Cosmetic Dentistry - Dental Glossary

Cosmetic Dentist Serving San Jose, Sunnyvale and the Bay Area

Cosmetic Dentistry A to Z– a glossary of dental terms pertinent to cosmetic dentistry

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Abrasion
Tooth wear caused by habits such as pipe smoking, improper tooth brushing, or holding objects like sewing needles, carpenter nails, or tooth picks with the teeth.

Abutment
A tooth (or implant) that supports a porcelain bridge or denture.

Alveolar bone
The part of the jaw bone that surround the roots of the teeth.

Amalgam
An metal alloy filling (“silver filling”) used in dental restorations.

Analgesia
Loss of pain (“numbing”) due to local anesthetics.

Ankylosis
A condition where tooth and alveolar bone fuse together. This can create very difficult extractions or partial instead of full eruption of a tooth.

General Anesthesia
Loss of consciousness and ability to respond to verbal or physical stimuli. This is produced by intravenous drugs and/or inhalation of gases.

Intravenous Sedation/Analgesia
A medically controlled state of depressed consciousness which maintains your protective reflexes and ability to respond to stimulation or verbal commands. Sedation produced by intravenous drugs.

Local Anesthesia
The loss of pain (numbing) in a specific area of the mouth without loss of consciousness.

Non-Intravenous Conscious Sedation
A medically controlled state of depressed consciousness which maintains your protective reflexes and the ability to respond to stimulation or verbal commands. Sedation produced by drugs other than intravenous route of administration, usually orally.

Apicoectomy
Removal of the apex, root tip, of a tooth during root canal procedures.

B

Benign
A term used to describe tumors which are not life threatening. The opposite of malignant when applied to tumors.

Bicuspid
A tooth with two cusps also known as a premolar. There are normally 8 bicuspids, 2 in each quadrant located between the cuspids (canine) and molar teeth.

Biopsy
The removal of tissue for microscopic evaluation.

Bitewing radiographs
X-rays of upper and lower molars and bicuspids.

Bleaching
A procedure that whitens teeth using a peroxide solution.

Bonding
An adhesive dentistry procedure where composite resin plastics are placed on teeth to change the shape or color of a tooth. Also, a substance used to adhere orthodontic brackets to teeth.

Bridge
See Fixed Partial Denture and/or Removable Partial Denture.

Bruxism Grinding or clenching of teeth.

C

Calculus
Hard deposit of mineralized material, tartar, adhering to teeth.

Root Canal
Space inside the root of a tooth containing blood vessels and nerves.

Caries
Dental term for tooth decay or cavity.

Cementum
Hard tissue covering the tooth root.

Clenching
A parafunctional habit of forcefully holding the teeth together. Usually associated with stress.

Composite
A filling or bonding material made from plastic resins.

Conscious Sedation
A relaxed, dream-like state of consciousness allowing you to respond to verbal and physical stimuli.

Crown
A restoration covering all of the exposed tooth; used to strengthen teeth weakened by fracture or caries. Also used in cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Abutment Crown
A crown used for the retention or support of bridges or dentures.

Artificial All Ceramic (Porcelain) Crown
A ceramic crown not containing metal. A very cosmetic restoration.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crown (PFM)
A ceramic crown which has a metal coping, or lining.

Clinical Crown:
That portion of a tooth not covered by supporting tissues.

Crown Lengthening
A surgical procedure used to create more tooth length for teeth that are weak or broken near the gum line. This requires removal of bone or gum tissue to expose strong tooth root which can be used to retain a crown. The crown lengthening procedure is also done to change the gum level for cosmetic reasons.

Cusp
The pointed part of a tooth.

Cyst
An expanding area of bone or soft tissue filled with pathological fluid or material.

D

Debridement
Removal of foreign matter such as calculus or dead tissue.

Decay
The common term for cavity.

Dental Prophylaxis
Scaling and polishing procedure performed to remove plaque, calculus, and stains.

Dental Prosthesis
An bridge, denture, or implant that replaces one or more missing teeth.

Dental Specialist
A dentist who has completed postgraduate programs, from a recognized dental school, in one of the 11 dental specialties.

Dentin
The part of a tooth that is under the enamel and cementum.

Dentition
The full complement of teeth in the mouth.

Permanent Dentition
The technical term for permanent teeth.

