Abfraction
A wedge-shaped loss of tooth structure near the gumline that may relate to stress, abrasion, or erosion.
Dental Health & Concerns
Dental Terms
Plain-language A–Z definitions of common dental terms, treatments, anatomy, materials, and diagnostic language.
A–Z glossary
Common dental language, explained simply.
These short definitions are educational and may not describe every clinical variation. Ask your dentist how a term applies to your care.
Letter A
Abrasion
Mechanical wearing away of tooth structure, often from aggressive brushing or repeated friction.
Abscess
A pocket of infection that may cause pain, swelling, drainage, or fever and needs prompt evaluation.
Abutment
A connector that supports a crown, bridge, or implant restoration.
Acute
Describes a condition with a sudden onset, short course, or rapidly developing symptoms.
Adjunctive Pre-diagnostic Cancer Testing
Adjunctive Pre-diagnostic Cancer Testing may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Administering Sedation
Administering Sedation is part of dental comfort or anesthesia care and requires health screening, monitoring, and individualized instructions.
Alcohol
Alcohol may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Alveolar Ridge
Alveolar Ridge is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Alveoloplasty
Surgical reshaping of the jaw ridge, often performed after extraction or before a denture.
Amalgam
A durable silver-colored filling material made from a mixture of metals.
Anesthetic
Medicine used to reduce or block sensation during dental care.
Anodontia
Anodontia is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Antimicrobial Agent
Antimicrobial Agent is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and Depression may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Aphthous Ulcer
A canker sore: a small, painful oral ulcer that is not contagious and usually heals on its own.
Apically Positioned Flap Surgery
Apically Positioned Flap Surgery is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Apicoectomy
Apicoectomy is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Arch
The curved arrangement of teeth and supporting bone in the upper or lower jaw.
Arthritis
Arthritis may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Attrition
Tooth wear caused by tooth-to-tooth contact, often associated with grinding or clenching.
Letter B
Bad Breath
Persistent unpleasant breath, also called halitosis, which may relate to oral bacteria, dry mouth, diet, or health conditions.
Bicuspid
Another name for a premolar, a tooth located between the canine and molar teeth.
Biofilm
An organized layer of microorganisms attached to a surface; dental plaque is an oral biofilm.
Bite
The way the upper and lower teeth contact when the jaws close.
Bite Collapse
Bite Collapse is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Bitewing X-ray
Bitewing X-ray is a dental imaging method used to view anatomy or disease that may not be visible during a clinical examination.
Black Hairy Tongue
A usually harmless coating caused when elongated tongue papillae trap debris, bacteria, or stains.
Bleaching
Use of peroxide-based products to lighten natural tooth color and reduce selected stains.
Block Graft
Block Graft is a procedure used to preserve, rebuild, or reposition bone or soft tissue for health or future treatment.
Blood Disorder
Blood Disorder may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Bonding
Application of tooth-colored resin to repair chips, close small spaces, or change tooth shape.
Bone graft
Material placed to preserve or rebuild bone for healing or future treatment.
Bone Loss
Bone Loss is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Bone Resorption
Bone Resorption is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Braces
Orthodontic brackets and wires used to guide teeth into improved positions.
Bridge
Bridge describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Brush Biopsy
Brush Biopsy is part of preventing oral disease through effective daily care, professional guidance, or risk-based treatment.
Brushing
Brushing is part of preventing oral disease through effective daily care, professional guidance, or risk-based treatment.
Bruxism
Clenching or grinding the teeth, often during sleep.
Buccal
Relating to the cheek side of a back tooth or the cheek tissues.
Letter C
Calculus
Hardened plaque, also called tartar, that requires professional removal.
Cancer
Cancer may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Canine
A pointed tooth between the incisors and premolars that helps tear food and guide the bite.
Canker Sore
A noncontagious, shallow ulcer inside the mouth, also called an aphthous ulcer.
Cantilever Bridge
A bridge in which a replacement tooth is supported from only one side.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular Disease may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Caries
The disease process that causes tooth decay and cavities.
Cavity
A hole or damaged area in a tooth caused by the tooth-decay process.
CBCT
A three-dimensional dental scan used for selected implant, surgical, airway, and root evaluations.
Cementum
The hard tissue covering a tooth root that helps attach the tooth to supporting fibers.
