Dental Terminology Notes

Abatement- A decrease in symptoms.

Abnormal- not usual.

Abscess- a localized formation of pus

Acute- Sudden or rapid onset. Not chronic.

Abutment- a tooth used to support a fixed or removable bridge

Agar- ingredient in alginate

Alveolectomy- removal of a portion of the bone.

Alveolus- boney socket.

Ameloblasts- cells that produce enamel.

Analgesic- Dulling the senses to pain (also the drugs that do this).

Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock- A severe/life-threatening allergic reaction.

Anatomical Crown- Entire crown.

Anesthesia- Loss of sensation.

Anesthetic- A drug that induces anesthesia.

Angina pectoris- pain in heart

Anodontia- Failure of teeth to form.

Antagonists- Opposing teeth.

Apical foramen- Opening at apex of the tooth.

Aphthous ulcer- Canker sore.

Armamentarium- Anything and everything used in dentistry.

Atrophy- Decrease in the size

Attrition- Normal wearing away of tooth structure.

Axial wall- Long length surface of tooth. The vertical wall in a cavity prep.

Benign- Not malignant

Bloodbourne- Diseases transmitted through contact with blood or body fluids.

Broach- Instrument used to remove pulp.

Bifurcated- Two roots.

Bruxism- The grinding of the teeth.

Calculus- The hard deposits formed on the tooth by solidified plaque.