Abscess
A localised collection of pus. Often occurs when a nerve "dies" in a tooth i.e. becomes non-vital. Can cause pain, swelling, or both.
A localised collection of pus. Often occurs when a nerve "dies" in a tooth i.e. becomes non-vital. Can cause pain, swelling, or both.Amalgam Metal (silver/mercury) filling material often used for its strength and relatively low cost
Metal (silver/mercury) filling material often used for its strength and relatively low costANUG Acute gum infection also known as Vincent's Infection requires antimicrobial treatment and professional cleaning
Acute gum infection also known as Vincent's Infection requires antimicrobial treatment and professional cleaningApicectomy Operation to remove infection at the end of a tooth
"Bitewings" X-rays taken to check for cavities between teeth, under old fillings, and bone level between teeth usually performed every 2-4 years
Bonding White adhesive filling material
White adhesive filling materialBridge A bridge is a custom device, anchored to adjacent teeth, to replace one or more missing teeth. The anchor teeth are covered by crowns.
A bridge is a custom device, anchored to adjacent teeth, to replace one or more missing teeth. The anchor teeth are covered by crowns.Calculus A hard deposit on teeth; forms when plaque not cleaned from teeth. Also known as tartar.
A hard deposit on teeth; forms when plaque not cleaned from teeth. Also known as tartar.Caries Decay of a tooth
Decay of a toothComposite Resin White resin filling material
Cracked Cusp A hairline fracture of the tooth, usually occrring at the bottom corner of a
A hairline fracture of the tooth, usually occrring at the bottom corner of a cavity. Causes pain to biting and to thermal stimulus. See Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Crossbite A crossbite is a positional problem, where one or more of opposing upper and lower teeth bite on the wrong side of each other. This may affect either the front or the back teeth.
A crossbite is a positional problem, where one or more of opposing upper and lower teeth bite on the wrong side of each other. This may affect either the front or the back teeth.Crowding Crowding of the teeth is the most common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Although many factors contribute to dental crowding, this problem usually stems from a discrepancy between space available in each jaw and the size of the teeth. Aside from aesthetic considerations, poor alignment of teeth may be associated with periodontal problems and an increased risk of dental decay due to difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Crowding of the teeth is the most common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Although many factors contribute to dental crowding, this problem usually stems from a discrepancy between space available in each jaw and the size of the teeth. Aside from aesthetic considerations, poor alignment of teeth may be associated with periodontal problems and an increased risk of dental decay due to difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene.Crown The crown of a tooth is that part which is normally exposed to the oral cavity i.e. the part of the tooth visible in the mouth. May also refer to an artificial "cap" over a tooth, made of porcelain or metal.
The crown of a tooth is that part which is normally exposed to the oral cavity i.e. the part of the tooth visible in the mouth. May also refer to an artificial "cap" over a tooth, made of porcelain or metal.Decalcification Refers to the loss of mineral from the surface of a tooth - may show as white or brown patches on a tooth. If left to progress, may lead to a carious lesion.
Refers to the loss of mineral from the surface of a tooth - may show as white or brown patches on a tooth. If left to progress, may lead to a carious lesion.Deciduous Tooth Baby or primary tooth will be exfoliated and replaced by permanent tooth 20 in total
Dentine The inner, calcified part of a tooth. Provides most of the bulk of the tooth. The coronal portion of the tooth is covered by enamel. When exposed is usually sensitive.
The inner, calcified part of a tooth. Provides most of the bulk of the tooth. The coronal portion of the tooth is covered by enamel. When exposed is usually sensitive.Diastema A diastema is a space between two teeth and is commonly between the front incisor teeth.
A diastema is a space between two teeth and is commonly between the front incisor teeth.Dry Socket Osteitis Sicca an infection of a tooth socket following extraction occurs after approximately 5% of extractions or 25% of extractions in smokers
Osteitis Sicca an infection of a tooth socket following extraction occurs after approximately 5% of extractions or 25% of extractions in smokersEnamel Hard layer on a tooth crown - covers the part of the tooth exposed to the oral environment. Usually about 1mm thick.
