Layman's Dental Dictionary

A. Patric Cohen, DDS an amazing dentist who truly cares about his patients. Also, known as the gentle dentist. See news stories about A. Patric Cohen the Cosmetic Dentist in Beverly Hills

Abutment A tooth that holds other artificial teeth in place such as a bridge.

Air Abrasion This technology uses air or gas under high pressure to remove tooth decay without drilling.

Allergy When a substance enters the body that the body rejects as foreign, you have a allergy to that substance. Examples are medications, foods or pollen in the air.

Alveolar Bone The bone of the jaw that holds the teeth in place.

Analgesia Using various techniques and medications to control or eliminate pain.

Anesthesia Blocking sensation or feeling in an area using drugs or other techniques. This also includes being put to sleep for surgery.

Anterior Teeth Usually considered the upper and lower 6 front teeth.

AntibioticA medication used to kill a bacterial infection.

ANUG (Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis) A serious type of acute gum infection that is extremely painful.

Apicoectomy A surgical procedure used when a root canal has failed. It involves surgically removing the end of a tooth root and sealing it.

Arch The upper teeth or lower teeth considered as a group. For example, the upper arch includes all of the upper teeth.

Baby Teeth (deciduous teeth) The first set of teeth that come in when we are children. Also known as the “milk” teeth.

Biopsy Removal of part or all of an abnormal growth in the mouth that is sent out for study to eliminate the possibility of cancer.

Bite (Occlusion) The way in which the upper and lower teeth come together when the jaws close.

Black Hairy Tongue A condition in which the tongue appears to be dark and hairy. It can be caused by a variety of factors but is most common in smokers.

Block Injection An injection that “blocks” one of the major nerves of the mouth.

Bone Loss Loss of bone that occurs primarily in gum disease. Eventually can lead to loss of teeth.

Bone Resorption similar to bone loss. The bone is resorbed as the result of stress to it or gum disease.

Bruxism A process in which the teeth are constantly being ground together. Usually it happens when a person is sleeping or subconsciously.

Calcium The mineral that is responsible for making the teeth and bone hard. Lack of Calcium can result in teeth with poor enamel, prone to cavities.

Calculus Calcified plaque that sticks to the teeth and needs to be removed with some type of dental instrument. Also known as tarter.

Canker Sore An open sore in the mouth, which is painful. Also known as a Aphthous Ulcer.

Cantilever BridgeA nonremovable bridge in which a tooth or teeth support a false tooth on only one side.

Cavitron An ultrasonic instrument that uses high frequency sound to vibrate plaque and tartar off of the teeth.

Cellulitis A severe inflammation of the tissue in the mouth, usually the result of a serious infection.

Cementum The outer layer of the hard surface of the root of a tooth.

Composite Filling A white filling using a material made essentially of porcelain particles suspended in resin.

Cosmetic Dentistry is dentistry that makes a patient smile beautiful. More information Cosmetic Dentistry
Curettage In cases of gum disease, the dentist scrapes the inner lining of a pocket around a tooth to remove inflamed and infected tissue to stimulate healthy tissue growth.

CystAn abnormal growth in the bone or soft tissue that can be the result of infection or numerous other causes.

Dental Amalgam A combination of Silver, Mercury and other substances that is used to fill teeth.

Dental Bridge used to replace a missing tooth or teeth in the mouth. Detailed procedure for getting a Dental Bridges

Dental Chart The records that are kept on a patient regarding their treatment.

Dental Cleaning A routine cleaning of the teeth to remove tartar, plaque and staining.

Dental Crowns A restoration of a tooth that covers the entire tooth.

Dental Implant A titanium fixture that is placed in the jawbone upon which artificial teeth can be attached. Detailed information on the procedure of getting Dental Implants.

Dental Trauma Any type of damage to the mouth or teeth. This can be the result of an accident or from abuse or grinding of the teeth. More information on what to do with a Dental Emergencies

Dentin The layer of tooth structure that lies beneath the enamel.

Dentition The teeth in the mouth.

DentureArtificial teeth. Usually refers to someone whom is missing some or all of their teeth. Sometimes referred to as a plate.

Denturism A movement by lab techs to make dentures without the patient seeing a dentist.

Diastema A space between two teeth. Most common with the front teeth.

EruptionWhen the baby or adult teeth start to grow into the mouth.

Explorer A sharp pointed instrument used for checking teeth, especially for tooth decay.

