Glossary of Dental Terms

A

• Abrasion: The mechanical wearing away of the tooth surface is caused by external forces such as aggressive tooth brushing or using abrasive toothpaste.
• Absorption: The process by which substances are taken up by tissues. In dentistry, it may refer to the loss of bone or root structure, such as root resorption.
• Acid Etching: A technique used to prepare the tooth surface (usually enamel) for bonding by applying a mild acid to create a rough surface for better adhesion.
• Acrylic Resin: A plastic material commonly used to create denture bases, temporary crowns, and orthodontic appliances.
• Adhesive Dentistry: A field of dentistry focused on bonding techniques used to adhere restorations (like fillings and veneers) to the natural tooth structure.
• Air Abrasion: A minimally invasive technique that uses a stream of air and abrasive particles to remove tooth decay without using a traditional dental drill.
• Alveolitis (Dry Socket): A painful complication that can occur after a tooth extraction when the blood clot is lost from the extraction site, exposing the bone and nerves.
• Ankylosis is when a tooth becomes fused directly to the bone, preventing normal movement or eruption. Often occurs in primary teeth.
• Antibiotic Prophylaxis: The preventive use of antibiotics before specific dental procedures to reduce the risk of infection, particularly in patients with specific medical conditions.
• Apexification: A dental procedure used to induce the formation of a calcified barrier at the root tip of an immature tooth with an open apex, usually after trauma or infection.
• Apexogenesis: A vital pulp therapy technique encourages continued root development and apex formation in a tooth with a living pulp.
• Arch (Dental Arch): The teeth’s curved structure is formed in their normal position in the upper (maxillary) or lower (mandibular) jaw.
• Articulator: Dental professionals use a mechanical device that simulates jaw movement to study occlusion and fabricate dental prostheses.
• Asymmetry (Facial or dental): A condition where one side of the face or dental arch does not match the other, possibly due to genetics, trauma, or dental conditions.
• Atrophy (Alveolar Atrophy): The gradual loss of bone in the jaw often occurs after tooth extraction or due to periodontal disease.

B

• Bicuspid (Premolar): A permanent tooth between the canines and molars. Bicuspid teeth typically have two cusps (pointed parts) and are used for crushing and tearing food. Adults usually have eight premolars — four on the top and four on the bottom.
• Bleaching Agent:  A chemical substance, often hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, used in teeth whitening procedures to break down stains and lighten enamel. Bleaching agents can be used in-office or in take-home kits provided by a dentist.
• Bonding: A cosmetic dental procedure where a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special curing light, effectively “bonding” the material to the tooth to restore or improve its appearance. It’s used for chipped, cracked, or discoloured teeth and to close gaps.
• Bridge: A fixed dental prosthesis replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of an artificial tooth (pontic) anchored by crowns placed on the adjacent teeth or implants. Bridges help restore function, maintain facial structure, and prevent teeth from shifting.
• Bruxism: An involuntary habit of grinding, gnashing, or clenching the teeth, most commonly during sleep (sleep bruxism), though it can also occur during waking hours (awake bruxism). Bruxism can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and damage to restorations.
• Biopsy: The removal of a small piece of tissue from the oral cavity to be examined under a microscope. It’s used to diagnose abnormal lesions such as ulcers, tumours, or suspicious growths.
• Bite (Occlusion):  Refers to how the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed. A proper bite ensures effective chewing and helps prevent jaw disorders. Malocclusion refers to a misaligned bite.
• Bitewing (X-ray):  A type of dental radiograph that simultaneously shows the crowns of the upper and lower teeth. Bitewings are typically used to detect cavities between teeth and check bone levels.
• Biocompatible: Describes non-toxic materials that do not cause an adverse reaction when placed in the body. In dentistry, biocompatible materials are used in fillings, implants, and crowns to ensure safety and longevity.
• Buccal: About the cheek side of the tooth or the oral cavity. In dental charts, buccal surfaces face the inside of the cheeks, typically for molars and premolars.
• Bacteremia: The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, which can sometimes occur after invasive dental procedures. It is vital for patients with certain heart conditions, who may require antibiotic prophylaxis before treatment.
• Base (Cavity Base):  A material placed beneath a dental filling to protect the pulp from thermal or chemical irritation. It may also provide mechanical support for extensive restorations.
• Band: In orthodontics, a metal ring cemented to a tooth, usually a molar, is an anchor for braces or other orthodontic appliances.
• Braces: A dental appliance used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. Braces consist of metal brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by wires and elastic bands that apply gentle, continuous pressure to move the teeth into proper alignment gradually. They are commonly used in orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults.

