Dental Terminology
1. Adhesive – Substance that sticks materials together.
2. Amalgam – Alloy containing mercury, used in dental fillings.
3. Amalgamation – Process of mixing mercury with other metals.
4. Anneal – Heat treatment to soften metal or remove stress.
5. Articulating – Relating to the contact of teeth during movement.
6. Burnish – To polish a surface by rubbing.
7. Composite – Material made of resin and filler used in restorations.
8. Condensation – Process of compressing material into a mold.
9. Debridement – Removal of damaged or dead tissue.
10. Dissipate – To spread out or disperse energy or heat.
11. Embrasure – Space between adjacent teeth.
12. Esthetic – Relating to appearance or beauty.
13. Exothermic – Releases heat during a reaction.
14. Galvanic – Relating to electric currents produced by different metals in contact.
15. Homogeneous – Uniform in composition throughout.
16. Increment – Small addition or increase in layers.
17. Infiltration – Seepage of material into a surface or area.
18. Instrumentation – Use of tools or instruments in a procedure.
19. Insulation – Material used to prevent heat or electrical transfer.
20. Invert – To turn inside out or upside down.
21. Isolation – Separation of a specific area during treatment.
22. Laminated – Composed of thin layers bonded together.
23. Ligature – Thread or wire used to tie or bind.
24. Luting – Bonding or cementing two surfaces together.
25. Manipulation – Handling or shaping a material.
26. Matrix – Mold or form used to shape material.
27. Mylar – Thin plastic film used in dentistry.
28. Palliative – Relieving pain without curing the cause.
29. Polymerization – Process of forming a polymer by linking molecules.
30. Protective – Providing a shield or defense.
31. Protocol – Set of procedures or rules to follow.
32. Solubility – Ability of a substance to dissolve in a liquid.
33. Spherical – Shaped like a sphere.
34. Translucency – Allowing light to pass through partially.
35. Trituration – Mixing of materials, especially amalgam.
36. Veneer – Thin layer covering the surface of a tooth.
37. Viscosity – Thickness or resistance to flow of a liquid.
1. Anode – Positive electrode in a device.
2. Collimator – Device that narrows a beam of particles or waves.
3. Electromagnetic – Relating to electric and magnetic fields.
4. Aperture – Opening through which light or other radiation passes.
5. Cathode – Negative electrode in a device.
6. Coulomb – Unit of electric charge.
7. Elongation – Lengthening or stretching of an object.
8. Diaphragm – Device used to limit or control the size of a beam.
9. Erythema – Redness of the skin due to irritation.
10. Cephalometric – Relating to measurements of the head.
11. Dosimeter – Device that measures exposure to radiation.
12. Filament – Thin wire that emits electrons when heated.
13. Foreshortening – Distortion where an object appears shorter than it is.
14. Cephalostat – Device used to stabilize the head for imaging.
15. Edentulous – Lacking teeth.
16. Frankfort Plane – Anatomical reference plane used in imaging.
17. Kilovolt – Unit of electrical potential, 1,000 volts.
18. Latent Image – Invisible image formed on film before processing.
19. Laminagraphy – Imaging technique using layers of focus.
20. Milliampere – Unit of electric current, 1/1,000 of an ampere.
21. Panoramic – Wide-angle image, often used in dental X-rays.
22. Phantom – Object used to simulate tissue for imaging tests.
23. Phosphors – Materials that emit light when exposed to radiation.
24. Polytomography – Imaging technique creating multiple section views.
25. Pseudocolor – False coloring applied to images for clarity.
26. Radiant – Emitting energy as waves or particles.
27. Radiology – Science of using radiation for diagnosis and treatment.
28. Radiolucent – Allows X-rays to pass through, appearing dark on images.
29. Radiopaque – Blocks X-rays, appearing light on images.
30. Teleradiography – Remote transmission of radiographic images.
31. Tomogram – Image produced by tomography.