Deciduous Dentition
The technical term for “baby”, or primary teeth.

Denture
A removable substitute for natural teeth.

Denture Base
The part of the denture that holds the artificial teeth and fits over the gums.

Direct Restoration
A restoration placed by the dentist without the aid of laboratory fabrication. For example, an amalgam or composite filling.

Dry Mouth
See Xerostomia

Dry Socket
A very painful condition of the tooth socket following extraction due to infection or loss of blood clot.

E

Edentulous
Without teeth.

Enamel
The white, hard material of the crown of tooth which covers the dentin beneath. The only non-organic, non-living, tissue of the human body.

Endodontist
A dental specialist (root canal specialist) who specializes in treating diseases of the pulp tissue.

Erosion
Wearing down of tooth structure, caused by chemicals (acids). A common problem with eating disorders and acid reflux disease.

Eruption
The emergence of a tooth through the gums.

Evaluation

Comprehensive Oral Evaluation
Typically used by a general dentist and/or a specialist to evaluate a patient comprehensively. It is a thorough evaluation and recording of the hard and soft tissues. It usually requires an interpretation of information acquired through additional diagnostic procedures. This includes the evaluation and recording of the patient’s dental and medical history and a general health assessment. It may typically include the evaluation and recording of dental caries, missing or unerupted teeth, restorations, occlusal relationships, TMJ evaluation, periodontal conditions (including periodontal charting), hard and soft tissue anomalies, etc.

Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation
Typically includes evaluation of periodontal conditions, probing and charting pocket depths, evaluation and recording of the patient’s dental and medical history and general health assessment. It may include the evaluation and recording of dental caries, missing or unerupted teeth, restorations, TMJ evaluation, occlusal relationships and oral cancer screening.

Detailed And Extensive Oral Evaluation—Problem-Focused, By Report
A detailed and extensive problem-focused evaluation entails extensive diagnostic and cognitive techniques based on the findings of a comprehensive examination. Examples of conditions requiring this type of evaluation may include dentofacial anomalies, complicated perio-prosthetic conditions, complex temporomandibular dysfunction, facial pain of unknown origin, severe systemic diseases requiring multi-disciplinary consultation, etc.

Limited Oral Evaluation
An evaluation limited to a specific oral health problem.

Periodic Oral Evaluation
An evaluation performed on a patient of record to determine any changes in the patient’s dental and medical health status.

Re-Evaluation—Limited, Problem Focused (established patient; not post-operative visit)
This is used to evaluate the status of a previously existing condition. Examples of conditions requiring this type of evaluation may include: a traumatic injury where no treatment was rendered but the patient needs follow-up monitoring; evaluation for undiagnosed continuing pain; a soft tissue lesion requiring follow-up evaluation.

Excision
Surgical removal of hard or soft tissue.

Extraction
The removal of a tooth or tooth root.

F

Filling
A lay term used in place of restoration. Used for the restoring of lost tooth structure with materials such as metal, plastic or porcelain.

Fixed Partial Denture
A non-removable prosthetic device, such as a bridge or implant, used to replace missing teeth.

Fracture
Usually applies to a broken tooth, but may also refer to fractures of the jaw bone.

Full-Mouth X-Rays (FMX)
Radiographs, including periapical films and bitewing films, showing the roots and crowns of all teeth and surrounding structures.

G

General Anesthesia
A condition in which patients lose consciousness and are unresponsive to verbal or physical stimuli. Patients will feel no pain, and have no memory of what is taking place around them.

Gingiva
Soft tissues, commonly known as gums, overlying the crowns of unerupted teeth and encircling the necks of those that have erupted.

Gingival Hyperplasia
An excess of gingival gum tissues.

Gingivitis
Inflammation of gingival tissue without loss of bone.

Gingivectomy
The surgical removal of gingiva.

Gingivoplasty
The surgical reshaping of gingival tissue. Frequently used in cosmetic dentistry.

Graft
The use of natural or artificial material to replace missing soft tissue or bone.

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR)
The placement of a membrane between bone and a bone graft to prevent gum tissue from growing into the graft.

H

Currently there are no terms listed alphabetically under this letter.

I

Imaging, Diagnostic
Diagnostic aids that produce an image such as tomographs, CT scans, MRIs, photographs, radiographs, etc.

Immediate Denture
A denture placed immediately after removal of teeth. Sometimes called a transitional or temporary denture.