Hard layer on a tooth crown - covers the part of the tooth exposed to the oral environment. Usually about 1mm thick.Endodontics Cleaning of an infection in the root canal system of a tooth a method of saving a tooth which otherwise would require extraction
Cleaning of an infection in the root canal system of a tooth a method of saving a tooth which otherwise would require extractionFissure Sealant A fissure sealant is an acrylic material that helps to shield out decay-causing bacteria from the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealant material forms a protective barrier by bonding to tooth surfaces and covering natural depressions and grooves (called pits and fissures) in the teeth.
A fissure sealant is an acrylic material that helps to shield out decay-causing bacteria from the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealant material forms a protective barrier by bonding to tooth surfaces and covering natural depressions and grooves (called pits and fissures) in the teeth. Fluoride Fluoride is a chemical compound that helps strengthen teeth as well as reduce tooth decay and sensitivity.
Fluoride is a chemical compound that helps strengthen teeth as well as reduce tooth decay and sensitivity.Frenectomy A surgical procedure to reduce the size of a frenum that is causing a gap between two teeth
A surgical procedure to reduce the size of a frenum that is causing a gap between two teethFrenum A fibrous band of tissue which attaches itself from the inner surface of the lip, cheek or tongue, to the lingual (inside) surface of the mouth. In some cases this fibrous band is quite thick and contributes to the spacing of the teeth.
A fibrous band of tissue which attaches itself from the inner surface of the lip, cheek or tongue, to the lingual (inside) surface of the mouth. In some cases this fibrous band is quite thick and contributes to the spacing of the teeth.Functional ApplianceAn orthopaedic appliance designed to correct a muscular or skeletal imbalance which is creating a malocclusion
An orthopaedic appliance designed to correct a muscular or skeletal imbalance which is creating a malocclusionGingivitis A reversible gum disease characterised by red, swollen gums which bleed easily the first stage of gum disease
A reversible gum disease characterised by red, swollen gums which bleed easily the first stage of gum diseaseGum Disease See Periodontitis
See PeriodontitisHalitosis Bad breath
Bad breathImbricated Crooked, overlapped teeth
Crooked, overlapped teethImpacted Tooth A tooth which is blocked from erupting, either by another tooth or by its positioning in the jaw bone
A tooth which is blocked from erupting, either by another tooth or by its positioning in the jaw boneImplant Replacement of a missing tooth with an embedded titanium post fitted with a porcelain crown constructed to look like a natural tooth.
Replacement of a missing tooth with an embedded titanium post fitted with a porcelain crown constructed to look like a natural tooth. Class 1 Malocclusion The jaw relationship is relatively normal but your teeth may be very crowded and unattractive.
The jaw relationship is relatively normal but your teeth may be very crowded and unattractive. Class 11 Malocclusion This is an overjet (commonly called an overbite). This is where a discrepancy lies between the upper and lower jaws (usually the lower jaw has not kept the same rate of growth as the upper jaw).
This is an overjet (commonly called an overbite). This is where a discrepancy lies between the upper and lower jaws (usually the lower jaw has not kept the same rate of growth as the upper jaw). Class 111 Malocclusion An under-bite. This can be a result of the upper jaw not keeping the same rate of growth as the lower jaw and/or the lower jaw is growing forward in excess.
An under-bite. This can be a result of the upper jaw not keeping the same rate of growth as the lower jaw and/or the lower jaw is growing forward in excess.Mesiodens An extra tooth (supernumerary) between the upper front teeth
An extra tooth (supernumerary) between the upper front teethMolars Large, broad multi-cusped teeth at the back of the mouth
Large, broad multi-cusped teeth at the back of the mouthMouthguard A soft, fitted device to protect the teeth against sports injuries
A soft, fitted device to protect the teeth against sports injuriesOcclusal Biting surface of a tooth
Biting surface of a toothOnlay Gold or porcelain filling made in a laboratory that covers and protects the biting surface of a tooth
Gold or porcelain filling made in a laboratory that covers and protects the biting surface of a toothOpenbite An openbite refers to a vertical open space when the upper teeth do not overlap the lower teeth at all. Ideally the upper front teeth should overlap the lower teeth by 1.5 - 2 mm. Openbites may result from environmental factors such as thumb/finger sucking, tongue thrust swallowing, mouth breathing and pacifiers.
