Plain-language definitions of dental terms you may hear in our office. Have a question about any of them? Just ask.
- Abscess
- A pocket of infection at the root of a tooth or in the gum, usually causing pain and swelling and requiring prompt treatment.
- Bonding
- A cosmetic procedure in which tooth-colored resin is applied and hardened to repair or reshape a tooth.
- Bridge
- A fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.
- Bruxism
- Habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep, which can wear teeth and cause jaw discomfort.
- Calculus (tartar)
- Hardened plaque that has mineralized on the teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional.
- Caries
- The dental term for tooth decay, commonly known as cavities.
- Crown
- A custom cap that covers a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance.
- Dentin
- The layer of the tooth beneath the enamel; when exposed, it can cause sensitivity.
- Denture
- A removable replacement for missing teeth, either full or partial.
- Enamel
- The hard, mineralized outer surface of the tooth and the most durable tissue in the body.
- Endodontics
- The branch of dentistry concerned with the tooth's pulp and root, including root canal therapy.
- Extraction
- The removal of a tooth from its socket.
- Filling
- A material used to restore a tooth's shape and function after decay has been removed.
- Fluoride
- A mineral that strengthens enamel and helps prevent tooth decay.
- Gingivitis
- Inflammation of the gums and the earliest, reversible stage of gum disease.
- Implant
- A small titanium post placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth, bridge, or denture.
- Malocclusion
- A misalignment of the teeth or of the way the upper and lower teeth meet.
- Molar
- A large, flat tooth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food.
- Occlusion
- The way the upper and lower teeth come together when you bite.
- Orthodontics
- The branch of dentistry that corrects the position and alignment of the teeth and jaws.
- Periodontics
- The branch of dentistry focused on the gums and the structures that support the teeth.
- Periodontitis
- An advanced form of gum disease that affects the bone and tissues supporting the teeth.
- Plaque
- A soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and contributes to decay and gum disease.
- Prophylaxis
- A professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar to help prevent disease.
- Prosthodontics
- The branch of dentistry that restores and replaces teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants.
- Pulp
- The soft tissue inside a tooth that contains its nerves and blood vessels.
- Root canal
- A treatment that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth and seals it to save the tooth.
- Sealant
- A thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help prevent decay.
- Veneer
- A thin shell of porcelain or composite bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance.
- Wisdom teeth
- The third molars, the last teeth to emerge, which sometimes need removal if they are impacted or crowded.