TOOTH ABC

abrasion	loss of tooth structure caused by tooth grinding, an improper bite, a hard toothbrush or poor brushing technique
abscess	a localized infection of a tooth and/or the gum
abutment	tooth or teeth that anchor a fixed or removable bridge
air abrasion	removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive, also a relatively new technology in dentistry that often avoids the need for anesthetic
allergy	an unwanted bodily response to a substance or organism
alveolar bone	the bone surrounding the roots of teeth
amalgam	the most common material used for fillings, also called silver fillings; a mixture of mercury (app 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc used for fillings
analgesia	partial loss of pain sensation
anesthesia	absence of pain sensation; numbing a tooth is local anesthesia; with general anesthesia the patient is unconscious
anterior teeth	the six upper and six lower front teeth
antibiotic	a drug that stops or slows the growth of germs (bacteria). A drug used to kill bacteria
anug	an acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, more commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent's disease, often brought on by stress and/or smoking
apex	the tip of the root of a tooth
apicoectomy	removal of the root end of a tooth to treat an infection
arch	shape assumed collectively by upper and lower teeth
arestin	(minocycline HCl) 1 mg Microspheres: An FDA-approved drug that is used in scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures for reduction of pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis. ARESTIN may be used as part of a periodontal maintenance program that includes good oral hygiene, and SRP
baby teeth	the first teeth, also called deciduous teeth; usually there are twenty baby teeth
bacteria	Small living organisms, or microorganisms, that live in the bodies of animals, humans, and plants. Some types of bacteria cause disease
bad breath	Many things can cause bad breath. A major cause is decreased saliva. Saliva has a cleaning action that helps reduce or eliminate bad breath. When saliva decreases, bacteria can grow, causing bad breath. Everybody has bad breath from time to time, especially first thing in the morning. You also may have bad breath when you are hungry, when you are dieting, or after eating foods with a strong odor, such as garlic, onions, or pastrami.
base	a cement applied under a filling or crown to decrease sensitivity to heat or cold and protect the filling
biopsy	removal of a small piece of tissue to determine if it is diseased
bite	how the upper and lower teeth come together; may also be called occlusion
black-hairy tongue	excessive growth of fungi that normally live in the mouth
bleaching	cosmetic whitening of teeth using peroxide
block injection	anesthetizing a nerve that serves a large area of the jaw, usually the lower jaw; may numb teeth, tongue and half of the jaw in that area
bonding	applying a tooth-colored resin to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth, most often a front tooth
bone loss	decrease in bone supporting the roots of teeth; a common result of gum disease
bone resorption	the gradual loss of bone Orthodontists use this process to "pull" teeth through bone to new positions.
braces	devices used by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth
bridge	appliance cemented to teeth adjacent to a space that replaces one or more missing teeth; usually cemented or attached to teeth or implants adjacent to the space
bruxism	involuntary, "nervous" grinding of the teeth while the patient is asleep
bruxomania	involuntary, "nervous" grinding of the teeth while the patient is awake
calcium	chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves
calculus	also tartar, hardened dental plaque on teeth, that is usually rough, hard, and porous hard residue, ranging from yellow to brown, forming on teeth when oral hygiene is incomplete or improper
canker sore	whitish, often circular mouth sore lasting ten to fourteen days
cantilever bridge	fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth on one end only
cap	common term for crown
carcinogenic	cancer causing
caries	tooth decay or cavities
cariogenic	decay causing
cavitron	dental tool that uses high frequency sound waves to clean teeth
cellulitis	uncontrolled infection causing extensive swelling Since this is a dangerous condition, a dentist or physician should be consulted as soon as possible.
cementum	hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth
chart	to measure the depth of the gum pockets around teeth
clasp	device that retains a removable partial denture
cleaning	removal of plaque and calculus from teeth, generally above the gumline
composite	common bonding mix of plastic and glass/ceramic particles; usually cured with light or chemicals
Coronal dentin dysplasia	Coronal dentin dysplasia is a rare inherited dental defect that is also known as dentin dysplasia, type II. It is characterized by abnormal development (dysplasia) of the hard tissue (i.e., dentin) that is beneath the enamel, surrounds the pulp, and forms the major part of the teeth. In those with coronal dentin dysplasia, the baby teeth (primary or deciduous teeth) are brownish blue with a translucent "opalescence." (Opalescence refers to a milky, opal-like display of colors in reflected light [iridescence].) However, the permanent teeth appear normal in color. As seen on dental x-ray imaging, the pulp chambers of the primary teeth--or the natural cavities that contain living pulp in the exposed portion of the teeth (crowns)--are obliterated by abnormal dentin. In addition, the pulp-containing canals within the roots of the teeth (root canals) are smaller than normal. The permanent teeth also have distinctive abnormalities of the pulp chambers. Coronal dentin dysplasia is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait.