32. Tomography – Imaging by sectioning through a solid object.
33. Volumetric – Relating to the measurement of volume.
34. Voxel – Volume element, a 3D pixel in imaging.
1. Alloy – Mixture of metals.
2. Binary – Consisting of two components.
3. Calcination – Heating to high temperatures to remove impurities.
4. Catalyst – Substance that speeds up a chemical reaction.
5. Electroplated – Coated with a metal using electricity.
6. Exothermic – Releases heat during a reaction.
7. Hydrophilic – Attracts water.
8. Hydrophobia – Repels water.
9. Hygroscopic – Absorbs moisture from the air.
10. Imbibition – Absorption of a liquid by a solid.
11. Inhibitor – Slows down or stops a reaction.
12. Initiator – Starts a chemical reaction.
13. Modifier – Changes properties of a material.
14. Plasticizer – Makes materials more flexible.
15. Polycarboxylate – Compound used in adhesives or cements.
16. Polymerization – Process of forming large molecules from smaller ones.
17. Quaternary – Consisting of four parts.
18. Quinary – Consisting of five parts.
19. Slurry – Mixture of solids suspended in a liquid.
20. Ternary – Consisting of three components.
21. Abutment – Supporting structure in a bridge or prosthesis.
22. Articulator – Device for simulating jaw movement.
23. Bilateral – Involving both sides.
24. Cantilever – Projection supported only on one end.
25. Ceramist – Specialist in making dental ceramics.
26. Circumferential – Around the entire circumference.
27. Dowel – Rod used to reinforce a structure.
28. Retrusion – Movement backward.
29. Festoon – Decorative molding or design.
30. Flange – Edge or rim for strength or attachment.
31. Solder – Metal used to join other metals.
32. Flux – Substance that aids in soldering by cleaning surfaces.
33. Sprue – Channel for molten material to flow in a mold.
34. Hydrocolloid – Gel-like substance that contains water.
35. Unilateral – Involving one side only.
36. Protrusion – Movement forward.
1. Anaphylactic – Severe allergic reaction.
2. Asphyxiation – Lack of oxygen causing suffocation.
3. Cardiogenic – Originating in the heart.
4. Aneroid – Without liquid, often referring to a pressure gauge.
5. Atherosclerosis – Buildup of plaque in arteries.
6. Cerebrovascular – Related to blood vessels in the brain.
7. Aneurysm – Bulging of a blood vessel wall.
8. Antecubital fossa – Inner elbow area.
9. Atrioventricular – Relating to atria and ventricles of the heart.
10. Clonic – Involving muscle contractions and relaxations.
11. Cricothyrotomy – Emergency airway procedure through the neck.
12. Aorta – Main artery carrying blood from the heart.
13. Atrium – Upper chamber of the heart.
14. Apnea – Temporary cessation of breathing.
15. Aural – Related to the ear.
16. Cyanosis – Bluish skin from lack of oxygen.
17. Arrhythmia – Irregular heart rhythm.
18. Axillary – Pertaining to the armpit.
19. Defibrillation – Use of electric shock to restore heart rhythm.
20. Bradycardia – Abnormally slow heart rate.
21. Arteriosclerosis – Hardening of the arteries.
22. Deficit – Shortage or deficiency.
23. Diaphragm – Muscle for breathing, below the lungs.
24. Diastolic – Blood pressure during heart relaxation.
25. Hypoxia – Low oxygen levels in tissues.
26. Sequestra – Dead bone tissue separated from healthy bone.
27. Dyspnea – Difficulty breathing.
28. Incontinence – Loss of bladder or bowel control.
29. Sphygmomanometer – Device to measure blood pressure.
30. Embolism – Blockage of a blood vessel by a clot.
31. Endocardium – Inner lining of the heart.
32. Inspiration – Inhaling air into the lungs.
33. Sternum – Breastbone.
34. Ischemia – Lack of blood supply to tissues.
35. Stethoscope – Instrument for listening to body sounds.
36. Epicardium – Outer layer of the heart.
37. Metabolic – Relating to metabolism.
38. Myocardial infarction – Heart attack.
39. Stertorous – Noisy, labored breathing.
40. Epilepsy – Disorder with recurrent seizures.
41. Stoma – Artificial opening in the body.
42. Epistaxis – Nosebleed.
43. Systolic – Blood pressure during heart contraction.
44. Erythema – Redness of the skin.
