Glossary of Dental Health Terms
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
A
abscess: an infection of a tooth, soft tissue, or bone.
abutment: tooth or teeth on either side of a missing tooth that support a fixed or removable bridge.
acrylic resin: the plastic widely used in dentistry.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: a designation awarded to products that have met American Dental Association's criteria for safety and effectiveness and whose packaging and advertising claims are scientifically supported.
adjustment: a modification made upon a dental prosthesis after it has been completed and inserted into the mouth.
air abrasion/micro abrasion: a drill-free technique that blasts the tooth surface with air and an abrasive. This is a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for an anesthetic and can be used to remove tooth decay, old composite restorations and superficial stains and discolorations, and prepare a tooth surface for bonding or sealants.
alveolar bone: the bone surrounding the root of the tooth, anchoring it in place; loss of this bone is typically associated with severe periodontal (gum) disease.
amalgam: a common filling material used to repair cavities. The material, also known as "silver fillings," contains mercury in combination with silver, tin, copper, and sometimes zinc.
anaerobic bacteria: bacteria that do not need oxygen to grow; they are generally associated with periodontal disease (see below).
analgesia: a state of pain relief; an agent for lessening pain.
anesthesia: a type of medication that results in partial or complete elimination of pain sensation; numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness.
antibiotic: a drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria.
antiseptic: a chemical agent that can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs.
apex: the tip of the root of a tooth.
appliance: any removable dental restoration or orthodontic device.
arch: a description of the alignment of the upper or lower teeth.
baby bottle tooth decay: decay in infants and children, most often affecting the upper front teeth, caused by sweetened liquids given and left clinging to the teeth for long periods (for example, in feeding bottles or pacifiers). Also called early childhood carries.
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B
baby bottle tooth decay: decay in infants and children, most often affecting the upper front teeth, caused by sweetened liquids given and left clinging to the teeth for long periods (for example, in feeding bottles or pacifiers). Also called early childhood carries.
bicuspid: the fourth and fifth teeth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth. These are the back teeth that are used for chewing; they only have two points (cusps). Adults have eight bicuspids (also called premolars), two in front of each group of molars.
biofeedback: a relaxation technique that involves learning how to better cope with pain and stress by altering behavior, thoughts, and feelings.
biopsy: removal of a small piece of tissue for diagnostic examination.
bite: relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure (occlusion).
bite-wing: a single X-ray that shows teeth (from crown to about the level of the supporting bone) in a select area on the same film.
bleaching: chemical or laser treatment of natural teeth that uses peroxide to produce the whitening effect.
bonding: the covering of a tooth surface with a tooth-colored composite to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth, for instance, due to stain or damage.
bone resorption: decrease in the amount of bone supporting the roots of teeth; a common result of periodontal (gum) disease.
braces: devices (bands, wires, ceramic appliances) put in place by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth to a more favorable alignment.
bridge: stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth adjacent to a space; replaces one or more missing teeth, cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the space. Also called a fixed partial denture.
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C
calcium: an element needed for the development of healthy teeth, bones, and nerves.
calculus: hard, calcium-like deposits that form on teeth due to inadequate plaque control, often stained yellow or brown. Also called "tartar."
canker sore: sores or small shallow ulcers that appear in the mouth and often make eating and talking uncomfortable; they typically appear in people between the ages of 10 and 20 and last about a week in duration before disappearing.
cap: common term for a dental crown.
caries: tooth decay or "cavities."
cementum: hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth.
clasp: device that holds a removable partial denture to stationary teeth.
cleaning: removal of plaque and calculus (tarter) from teeth, generally above the gum line.
cleft lip: a physical split or separation of the two sides of the upper lip that appears as a narrow opening or gap in the skin of the upper lip. This separation often extends beyond the base of the nose and includes the bones of the upper jaw and/or upper gum.
cleft palate: a split or opening in the roof of the mouth.
composite resin filling: tooth-colored restorative material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles; usually "cured" or hardened with filtered light or chemical catalyst. An alternative to silver amalgam fillings.
conventional denture: a denture that is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
cosmetic (aesthetic) dentistry: a branch of dentistry under which treatments are performed to enhance the color and shape of teeth.
crown: (1) the portion of a tooth above the gum line that is covered by enamel; (2) dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth; the artificial cap can be made of porcelain, composite, or metal and is cemented on top of the damaged tooth.
cuspids: the third tooth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth. These are the front teeth that have one rounded or pointed edge used for biting. Also known as canines.
cusps: the high points on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
cyst: an abnormal sac containing gas, fluid, or a semisolid material.