cosmetic dentistry	aesthetic improvement of the color and shape of teeth performed by a general dentist
crown	A crown is a dental appliance that replaces and covers the entire part of a tooth above the gum line. A crown may be made of gold, porcelain, or a combination of other man-made materials. Crowns are used to: * Repair teeth that have broken or decayed so much that they can no longer be treated with a filling. * Improve the appearance of front permanent teeth (incisors) that are properly spaced but are rotated and look crooked. Crowns may be applied after a root canal treatment to seal the tooth and prevent it from breaking
curretage	removal of dead inner tissue from a gum pocket
cyst	a fluid-filled sac
dead tooth	one whose nerve has died due to injury or underlying disease. They can give the tooth a dark appearance
decay	destruction of tooth structure caused by acid produced by bacteria
deciduous teeth	baby teeth
dentin	hard, living inner layer of a tooth (the layer immediately under the outer enamel layer)
dental implant	a(usually) titanium cylinder surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to replace the root of a missing tooth
dentition	your teeth and how they are arranged in your mouth
denture	a removable set of artificial teeth
denturism	the production and sale of dentures by non-dentists
diastema	the space between front teeth
edentulous	having lost most or all of the natural teeth
enamel	hard tissue covering the crown (portion above the gumline) of a tooth
endodontist	deals with diseases of the dental pulp and supporting structures, diagnoses facial pain and related problems. treats oral condition that arise as a result of disease or injury of the dental pulp of the tooth, such as a root canal.
eruption	the process whereby teeth grow through the gums
exodontia	see extraction
explorer	a pointed instrument for examining the surfaces of teeth
extraction	removal of a tooth/teeth
eyeteeth	the four upper and lower canine or eye teeth
facing	the visible portion of a crown; may be acrylic, composite or porcelain
filling	A filling is a substance that dentists use to replace a decayed or broken portion of a tooth. Commonly used substances for fillings include metal, alloy, plastic, porcelain, or a combination of materials (composite). Composite resins are made from plastic materials (glass and resin) and are usually similar to tooth color. They are often used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important. Composite resins can sometimes also be used on the back teeth.
fistula	tunnel conducting pus from one infection to the site of another; a mouth fistula is called a gum boil
flap surgery	loosening of gums from bone to expose and clean underlying tooth structures
forceps	instrument used to remove a tooth
full denture	removable denture replacing all teeth in upper or lower arch
frenectomy	removal of the frenum, the thin cord of tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum or the tongue to the floor of the mouth
GTR	(guided tissue regeneration) a new technique for replacing bone tissue lost between roots of teeth
general anesthesia	a controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of pain sensation, protective reflexes, and the ability to respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command
general dentist	primary care provider for patients in all age groups who take responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services to meet patients' oral health needs
geographic tongue	loss of all usual color and texture of tongue; does not require treatment
geriatric dentist	general dentist who primarily treats senior citizens
gingiva	the gums
gingivectomy	removal of gum tissue
gingivitis	The first stage of periodontal diseases. This is brought on by the bacteria in dental plaque if it is not removed on a daily basis. Reversible inflammation of gum tissue not including the bone - inflammation of gum tissue. Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain, many people don't get the treatment they need.
gum boil	see fistula
Gum disease	Gum disease (periodontal disease) occurs when plaque is allowed to build up on the teeth and the gums (also called the gingiva). Early gum disease, which is called gingivitis, causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushed.