45. Myocardium – Heart muscle layer.
46. Tachycardia – Abnormally fast heart rate.
47. Expiration – Exhaling air from the lungs.
48. Neurogenic – Originating in the nervous system.
49. Tracheotomy – Surgical airway opening in the windpipe.
50. Febrile – Related to fever.
51. Hemiplegia – Paralysis of one side of the body.
52. Pericardium – Membrane surrounding the heart.
53. Trismus – Inability to open the mouth fully.
54. Tympanic – Related to the eardrum.
55. Hyperthermia – Abnormally high body temperature.
56. Postural – Related to posture or body position.
57. Urticaria – Hives or skin rash from an allergic reaction.
58. Psychogenic – Originating in the mind or emotions.
59. Hyperventilation – Excessive breathing leading to low CO₂ levels.
60. Ventricle – Lower chamber of the heart.
61. Respiratory – Relating to breathing.
62. Vesicle – Small fluid-filled blister.
63. Hypoglycemia – Low blood sugar level.
64. Xiphoid – Lower part of the sternum.
65. Resuscitation – Reviving someone from unconsciousness or death.
66. Hypothermia – Abnormally low body temperature.
67. Septic – Relating to infection.
1. Acetaminophen – Pain reliever and fever reducer.
2. Analgesia – Absence of pain sensation.
3. Addiction – Compulsive use of a substance despite harmful effects.
4. Anaphylaxis – Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.
5. Adrenocorticosteroid – Hormone produced by the adrenal cortex; used to reduce inflammation.
6. Anesthesia – Loss of sensation, typically to prevent pain during surgery.
7. Angina Pectoris – Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
8. Antagonism – Interaction where one substance opposes the effect of another.
9. Anticoagulant – Substance that prevents blood clotting.
10. Antihistamine – Drug that blocks histamine to reduce allergy symptoms.
11. Antihyperlipid – Drug that lowers blood lipid levels.
12. Antihypertensive – Drug used to lower high blood pressure.
13. Arrhythmia – Irregular heart rhythm.
14. Biofeedback – Technique to control bodily functions through monitoring.
15. Carpule – Sealed container of anesthetic for dental use.
16. Cognitive – Related to thinking, perception, or reasoning.
17. Diuretic – Drug that increases urine production.
18. Efficacy – Ability to produce the desired effect.
19. Enflurane – Anesthetic gas used in surgery.
20. Enteral – Administered through the digestive tract.
21. Enteric – Related to the intestines.
22. Excretion – Elimination of waste products from the body.
23. Halothane – General anesthetic gas.
24. Hematoma – Collection of blood outside blood vessels.
25. Hemostasis – Process to stop bleeding.
26. Hyperkinetic – Excessive movement or activity.
27. Hyperthermia – Abnormally high body temperature.
28. Hypokinetic – Decreased movement or activity.
29. Hypoxia – Low oxygen in tissues.
30. Ibuprofen – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
31. Idiosyncrasy – Unusual or unexpected reaction to a drug.
32. Infiltration – Injection of fluid into tissues.
33. Interpulpal – Within the pulp of a tooth.
34. Intolerance – Inability to tolerate a substance.
35. Intraligamentary – Injection into a ligament.
36. Intraosseous – Injection directly into bone.
37. Intraperitoneal – Injection into the peritoneal cavity.
38. Intrathecal – Injection into the spinal canal.
39. Isoflurane – Inhaled general anesthetic.
40. Metabolism – Chemical processes in the body that maintain life.
41. Naproxen – NSAID used to relieve pain and inflammation.
42. Opioid – Drug that acts on opioid receptors to relieve pain.
43. Parenteral – Administered by injection, bypassing the digestive tract.
44. Paresthesia – Abnormal sensation, like tingling or numbness.
45. Pharmacokinetics – Study of drug movement through the body.
46. Pharmacology – Study of drugs and their effects on the body.
47. Potency – Drug strength or effectiveness.
48. Prophylactic – Preventative treatment or measure.
49. Proprietary – Owned or trademarked product.
50. Salicylate – Class of drugs, including aspirin, used to relieve pain.