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D
DDS: Doctor of Dental Surgery -- equivalent to DMD, Doctor of Dental Medicine.
decay: destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.
deciduous teeth: commonly called "baby teeth" or primary teeth; the first set of (usually) 20 teeth.
demineralization: loss of mineral from tooth enamel just below the surface in a carious lesion; usually appears as a white area on the tooth surface.
dentin: inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel.
denture: a removable replacement of artificial teeth for missing natural teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available -- complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
DMD: Doctor of Medical Dentistry; equivalent to DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery.
dry mouth: a condition in which the flow of saliva is reduced and there is not enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. Dry mouth can be the result of certain medications (such as antihistamines and decongestants), certain diseases (such as Sjögren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes), certain medical treatments (such as head and neck radiation), as well as nerve damage, dehydration, tobacco use, and surgical removal of the salivary glands. Also called xerostomia.
dry socket: a common complication that occurs when either a blood clot has failed to form in an extracted tooth socket or else the blood clot that did form has been dislodged.
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E
edentulous: having no teeth.
enamel: the hard, mineralized material that covers the outside portion of the tooth that lies above the gum line (the crown).
endodontics: a field of dentistry concerned with the biology and pathology of the dental pulp and root tissues of the tooth and with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of these tissues. A root canal is a commonly performed endodontic procedure.
endodontist: a dental specialist concerned with the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the human dental pulp or the nerve of the tooth.
eruption: the emergence of the tooth from its position in the jaw.
extraction: removal of a tooth.
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F
FAGD - Fellowship of the Academy of General Dentistry
Filling - The restoration of lost tooth structure with tooth-colored or metal materials.
Filtrum - The dimple or indentation under the nose directly above the upper lip.
Fistula - The channel emanating pus from an infection site. Also referred to as a gum boil.
Fluoride - A natural element found commonly in nature in water, soil, air, and in a lot of foods. Fluoride is absorbed easily into the teeth's enamel to help protect the teeth from tooth eating bacteria. It can be used as a topical such as in fluoridated toothpastes and gels or it can be absorbed systemically such as in fluoridated water, soft drinks, teas, and dietary supplements. The systemic fluoride that is retained by the body is absorbed by bones and teeth.
Fluorosis - A harmless cosmetic discoloring of the enamel, which appears as chalky white specks and lines or pitted and brown stained enamel on teeth.
Fixed appliance - Any appliance that is cemented or bonded to the teeth.
Fixed bridge - A dental prosthetic used to replace missing tooth/teeth that is cemented or bonded to adjacent teeth, which have been prepared to provide the foundation for the prosthetic.
Forensic dentistry - The gathering of legal evidence for identification or legal purposes.
Freeway space - The distance between the upper and lower teeth with the lower jaw in rest position, which is typically the position immediately after swallowing.
Frenectomy -The removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Frenum - Small pieces of pink colored skin that attach the lips, cheeks and tongue to the mouth. Examples include the piece of skin under the tongue, which sticks out when the tongue is lifted, and the piece of skin which sticks out when the lips are pulled out.
Full mouth reconstruction - Extensive restoration of the entire mouth with crowns, bridges and/or implants to restore natural function.
Full mouth x-rays - X-rays showing all the teeth. This provides vision between the teeth as well as the entire roots of teeth. Also known as a complete series.
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G
Genioplasty - Surgery of the chin, whereby its shape or size is altered.
General anesthesia - True general anesthesia is a deep state, and includes the loss of all reflexes and sometimes requires respiratory assistance. This state is rarely necessary for general dental procedures as all the most fearful patient wants is no pain, no consciousness of the procedures and no memory of the experience.
Geographic tongue - Benign changes in the usual color and texture of tongue, which does not require treatment.
Gingiva - Gum tissue, which is pink and firm when it is healthy.
Gingival hypertrophy - The abnormal enlargement of the gingiva surrounding the teeth caused by poor oral hygiene or some medications.
Gingivectomy - The surgical removal of gum tissue.
Gingivitis - Inflammation of the gum tissue. Gingivitis is caused by the bacteria found in plaque that attack the gums. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, puffy gums and/or bleeding gums. When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis.
Gingivoplasty - The reshaping of gum contours, often for esthetic purposes. Generally very easy and non-painful, it is often a good solution for a "gummy smile."
Guided tissue regeneration - A technique for replacing lost bone tissue.
Gum disease - See gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Gum recession - Exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion, periodontal disease or surgery.
Gutta percha - A rubber-like material used to fill root canals.
