Dental Terms Explained

The wearing away of tooth structure caused by mechanical forces such as aggressive brushing, abrasive toothpaste, or habits like chewing on hard objects. Abrasion typically appears as a notched groove near the gum line of the tooth.

A tooth or implant post that serves as an anchor for a dental bridge or crown. In implant dentistry, the abutment is the connector piece placed on top of the implant post before the crown is attached.

A dental filling material made from a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Amalgam is highly durable and has been used safely for over 150 years. It appears silver-grey and is used primarily in back teeth.

The front teeth: the incisors and canines (cuspids) in both the upper and lower jaw. Anterior teeth are designed for cutting and tearing food, and they play a significant role in speech and smile aesthetics.

A minor surgical procedure in which the tip (apex) of a tooth root is removed and sealed. An apicoectomy is performed when a root canal treatment has not resolved an infection at the root tip, or when retreatment is not possible.

The gradual wearing down of tooth surfaces through tooth-to-tooth contact. Attrition is accelerated by bruxism (teeth grinding) and results in flattened, shortened teeth. Severe attrition can alter the bite and cause sensitivity.

A type of dental radiograph that shows the crowns of the upper and lower teeth simultaneously, allowing the dentist to detect cavities between teeth and assess the bone level between teeth. Typically taken annually for most adults.

A surgical procedure in which bone material is placed in an area of the jaw where bone has been lost. Bone grafts are commonly used before implant placement when insufficient bone exists, or after tooth extraction to preserve the socket.

The involuntary habit of grinding, clenching, or gnashing the teeth, most commonly during sleep. Bruxism can lead to tooth wear, cracking, jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ disorders. Treatment options include nightguards and stress management.

Hardened dental plaque that has mineralised on the tooth surface. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing or flossing — only a professional dental cleaning can remove it. Calculus buildup contributes to gum disease.

The pointed, single-cusp teeth located between the incisors and premolars. Humans have four canines — one in each quadrant. They are the longest teeth in the mouth and are designed for tearing food. Also called cuspids or eye teeth.

The scientific term for tooth decay — a bacterial infection that progressively destroys tooth structure. Bacteria produce acids from dietary sugars, which dissolve enamel and dentin. Early caries can be reversed with fluoride; advanced caries require fillings.

Cone beam computed tomography — a 3D imaging technique used in dentistry to view bone structure, tooth roots, nerves, and sinuses in detail. CBCT is commonly used in implant planning, root canal evaluation, and orthodontic assessment.

A tooth-coloured plastic and glass mixture used for dental fillings, bonding, and cosmetic procedures. Composite bonds directly to tooth structure, requiring less tooth removal than amalgam. It is the most commonly used filling material in modern dentistry.

A dental restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth down to the gum line. Crowns are used to restore severely decayed or damaged teeth, protect teeth after root canal treatment, and cover dental implants. Materials include porcelain, zirconia, and gold.

The first set of 20 teeth that erupt in childhood, also called primary teeth or milk teeth. They begin erupting around 6 months and are gradually replaced by 32 permanent teeth starting around age 6. Despite being temporary, their health is important for speech, chewing, and guiding permanent teeth.

The hard tissue layer beneath tooth enamel, making up the bulk of the tooth structure. Dentin is softer than enamel, yellowish in colour, and contains tiny tubules connected to the nerve. Exposed dentin — from enamel erosion or recession — causes tooth sensitivity.

A painful complication following tooth extraction in which the blood clot is dislodged or dissolves before the socket heals, exposing the underlying bone. Dry socket causes severe, radiating pain and requires treatment with medicated dressing from a dentist. Smoking significantly increases the risk.

A titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. After integrating with the bone (osseointegration), the implant supports a crown, bridge, or denture. Implants are the most durable long-term tooth replacement option.

A thin plastic coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent tooth decay in the deep grooves and pits where brushing cannot reach. Sealants are most commonly applied to children's permanent molars shortly after they erupt, but adults can benefit too.

