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Glossary of Dental Terms
A handy reference
Common Dental Terms
We’ve put together this handy reference guide of terms you might hear when speaking with your dentist or support staff.
Please don’t hesitate to ask your dental care provider for clarification. We’re here to help make your experience as pleasant as possible!
A handy reference
Common Dental Terms
We’ve put together this handy reference guide of terms you might hear when speaking with your dentist or support staff.
Please don’t hesitate to ask your dental care provider for clarification. We’re here to help make your experience as pleasant as possible!
A handy reference
Common Dental Terms
We’ve put together this handy reference guide of terms you might hear when speaking with your dentist or support staff.
Please don’t hesitate to ask your dental care provider for clarification. We’re here to help make your experience as pleasant as possible!
Abrasion
Loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique or bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth).
Abscess
An infection of a tooth, soft tissue or bone.
Abutment
A tooth or teeth that supports a fixed or removable bridge.
Adhesive Dentistry
Contemporary term for dental restorations that involve 'bonding' of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth.
Air Abrasion
Removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive, a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for anesthetic.
Allergy
Unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug.
Alveolar Bone
The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth.
Amalgam
A most common filling material, also known as silver fillings, containing mercury (approximately 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc.
Analgesia
A state of pain relief or an agent that lessens pain.
Anesthesia
Partial or complete elimination of pain sensation. Numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness.
Anterior Teeth
The six upper or six lower front teeth.
Antibiotic
A drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria.
ANUG
An acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent's disease, which can be aggravated by stress and/or smoking.
Apex
The tip of the root of a tooth.
Apicoectomy
Surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth.
Arch
Describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth.
Attrition
Loss of structure due to natural wear.
Resources
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Even though tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, it’s entirely preventable. How?
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Marijuana and Oral Health: What You Need to Know
Now that marijuana use is becoming more mainstream and is no longer illegal in many states, it’s time to clear up some misconceptions and misinformation about the drug.
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How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth?
Don’t panic. Dentists fix chipped teeth all the time with fantastic results. Here’s what you need to know about fixing a chipped tooth.
Blog
How to Create Good Oral Health Habits for your Kids?
Even though tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, it’s entirely preventable. How?
Blog
Marijuana and Oral Health: What You Need to Know
Now that marijuana use is becoming more mainstream and is no longer illegal in many states, it’s time to clear up some misconceptions and misinformation about the drug.
Blog
How to Create Good Oral Health Habits for your Kids?
Even though tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, it’s entirely preventable. How?