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H
Halitosis - Bad breath of oral or gastrointestinal origin.
Hard palate - The roof of the mouth.
Hematoma - Swelling of effused blood beneath the tissue surface.
Hemisection - A surgical procedure whereby the roots of a tooth are separated and treated as individual teeth.
High lip line - Where the widest smile meets the gum tissue above the teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide - Disinfecting solution used in dental irrigation procedures or as a mouth rinse.
Hygienist - Dental professional who cleans teeth and provides patient education. They can administer local anesthetic, nitrous oxide, and perform periodontal scaling.
Hyperemia - Increased blood flow; may cause dental sensitivity to temperature and sweets, and may precede an abscess.
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I
Impaction - An unerupted or partially erupted tooth that is stuck in bone because it is obstructed by bone or another tooth.
Implant - Artificial tooth roots that are placed into bone to mimic the root structure of a tooth. They can be used to replace teeth or to support and retain dentures. A crown, bridge, or denture is then placed over the implant to restore natural tooth function.
Incisal - The biting edge of the centrals and laterals.
Incision and Drainage (I and D) - A technique used to allow for the drainage of infections.
Incisor - The central or lateral front teeth with cutting edges. There are four upper (central and lateral) and four lower (central and lateral).
Impression - Mold made of the teeth and/or soft tissues. Impressions are used to make crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures, implants, some fillings, and study models.
Infiltration - Local anesthetic procedure effective for upper teeth and soft tissue. Placement of anesthetic is under the gum tissue.
Inlay - A porcelain, resin, or gold filling that is cemented or bonded in place to help restore a small portion of a decayed or broken tooth.
Interproximal - The space between two teeth.
Intraoral - Inside the mouth.
Intraoral camera - A small camera used to view and magnify oral conditions.
Intrusion - Movement of a tooth back into the bone.
IV Sedation - An anesthetic technique sometimes referred to as "twilight sleep" that is lighter than general anesthesia. Provides pain control and prevents patients from remembering the procedure.
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J
Jaw - The bone that teeth are affixed to.
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K
Keratin - A protein present in the organic matrix of the enamel of teeth.
Keratinized gingiva - The oral surface of the gingiva extending from the mucogingival junction to the gingival margin. In gingival health, the coronal portion of the sulcular epithelium may also be keratinized.
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L
Labial - The tooth surface next to the lips. Usually refers to the front teeth.
Laminate veneer - A thin porcelain or composite resin facing that is bonded to teeth.
Laughing gas - See nitrous oxide; odorless inhalation agent that produces relative analgesic (sedation). Used to reduce anxiety and creates a state of relaxation.
Lingual - The tooth surface next to the tongue.
Local anesthesia - Relieves the sensation of pain in a specific area.
Low lip line - Where the widest smile barely reveals the bottom edges of the upper front teeth.
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M
Malocclusion - A "bad bite" or misalignment of the upper and lower teeth.
Mandible - The lower jaw.
Maxilla - The upper jaw.
Mandibular - Pertaining to the lower jaw.
Margin - The interface between a restoration and tooth structure.
Maryland bridge - A bridge that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth, which requires minimum tooth reduction.
Masticate - To chew food and mix it with saliva.
Mechanical extrusion - To move teeth with an applied force so that they extend farther out of the gums.
Mesial - Towards the front of the mouth. For example a central tooth is mesial to a lateral tooth.
Microgenia - A small or underdeveloped chin.
Microglossia - Smallness of the tongue.
Micrognathia - Abnormal smallness of the lower jaw.
Midline - An imaginary vertical line that divides the face into equal parts. A symmetrical midline extends from the top of the nose in between the two front top and bottom teeth and the tip of the chin.
Mixed dentition - The situation when both deciduous (baby) and permanent (adult) teeth are present.
Molars - The back teeth with the large chewing surfaces. They typically have from two to four roots and there are first, second and third molars.
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N
Natural extrusion - Teeth naturally extrude from the bone until there is contact with another tooth.
Nightguard- A plastic type of appliance that is used to relax the jaw muscles and/or prevent the teeth from wearing down due to bruxism (grinding), which typically occurs during sleep. People who wake up with sore muscles, facial weakness, or a jaw that is "locked" are good candidates for this device.
Nitrous oxide - Also known as "laughing gas." An odorless inhalation agent that produces relative analgesic (sedation). Used to reduce anxiety and creates a state of relaxation.
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O
Occlusal - The chewing surfaces of back teeth.
Occlusal equilibration - The science of interpreting and adjusting the bite for harmony of function and relaxed musculature. May need to be periodically redone or touched up to account for tooth wear and drifting.
