Dental Terminology
Learn the Dentist Language - frequently used dental terms
with their common names and the definitions of them
Abscess
Abscess is a severe, enclosed infection. When a bacteria cause deep decay in a tooth, it can go through the pulp to the center of the tooth and into the supporting bone of it and causing a infection. As the pressure from the accumulating pus puts pressure on the surrounding bone of the tooth, it becomes painful and this pus-filled swelling is known as an Abscess.
Alveolar Osteitis
Alveolar Osteitis is the correct clinical medical term for a dry socket. A dry socket occurs when a blood clot forms in this socket and dislodged or breaks down prematurely. A Alveolar Osteitis happens mostly if the Patient is smoking after an extraction.
Amalgam
Dental Amalgam is a mix of silver, mercury, copper and tin used in a restoration or filling of a tooth. Mercury makes up approximately 50 percent of the compound and help binding the different metals together. We do not use Amalgam fillings. We use a non-metallic composite filling that is tooth colored.
Anterior
Anterior is the name of the teeth and tissues located towards the front of the mouth.
Apex
Apex is the naming of the tip or end of the root end of the tooth.
Avulsion
An Avulsion is the Separation of tooth from its socket due for example from a trauma; scientific term as for “having a tooth knocked out.”
Bicuspids
Bicuspids also called "Premolars", are transitional teeth between the canines and the molars. Mostly adults have eight bicuspids, while Children don’t have Bicuspids. Instead of that, four Bicuspids replace four primary molars, and four Bicuspids are new permanent teeth.
Bilateral
Bilateral stands for Both sides.
Bleaching
Bleaching is also known as teeth whitening. There are different teeth whitening options to help eliminate external stains from tea, coffee, red wine, tobacco and other different foods and drinks. Some teeth bleaching or whitening procedures include the use of whitening toothpaste.
Bonding
Bonding is more susceptible to staining or chipping than other forms of restoration such as for example veneers. When teeth are chipped, slightly decayed, bonded composite resins may be the material of your choice. The Bonding procedure is also used as a tooth-colored filling for small cavities, broken or chipped surfaces.
Bruxism
Bruxism is the dental term for teeth grinding. Grinding usually occurs while the sleeping phase and will be often not noticed. But, a sore jaw or constant, headache upon awaking are signs of Bruxism.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
The Burning mouth syndrome is a painful oral condition that affects the gums, tongue, inside of the cheeks, lips and the roof of the mouth. It can be related to sensory and taste nerve problematic. The causes could be a dry mouth, food allergies or certain medications and nutritional deficiencies.