C

• Calculus (Tartar): A hardened form of dental plaque that has been mineralized by saliva and adheres firmly to the surfaces of teeth, especially near the gumline. Unlike plaque, it cannot be removed by brushing and requires professional cleaning. If left untreated, it can lead to gum disease.
• Canine (Cuspid): A pointed tooth between the incisors and premolars, designed to tear and grip food. Canines are also crucial for maintaining facial structure and proper bite alignment. Adults typically have four canines — two on the top and two on the bottom.
• Caries: A bacterial infection of the tooth that causes demineralization and destruction of the enamel and dentin, ultimately leading to cavities. Caries is a progressive condition, influenced by diet, oral hygiene, and bacteria, and is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide.
• Cavity: A hole or structural damage in a tooth caused by tooth decay. It may start as a small spot of enamel breakdown and can progress into deeper layers of the tooth, potentially reaching the pulp if untreated. Treatment usually involves filling or restoration.
• Cementum: A specialized hard connective tissue that covers the tooth’s root and helps anchor it to the periodontal ligament. It plays a key role in tooth stability and is vital for the attachment of teeth to the jawbone.
• Crown: A restorative dental prosthesis that covers a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often used after root canal treatment, to protect a cracked tooth, or to cap a large filling. Crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, or ceramic materials.
• Cuspid: Another term for canine tooth. These teeth are known for their single pointed cusp and firm root, which are used for tearing food and maintaining proper bite alignment.
• CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography): An advanced type of dental imaging that provides 3D views of the teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone. It’s often used in implant planning, orthodontics, and endodontics for highly accurate diagnostics.
• Canker Sore (Aphthous Ulcer): A small, painful sore inside the mouth, often appearing on the soft tissues like the inner lips, cheeks, or tongue. These are non-contagious and can be triggered by stress, injury, or immune response.
• Composite resin is a tooth-colored material made of a plastic and glass mixture used for fillings, bonding, and veneers. It offers a natural appearance and is often used in aesthetic dentistry.
• Curettage: A periodontal procedure where infected soft tissue from the gum pocket is scraped away to help treat gum disease and promote healing.
• Crown Lengthening: A surgical procedure that removes gum tissue, bone, or both to expose more of a tooth’s structure. It’s performed for restorative (to fit a crown) or cosmetic reasons (to improve a “gummy” smile).
• Clenching: The forceful holding or biting down of teeth, often due to stress or anxiety. It may occur during the day or night and can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, and TMJ disorders.
• Crossbite: A malocclusion (bite problem) where one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. This can affect front or back teeth and may lead to jaw pain, uneven tooth wear, and other dental issues if untreated.
• Cyst: A fluid-filled sac that can form in the jawbone or soft tissues of the mouth. Dental cysts are usually caused by infection, trauma, or impacted teeth and may require surgical removal.