Impacted Tooth
A tooth that cannot erupt into its normal position due to an obstruction such as another tooth, bone tissue, or the tongue.

Dental Implant
An artificial tooth root, usually made of surgical grade titanium, placed into bone to anchor a crown, bridge, or denture.

Inlay

A restoration, fabricated by a laboratory, that is used to repair small areas of decay. Inlays are metal, composite, or porcelain.

Interproximal
Between the teeth.

Intraoral
Inside the mouth.

Intravenous Sedation
The method of producing a sedated state using drugs administered through a vein.

J

Jaw
A common name for either the maxilla (upper jaw) or the mandible(lower jaw)

K

Currently there are no terms listed alphabetically under this letter.

L

Labial
Related to the lip.

Lesion
An area of pathological, abnormal tissue.

Lingual
Related to the tongue.

M

Malignant
Pathological tumor tissue; the opposite of benign.

Malocclusion
Improper alignment of upper and lower teeth.

Maryland Bridge
A fixed bridge, not requiring crowns, that is cemented or bonded to natural teeth.

Maxilla
The upper jaw.

Molar
The large teeth in the back of the mouth excluding cuspids, laterals, and centrals.

Mouthguard
A plastic device that fits over teeth to protect teeth, muscles, and TMJ. Also known as nightguard, splint, orthopedic appliance, stabilizing appliance, and bite plane.

Mucous Membrane
Lining of the oral cavity of the body; also called “mucosa.” Cheek tissue.

N

Currently there are no terms listed alphabetically under this letter.

O

Obstructive Sleep Apnea
A disorder in which breathing stops for short periods of time during sleep.

Occlusal
Describes the area of posterior teeth that contact when the teeth are brought together.

Occlusion
Any contact between biting or chewing surfaces of maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth.

Onlay
A restoration, fabricated by a laboratory, that is used to repair large areas of decay. Onlays replace broken or decayed cusps and are metal, composite, or porcelain.

Oral
Pertaining to the mouth.

Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeon
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the treatment of diseases and injuries of the face and neck. Examples of procedures performed are treatment of cleft palate, TMJ surgery, placement of implants, repositioning of jaw bones, correction of congenital deformities, and repair of broken jaws and other traumatic injuries.

Oral Mucosa
The cheek tissues that line the mouth.

Orthodontist
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the treatment of malocclusion of the teeth. Orthodontists are highly trained in the growth and development of the jaw bones and teeth.

Orthognathic Surgery
Surgery performed to correct facial imbalances caused by abnormalities of the jaw bones.

Osseointegration
The process by which bone heals around an implant.

Osteoplasty
Surgical procedure to reshape bone.

Osteotomy
Surgical removal of bone.

Overdenture
A denture that lies on top of, and is retained and stabilized by, implants or natural teeth.

P

Palate
The hard and soft tissues of the roof of the mouth.

Palliative
Any medication or treatment that decreases pain.

Partial Denture
A denture that replaces some, but not all, natural teeth. Could be a Fixed Partial Denture or Removable Partial Denture.

Parotid Glands
Major salivary glands near the side of the face and close to the ear.

Pediatric Dentist
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to treatment of children; formerly known as a pedodontist.

Pedodontist
See Pediatric Dentist.

Pellicle
A thin nonbacterial film from saliva that covers the teeth.

Periapical X-Ray (PA)
A radiograph that shows several entire teeth (crowns and roots) and includes a small amount of the bone surrounding the root tips.

Periodontal
Pertaining to the supporting bone and surrounding gum tissues of the teeth.

Periodontal Abscess
A puss-filled infection of the gums that can destroy hard and soft tissues.

Periodontal Disease
The inflammation or infection of the gums and bone surrounding teeth. The number one cause of loss of teeth for adults.

Periodontal Pocket
A space between the gum and tooth that is pathological and contains bacterial plaque which causes loss of bone.

Periodontist
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the treatment of diseases of the gums and bone surrounding teeth.

Periodontitis
Infection and inflammation of the gum tissue and bone surrounding teeth. A pathological condition.

Plaque
A soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria that causes periodontal disease. This is different than calculus (tartar) which is a hard substance.

Porcelain Veneer
A thin laminate which covers only the front surface of teeth. Usually used to improve cosmetic situations, but is sometimes used to strengthen teeth.