Extraction (also known as Exodontia) The removal of a tooth or remaining roots of a tooth.

Eyeteeth The Cuspid teeth also known as the Canine teeth or vampire teeth.

Fistula A small bubble on the gum tissue that is usually filled with pus. It is the result of an infection in the gum or bone.

Flap Surgery A procedure where the gum tissue is peeled back in order to access the underlying bone or teeth.

Forceps Type of pliers used to remove teeth.

Frenectomy Cutting of the frenum, usually between the two front teeth, to allow for closure of a diastema.

Full Denture A set of false teeth used to replace all of the upper or lower teeth.

General Anesthesia A type of anesthesia where the patient is put to sleep and the doctor controls their airway and breathing.

Geographic Tongue An inflammation of the taste buds of the tongue making it look like it has patches on it.

Gingiva The gum tissue covering the bone of the jaw and surrounding the teeth.

Gingivectomy Cutting away of part of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth.

Gingivitis The first stage of gum disease. It is characterized by bleeding of the gum tissue.

Grinding Teeth (Bruxism) Usually a subconscious habit where the upper and lower teeth are ground together.

GTR (guided tissue regeneration) A surgical procedure where a membrane is used to guide the growth of new gum or bone tissue.

Gum Boil A bubble on the gum tissue which is usually the result of an infection. Same as a fistula.

Halitosis Bad Breath Bad smelling breath, often the result of poor oral hygiene or gum disease.

Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) A antibacterial solution that is sometimes used to kill infections in the mouth.

Hyperemia An increase in blood flow to tissues in the mouth. Can be the result of an infection or trauma.

Impacted Tooth When a tooth is obstructed from erupting into the mouth. Generally referred to when discussing wisdom teeth.

Incision and Drainage Cutting into an infected area in the mouth and allowing the infection to drain out in order to relieve pain.

Incisors The front 6 teeth on top and bottom of the mouth. Used for tearing into things.

Indirect Filling When an impression of a tooth preparation is made and the laboratory fabricates a restoration that is then cemented into the area to be filled.

Inlays An Indirect restoration that fits in between the cusps of a tooth.

Intraoral Camera A camera that can be used inside the mouth to examine the teeth and gums.

Jacket Refers to a crown on the front tooth that covers the entire tooth.

Laminate (also Veneers) A shell of porcelain that is bonded to a tooth to repair a broken tooth, or change the shape or color of a tooth.

Laughing Gas (see Nitrous Oxide) A form of sedation that is used to help a patient relax.

Local Anesthesia The standard solution used to numb an area of the mouth. Novocain.

Malocclusion: ”bad bite” When the upper and lower teeth are unable to come together in their proper position.

Managed Care A type of Insurance plan such as an HMO or PPO that limits charges that a dentist can make.

Mandible The lower jaw bone.

Maryland Bridge A bridge that is used to replace a missing tooth that does not involve removal of a lot of tooth structure. Primarily used in the front of the mouth.

Maxilla The upper jaw bone.

Milk Teeth The baby teeth.

Molars The back teeth that are used primarily for chewing. Generally you have 3 molars on each side including the wisdom teeth.

Mouth Guard used to protect the teeth from injury during sports. More details on the different types of Sports Mouth Guards

Nerve That part of the tooth that is responsible for sensation. A root canal removes the nerve.

Night guard An appliance used for protecting the teeth from teeth grinding. Which can be a common cause of Migraine Headaches

Novocain An anesthetic used to numb an area of the mouth or tooth.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons A dentist with 3 to 4 years of training after dental school in operating on the jaws and face. They also remove wisdom teeth.

Oral Cavity The inside of the mouth.

Oral Hygiene The process of taking care of one’s mouth. Brushing and flossing

Oral Surgery Any type of surgical procedure that takes place in the mouth.

Orthodontics The use of braces and other appliances to move the teeth into a more cosmetically pleasing position. Detailed ideas on Orthodontics

Overdenture A type of denture that attaches to dental implants.

Parasthesia / Paresthesia A partial or full loss of sensation in the mouth. Generally occurs in the lip or tongue, most often as the result of difficult wisdom tooth extractions.

Partial Dentures A set of removeable teeth that replace a missing tooth or teeth.
Pedodontics Dentistry for children.

Periodontist A dentist who specializes in the treatment of problems with the gums.

Permanent Teeth The teeth that replace the baby teeth. Also known as the adult teeth
Pit A small hole in a tooth.

PlaceboThe use of an inert substance in place of a medication.