D

• Decay: The destruction or breakdown of tooth structure is caused primarily by acidic byproducts produced by bacteria in dental plaque. These acids demineralize the enamel and dentin, leading to cavities and tooth sensitivity if untreated.
• Deciduous Teeth: Also called “baby teeth,” “primary teeth,” or “milk teeth,” these are the first set of teeth that develop in children. There are typically 20 deciduous teeth, eventually falling out to make way for permanent teeth. They play an essential role in speech development, chewing, and guiding permanent teeth into position.
• Dentin: The calcified tissue layer beneath the enamel and cementum that forms the bulk of the tooth. It is softer than enamel but more complex than bone, containing microscopic tubules connecting to the pulp, making it sensitive to temperature and decay.
• Dentist: A licensed healthcare professional trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat diseases and disorders of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity. Dentists perform procedures including fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, and guide oral hygiene.
• Denture: A removable prosthetic device to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Dentures can be complete (replacing all teeth in an arch) or partial (replacing some teeth) and help restore function, aesthetics, and speech.
• Dental Implant: A titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root, supporting crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implants provide stable and long-lasting tooth replacement.
• Dental Plaque: A sticky, colourless film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. It is the leading cause of tooth decay and gum disease if not regularly removed through brushing and flossing.
• Dental Crown: A cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and improve appearance. Crowns can be made of metal, porcelain, ceramic, or a combination.
• Dental Floss: A thin, flexible string removes food particles and plaque between teeth and below the gumline, which a toothbrush can’t reach.
• Dental Sealant: A thin, protective coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent decay by sealing grooves and pits.
• Dental Caries is another term for tooth decay or cavities caused by bacterial acid demineralizing tooth enamel.
• Dental Radiograph (X-ray): An imaging technique is used to view the internal structure of teeth, bone, and soft tissues to detect decay, bone loss, infections, and other dental conditions that are not visible during an exam.
• Dental Prosthesis: A device that replaces missing teeth and associated structures, including dentures, bridges, and implants.
• Diastema is a gap or space between two teeth, commonly seen between the upper front teeth. It can be a natural occurrence or caused by habits or abnormal tooth positioning.
• Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis): A painful dental condition that can occur after tooth extraction when the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges or dissolves prematurely, exposing underlying bone and nerves.

E

• Enamel: The hardest and most mineralized tissue in the human body forms the outer protective layer of the tooth crown. Enamel is a barrier against physical and chemical damage, including acids produced by bacteria. It is translucent and highly resistant, but cannot regenerate once lost.
• Endodontist: A specialist dentist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases and injuries of the dental pulp and root tissues. They commonly perform root canal therapy to save infected or damaged teeth.
• Extraction: The procedure of removing a tooth from its socket in the alveolar bone. Extractions may be necessary due to severe decay, infection, crowding, or trauma. There are simple extractions (for visible teeth) and surgical extractions (for impacted or broken teeth).
• Erosion: The loss of tooth enamel is caused by acid attack from non-bacterial sources such as acidic foods, beverages, or gastric acid reflux. Unlike decay, erosion is a chemical process that thins and softens enamel.
• Edentulous: A condition describing a person or jaw that lacks teeth, partially or wholly. This can occur due to extractions, trauma, or congenital absence.
• Eruption: The process by which a tooth emerges through the gums into the mouth. Primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth have distinct eruption schedules.
• Esthetic Dentistry (Cosmetic Dentistry): A branch of dentistry focused on improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and smile, including teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and orthodontics.
• Endodontic Therapy: Also known as root canal treatment, this procedure removes infected or damaged pulp tissue, disinfects the root canals, and seals them to save the tooth.
• Epithelial Attachment: The junctional epithelium that connects the gum tissue to the tooth surface helps to form a seal that protects underlying tissues from bacterial invasion.
• Exostosis: A benign bony growth on the jawbone’s surface, often found near the premolar or molar region, sometimes requiring surgical removal.