Post
A metal, ceramic, or resin structural element placed in the root canal of a severely compromised tooth. This element adds surface area for the placement of restorative material used to replace missing tooth structure.

Posterior
Pertaining to teeth and tissues towards the back of the mouth and behind the canines, the maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars.

Premedication
The use of medicinal drugs prior to dental procedures.

Prophylaxis
Teeth cleaning, scaling and polishing procedures performed to remove coronal plaque, calculus and stains.

Prosthesis
Artificial replacement of part of the body.

Prosthodontist
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the restoration of the natural teeth and/or the replacement of missing teeth.

Pulp
The “hollow” part of a tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves.

Pulpectomy
Removal of pulp tissue, blood vessels and nerves from the root and pulp chamber of teeth.

Pulpotomy
Removal of part of the pulp tissue, blood vessels and nerves, usually to alleviate pain.

Q

Currently there are no terms listed alphabetically under this letter.

R

Radiograph
An image produced by projecting radiation, as x-rays, on photographic film. Commonly called x-ray.

Ranula
A cyst that can develop under the tongue on the floor of the mouth.

Rebase
To replace the denture base. Procedure used to replace the pink base of a denture.

Reline
Procedure used to replace only the inside surface of a denture to improve fit.

Removable Partial Denture (Bridge)
A device replacing one or more missing teeth that can be removed by the patient.

Resorb
To dissolve.

Retainer

A temporary device worn after orthodontics to prevent tooth movement. The retainer is no longer needed after new bone forms around each tooth.

Orthodontic Retainer
A removable device used to stabilize teeth after orthodontic movement.

Root
The part of a tooth that is below the enamel and is normally covered by bone. Due to gum recession and bone loss the roots of teeth are frequently exposed and may become sensitive or decayed.

Root Canal
Part of the tooth that resides within the tooth root and contains blood vessels and nerves.

Root Canal Therapy
The complete removal of bacteria and obturation (packing) of the root canal with filling materials.

Root Caries
Tooth decay that forms on the roots.

Root Planing
A procedure whereby root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed with instruments. The goal is to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar and promote the attachment of gum tissue to the root surface; thereby promoting periodontal health.

S

Scaling
Removal of plaque, calculus, and stain from teeth, using specially designed instruments.

Sealants
Plastic resin placed on the biting surfaces of molars to prevent caries.

Sjogren’s Syndrome
An autoimmune disorder (mostly affecting older women) that is characterized by partial or complete cessation of saliva and tears. It can be associated with rheumatic disease, such as rheumatic arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma.

Splint
A method of stabilizing weak teeth, that lack bone support, by joining teeth together with crowns or other materials. Also refers to devices used in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.

Stomatitis
Inflammation of the membranes in the mouth.

Sublingual Glands
Major salivary glands located in the mucosa on the floor of the mouth.

Submandibular Glands
Walnut-sized major salivary glands located beneath the tongue.

Suture
Resorbable or non resorbable material used to close surgical wounds of soft tissue.

T

Temporary Removable Denture
A temporary denture which may be a stayplate or immediate denture.

Temporomandibular (TMJ)
The jaw joint, which is composed of the condyle of the mandible, the disc, fluid, ligaments, and retrodiscal tissue. The only joint of the body that not only hinges, as with knees and elbows, but can also translate (move forward).

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Abnormal functioning of the temporomandibular (jaw) joint; also refers to symptoms arising in other areas secondary to the dysfunction.

Torus
An non-pathological elevation of bone usually found on the anterior lingual surfaces of the mandible or on the center of the hard palate.

U

Unerupted
Teeth that have not erupted into the oral cavity.

V

Veneer
Any material placed on the front (outside) surface of teeth to improve appearance. Can be made from composite resin or porcelain ceramic.

W

Currently there are no terms listed alphabetically under this letter.

X

Xerostomia
Dry mouth due to decreased salivary flow. Frequently associated with an increased incidence of caries.

X-Ray
Radiograph.

Y

Currently there are no terms listed alphabetically under this letter.

Z

Currently there are no terms listed alphabetically under this letter.

If you would like to learn more about any of the cosmetic dentistry procedures or treatments Dr. Wayland provides, or if you would like to find out what cosmetic dentistry techniques he can use to correct your smile, contact him today to schedule your initial consultation.