Glossary

General Dentistry Glossary

Common general dentistry terms — from everyday procedures like fillings, crowns, and cleanings to dental specialties and clinical vocabulary.

Amalgam Filling

A silver-colored filling used to repair cavities.

Bonding

A procedure to repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth using a tooth-colored resin material.

Bridge

A dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth.

Composite Filling

A tooth-colored filling used to repair cavities.

Crown

A cap that covers the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength.

Dentures

Removable replacements for missing teeth.

Extraction

The removal of a tooth.

Filling

A material used to fill a cavity in a tooth.

Fluoride Treatment

Applying fluoride to teeth to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.

Inlay/Onlay

A custom-made filling that is cemented onto a tooth.

Root Canal

A procedure to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth.

Dental Implants

Titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth.

Scaling and Root Planing

A deep cleaning procedure to treat gum disease.

Sealant

A thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities.

Teeth Whitening

A procedure to lighten the color of teeth.

Veneer

A thin shell that is bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance.

Dental Hygienist

A licensed professional who provides preventive care, such as cleanings, exams, and patient education.

Endodontics

The treatment of diseases of the dental pulp (root canals).

Oral Surgeon

Performs surgical procedures in the mouth, including tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and dental implant placement.

Orthodontics

The alignment of teeth and jaws.

Pediatric Dentistry

Focuses on the oral health of children.

Periodontics

The treatment of gum disease.

Prosthodontics

The replacement of missing teeth with artificial restorations (e.g., dentures, bridges, implants).

Abscess

A collection of pus caused by an infection.

Bitewing X-ray

An X-ray that shows the upper and lower teeth in a specific area.

Bruxism

Grinding or clenching of the teeth.

Calculus (Tartar)

Hardened plaque.

Caries

The technical term for tooth decay.

Cavity

A hole in a tooth caused by decay.

Cementum

The layer of tissue that covers the root of a tooth.

Dentin

The layer of the tooth beneath the enamel.

Enamel

The hard, outer layer of the tooth.

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums.

Malocclusion

Misalignment of the teeth or jaws.

Occlusion

The way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

Panoramic X-ray

An X-ray that shows the entire mouth.

Periapical X-ray

An X-ray that shows the entire tooth, from crown to root.

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease.

Plaque

A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.

Pulp

The soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.

Restoration

A general term for any dental work used to restore the function or appearance of a tooth.