F

• Filling: A restorative dental material is used to repair a tooth damaged by decay or minor fractures. Fillings help restore tooth structure, function, and shape. Common materials include composite resin, amalgam, ceramic, and gold.
• Fluoride: A naturally occurring mineral that helps remineralize tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars. It is commonly found in toothpaste, mouth rinses, and community water supplies, and is often applied professionally in dental offices as a preventive measure against cavities.
• Fistula (Dental Fistula): An abnormal channel or drainage pathway between an infected tooth and the gum’s surface, allowing pus from an abscess to escape. It often appears as a small pimple-like bump and indicates a chronic infection requiring treatment.
• Flap Surgery: A periodontal surgical procedure where the gums are lifted away from the teeth to provide access for deep cleaning of the roots or for reshaping the bone. It is commonly performed to treat advanced gum disease.
• Frenectomy: A minor surgical procedure involves removing or modifying a frenum — the small fold of tissue that connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gum or floor of the mouth. It’s often done to improve tongue movement (in tongue-tie cases) or to stabilize dentures.
• Facial (Tooth Surface): Refers to the outer surface of a tooth that faces the lips or cheeks. It is a general term that includes labial (front teeth) and buccal (back teeth) surfaces.
• Full Mouth Reconstruction: A comprehensive dental treatment plan involves restoring or replacing all teeth in a patient’s mouth using a combination of procedures such as crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures. It’s typically needed when there’s extensive tooth damage or loss.

G

• Gingiva (Gums): The soft, pink tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth, covering the alveolar bone. Healthy gingiva forms a tight seal around the teeth, protecting the underlying bone and acting as a barrier to infection.
• Gingivitis: A mild and reversible form of gum disease, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums, especially during brushing or flossing. It is usually caused by plaque accumulation and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated.
• Gutta-Percha: A rubber-like material derived from the sap of the percha tree, used to fill the root canals after they have been cleaned and shaped during root canal therapy. It helps seal the canal to prevent reinfection.
• Graft (Gum or Bone Graft): A surgical procedure where tissue (often gum or bone) is transplanted to another area in the mouth.
  Gum grafts are used to treat gum recession, while
  Bone grafts are often performed to rebuild bone in preparation for dental implants.
• Gingivectomy: A surgical removal of gum tissue is typically done to treat advanced periodontal disease, reshape the gums, or remove overgrown gingival tissue caused by medications or irritation.
• Gingivoplasty: A cosmetic surgical procedure to reshape healthy gum tissue around the teeth. Often done to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile or to treat minor deformities in the gum line.
• Granuloma (Dental): A chronic inflammatory lesion is typically found at the apex of a non-vital tooth, resulting from long-standing infection. It may appear on an X-ray and usually requires root canal treatment or extraction.

H

• Halitosis: Chronic bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, certain foods, or underlying medical conditions. It may also be linked to bacterial buildup on the tongue.
• Hard Palate: The bony front part of the roof of the mouth separates the oral and nasal cavities. It plays a role in speech and in guiding food during chewing.
• Hematoma: A localized blood collection outside the blood vessels, often occurring after trauma or dental surgery, such as an injection or extraction. It may cause swelling or bruising.
• Hygienist (Dental Hygienist): A licensed dental professional focusing on preventive oral care. Responsibilities include cleaning teeth, applying fluoride, taking x-rays, and educating patients on oral hygiene.
• Hyperplasia (Gingival Hyperplasia):  An overgrowth of gum tissue, often caused by poor oral hygiene, certain medications (such as anti-seizure drugs), or underlying health conditions.
• Hypersensitivity (Dentin Hypersensitivity):  Sharp, temporary pain in teeth in response to stimuli such as cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods. It typically results from exposed dentin due to enamel wear or gum recession.
• Hypodontia: A developmental condition where one or more teeth fail to develop. It most commonly affects permanent teeth and may require orthodontic or prosthetic treatment.

