Abscess: A collection of pus, usually forms due to infection.

Abutment: A tooth or tooth structure responsible for anchoring a bridge or a denture.

Amalgam: A silver filling material.

Anesthetic: An agent that causes temporary loss of sensation/feeling.

Anterior: The front position.

Apex: The end of the root.

Asepsis: No micro-organism.

Attrition: Wear of teeth due to activities such as chewing.

Avulsed: An injury where a tooth is completely knocked out.

Bitewing: A dental x-ray used to detect cavities between teeth and bone height.

Bleaching: Whitening of teeth.

Bridge: A prosthesis used to replace missing teeth.

Bruxism: Teeth grinding.

Canine: The third tooth from the middle, the longest teeth in humans.

Canker Sore: An ulceration in the mouth caused by trauma or herpes simplex.

Caries: Tooth decay.

Cavity: A hole in the tooth.

Cast: A model of teeth.

Cementation: The process of attaching a prosthesis to its location.

Chlorhexidine: An anti-microbial agent used to control gum diseases.

Clasp: A metal arm extended from a removable partial denture to hold onto natural teeth.

Cold Sore: A blister on the lip, a form of herpes simplex.

Composite: White filling material.

Cross-Bite: Abnormal bite alignment where lower teeth align toward the cheek side more than upper teeth.

Crown: A “cap” that covers a tooth to restore its function and appearance.

Decay: Softened tooth material caused by bacterial demineralization.

Dentistry: A branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases.

Dentition: The position, type, and number of teeth.

Denture: An artificial replacement for missing teeth.

Denturist: A professional who fabricates dentures.

Desensitization: A procedure to reduce tooth sensitivity.

Diagnosis: The process of identifying a dental disease.

Diastema: The space between two adjacent teeth.

Distal: Direction away from the center of the jaw.

Edentulous: The condition of having no teeth.

Endodontics: A branch of dentistry that treats dental pulp.

Eruption: The process of a tooth emerging in the mouth.

Excision: The act of cutting something off.

Extruded: A tooth partially pushed out of its socket.

Filling: A restoration placed in a tooth to restore function and appearance.

Flipper: A temporary denture used during a waiting period for treatment.

Floss: A thread used to clean between teeth.

Fluoride: A compound that strengthens teeth.

Fluoride Treatment: A treatment with fluoride agents to prevent tooth decay.

Fracture: A crack in the tooth.

Framework: The metal skeleton of a removable partial denture.

Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums, the earliest stage of gum disease.

Hemorrhage: Bleeding.

Hemostasis: The stopping of bleeding.

Impaction: When a tooth is stuck beneath another tooth or bone.

Implant: A device inserted into the jaw bone to support a false tooth.

Impression: A mold taken from the teeth.

Incisal: The cutting edge of the front teeth.

Incisor: The four upper and lower front teeth.

Inlay: A restoration that fits inside a cavity like a puzzle piece.

Interproximal: The space between two adjacent teeth.

Lingual: The side of the tooth facing the tongue.

Mesial: The side of the tooth facing the middle of the jaw.

Molar: The last three upper and lower teeth.

Mouthguard: A device worn to protect teeth during grinding or sports.

Nightguard: A mouthguard worn at night.

Occlusal: The biting surface of the back teeth.

Occlusion: How the upper and lower teeth come together.

Onlay: A restoration that covers the entire biting surface of a tooth.

Open Bite: A bite where the upper and lower teeth don’t meet.

Orthodontics: A field of dentistry focused on bite abnormalities.

Overbite: The overlap of upper and lower teeth when they close.

Overhang: A portion of filling material extending beyond the cavity.

Palate: The roof of the mouth.

Panoramic Radiograph: An x-ray film showing the full upper and lower jaw.

Perforation: An opening in a tooth or structure.

Periapical: The area surrounding the bottom of the root of a tooth.

Periodontics: A specialty in treating gum diseases.

Permanent Teeth: Adult teeth.

Pin: A metal piece used for better retention of a filling.

Polish: The process of smoothing and glossing a tooth or restoration.

Pontic: The false tooth in a bridge or denture.

Post: A pin used to support a buildup on a tooth.

Posterior: Located at the back.

Pre-authorization: Approval from an authority before treatment.

Pre-medication: Medication taken before treatment.

Premolar: Teeth located in front of the molars.

Prescription: A written order for medication or appliance preparation.

Primary Teeth: Baby teeth.

Prophylaxis/Prophy: Teeth cleaning and disease prevention procedure.

Prosthesis: An artificial part to replace missing teeth.

Prosthodontics: A dental specialty focused on artificial replacements for missing teeth.

Pulp: The innermost part of a tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels.

Pulpectomy: The removal of the entire pulp of a tooth.

Pulpotomy: The removal of part of the pulp of a tooth.

Radiograph: An x-ray picture.

Recall: Regular checkup and teeth cleaning appointment.

Recementation: The process of reattaching a prosthesis.

Restoration: An item used to restore tooth function, such as a filling or crown.

Retainer: A device used to maintain tooth position after orthodontic treatment.

Retreatment: Repeating a root canal treatment.

Root: The bottom part of a tooth that anchors it to the jaw.

Root Canal: The canal inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.

Root Canal Treatment: A treatment for the root canal inside a tooth.

Root Planing: The process of cleaning the root area of teeth.

Rubber Dam: A rubber sheet isolating the treatment area from the mouth.

Scaling: Cleaning below the gumline.

Sealant: A plastic layer applied to grooves to prevent cavities.

Sedation: The use of medication to calm a patient.

Space Maintainer: An appliance that maintains space between teeth.

Splint: A device or material used to prevent movement of a mobile part.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The joint linking the two parts of the jaw.

Torus: An outgrowth of bone, often on the roof of the mouth.

Veneer: A layer of tooth-colored material that improves the appearance of a tooth.