Cephalometric X-ray
Cephalometric X-ray is a dental imaging method used to view anatomy or disease that may not be visible during a clinical examination.
Children and Pre-teens
Children and Pre-teens is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Chipped Tooth
Chipped Tooth describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Chronic
Describes a condition that persists or develops over a long period.
Clear Aligners
Removable transparent trays that apply planned forces to move teeth gradually.
Clenching
Sustained forceful contact between the teeth, often associated with jaw fatigue or tooth wear.
Clinical Crown
The portion of a tooth visible above the gumline at a given time.
Clinical Crown Lengthening
Clinical Crown Lengthening describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Complete Denture
Complete Denture relates to a removable or implant-supported appliance used to replace missing teeth and restore function.
Composite
A tooth-colored resin material used for fillings, bonding, and some repairs.
Comprehensive Dental Exam
Comprehensive Dental Exam is part of gathering findings and health information so a dentist can diagnose, assess risk, and plan care.
Comprehensive Periodontal Exam
Comprehensive Periodontal Exam relates to the gums and supporting structures around teeth, including prevention, diagnosis, maintenance, or treatment.
Cone Beam CT Scan
Cone Beam CT Scan is a dental imaging method used to view anatomy or disease that may not be visible during a clinical examination.
Connective Tissue Graft
Connective Tissue Graft is a procedure used to preserve, rebuild, or reposition bone or soft tissue for health or future treatment.
Contact Point
The area where neighboring teeth touch, helping stabilize teeth and protect the gums between them.
Core Buildup
Restorative material used to rebuild missing tooth structure so it can support a crown.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Cracked Tooth
Cracked Tooth describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Crossbite
A bite relationship in which one or more upper teeth close inside the lower teeth.
Crown
A restoration that covers and protects most or all of a prepared tooth.
Curved Tooth Root
Curved Tooth Root describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Cusp
A raised point or rounded elevation on the chewing surface of a tooth.
Letter D
Deciduous Tooth
A primary or baby tooth that is normally replaced by a permanent tooth.
Delayed-immediate Dental Implant
Delayed-immediate Dental Implant relates to implant-supported tooth replacement and requires evaluation of bone, gums, bite, healing, and restorative design.
Dental Exam
Dental Exam is part of gathering findings and health information so a dentist can diagnose, assess risk, and plan care.
Dental Exam for Adults
Dental Exam for Adults is part of gathering findings and health information so a dentist can diagnose, assess risk, and plan care.
Dental Floss
A thin strand or tape used to clean plaque and debris between teeth and below the gumline.
Dental Hygienist
A licensed dental professional focused on preventive care, cleanings, assessment, and patient education.
Dental Implant
Dental Implant relates to implant-supported tooth replacement and requires evaluation of bone, gums, bite, healing, and restorative design.
Dentin
The tooth layer beneath enamel that surrounds the inner pulp.
Denture
A removable or implant-supported appliance that replaces multiple missing teeth.
Denture Base
Denture Base relates to a removable or implant-supported appliance used to replace missing teeth and restore function.
Denture Rebase
Denture Rebase relates to a removable or implant-supported appliance used to replace missing teeth and restore function.
Denture Reline
Denture Reline relates to a removable or implant-supported appliance used to replace missing teeth and restore function.
Diabetes
Diabetes may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Diastema
A space or gap between two teeth.
Digital Impression
A three-dimensional scan used to record teeth and gums without traditional impression material.
Distal
The surface or direction of a tooth farther from the center line of the mouth.
Drug Use
Drug Use may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Dry Mouth
Dry Mouth is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Dry socket
Painful delayed healing after extraction when the protective blood clot is lost or disrupted.
Letter E
Eating Disorder
Eating Disorder may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Edentulous
Having no natural teeth in one arch or in the entire mouth.
Enamel
The hard outer covering of the visible part of a tooth.
Enamel Erosion
Enamel Erosion describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Endodontics
The area of dentistry focused on dental pulp and root canal treatment.
Endodontist
Endodontist relates to the living tissue inside a tooth or treatment of inflammation and infection within the root canal system.
Enlarged Gums
Enlarged Gums relates to the gums and supporting structures around teeth, including prevention, diagnosis, maintenance, or treatment.