I

• Impacted Tooth: A tooth that does not fully erupt into the mouth due to a lack of space, obstruction, or misalignment. Often seen with wisdom teeth, impacted teeth can cause pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth and may require surgical removal.
• Implant (Dental Implant): A surgical titanium post is inserted into the jawbone as an artificial tooth root. It supports crowns, bridges, or dentures and helps preserve bone structure by stimulating the jawbone like a natural tooth root.
• Incisor: One of the four front teeth in each jaw (eight total) is designed with a sharp, thin edge for cutting or shearing food. Incisors are the most visible teeth when smiling and speaking.
• Inlay: A custom-fabricated restoration (usually made of porcelain, composite, or gold) that fits within the cusps of a tooth, typically on a back tooth. It’s bonded into place and used when a regular filling isn’t sufficient for structural support.
• Interproximal: Refers to the area between two adjacent teeth. This space is often cleaned with floss or interdental brushes to prevent plaque buildup and decay.
• Infection Control: A set of practices and procedures to prevent disease spread in dental offices. It includes sterilization of instruments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper waste disposal.
• Irrigation (Root Canal Irrigation): Flushing out the root canal system with antibacterial solutions (such as sodium hypochlorite) during endodontic treatment eliminates debris and microbes.
• Impression (Dental): A mould or imprint of the teeth and surrounding oral tissues, taken with materials like alginate or silicone, to create models for crowns, bridges, dentures, or orthodontic appliances.
• Incision and Drainage: A minor surgical procedure releases pus from a dental abscess or swelling. It helps relieve pressure and pain, often followed by antibiotic therapy.
• Invisalign: A brand of clear, removable aligners used to straighten teeth as an alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign aligners are custom-made from medical-grade plastic and worn over the teeth to shift them into place gradually. They are nearly invisible, can be removed for eating and cleaning, and are popular among adults seeking discreet orthodontic treatment.

L

• Labial: Refers to the surface of the tooth that faces the lips. It’s often used to describe the front (anterior) teeth, such as incisors and canines.
• Lamina Dura: The thin layer of dense bone lines the tooth socket and appears as a white line around the tooth’s root on dental X-rays. It supports the tooth and helps anchor it in the jaw.
• Lateral Incisor: One of the four front teeth (two upper, two lower) is next to the central incisors. They are used primarily for cutting food and contribute to the smile’s appearance.
• Lesion (Oral Lesion): An abnormal change in tissue, such as a sore, ulcer, or lump, found in the mouth or lips. Lesions can be benign, precancerous, or cancerous and require evaluation by a dentist.
• Lingual: Refers to the surface of the teeth that faces the tongue. This is the inner side facing inward toward the tongue for the lower teeth.
• Local Anesthesia: A medication is used to numb a specific area during dental procedures. It blocks nerve signals in the area, preventing pain without affecting consciousness.
• Luxation (Tooth Luxation): The displacement of a tooth from its normal position due to trauma. It can be partial (subluxation) or complete and may require repositioning and stabilization.

M

• Malocclusion: A condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not align properly when the mouth is closed. It can be caused by genetics, thumb sucking, or jaw injuries, and may lead to issues such as difficulty chewing, speech problems, jaw pain, or tooth wear. Common types include overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.
• Mandible: The lower jawbone is the largest and strongest facial bone. It holds the lower teeth and is responsible for jaw movement, allowing speaking, chewing, and facial expression. It is the only movable bone in the skull (aside from the auditory ossicles).
• Maxilla: The upper jawbone holds the upper teeth and forms the floor of the nasal cavity and the roof of the mouth (hard palate). Unlike the mandible, it is fixed and does not move.
• Molar: A broad, flat-topped tooth at the back of the mouth, used for grinding and crushing food during chewing. Adults typically have 12 molars (including wisdom teeth), three in each mouth quadrant.
• Mesial: Refers to the surface of the tooth closest to the face’s midline. It’s a directional term used in dentistry to describe tooth positioning.
• Mucosa (Oral Mucosa): The moist tissue lining inside the mouth, including the cheeks, lips, tongue, and gums. It protects underlying structures and plays a role in immune defence and sensation.
• Margin (Crown Margin or Restoration Margin): The edge or border of a dental restoration, such as a crown or filling, where it meets the natural tooth. A well-sealed margin is critical for preventing the surrounding tissue’s leakage, decay, or irritation.
• Microabrasion: A cosmetic dental procedure that removes superficial enamel stains or defects using a combination of mild acid and abrasive agents. It’s often used to treat white spots or discoloration.
• Mineralization: The process by which minerals are deposited into the tooth structure, particularly enamel and dentin. Proper mineralization is crucial for strong, decay-resistant teeth.
• Mouthguard: A protective dental appliance worn over the teeth to prevent injury during contact sports or to reduce damage from teeth grinding (bruxism). Dentists typically make custom mouthguards for a better fit and protection.