Plaque The sticky build up on teeth caused by bacteria in the mouth.

Pontic A false tooth usually held in the mouth by one or two other teeth as part of a bridge.

Porcelain Crowns Crowns that are made entirely of porcelain without any metal. More information Porcelain Crowns.

Porcelain Inlays or Onlays All porcelain restorations that are used when a filling may not be strong enough to restore a tooth.

Porcelain Veneers A thin shell of porcelain that is used to change the color or shape of a tooth or repair a broken tooth. Detailed info Porcelain Veneers

Post A post is placed to build a tooth back up when tooth structure has been lost and a root canal has been performed.

Post-core A cast metal post with a metal build up all as one piece.

Post-crown A crown with a post that is cast together as one piece.

Proper Brushing Technique How to properly brush the teeth, using a small circular motion, and massaging the gums as well as brushing the teeth.

Proper Flossing Technique Using floss to stimulate the gums as well as remove food particles from in between the teeth.

Prophylaxis A routine teeth cleaning.

Prosthesis A tooth replacement. Generally refers to dentures.

Prosthodontist A dentist who specializes in reconstruction of the bite.

Pulp The nerve and blood supply inside of a tooth.

Pulp Cap A liner placed over the top of the pulp to stimulate healing.

Pulp Chamber The part of the nerve and blood supply that sits in the crown of the tooth.

Pulpectomy Removal of the entire pulp of the tooth. Usually refers to work done on baby teeth.

Pulpitis An inflammation of the nerve of the tooth.

Pulpotomy Removal of the pulp chamber, usually in baby teeth.

Pyorrhea Active gum disease.

Reimplantation Putting a tooth back in its socket after it has been knocked out.

Reline A replacement lining of a full or partial denture.

Restoration Any type of filling or crown that restores a tooth to normal health and function.

Retained Root A root that remains in the mouth after the rest of the tooth has been lost or removed.

Root The part of the tooth that sits in the jawbone.

Root Canal The canal that runs down the root of a tooth. The nerve and blood supply of the tooth reside in the root canal.

Root Canal Therapy Removal of the nerve and blood supply of a tooth as the result of infection or pulpitis.

Root Resection Cutting off part of a root in order to save the rest of the tooth.

Rubber Dam A rubber shield that covers the mouth to protect a tooth from bacteria and moisture during certain dental procedures.

Saliva The fluid that accumulates in the mouth. Your spit.

Saliva Ejector A vacuum tube that removes saliva.

Salivary Glands Glands in the mouth that produce the saliva.

Scaling scraping of the root of the tooth to remove calculus.

Sealants A process that fill the deep, tiny grooves in a tooth, usually a molar, to prevent tooth decay.

Secondary Dentin Tooth structure that regrows around an area where there was a cavity.

Sedation Dentistry is used on patients used in a variety of technics these can include laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Detailed information Sedation Dentistry.

Sleep Apnea A sleep disorder that results from abnormal breathing and snoring during sleep.

Space Maintainer An appliance that is placed after the early loss of a baby tooth to maintain room for the new tooth to come into place.

Supernumerary Tooth An extra tooth

Tartar Calculus that hardens on the teeth.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) A dysfunction of the jaw joint where the upper and lower jaw meet. Usually the result of tooth grinding.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and Temperomandibular Joint Disorder The joint where upper and lower jaw meet. Joint disorder is the same as TMD. More invormation TMJ

Third-Party Provider An insurance company.

Tooth Abrasion A wearing away of the enamel on a tooth.

Tooth Abscess An infection in the gum or bone surrounding a tooth.

Tooth Bud The cells that the teeth develop from.

Tooth Decay (also known as Dental Caries) A bacterial process that results in acid eating away the tooth enamel.

Tooth Enamel The outermost layer of the tooth. The hardest substance in the body.

Tooth Filling A material that fills the hole in a tooth resulting from a cavity.

Tooth Whitening A procedure using chemicals that result in a lightening of the tooth enamel. Detailed information Tooth Whitening

Torus A abnormal bony outgrowth in the mouth. Generally occurs in the palate or floor of the mouth.

Trench Mouth A painful infection that causes swelling and ulcerations in the mouth.

Unerupted Tooth A tooth that is still below the gum and/or bone surface.

Veneers A facing of material that covers the outer surface of a tooth. Usually made of resin or porcelain. More Dentistry information on the use of veneers.

Wisdom Teeth The 3rd molars.