Dental Glossary

All-on-4 Dental Implants

A full-arch tooth replacement technique using just four strategically placed dental implants to support a complete set of fixed teeth.

Bone Graft

Surgical procedure to replace or regenerate bone in the jaw for dental implant placement.

Clear Aligners

Removable transparent plastic trays that gradually straighten teeth as an alternative to traditional metal braces.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental procedures focused on improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and smile.

Dental Bridge

A fixed prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth.

Dental Crown

A tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Dental Filling

Material used to repair a tooth damaged by decay, restoring its normal function and shape.

Dental Implant

An artificial tooth root surgically placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge.

Dental Scaling

Professional cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar buildup from teeth and below the gumline.

Dental Veneer

A thin shell of porcelain or composite bonded to the front of teeth to improve appearance.

Dentures

Removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues.

Root Canal

A treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp.

Sedation Dentistry

The use of sedation techniques to help anxious patients receive dental treatment comfortably.

Teeth Whitening

A cosmetic procedure to lighten teeth and remove stains and discoloration.

Tooth Extraction

The removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.

Types of Orthodontic Braces & Appliances

The different devices used in orthodontic treatment, including metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners.

Alveolar Bone

The part of the jawbone that contains the sockets (alveoli) where teeth are anchored.

Dental Pulp

The soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.

Dentin

The layer of the tooth beneath the enamel that forms the bulk of the tooth structure.

Gingiva (Gums)

The soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth.

Periodontal Ligament

Connective tissue fibers that connect the tooth root to the alveolar bone.

Tooth Enamel

The hard, outer layer of the tooth that protects against decay.

Wisdom Teeth

Third molars that typically emerge between ages 17-25, often requiring extraction.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Involuntary grinding, gnashing, or clenching of teeth, often during sleep.

Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)

Tooth decay caused by bacteria that produce acids that dissolve tooth enamel.

Dental Plaque & Tartar (Calculus)

Plaque is a sticky bacterial film on teeth; tartar (calculus) is hardened plaque that can only be removed professionally.

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums, usually caused by bacterial plaque buildup.

Halitosis

Chronic bad breath that doesn't go away with regular brushing and flossing.

Malocclusion

Misalignment of teeth when the jaws are closed, commonly called a 'bad bite'.

Periodontitis

A serious gum infection that damages soft tissue and destroys the bone supporting teeth.

TMJ Disorder

Pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint connecting the jaw to the skull.

Tooth Abscess

A pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection at the root of a tooth or in the gums.

Tooth Sensitivity

Pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances.

3D Printing in Dentistry

Additive manufacturing technology used to create dental models, surgical guides, aligners, crowns, and dentures.

Autoclave

A sterilization device using high-pressure steam to eliminate all microorganisms from dental instruments.

CAD/CAM Dentistry

Computer-aided design and manufacturing technology for creating dental restorations.

CBCT (Cone Beam CT)

A specialized 3D imaging technique providing detailed views of teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone.

Dental Chair

A specialized chair designed to support patients during dental examinations and procedures.

Dental Laser

A focused light beam device used for precise soft and hard tissue procedures in dentistry.

Digital Impression (Intraoral Scanner)

A digital scanning method that captures precise 3D images of teeth and gums, replacing traditional putty impressions.

Digital X-Ray

An advanced form of dental X-ray using digital sensors instead of traditional film.

Intraoral Camera

A small camera used to take close-up images inside the mouth.

Panoramic Radiograph (OPG)

A single X-ray image that captures the entire mouth including all teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures.

Periodontal Probing & Pocket Measurement

The clinical process of measuring gum pocket depths around each tooth to assess periodontal health.

Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry

Machine learning algorithms that assist in dental diagnosis, treatment planning, and practice optimization.

Healthcare Data Privacy Laws (GDPR, HIPAA, PIPEDA)

Global regulations governing how healthcare providers, including dental practices, must protect patient data.

History of Dental Record-Keeping

The evolution of dental documentation from handwritten paper charts to modern electronic health records.

Informed Consent in Dentistry

The process of informing patients about proposed treatments, risks, alternatives, and costs before obtaining their agreement.

Patient Portal

A secure online platform where patients can access their dental records and communicate with the practice.

Reducing Dental No-Shows & Cancellations

Strategies and systems dental practices use to minimize patients failing to attend or canceling scheduled appointments.

Teledentistry

Remote delivery of dental consultations and patient monitoring using digital communication technologies.

Tooth Numbering Systems (FDI, Universal, Palmer)

Standardized systems used by dentists worldwide to identify and reference individual teeth by number or letter.