N

• Necrosis: The death of tissue often refers to the dental pulp inside a tooth. Pulp necrosis typically results from untreated decay, trauma, or infection and can lead to abscess formation. Treatment often requires root canal therapy or tooth extraction.
• Nerve (Dental Nerve): Refers to the pulp tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. It’s responsible for sensation, including pain, temperature, and pressure. When inflamed or infected, it can cause severe tooth pain and may need to be removed via endodontic treatment.
• Night Guard: A custom-fitted oral appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding or clenching (bruxism). It helps prevent tooth wear, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Nasal Cavity (in relation to dentistry): The space inside the nose that lies just above the maxillary bone (upper jaw). In some dental procedures, especially sinus lifts or implant placement, understanding the proximity to the nasal cavity is essential to avoid complications.
• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A sedative gas used in dentistry to help patients relax during procedures. It induces a feeling of calm or mild euphoria, wears off quickly, and is often used for children or anxious patients.
• Nodule (Oral Nodule): A small lump or growth that can appear in the mouth, often benign but sometimes requiring further examination. Nodules may form from irritation, trauma, or salivary gland issues.
• Neuralgia (Trigeminal Neuralgia): A condition characterized by severe, stabbing facial pain, often affecting the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the face and jaws. Though not always dental in origin, it may be confused with a toothache due to overlapping nerve pathways.

O

• Occlusion: The upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed. Proper occlusion is essential for efficient chewing, speech, and jaw health. Issues like malocclusion can lead to tooth wear, TMJ disorders, and other complications.
• Onlay: A custom-made restoration that covers one or more cusps of a tooth is used when a filling is not sufficient, but a full crown is not necessary. Onlays are typically made from porcelain, resin, or gold and are cemented into place.
• Oral Cavity: The mouth, including the lips, inner cheeks, tongue, gums, palate, and teeth. It serves as the entry point for the digestive and respiratory systems and focuses on diagnosing and treating various dental and systemic conditions.
• Oral Hygiene: Keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean to prevent dental problems like cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. It involves brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
• Oral Pathologist: A dental specialist who diagnoses and studies diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. They analyze biopsies and tissue samples to detect cancers, infections, and other abnormalities.
• Oral Surgeon (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon): A specialist trained to perform mouth, jaw, and face surgeries. Procedures may include tooth extractions, implant placements, corrective jaw surgery, and treatment of facial trauma.
• Orthodontics: A dental specialty that diagnoses, prevents, and corrects misaligned teeth and jaws. Common treatments include braces, clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign), and retainers to improve occlusion and aesthetics.
• Overbite: A condition where the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth vertically. A slight overbite is normal, but a deep overbite may require orthodontic correction.
• Overdenture: A removable denture that fits over retained tooth roots or dental implants for improved stability and function. It helps preserve jawbone density and provides better retention compared to traditional dentures.