Equilibration
Selective adjustment of biting surfaces to improve how teeth contact in specific circumstances.
Erosion
Chemical loss of tooth structure from acids not produced by cavity-causing bacteria.
Erupting or Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Erupting or Impacted Wisdom Teeth describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Erupting Tooth
Erupting Tooth describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Eruption
Movement of a developing tooth into its functional position in the mouth.
Excessive Bleeding
Excessive Bleeding is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Exfoliative Cytology
Exfoliative Cytology is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Extraction
Removal of a tooth from its socket.
Letter F
Fiberotomy
A procedure that releases fibers around a tooth to help reduce orthodontic relapse.
Filling
Filling describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Fissure
A narrow groove on a tooth surface where plaque and food may collect.
Fixed Bridge
A nonremovable restoration attached to teeth or implants to replace missing teeth.
Flossing
Flossing is part of preventing oral disease through effective daily care, professional guidance, or risk-based treatment.
Fluoride
A mineral that strengthens enamel and helps prevent or slow tooth decay.
Fluoride Overdose
Fluoride Overdose is part of preventing oral disease through effective daily care, professional guidance, or risk-based treatment.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride Treatment is part of preventing oral disease through effective daily care, professional guidance, or risk-based treatment.
Free Soft Tissue Graft
Free Soft Tissue Graft is a procedure used to preserve, rebuild, or reposition bone or soft tissue for health or future treatment.
Frenectomy
Removal or modification of a restrictive band of tissue beneath the tongue or lip.
Frenum
A small fold of tissue connecting the lip, cheek, or tongue to nearby oral tissues.
Full Mouth Series of X-ray Images
Full Mouth Series of X-ray Images is a dental imaging method used to view anatomy or disease that may not be visible during a clinical examination.
Letter G
General Anesthesia
General Anesthesia is part of dental comfort or anesthesia care and requires health screening, monitoring, and individualized instructions.
Gingiva
The gum tissue surrounding the teeth and covering the jawbone.
Gingival Recession
Movement of the gum margin away from its normal position, exposing more tooth or root.
Gingivectomy
Gingivectomy relates to the gums and supporting structures around teeth, including prevention, diagnosis, maintenance, or treatment.
Gingivitis
Early gum inflammation that can cause redness, tenderness, or bleeding without bone loss.
Grinding or Clenching
Grinding or Clenching is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Guide Plane
Guide Plane is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Guided Tissue Regeneration
Guided Tissue Regeneration is a procedure used to preserve, rebuild, or reposition bone or soft tissue for health or future treatment.
Gum Discoloration
Gum Discoloration relates to the gums and supporting structures around teeth, including prevention, diagnosis, maintenance, or treatment.
Gums
Gums relates to the gums and supporting structures around teeth, including prevention, diagnosis, maintenance, or treatment.
Letter H
Halitosis
The clinical term for persistent bad breath.
Health History and Current Health Status
Health History and Current Health Status is part of gathering findings and health information so a dentist can diagnose, assess risk, and plan care.
Hypocalcemia
A lower-than-normal blood calcium level that can have several medical causes and oral implications.
Hypodontia
Developmental absence of one or more permanent teeth.
Hypotension
Blood pressure that is lower than expected and may affect treatment positioning or medical planning.
Letter I
Immediate Dental Implant
Immediate Dental Implant relates to implant-supported tooth replacement and requires evaluation of bone, gums, bite, healing, and restorative design.
Impacted
Describes a tooth that cannot erupt normally because it is blocked by bone, tissue, or another tooth.
Impacted tooth
A tooth blocked from erupting normally because of its position or surrounding structures.
Impaction
A condition in which a tooth is prevented from erupting normally.
Implant
A biocompatible post placed in bone to support a replacement tooth or prosthesis.
Implant Abutment
Implant Abutment relates to implant-supported tooth replacement and requires evaluation of bone, gums, bite, healing, and restorative design.
Implant and Crown
Implant and Crown relates to implant-supported tooth replacement and requires evaluation of bone, gums, bite, healing, and restorative design.
Implant-stabilized Removable Denture
Implant-stabilized Removable Denture relates to implant-supported tooth replacement and requires evaluation of bone, gums, bite, healing, and restorative design.
