental school.

periodontal chart

A chart used to record probing readings, clinical attachment levels, and bone levels for monitoring disease or inflammation.

periodontal disease

Inflammation and bone loss around the teeth; influenced by oral bacteria and genetics.

periodontal ligaments

Fibers that attach the cementum of the tooth to surrounding bone.

periodontium

The surrounding and supporting structures of the teeth.

oral prophylaxis

Cleaning of teeth, including scaling and polishing; performed by dentist or dental hygienist.

occlusal surfaces

The chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth.

occlusion

The relationship between the maxillary and mandibular teeth when they bite together.

labial

Surfaces toward the lips.

lingual

Surfaces toward the tongue.

mandibular teeth

The bottom (lower) teeth.

maxillary teeth

The top (upper) teeth.

mesial

Surface toward the midline of the face.

midline

The imaginary vertical line down the middle of the face between the two central incisors.

molars

Posterior teeth responsible for grinding food; permanent dentition has 12 molars (three per quadrant); primary dentition has 8 (two per quadrant).

interproximal

The area between two adjacent teeth.

incisal edge

The biting edge of the anterior teeth.

incisors

The four anterior teeth on both the maxilla and mandible; two on each side of the midline.

inflammation

The body's immune response to harmful stimuli; signs include pain, swelling, redness, and heat.

gingival recession

Gingiva recedes from the crown, exposing portions of the root; can be due to disease or aggressive brushing.

gingiva

Also known as the gums.

facial

Surface toward the cheek or face and lips.

exfoliation

Loss of teeth; primary teeth exfoliate as the permanent teeth erupt.

eruption

Teeth coming through the gingiva.

enamel

The hardest substance in the body; covers the crown of the tooth.

distal

Surface away from the midline or front of the oral cavity.

dentin

Tooth structure beneath enamel in the crown and cementum in the root; lies between enamel, cementum, and pulp; softer than enamel or cementum.

dental hygienist (RDH)

Licensed preventive dental professional responsible for the preventive area; typically has a two-year program and board licensure; maintains license via continuing education.

cementum

Substance covering the outside of the root of the tooth.

buccal

Tooth surface toward the cheeks or face.

calculus

Hard, mineral deposits on the teeth; removed during scaling.

canines

Corner teeth with the longest roots.

caries

Also known as cavities or tooth decay.

anterior

Toward the midline or front of the mouth; canines forward are part of the anterior teeth.

anterior teeth

Teeth from the canines forward.