51. Sedation – Calming or inducing sleep, often with medication.
52. Synergism – Combined effect of substances greater than the sum of individual effects.
53. Teratogenic – Causing birth defects.
54. Therapeutic – Related to treatment or healing.
55. Topical – Applied directly to a body surface.
56. Trismus – Inability to fully open the mouth.
57. Vasoconstrictor – Substance that narrows blood vessels.
1. Shaft or Handle – Part of the instrument held by the operator.
2. Shank – Connects the handle to the working end; can be angled for different uses.
3. Working End – Functional part of the instrument that performs the task.
4. Mouth Mirror – Reflects light, retracts tissue, and provides indirect vision.
5. Explorer – Detects cavities, calculus, and irregularities on tooth surfaces.
6. Cotton Forceps – Grasps and places cotton rolls or small items.
7. Periodontal Probe – Measures the depth of periodontal pockets.
8. Expro – Combination of explorer and probe in one instrument.
9. Scaler – Removes plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces.
10. Sickle Scaler – Has a pointed tip, used for removing supragingival calculus.
11. Scalette – Smaller scaler used for precision scaling.
12. Curette – Removes subgingival calculus and smooths root surfaces.
13. Implant Scaler/Curette – Specially designed for cleaning implants.
14. Periodontal File – Crushes large calculus deposits for easier removal.
15. Periodontal Knife – Used in periodontal surgery to cut tissue.
16. Scalpel – Surgical instrument with a sharp blade for incisions.
17. Excavator – Removes soft, decayed dentin from cavities.
18. Gingival Margin Trimmer – Trims and shapes gingival margins of cavity preparations.
19. Hoe – Removes hard decay and shapes cavity walls.
20. Hatchet – Cuts enamel and smooths cavity walls.
21. Chisel – Shapes and smooths enamel margins of cavity preparations.
22. Cleoid Carver – Carves anatomical features in amalgam restorations.
23. Carver – Shapes amalgam or composite restorations.
24. Plastic Filling Instrument – Places and shapes composite fillings.
25. Condenser – Compresses amalgam or composite into cavity preparations.
26. Burnisher – Polishes and smooths amalgam restorations.
27. Amalgam Carrier – Transfers and places amalgam into the cavity.
28. Matrix – Provides a temporary wall for restorations.
29. Loupes – Magnification lenses worn by the operator for precision.
30. HVE (High-Volume Evacuator) – Removes large amounts of fluid and debris during procedures.
31. Saliva Ejector Tip – Removes saliva and light fluids from the mouth.
32. CAHP (Contra-Angle Handpiece) – Low-speed handpiece for precision work.
33. RAHP (Right-Angle Handpiece) – Used for general dental procedures.
34. PHP (Prophy Handpiece) – Rotating handpiece for polishing teeth.
35. Fiber Optic Handpiece – Handpiece with built-in light for better visibility.
36. Rheostat – Foot pedal controlling handpiece speed.
37. Air Abrasion – Uses air and abrasive particles to remove tooth material.
38. Ultrasonic Handpiece – Vibrates at high frequency to remove calculus.
39. Curing Light Handpiece – Hardens light-cured dental materials.
40. Intraoral Camera – Captures detailed images inside the mouth.
41. Electrosurgery Handpiece – Uses electrical current to cut or cauterize tissue.
42. Laser Handpiece – Emits a laser beam for cutting or shaping tissue.
43. Caries Detection Scanner – Identifies early cavities using light or lasers.
44. Implant Drilling Unit – Used to drill precise holes for implant placement.
45. Shank – Connects the rotary instrument to the handpiece.
46. Neck – Narrow part connecting the shank to the working end.
47. Working End or Head – Active part of a rotary instrument that performs cutting or polishing.
48. Mandrel – Holds discs or other attachments for finishing and polishing.
49. Stone Shell and Discs – Abrasive materials for finishing and polishing restorations.
50. Diamond Rotary Instruments – Rotary tools with diamond coating for cutting hard tissues.
51. Bur Block – Holds and organizes rotary instruments.