Dental Dictionary

Abscess: a pocket of pus caused by infection at the tip of a tooth root or in the gums. Apicoectomy: removal of the tip of a root. Bonding: tooth-colored composite resin applied to a tooth. Bridge: a fixed restoration replacing one or more missing teeth using neighboring teeth as anchors. Bruxism: tooth grinding (often at night). CBCT: cone-beam CT — a 3D X-ray used for implant planning. Composite: tooth-colored filling material. Crown: a full-coverage cap over a tooth.

Diastema: a gap between teeth. Endodontics: the field that handles root canals. Enamel: the hard outer surface of teeth. Extraction: removal of a tooth. Filling: a restoration that fills a cavity. Fluoride: a mineral that strengthens enamel and prevents decay. Gingivitis: early-stage gum disease. Gum graft: surgical replacement of receded gum tissue.

Halitosis: bad breath, often a sign of underlying gum or hygiene issues. Implant: a titanium post that replaces a missing tooth root. Inlay/Onlay: a porcelain restoration that’s larger than a filling but smaller than a crown. Malocclusion: a bad bite. Occlusion: the way your teeth come together. Oral surgeon: a dental specialist who handles complex extractions and jaw surgery.

Periodontics: the field that handles gum disease. Plaque: a soft bacterial film that forms on teeth. Prophylaxis: a routine professional cleaning. Pulp: the nerve and blood vessels inside a tooth. Root canal: treatment that removes infected pulp and seals the inside of the tooth. Scaling and root planing: a deep cleaning below the gumline. Sealant: a protective coating on chewing surfaces.

TMJ: the jaw joint; TMD is jaw joint disorder/pain. Tartar (calculus): hardened plaque. Veneer: a thin porcelain shell bonded to the front of a tooth. Whitening: a process to lighten tooth color. X-ray: a digital image used to diagnose what we can’t see clinically.