An openbite refers to a vertical open space when the upper teeth do not overlap the lower teeth at all. Ideally the upper front teeth should overlap the lower teeth by 1.5 - 2 mm. Openbites may result from environmental factors such as thumb/finger sucking, tongue thrust swallowing, mouth breathing and pacifiers.Operculum Piece of gum over the top of an erupting tooth
Piece of gum over the top of an erupting toothOPG Orthopantomogram a single x-ray that gives a view of all the teeth
Orthopantomogram a single x-ray that gives a view of all the teethOrthodontics An area of dentistry concerned with the correction of malocclusion and the restoration of teeth to proper functioning
An area of dentistry concerned with the correction of malocclusion and the restoration of teeth to proper functioningOverbite Overbite is the amount of vertical overlap of the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are biting together. In some cases there may be little or no lower teeth showing. Ideally the upper front teeth should overlap the lower teeth by 2-3mm.
Overbite is the amount of vertical overlap of the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are biting together. In some cases there may be little or no lower teeth showing. Ideally the upper front teeth should overlap the lower teeth by 2-3mm.Overjet Overjet is the size of the horizontal space between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are biting together. Ideally the upper and lower front teeth should touch each other.
Overjet is the size of the horizontal space between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are biting together. Ideally the upper and lower front teeth should touch each other.Papilla Pointy gum between the teeth
Pointy gum between the teethPeg Tooth Peg lateral is the term used to describe lateral incisors which have developed a smaller and/or an abnormal shape to the normal lateral incisor. It is believed to be a genetic trait and very little is known why lateral incisors develop in this unusual shape and why it is mainly lateral incisor teeth which are affected. Peg laterals can be modified by the dentist making the peg tooth/teeth more realistic to the normal dimensions.
Peg lateral is the term used to describe lateral incisors which have developed a smaller and/or an abnormal shape to the normal lateral incisor. It is believed to be a genetic trait and very little is known why lateral incisors develop in this unusual shape and why it is mainly lateral incisor teeth which are affected. Peg laterals can be modified by the dentist making the peg tooth/teeth more realistic to the normal dimensions.Periodontal DiseaseAn infection of the gums characterised by red, swollen bleeding gums- in advanced cases also involves loss of gum and bone support around the teeth the teeth may become loose and painful
An infection of the gums characterised by red, swollen bleeding gums- in advanced cases also involves loss of gum and bone support around the teeth the teeth may become loose and painfulPeriodontitis Advanced gum disease
Advanced gum diseasePlaque A sticky, bacteria-containing film which forms on tooth surfaces can lead to caries and periodontal disease
A sticky, bacteria-containing film which forms on tooth surfaces can lead to caries and periodontal diseasePulp The living tissue inside a tooth which contains blood vessels and nerves provides sensation within a tooth
The living tissue inside a tooth which contains blood vessels and nerves provides sensation within a toothRadiograph X-ray
X-rayRCT Root Canal Treatment see Endodontics
Root Canal Treatment see EndodonticsSubgingival Below the gumline
Below the gumlineSupernumerary An extra tooth
An extra toothSupragingival Above the gumline
Above the gumlineTartar See calculus
See calculusTMJ Temporomandibular Joint - the jaw joint
Temporomandibular Joint - the jaw jointTorus A benign lump of bone often occurs on the inside of the lower jaw
A benign lump of bone often occurs on the inside of the lower jawTuberosity Rounded area at the back of the upper teeth
Rounded area at the back of the upper teethVeneer Thin porcelain facing placed over the front of a tooth to improve the appearance
Thin porcelain facing placed over the front of a tooth to improve the appearanceGLOSSARY OF DENTAL TERMS
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