Implant-supported Bridge
Implant-supported Bridge relates to implant-supported tooth replacement and requires evaluation of bone, gums, bite, healing, and restorative design.
Implant-supported Fixed Denture
Implant-supported Fixed Denture relates to implant-supported tooth replacement and requires evaluation of bone, gums, bite, healing, and restorative design.
Implant, Crown, and Cantilevered Replacement Tooth
Implant, Crown, and Cantilevered Replacement Tooth relates to implant-supported tooth replacement and requires evaluation of bone, gums, bite, healing, and restorative design.
Incisor
One of the front cutting teeth used to bite into food.
Infants and Toddlers
Infants and Toddlers is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Inlay
A custom restoration that fits within the chewing surface of a tooth.
Interdental Brush
Interdental Brush is part of preventing oral disease through effective daily care, professional guidance, or risk-based treatment.
Interproximal
The area between neighboring teeth.
IV Sedation
IV Sedation is part of dental comfort or anesthesia care and requires health screening, monitoring, and individualized instructions.
Letter J
Jaw Joint
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, connecting the lower jaw to the skull.
Letter K
Kidney Disease
Kidney Disease may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Letter L
Labial
Relating to the lip side of a front tooth or the lips.
Levels of Sedation
Levels of Sedation is part of dental comfort or anesthesia care and requires health screening, monitoring, and individualized instructions.
Limited Oral Exam
Limited Oral Exam is part of gathering findings and health information so a dentist can diagnose, assess risk, and plan care.
Lingual
Relating to the tongue side of a tooth.
Local Anesthetic
Local Anesthetic is part of dental comfort or anesthesia care and requires health screening, monitoring, and individualized instructions.
Locked Jaw
Limited or fixed jaw movement that can result from muscle spasm, joint problems, trauma, or infection.
Letter M
Malocclusion
An alignment or bite relationship in which teeth do not meet ideally.
Malposition
A tooth position outside its expected alignment in the dental arch.
Mandible
The lower jawbone.
Maxilla
The upper jawbone.
Medication
Medication is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Mesial
The surface or direction of a tooth closer to the center line of the mouth.
Misaligned Teeth
Misaligned Teeth describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Molar
A broad back tooth designed primarily for crushing and grinding food.
Mouth Sore
An irritated, ulcerated, or injured area of oral tissue; persistent sores require evaluation.
Mouth, Jaw, or Face Pain
Mouth, Jaw, or Face Pain is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Mouthguard
Mouthguard is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Letter N
Night Guard
A removable appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth and manage selected grinding-related forces.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Nutrition Counseling
Nutrition Counseling is part of preventing oral disease through effective daily care, professional guidance, or risk-based treatment.
Letter O
Occlusal Adjustment
Occlusal Adjustment is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Occlusal guard
A removable appliance designed to protect teeth from grinding or excessive bite forces.
Occlusal X-ray
Occlusal X-ray is a dental imaging method used to view anatomy or disease that may not be visible during a clinical examination.
Older Adults
Older Adults is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Onlay
A custom restoration that covers one or more cusps while preserving more tooth than a full crown.
Open Bite
A bite in which upper and lower teeth do not contact in a particular area when the jaws close.
Oral Cancer
Oral Cancer may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Oral Health Matters
Oral Health Matters is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Oral Hygiene
Oral Hygiene is part of preventing oral disease through effective daily care, professional guidance, or risk-based treatment.
Oral Hygiene Instruction
Oral Hygiene Instruction is part of preventing oral disease through effective daily care, professional guidance, or risk-based treatment.
Oral Piercing
Oral Piercing is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Oral Sedation
Oral Sedation is part of dental comfort or anesthesia care and requires health screening, monitoring, and individualized instructions.
Oral Surgeon
Oral Surgeon is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic Treatment is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Osseointegration
The healing process in which bone forms a stable connection with a dental implant.
Osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Osteoradionecrosis
Osteoradionecrosis is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Overbite
The vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth.
Overjet
The horizontal distance that upper front teeth project ahead of lower front teeth.
Letter P
Pain Management
Pain Management is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Palate
The roof of the mouth, consisting of hard tissue toward the front and soft tissue toward the back.
Panoramic X-ray
Panoramic X-ray is a dental imaging method used to view anatomy or disease that may not be visible during a clinical examination.
Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric Dentist is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Pedicle Soft Tissue Graft
Pedicle Soft Tissue Graft is a procedure used to preserve, rebuild, or reposition bone or soft tissue for health or future treatment.
Peri-implantitis
Inflammation with supporting bone loss around a dental implant.
Periapical X-ray
Periapical X-ray is a dental imaging method used to view anatomy or disease that may not be visible during a clinical examination.
Pericoronitis
Inflammation or infection of gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth, often a wisdom tooth.
Periodontal
Relating to the gums and supporting bone around teeth.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal Disease relates to the gums and supporting structures around teeth, including prevention, diagnosis, maintenance, or treatment.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal Maintenance relates to the gums and supporting structures around teeth, including prevention, diagnosis, maintenance, or treatment.
Periodontal Pocket
A deepened space between a tooth and gum associated with loss of periodontal attachment.
Periodontal Surgery
Periodontal Surgery relates to the gums and supporting structures around teeth, including prevention, diagnosis, maintenance, or treatment.
Periodontist
Periodontist is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Permanent Tooth
Permanent Tooth describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Plaque
A sticky bacterial biofilm that collects on teeth and along the gumline.
Pontic
The replacement tooth portion of a dental bridge.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Premolar
A tooth between the canine and molars that helps tear and grind food.
Primary Tooth
Primary Tooth describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Problems with Crowns
Problems with Crowns describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Problems with Dentures or Bridges
Problems with Dentures or Bridges relates to a removable or implant-supported appliance used to replace missing teeth and restore function.
Problems with Fillings
Problems with Fillings describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Problems with Orthodontics
Problems with Orthodontics is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Professional Tooth Cleaning
Professional Tooth Cleaning describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Prophylaxis
A professional preventive cleaning for a mouth without active periodontal disease.
Prosthodontics
The dental specialty focused on restoring and replacing teeth and related oral structures.
Pulp
The soft inner tooth tissue containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Pulpitis
Pulpitis relates to the living tissue inside a tooth or treatment of inflammation and infection within the root canal system.
Letter Q
Quadrant
One of four sections used to describe areas of the mouth: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left.
Letter R
Radiograph
A diagnostic image made with X-rays; commonly called a dental X-ray.
Reasons to Choose Sedation
Reasons to Choose Sedation is part of dental comfort or anesthesia care and requires health screening, monitoring, and individualized instructions.
Recession
Movement of the gum margin that exposes more of the tooth or root.
Removable Partial Denture
Removable Partial Denture relates to a removable or implant-supported appliance used to replace missing teeth and restore function.
Repositioning Appliance
Repositioning Appliance is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Resorption
Loss of tooth or bone structure through the body’s cellular processes.
Respiratory Disease
Respiratory Disease may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Rest Preparation
Rest Preparation is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Retainer
An orthodontic appliance used to maintain tooth position after movement.
Root Canal
Root Canal relates to the living tissue inside a tooth or treatment of inflammation and infection within the root canal system.
Root Canal Retreatment
Root Canal Retreatment relates to the living tissue inside a tooth or treatment of inflammation and infection within the root canal system.
Root canal therapy
Treatment that removes inflamed or infected pulp, disinfects the canals, and seals the tooth.
Rubber Dam
Rubber Dam is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Letter S
Scaling and root planing
Deep cleaning below the gumline to remove deposits and smooth contaminated root surfaces.
Sealant
A thin protective coating placed in deep grooves of teeth to reduce cavity risk.
Sedation
Sedation is part of dental comfort or anesthesia care and requires health screening, monitoring, and individualized instructions.
Sedation Safety Protocols
Sedation Safety Protocols is part of dental comfort or anesthesia care and requires health screening, monitoring, and individualized instructions.
Sense of Taste
The ability to perceive flavors through taste receptors, saliva, smell, and nerve function.
Sialography
Imaging of a salivary gland and its ducts using contrast material.
Sinus lift
A grafting procedure that creates bone height beneath the sinus for selected upper-jaw implants.
Sjögrens Syndrome
An autoimmune condition that commonly reduces saliva and tears, increasing dry-mouth and cavity risk.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Smile Design
Planning that combines facial, gum, tooth, color, and bite information to evaluate cosmetic changes.