halitosis	bad breath
hydrogen peroxide(H202)	compound used as a dental whitening agent and mouthwash
Hygiene	The science concerned with preventing illness and maintaining health
hyperemia	dental sensitivity to temperature and sweets; can precede an abscess
implant	artificial device replacing tooth root; may anchor an artificial tooth, bridge, or denture
incision-and drainage	making an incision in an abscess to drain infection
incisors	four upper and four lower front teeth, (excludes the canine teeth
infection	A dangerous event in which bacteria colonize (or completely take over) an area, such as an area of the human body
infiltration	process for numbing the upper teeth (placing anesthetic liquid under the gum tissue and allowing it to migrate into the bone)
inlay	a filling made by a dental laboratory that is cemented into place, generally requires two dental appointments
intraoral camera	a tiny TV camera used to view tissues of the mouth (owned by approximately 50 percent of U S dentists
jacket	crown for a front tooth, usually made of porcelain
laminate	thin plastic or porcelain veneer produced in a dental laboratory and then bonded to a tooth to improve its appearance
LaserDental Treatment	Laser dental treatment involves generating a beam of light into your mouth. The light enables your dentist to eliminate infected areas with accuracy. Sterilizing the affected area, the beam of light also closes off blood vessels. In most cases, patients rarely need anesthesia, meaning your dental visit will be relatively short. Since the 1960s, lasers have been used on teeth and gums and because of technological advancements, lasers are now used globally. Laser dental treatments ensure low-power, meaning the device is gentle on the mouth. Most commonly used for removing old composite fillings and fumigating infected root canals, lasers can also be used for crown lengthening, bone shaping and oral surgery. Benefits of Laser Dental Treatment - Less noise than drilling - Faster healing process - Decreased risk of infection - Less need for anesthesia - Less need for multiple dental appointments - Decreased sensitivity
laughing gas	common name for nitrous oxide; used to reduce anxieties and relax patients
local anesthesia	elimination of the sensation of pain, in one part of the body by the surface application or regional injection of an anesthetic drug
mangaed care	program whereby patient-dentist assignment and dentist reimbursement are administered by a separate, external organization
malocclusion	Malocclusion (often called crooked teeth or a “poor bite”) is the improper fit and alignment of the teeth and jaws. A common cause of malocclusion is teeth that have too much or too little room in the jaw. Inherited traits, such as tooth and jaw size, mostly determine how well your teeth fit together. The most obvious sign of malocclusion is crooked or protruding teeth. During the childhood and early teen years, orthodontists may straighten the teeth by changing the formation of the jaw, removing (extracting) selected teeth, or using fixed braces or removable appliances. In adults, treatment with braces can straighten crooked teeth caused by a jaw problem, but any restructuring of the jawbone must be done with surgery, sometimes in combination with orthodontic treatment.
mandible	the lower jaw
margin	point of contact between a restoration and the tooth
Maryland bridge	a bridge that is bonded or cemented only to the backs of the adjacent teeth
maxilla	upper jaw
microair abrasion	a drill-free technique using an instrument resembling a tiny sand blaster that delivers tiny aluminum oxide particles to the surface where it cuts away the decayed area
Microspheres	Spherical shells that are filled with a drug for release as the shell is dissolved
milk teeth	baby teeth
minerals	Components or "parts" that are chemical elements or compounds
Minocycline	A broad-spectrum, tetracycline antibiotic
mouthguards	an appliance used to protect teeth from injury
molars	the twelve back teeth in the entire mouth (or the three back teeth in each fourth of the mouth if the wisdom teeth are in
nerve	common term for tooth pulp which is the sensitive innermost portion of a tooth
nightguard	plastic device that covers all of the upper or lower teeth; used to prevent wear caused by tooth grinding during sleep
nitrous oxide	a gas used to reduce patient anxiety
Novocain
occlusal surface	the chewing surface of the tooth
occlusion	how the upper and lower teeth come together
onlay	laboratory-produced restoration covering the cusps of a tooth
oral	Of or having to do with the mouth
oral-and maxillofacial surgeon	a specialist who deals with the diagnosis & surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities of the mouth, jaws and supporting structures.
oral cavity	the mouth
oral hygiene	the process of maintaining the cleanliness of the mouth
oral pathologist	examines oral tissues for evidence of suspected abnormalities such as cancer.