Occlusion - Any contact between the biting and chewing surfaces of the upper and lower teeth.
Onlay - A porcelain, resin, or gold filling that protects a tooth by replacing all or part of the chewing surface and one or more sides of a tooth.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon - Orthopedic facial surgeon who is responsible for treating a wide variety of dental problems including the removal of impacted teeth (orthognathic surgery), abnormal growths, and reconstructive facial surgery.
Oral hygiene - The process of cleaning and maintaining the teeth and related structures.
Oral pathologist - Dentist specializing in the study of oral diseases.
Oral surgery - Surgery inside the mouth.
Oropharynx - The part of the throat at the back of the mouth.
Orthodontics - The dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws.
Orthodontist - A dentist who has been specially trained in orthodontics.
Overbite - Vertical overlapping of the upper teeth over the lower teeth.
Overdenture - A removable denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth and/or implants. The natural teeth must have sufficient bone to provide stability and support for the denture.
Overjet- Horizontal projection of upper teeth beyond the lower teeth.
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P
Palate - Hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth.
Palliative treatment - Non-invasive relief of irritating conditions.
Panoramic x-ray - Allows doctors to see a broad view of the entire structure of the mouth, including the jaw, in a single image. Within one large film, panoramic X-rays reveal all of the upper and lower teeth and parts of the jaw, and provide information used for extracting wisdom teeth, and can reveal abnormal growths or cysts in the jaw bone.
Panorex - See Panoramic X-ray.
Parasthesia - A partial loss of sensation that may be temporary or permanent.
Partial denture (bridge) - A removable appliance that replaces some of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
Periapical (PA) - The region at the end of the roots of teeth.
Periapical x-rays - X-rays that show the entire tooth, including the root and surrounding bone. These are useful in diagnosing an abscess, impacted teeth or bone loss from periodontal disease.
Pedodontics - The area of dentistry that specializes in the treatment of children.
Pedodontist - A dentist who specializes in the treatment of children's teeth.
Periodontal pocket - The space that forms when the gums pull away from the tooth. If the pocket is deeper than 3mm, it is difficult for an individual to effectively clean the area.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) - Inflammation of the bone and attached gum tissue. Clinically appears as loose teeth and/or bleeding gums. Can be treated non-surgically as well as surgically depending on the severity.
Periodontal maintenance - The periodic cleaning of the teeth, which usually follows periodontal treatment. Also known as a perio prophy or perio recall.
Periodontist - Specialist in treating gum and bone diseases.
Periodontitis - When the gums pull away from the teeth and form "pockets" that are infected. If left untreated, the teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
Permanent molars - The adult first, second and third molars that usually appear in six year increments starting at age 6.
Permanent teeth - The adult teeth.
Plaque - A film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums after eating foods that produce acids. If plaque is not removed, it hardens to form calculus or tarter, which can only be removed professionally.
Pontic - Replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance.
Porcelain - A ceramic glass that fuses at high temperatures. This is used in crowns, bridges and veneers to mimic enamel.
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) - Restoration with metal substructure that is covered with porcelain.
Porcelain inlay or onlay - A tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain, which is cemented or bonded in place.
Porcelain veneers - Ultra-thin, custom-made facings that are bonded to teeth to enhance and restore function and/or appearance. Veneers can be used to treat chipped, worn, crooked, and/or discolored teeth.
Post and core - Post and buildup to replace lost tooth structure for the purpose of retaining a crown.
Premedication - Prescription medicine taken before a dental appointment either to prevent infection in susceptible patients or to provide comfort for anxious patients.
Primary teeth - The baby teeth, which are also known as the deciduous teeth.
Prognosis - The anticipated outcome of treatment.
Prophylaxis - The process of cleaning teeth, which is also known as a prophy.
Prosthesis - An artificial appliance for the replacement for a body part.
Prosthetics - A fixed or removable appliance to replace missing teeth. Fixed bridges, removable partials, and dentures are all examples.
Prosthodontics - The branch of dentistry concerned with the construction of artificial appliances designed to restore and maintain oral function by replacing missing teeth and sometimes other oral structures or parts of the face. Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Prosthodontist - Dental specialist skilled in restoring or replacing teeth with fixed or removable prosthesis, maintaining proper occlusion; treats facial deformities with artificial prostheses such as eyes, ears, and noses.
Proximal - Refers to the surfaces of teeth that touch the next tooth; the space between adjacent teeth is the interproximal space.
Pulp - The inside part of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. This is removed during a root canal procedure.
