Dental Glossary

Bone Graft

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

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.

Orthodontics

Branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly.

Root Canal

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dental Charting

A visual map of a patient's teeth showing current conditions, treatments, and history.

Electronic Patient Records

Digital storage of patient information including medical history, treatments, and images.

GDPR Compliance

Adherence to European data protection regulations for handling patient information.

Online Appointment Booking

A system allowing patients to schedule dental appointments through a website or app.

Patient Portal

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

Treatment Plan

A comprehensive outline of recommended dental procedures for a patient.