oral surgery	operations on the mouth; for example, extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of broken jaw bone
orthodontics	a branch of dentistry dealing with irregularities of the teeth and their correction, by means of braces and retainer
orthodontist	designs and applies corrective and supportive appliances, braces, to realign crooked teeth
overdenture	denture that fits over tooth roots or dental implants
palliative treatment	treatment that is designed primarily to reduce or eliminate pain
parasthesia	loss of sensation in part of the body
partial	removable denture replacing some of the teeth
pediatric dentist	provides treatment and care for children from birth through adolescence
periodontal disease	Bacterial infections involving bone loss around the teeth. Inflammation and irritation of the gums, which if left untreated, can cause the jawbone and teeth to deteriorate and fall out
periodontal maintenance	A series of simple measures performed by a dental professional that helps limit the effects and further development of periodontal disease. Some components of periodontal maintenance include soft tissue examination, plaque removal, and polishing of the teeth
periodontal pockets	Toxins in plaque destroy the gum and connective tissues beneath the teeth, forming a pocket (space). As the disease progresses toward the bone, the pocket fills with plaque and infection. If not treated, the bone and connective tissue surrounding the tooth may become so severely damaged that the tooth will fall out or need to be extracted.
periodontal sites	The areas around the tooth where deep pockets have formed
periodontist	diagnoses and treats diseases of the tissues supporting and surrounding the teeth, especially periodontal, gum, disease
periodontitis	Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease in which the tissues and bones that support the teeth are damaged by the buildup of bacterial plaque. If periodontitis is not treated, teeth can become loose and may fall out or need to be removed. Treatment for periodontitis includes a cleaning method called root planing and scaling that removes plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gum line. Antibiotics may be needed to help get rid of the infection. If gum disease is severe, surgery may be required.
permanent teeth	the thirty-two adult teeth
pit	a small defect in the tooth enamel, usually found on the back teeth
placebo	a treatment that works because of the patient's belief in it, not because of the actual physical change it produces
Pocket depth	The size (depth) of a periodontal pocket, usually measured in millimeters
plaque	Soft deposits of bacteria and debris that collect on teeth. Plaque is a clear, sticky substance produced by the mouth. Plaque contains bacteria that produce acids and other chemicals that can damage the teeth, gums, and surrounding bone if the plaque is not removed. Plaque forms constantly, but it can be controlled by proper brushing and flossing.
pontic	a false tooth mounted on a bridge
porcelain crowns	a porcelain cap which covers the crown (that portion above the gumline) of the tooth to repair it or change the shape and/or color
porcelain inlay or onlay	a tooth-colored filling, made of porcelain
porcelain veneer	a thin layer of porcelain bonded to the front and top of a front tooth to repair or change the color and/or shape
post	a thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy; provides retention for a "core" which is a buildup of material that replaces the lost tooth structure
post-core	a post and a buildup of material that replaces the lost tooth structure
post-crown	single structure that combines post-core and crown
probe	An instrument like a ruler that the dental professional uses to measure pocket depth. A probe measures in millimeters
prognosis	the probable outcome of treatment
prophylaxis	A standard dental cleaning of the teeth that helps maintain good oral hygiene and prevents the development of infection
prosthesis	an artificial replacement for a body part
prosthodontist	a dentist who specializes in restoring teeth, replacing missing teeth with bridges and dentures, and maintaining proper occlusion
pulp	the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue inside a tooth
pulp chamber	the center or innermost portion of the tooth containing the pulp
pulpectomy	total removal of the pulp in children's teeth
public-health dentist	is concerned with the dental health needs of entire communities, and can design and administer large-scale prevention and dental care programs by compiling and analyzing statistics
pulp cap	a medicated covering over a small area of exposed pulp
pulpitis	inflammation of the pulp; a common cause of a toothache
pulpotomy	partial removal of the pulp
pyorrhea	common term for gum disease
radiosurgery	surgery technique that uses radio waves to produce a pressureless, bloodless incision; can also be used to heat bleaching agents
reimplantation	return to mouth of tooth/teeth lost through trauma
reline	plastic buildup of denture to compensate for bone loss (usually accomplished in conjunction with a dental laboratory
resin	plastic material used in bonding, restorative and replacement procedures
resistance	A situation that occurs when bacteria no longer respond to the effects of antibiotic treatment
restoration	the replacement part or portion restored on a damaged tooth
restorative dentistry	process of restoring missing, damaged or diseased teeth to normal form and function, performed by general dentists
retained root	root remaining in jaw after tooth is extracted or broken off
root	The part of the tooth that is not covered by enamel.Tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw
root canal	common term for root canal therapy, also the interior space of the tooth root
root-canal therapy	process of removing pulp of a tooth and filling it with an inert material
root planing	A dental procedure used to remove plaque and calculus from the root of the tooth. Planing smoothes the root surfaces to promote healing
root resection	removal of root of a tooth while retaining the crown
root canal	common term for root canal therapy, also the interior space of the tooth root
rubber dam	soft latex sheet used to protect one or more teeth from moisture and to keep materials from falling to the back of the throat
saliva	clear fluid in the mouth containing water, enzymes, bacteria, mucus, viruses, blood cells and undigested food particles
saliva ejector	suction tube placed in the mouth to remove saliva
salivary glands	located under tongue and in cheeks, produce saliva
scaling	A dental procedure (meticulous removal) used to scrape bacterial plaque and calculus from the surfaces of the tooth.