Pulp cap - Covering an exposed or nearly exposed nerve with a sedative material prior to restoring the tooth.
Pulpectomy - Complete removal of the pulp, which is commonly done in diseased children's teeth.
Pulpotomy - Partial removal of the pulp tissue, which is commonly done in diseased children's teeth.
Pulpitis - Inflammation of the pulp.
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Q
Quadrant - One of the four equal sections into which the dental arches can be divided; begins at the midline of the arch and extends backwards to the last tooth.
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R
Radiograph - Another name for an x-ray.
Receding gums - A condition whereby the gums pull away from the tooth, which makes the tooth look longer since more of the tooth is exposed. This can be caused by buildup of plaque and/or poor brushing habits.
Resin-bonded bridge - A thin metal or glass fiber-reinforced bridge which usually requires slight modification of the adjacent teeth.
Resin filling - See composite filling.
Restoration - Replacement of a portion of a damaged tooth.
Restorative - Procedures performed to restore the missing part of the teeth. Some insurance companies only consider fillings to be restorative; others consider fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures to be restorative.
Retained root - Partial root structure remaining in jaw after extraction or fracture of a natural tooth.
Retainer - Typically a removable appliance designed to hold teeth in a fixed position.
Reline - Acrylic restoration of denture base to compensate for bone loss. Depending upon the case, relines can either be done in the office or in coordination with a dental laboratory.
Root - Tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw.
Root canal - The common term for root canal therapy, which is also the interior space of the tooth root.
Root canal therapy - The nerve of the tooth is removed from the canal inside the root and replaced with a sterilized filling material.
Root planing - Deep cleaning of the teeth to remove calculus (tartar) below the gumline. This is a periodontal procedure and is usually performed one quadrant at a time.
Root resection - The removal of a portion of diseased root structure whose purpose is to retain the remaining natural tooth structure.
Rubber dam - A thin rubber barrier applied to teeth to isolate them to control moisture during dental procedures.
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S
Saliva - Clear lubricating fluid in the mouth containing water, enzymes, bacteria, mucus, viruses, blood cells, and undigested food particles.
Salivary glands - Located under tongue and in the cheeks whose purpose is to produce saliva.
Scaling - Scraping of the teeth above the gums.
Sealants - A special material applied to the tooth surface that acts as a barrier to prevent bacteria and food from leading to decay on the surface of teeth.
Sinus lift - A procedure to add bone in the sinus area to allow the placement of dental implants.
Sinuses - Air filled cavities in our skulls above our upper teeth, between the eyes, and between the eyebrows. Sinus infections are a common source of facial pain and headaches that can be confused with dental pain from upper back teeth.
Sinusitis - Inflammation in the sinus cavities, of which there are four in human skull. The largest of the sinuses is the maxillary sinus, located just above the roots of the upper molars. A pressure causing infection in this area can be mistaken for tooth pain.
Sjogren's syndrome - An autoimmune disease characterized by dryness of the mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes. The lack of saliva allows cavities to become a serious problem.
Sleep apnea - The periodic interruption or delay in breathing during sleep.
Soft palate - The muscular, movable part of the roof of the mouth.
Space maintainer - An appliance used to maintain a space in the mouth. A space maintainer is typically used due to the premature loss one of a baby tooth to retain the space of the tooth that was lost until a permanent tooth erupts.
Splint - Connection of two or more teeth so they function as a stronger single structure.
Stainless Steel Crowns - Silver colored crowns often used to restore heavily damaged baby molars and, occasionally, adult molars when a more long term crown is not an economic option.
Sterilization - A process where instruments are treated to remove all possible germs.
Study models - Exact models of teeth made from plaster that are used for determining treatment options.
Supernumerary teeth - Some people are born with extra teeth, which are called "supernumerary teeth."
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T
Tartar - Another name for calculus, which is the sticky film on teeth (plaque) that has hardened.
Third-party provider - Insurance company, union, or government agency that pays all or a part of cost of dental treatment.
Tongue - A large muscle on the floor of the mouth that manipulates food for chewing and swallowing; the main organ of taste; assists in forming speech sounds.
Topical anesthetic - Locally applied medication that produces mild anesthesia when applied to tissue surface.
Trench mouth - Gum disease characterized by severe mouth sores and loss of tissue. See ANUG.
Trifurcation - The juncture where the roots of teeth split into three roots.
TMJ - An abbreviation for the "temporomandibular joint," which is the joint where the lower jaw connects to the skull.
Tori - More than one torus.
Torus - A common bony protuberance on the palate or lower jaw.
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