a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

abscess: a local infection resulting in the collection of pus under pressure.  A dental abscess may be caused by severe decay, trauma, or gum disease and will be characterized by swelling and pain.  If an abscess ruptures, it will be accompanied by sudden relief from pain and a foul taste in the mouth.
amalgam: a commonly used silver colored filling made of a mix of silver, tin, mercury, and some other trace elements like copper.
anaerobic bacteria: bacteria that do not need oxygen to grow.

bonding: the covering of a tooth surface to correct stained or damaged teeth, by painting a layer of plastic on the tooth.
bridge: artificial teeth used to replace missing teeth that are attached, usually on both sides, by crowns to adjacent teeth.
bruxism: the rubbing or grinding of teeth usually during sleep.

cavity: a hole in the tooth due to decalcification of the enamel and disintegration of the dentin by acid producing bacteria.
calculus: hardened plaque otherwise known as tarter.
caries: the medical term for dental decay.
cementum: outer surface of a tooth's roots.
composite: a tooth colored resin filling materials.  Main advantages are is color and ability to strengthen weekend teeth.  Disadvantages are that they may shrink, stain, and wear.
crown (cap): a porcelain, or gold cover for a decayed, damaged, brittle, or discolored tooth that has a strong base and roots.
cusps: the peaks on the chewing surface of the back teeth.

dentin: hard tissue under the enamel and cementum of the tooth.

enamel: the hard shiny outer surface of the tooth.
extraction: the removal of teeth that are severely decayed, broken, lose, or causing crowding.

fistula: an abnormal passage formed in the gum tissue through which an abscessed tooth can drain.

gingiva: the soft tissue surrounding the tooth.
gingivitis: inflamed and swollen gum tissue most commonly caused by plaque.  If left untreated, may lead to periodontitis.
gingivectomy: the removal of the soft tissue surrounding the tooth.  Typically used in treatment of periodontal disease and cosmetic dentistry.

impacted tooth: a tooth that is either partially emerged, or submerged under the gum tissue which is blocked from fully emerging by an adjacent tooth.
implant: a titanium cage or screw placed in the bone to replace a lost tooth or teeth. A crown, bridge, or bar and denture can be fixed to the implant(s).
inlay: a gold, porcelain, or composite custom-made filling cemented into the tooth. If it covers the tips of the teeth or otherwise supports the tips it is called an onlay.

laminate veneer: a porcelain, or composite covering used to restore discolored, or damaged teeth.

mandible: the lower jaw.
maxillae: the upper jaw.

night guard: a plastic mouthpiece used to prevent damage caused from bruxism.
neoplasm: a proliferation of cells that is progressive, purposeless, and interferes with the surrounding tissue.

periodontitis: the result of advanced gingivitis.  The pockets between the teeth an gums gradually deepen progressively loosening the teeth.  This is a common cause of tooth loss.
plaque: a film of material consisting of food  particles, bacteria, mold, and dead cells.
porcelain laminate veneer:  a thin porcelain shell bonded to the tooth to correct imperfections in shape and color.
prophy: simple cleaning of teeth with rubber wheel and dental toothpaste.
pulp:  the center of the tooth consisting of vessels and nerve tissues.

retainer: typically a removable appliance designed to hold teeth in a given position.
root canal: a procedure used to save an abscessed tooth in which the pulp chamber is cleaned out, disinfected, and filled with a permanent filling.
root planing: the removal of hard deposits, with metal scalers, on the root surface and smoothing the root surface to allow for reattachment of the gums to the tooth and ultimately pocket reduction.

scaling: scraping of the tooth above the gums.
sealant: plastic coating applied to grooves of teeth to prevent decay.
suture: stitches

TMJ: temporomandibular joint (disorder).  A problem with the joint that connects the lower jaw with the skull.  Typically associated with a pop and pain in the joint.