sealants	located under tongue and in cheeks, produce saliva
salivary glands	plastic material bonded in the grooves and pits of back teeth for the prevention of decay
secondary dentin	produced by the pulp in response to tooth irritation
Systemically	Means of delivering medicine through the bloodstream to reach the organs
Sjögren's syndrome	is a disease in which the immune system attacks the body's moisture-producing glands. This disease may cause the tear and saliva glands to become scarred and damaged, and can cause exceptional dryness in the eyes and mouth. Sjögren's syndrome is most common in women who are older than 40. People with Sjögren's syndrome usually have a dry mouth that makes swallowing difficult and dry eyes that cause eye pain. In severe cases, they may have scarring of the covering of the eye (cornea). Sjögren's syndrome may also cause fatigue, joint pain, and problems with the function of vital organs. Although there currently is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome, treatment of symptoms can offer relief for many people. For example, artificial tears can be used to moisten the eyes, and mouth lubricants and saliva substitutes can help to moisten the mouth and throat.
sleep apnea	the periodic interruption or delay in breathing during sleep
space maintainer	dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth
special patient	person with disability who requires particular dental care needs
splint	to connect two or more teeth so they function as a stronger single structure
Strep throat	Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the tissues in the back of the throat (pharynx) and the tonsils or adenoids. The tissues become irritated and inflamed, causing a sudden, severe sore throat Symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat with: * Fever of 101° F (38.3° C) or higher. * Pain and difficulty swallowing. * White or yellow spots or coating on the throat and tonsils. * Swollen lymph nodes in the neck. In children, strep throat may also cause body aches, headache, stomachache, nausea, vomiting, or listlessness. Strep throat does not occur with cold symptoms, such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, or cough. While strep throat usually resolves on its own in a few days, it is treated with antibiotics to prevent complications, such as rheumatic fever, from occurring.
supernumerary tooth	extra tooth
tartar	also called calculus, a hard deposit containing bacteria and minerals that adheres to teeth. Hardened dental plaque on teeth, that is usually rough, hard, and porous
tmd	temperomandibular disorder; term given to condition characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open/move the jaw
tmj	the temporomandibular joint, the point where the lower jaw attaches to the upper jaw
tmj disorder	term given to condition characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open/move the jaw
third molars	wisdom teeth
third-party provider	insurance company, union, government agency that pays all or a part of cost of dental treatment
tooth bud	early embryonic structure that becomes a tooth
tooth decay	the combination of bacteria and food causes tooth decay. A clear, sticky substance called plaque that contains bacteria is always forming on your teeth and gums. As the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat, they make acids. The acids attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after eating. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Tooth decay is the process that results in a cavity (dental caries).If not treated, tooth decay can cause infection and tooth loss.
tooth whitening	a process to lighten the color of teeth
torus	common bony growth on the palate or lower jaw
transplant	placing a natural tooth in the empty socket of another tooth
trauma	injury caused by a blow, chemicals, temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment
trench mouth	gum disease characterized by severe mouth sores and loss of tissue. See ANUG.
unerupted tooth	a tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct position in the jaw
veneer	plastic or porcelain facing bonded directly to a tooth to improve its appearance. See laminate.
wisdom teeth	the third set of molars that usually erupt when a person is 18-25 years of age
xerostomia	decrease in production of saliva