Glossary of Dental Terms

• Amalgam:  Silver/mercury alloy used to fill cavities |More
• Bleaching: Ccosmetic whitening of teeth using peroxide |More
• Caries:       Cavities, tooth decay |More
• Carcinogenic: Cancer-causing Cariogenic decay-causing 
• Composites: Tooth-colored restorative materials |More
• Cosmetic dentistry: Aesthetic improvement of the color and shape of teeth performed by a general dentist |More
• Edentulous:  Eaving lost most or all of the natural teeth 
•  Endodontist:  Treats oral conditions that arise as a result of disease or injury of the dental pulp of the tooth, such as a root canal
• General dentist: Primary care provider for patients in all age groups who take responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services to meet patients' oral health needs |More
• Geriatric dentist: General dentist who primarily treats senior citizens 
• Gingivitis: Reversible inflammation of gum tissue not including the bone 
• Malocclusion: Misalignment of teeth and or jaws 
• Microair abrasion: A drill-free technique using an instrument resembling a tiny sand blaster that delivers tiny aluminum oxide particles to the surface, where they cut away the decayed area 
•  Mouthguards: An appliance used to protect teeth from injury |More
• Occlusal surface: The chewing surface of the tooth 
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeon: Treats and surgically corrects diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth and jaws 
• Oral pathologist: Examines oral tissues for evidence of suspected abnormalities such as cancer. 
• Orthodontics: A branch of dentistry dealing with irregularities of the teeth and their correction, as by means of braces and retainer |More
• Orthodontist: Designs and applies corrective and supportive appliances, braces, to realign crooked teeth 
•  Pediatric dentist: Provides treatment and care for children from birth through adolescence
• Periodontal disease: Inflammation and irritation of the gums which, if left untreated, can cause the jawbone and teeth to deteriorate and fall out |More
• Periodontist: Diagnoses and treats diseases of the tissues supporting and surrounding the teeth, especially periodontal disease 
•  Plaque: Bacterial colonies which have mineralized and attack teeth, causing dental decay 
• Porcelain veneers: Ultra-thin shells of ceramic material bonded to the front of the tooth |More
• Prophylaxis: Professional cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or hygienist 
• Prosthodontist: Constructs artificial appliances designed to restore and maintain oral function by replacing missing teeth and other oral structures such as dentures 
•  Public health dentist: Concerned with the dental health needs of entire communities, and can design and administer large-scale prevention and dental care programs by compiling and analyzing statistics 
• Radiosurgery surgery: Technique that uses radio waves to produce a pressureless, bloodless incision; can also be used to heat bleaching agents 
•  Resin: Plastic material used in bonding, restorative, and replacement procedures 
• Restorative dentistry: Process of restoring missing, damaged or diseased teeth to normal form and function, performed by general dentists 
• Sealant: Plastic coating used to protect teeth from decay |More
• Special patient: Person with a disability who requires particular dental care needs 
•  Third molars: Wisdom teeth |More
• TMD: Temporomandibular disorder; problems relating to your temporomandibular joint which include locking of the jaw, frequent headaches, sore jaw muscles, and painful clicking of the jaw |More
• TMJ: Temporomandibular joint