P

• Palate: The roof of the mouth separates the oral and nasal cavities. It consists of the hard palate (bony front portion) and the soft palate (muscular back portion). It plays a crucial role in speech and swallowing.
• Panoramic X-ray (Panorex): A wide-angle dental X-ray that captures the entire mouth in a single image, including the teeth, jaws, sinuses, and TMJ. It’s commonly used to evaluate impacted teeth, jaw disorders, tumours, and oral health.
• Papilla: The triangular piece of gum tissue is located between the teeth. Healthy papillae help protect the tooth roots and prevent food impaction.
• Pathology: In dentistry, this refers to the study and diagnosis of disease within the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral pathology includes lesions, tumours, infections, and autoimmune conditions affecting the mouth.
• Pediatric Dentist (Pedodontist): A dental specialist focusing on oral healthcare for children, including infants, toddlers, and adolescents. They are trained to manage growth, development, and behavioural aspects of young patients.
• Periapical X-ray: A dental X-ray showing the entire tooth, from crown to root, and the surrounding bone. It detects abscesses, bone loss, cysts, and root canal infections.
• Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): An infection and inflammation of the structures around the teeth, primarily the gums and bone. It ranges from gingivitis (mild inflammation) to periodontitis (advanced stage with bone loss).
• Periodontist: A dental specialist who treats gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, including gums, ligaments, and bone. They also place dental implants.
• Plaque: A sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If not removed by brushing and flossing, it can harden into calculus (tartar), leading to cavities and gum disease.
• Pontic: The artificial tooth in a dental bridge replaces a missing natural tooth. It is supported by abutments (natural teeth or implants) on either side.
• Prophylaxis (Prophy): A professional dental cleaning procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth. It’s a preventive treatment typically done every 6 months.
• Prosthodontist: A dental specialist in the restoration and replacement of teeth, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. They focus on improving oral function, comfort, and aesthetics.
• Pulp: The innermost part of a tooth, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If infected or damaged, a root canal treatment may be required to prevent tooth loss.

Q

• Quadrant: One of the four sections of the mouth, divided vertically and horizontally into:
  Upper right
  Upper left
  Lower right
  Lower left
  Dentists use these quadrants to chart, diagnose, and plan treatments systematically.
• Quality Assurance (QA): A systematic process in dental practices to ensure that clinical procedures, sterilization, patient care, and administrative functions meet defined standards. QA helps maintain safety, consistency, and effectiveness.

R

• Recall Visit: A routine dental check-up and cleaning appointment, typically scheduled every six months.
• Restoration: Any material or device used to restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure, such as fillings, crowns, or bridges.
• Retainer: A custom-made appliance, usually worn after orthodontic treatment, to maintain teeth in their corrected position.
• Root: The part of the tooth that is embedded in the jawbone and anchors the tooth in place.
• Root Canal: A treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The procedure involves removing the damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the canals inside the tooth, and then filling and sealing them.
• Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure that smooths the tooth roots to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and helps treat gum disease.
• Rubber Dam: A thin sheet of latex or non-latex material used to isolate a tooth or teeth during dental procedures to keep the area dry and free of saliva.
• Radiograph: An image produced using X-rays to view the internal structures of the teeth and jawbone. Radiographs help dentists detect cavities, bone loss, infections, impacted teeth, and other conditions not visible during a regular exam.
• Recession (Gum Recession): The process in which the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing more of the tooth or its root. It can be caused by aggressive brushing, periodontal disease, or aging and may lead to sensitivity and increased risk of decay.
• Resin: A tooth-colored, composite material used in dental restorations such as fillings, veneers, and bonding. It hardens quickly and blends in with the natural colour of teeth.

S

• Scaling: The process of removing plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth, particularly below the gumline,is often done during a dental cleaning.
• Sealant: A protective resin applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) to prevent decay.
• Secondary Dentin: Dentin that forms after the tooth has erupted, often as a response to stimuli like decay or wear.
• Sedation Dentistry: The use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures; may include nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, or IV sedation.
• Sensitivity: Discomfort or pain in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.
• Sinus Lift: A surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of molars and premolars to prepare for a dental implant.
• Splint: A device used to stabilize loose teeth or to treat TMJ disorders.
• Supernumerary Teeth: Extra teeth that appear in addition to the regular number of teeth.
• Suture: A stitch used to hold tissue together after a surgical procedure.

