Dental Terminology and Abbreviations

A comprehensive vocabulary review of dental terminology, procedures, anatomical tooth surfaces, and clinical abbreviations.

Abutment

A prepared tooth.

Bonding

A process that allows for a strong connection between a dental material and a tooth.

Bridge

A dental restoration that spans an area that has no teeth, and is connected to natural teeth at each end.

Composite

A tooth-colored material often used in place of amalgam.

Crown

A tooth-shaped "cap" that reproduces all of the same aspects of a natural tooth.

Occlusion

The process that takes place when your teeth come together and touch.

Veneer

A thin covering of porcelain or composite over the enamel of a tooth.

Dental prosthetic

An artificial replacement for missing or damaged teeth.

Periodontist

Someone who specializes exclusively in the treatment of the gums.

Restoration

Reproducing a tooth using metal and/or tooth-colored materials.

AM

Amalgam. Filling made from a silver combination that is very durable.

BWXR

Bitewing X-Ray. Taken of the molars and bicuspids. Interproximal radiographic view. These images show if there are any cavities between teeth that can’t be seen in a visual

Ext.

Extraction. The process or act of removing a tooth or tooth parts.

Pro or Prophy

Oral prophylaxis (cleaning) helps to prevent dental caries.

M

Mesial. The surface of tooth, closest to midline of the dental arch (touches the distal surface of previous tooth).

D

Distal. The surface of a tooth, farthest from midline toward the back of mouth (touches mesial surface of next tooth).

La

Labial. The facial surface of incisors and cuspids that touch the lips.

O

Occlusal. The surface of the posterior teeth (premolars and molars) that touch when the teeth close together.

I

The biting surface of the anterior teeth

B

Buccal. The facial surface of bicuspids and molars that touch the cheeks.

Antisepsis

Process against infection.

Intraoral

Pertaining to inside the mouth.

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums.

Maxillofacial

Pertaining to the maxilla and face.

Temporomandibular

Pertaining to the temporal bone and mandible.

Periodontia

The area surrounding the tooth.

Orthodontist

Specialist of straight teeth.

Bicuspid

Two cusps or points.

Halitosis

Abnormal condition of breath

Labial

Pertaining to the Lips