Socket Graft
Socket Graft is a procedure used to preserve, rebuild, or reposition bone or soft tissue for health or future treatment.
Soft-tissue Graft
A procedure that adds or repositions gum tissue to improve coverage, thickness, or stability.
Space Maintainer
Space Maintainer is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Sports or Activities
Sports or Activities is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Supernumerary Tooth
An extra tooth that develops in addition to the normal number of teeth.
Suspicious Changes In Your Mouth
Suspicious Changes In Your Mouth is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Swelling
Swelling is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Letter T
Tartar
Another name for calculus, the hardened deposits that form when plaque mineralizes.
Teenagers
Teenagers is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Teething
Teething describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Teledentistry
Dental consultation, screening, education, or follow-up performed through secure remote communication.
Temporary Crown
A short-term restoration that protects a prepared tooth while the final crown is made.
Temporary Mini Implants for Denture
Temporary Mini Implants for Denture relates to implant-supported tooth replacement and requires evaluation of bone, gums, bite, healing, and restorative design.
Thrush
An oral yeast infection that can cause removable white patches, redness, soreness, or altered taste.
TMJ Disorder
TMJ Disorder may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Tobacco
Tobacco may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Tobacco Counseling
Tobacco Counseling may affect oral tissues, disease risk, healing, comfort, or dental treatment planning and should be included in the health history.
Tomogram
Tomogram is a dental imaging method used to view anatomy or disease that may not be visible during a clinical examination.
Tooth Decay
Tooth Decay describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Tooth Discoloration
Tooth Discoloration describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Tooth Is Chipped or Cracked
Tooth Is Chipped or Cracked describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Tooth Is Knocked Out
Tooth Is Knocked Out describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Tooth Is Shifted or Displaced
Tooth Is Shifted or Displaced describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Tooth Loss
Tooth Loss describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Tooth Pulp
Tooth Pulp relates to the living tissue inside a tooth or treatment of inflammation and infection within the root canal system.
Tooth Removal
Tooth Removal describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Tooth Root
Tooth Root describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Tooth Root Resorption
Tooth Root Resorption describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Tooth Wear
Tooth Wear describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Tooth Whitening
Tooth Whitening describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Toothache
Toothache describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Topical Numbing Gel
Topical Numbing Gel is part of dental comfort or anesthesia care and requires health screening, monitoring, and individualized instructions.
Torus
A harmless bony growth that may form on the palate or inside the lower jaw.
Trauma to the Head, Face, or Neck
Trauma to the Head, Face, or Neck is a dental or health term that may be used when discussing oral anatomy, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
Types of Sedation
Types of Sedation is part of dental comfort or anesthesia care and requires health screening, monitoring, and individualized instructions.
Letter U
Underbite
A bite relationship in which lower front teeth sit ahead of the upper front teeth.
Unerupted Tooth
A tooth that has formed but has not yet emerged into the mouth.
Universal Numbering System
A common U.S. system assigning numbers 1–32 to permanent teeth and letters A–T to primary teeth.
Letter V
Vaping
Use of electronic aerosol devices; heat and chemicals may contribute to dry mouth and oral-tissue irritation.
Veneer
A thin restoration bonded to the front of a tooth to change shape, color, or appearance.
Vertical Dimension
The measured facial and jaw height when the teeth or dentures meet in a chosen position.
Letter W
White Spot Lesion
An opaque area of weakened enamel that may represent an early stage of mineral loss.
Wisdom teeth
The third molars, usually the last teeth to develop and erupt.
Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom Tooth describes tooth anatomy, disease, injury, or a procedure used to protect, repair, or replace tooth structure.
Letter X
X-ray
X-ray is a dental imaging method used to view anatomy or disease that may not be visible during a clinical examination.
Xerostomia
The sensation or condition of dry mouth caused by reduced saliva or changes in saliva quality.
Letter Y
Yellowing
A change toward a more yellow tooth appearance caused by dentin color, enamel thinning, stain, or aging.
Letter Z
Zirconia
A strong tooth-colored ceramic used for selected crowns, bridges, and implant restorations.
Zygomatic Implant
A specialized implant anchored in the cheekbone for selected patients with severe upper-jaw bone loss.
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