T

• Tartar (Calculus): A hardened form of dental plaque that builds up on the teeth and can only be removed by professional cleaning. It contributes to gum disease and may cause staining and bad breath.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. It enables movement for talking, chewing, and yawning. Disorders of the TMJ can cause pain, clicking sounds, and limited jaw movement.
• Third Molar (Wisdom Tooth): The third molars are on each side of the upper and lower jaws. They typically erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood and may require extraction if impacted or causing crowding.
• Tooth Eruption: The process by which a tooth moves through the gum and becomes visible in the mouth. This occurs at different stages of development, beginning with primary (baby) teeth and later with permanent teeth.
• Tooth Whitening: A cosmetic dental procedure that uses bleaching agents to lighten the colour of teeth and remove stains or discoloration. It can be done in-office or with at-home products.
• Topical Anesthetic: A medication is applied directly to the surface of the gums or oral tissues to numb the area before injections or deep cleanings. It provides temporary, localized pain relief.

U

• Ulcer: An open sore or lesion in the mouth or gums is often painful and caused by irritation, infection, trauma, or systemic conditions. Common types include canker sores and aphthous ulcers.
• Ultrasonic Scaler: A dental instrument uses high-frequency vibrations and water spray to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth. It is commonly used during professional dental cleanings.
• Unerupted Tooth: A tooth that has not yet broken through the gum line. This can be a normal stage of dental development or indicate an impaction if the tooth fails to erupt correctly.
• Upper Arch: The upper jaw and its associated teeth form the top half of the mouth. Also referred to as the maxillary arch, it includes incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.

V

• Veneer: A thin layer of porcelain or composite resin that is custom-made and bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. Veneers are commonly used to correct discoloration, chips, or slight misalignments.
• Vestibule: The area between the inside of the lips/cheeks and the teeth and gums. It is part of the oral cavity and plays a role in speech, chewing, and facial expressions.
• Vital Tooth: A tooth still has living pulp tissue with an intact nerve and blood supply. Vitality is often assessed through tests to determine if a tooth is healthy or requires root canal treatment.
• Vitamin Deficiency (Oral Impact): A lack of essential vitamins (like Vitamin C or B-complex) can lead to oral symptoms such as bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, or delayed healing. Though not a dental procedure, this is important in oral health diagnostics.

W

• Wax Try-In: A trial fitting of dentures using wax to check the fit and appearance before the final denture is made.
• Wire: Used in orthodontics to move teeth into the proper position; also used in dental appliances.
• Wisdom Teeth: The third molars, usually the last teeth to erupt, typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. They can sometimes cause crowding, impaction, or infection due to limited space in the jaw.
• Wearing (Tooth Wear): The gradual loss of tooth structure is caused by mechanical forces such as grinding (bruxism), abrasion from brushing, or erosion from acidic foods and drinks.
• White Spot Lesions: Early signs of dental decay are visible as opaque white spots on the enamel surface, indicating demineralization. If untreated, these lesions can progress to cavities.
• Wound Healing: The biological process by which oral tissues repair themselves after injury or surgery. Proper oral hygiene and care are essential to support healing after dental procedures.

X

• Xerostomia: Also known as dry mouth, caused by reduced saliva flow, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
• X-ray: A diagnostic tool that uses radiation to produce images of teeth, bones, and surrounding tissues.

Y

• Yield Strength: The amount of stress a dental material can withstand without permanent deformation.

Z

• Zirconia Crown: A type of dental crown made from zirconium dioxide, known for its durability and natural appearance.
• Zygomatic Bone: The cheekbone, part of the facial skeleton, may serve as an anchor point in specific implant procedures (zygomatic implants).
• Zirconia: A strong, biocompatible ceramic material widely used in dental crowns, bridges, and implants. It offers excellent aesthetics and durability, often chosen as an alternative to metal-based restorations.
• Zoom Whitening: A professional in-office teeth whitening procedure using a special light (Zoom light) to accelerate the bleaching process and achieve brighter teeth quickly.