A thin shell of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. Veneers can correct discolouration, chips, minor misalignment, and shape irregularities. Porcelain veneers are very durable and stain-resistant; preparation is irreversible as a small amount of enamel must be removed.

The hard, translucent outer layer covering the crown of each tooth. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body but can be dissolved by acid and cannot regenerate once lost. It protects the sensitive dentin and pulp beneath.

The dental specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. An endodontist is a specialist who primarily performs root canal treatments and other pulp-related procedures.

The process by which a tooth emerges through the gum tissue and becomes visible in the mouth. Primary teeth begin erupting around 6 months of age; permanent teeth begin replacing them around age 6. Wisdom teeth typically erupt between ages 17 and 25.

The removal of a tooth from its socket in the jaw. Simple extractions are performed on visible, erupted teeth under local anesthesia. Surgical extractions are required for impacted or broken teeth and involve cutting the gum and/or bone.

A removable partial denture with one or more replacement teeth attached to an acrylic base that fits against the gum. Flippers are inexpensive, temporary prosthetics typically used while a patient waits for a permanent restoration such as an implant or bridge.

A naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and inhibits the bacteria that cause cavities. Fluoride is applied professionally in the dental office (varnish or gel) and is found in fluoridated water, toothpaste, and mouth rinses. It can reverse early (pre-cavity) tooth decay.

The earliest and mildest stage of gum disease, characterised by red, swollen gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup and is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

The process in which the margin of the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, exposing more of the tooth or its root. Recession can be caused by aggressive brushing, gum disease, grinding, or thin gum tissue. It leads to sensitivity and, if severe, tooth loss.

Persistent bad breath. In most cases, halitosis originates in the mouth from volatile sulfur compounds produced by bacteria that colonise the tongue, gums, and spaces between teeth. Causes include poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, and certain foods. Less commonly, it originates in the sinuses, lungs, or digestive system.

A tooth that cannot fully erupt into the mouth because it is blocked by bone, another tooth, or soft tissue. Wisdom teeth are the most frequently impacted. An impacted tooth may need surgical removal if it causes pain, infection, cyst formation, or damage to adjacent teeth.

The four front teeth in each arch (eight total). Incisors have a flat, blade-like shape designed for cutting food. They are typically the first permanent teeth to erupt (around age 6–7) and the most visible teeth in the smile.

Custom-fabricated restorations used when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but does not require a full crown. An inlay fits within the cusp tips; an onlay covers one or more cusps. They are made from porcelain, composite, or gold and cemented into place.

Misalignment of the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed. Types include overbite (upper teeth protrude forward), underbite (lower teeth protrude forward), crossbite, and open bite. Malocclusion can affect chewing, speech, and jaw joint health, and is treated with orthodontics or oral surgery.

The lower jaw bone — the only movable bone in the skull. The mandible holds the lower teeth and is connected to the skull at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on each side. Fractures of the mandible are the most common facial bone fractures.

The upper jaw bone. The maxilla is fixed (not movable) and holds the upper teeth. It also forms part of the hard palate (roof of the mouth), the floor of the eye sockets, and the nasal cavity walls.

The large, multi-cusped teeth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food. Adults have three molars in each quadrant: first molar (erupts around age 6), second molar (around age 12), and third molar (wisdom tooth, around age 17–25). Molars bear the greatest chewing forces.

A custom-fitted removable acrylic appliance worn over the teeth at night to protect against the effects of bruxism (teeth grinding). Nightguards do not stop grinding but prevent tooth-to-tooth contact, reducing wear, cracking, and jaw pain.

A unique 10-digit identification number required for all healthcare providers in the United States by HIPAA. Every licensed dentist practising in the US has an NPI. The NPI Registry (NPPES) is a public database maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The way upper and lower teeth fit together when the jaw is closed or during chewing. Proper occlusion distributes biting forces evenly across all teeth. Poor occlusion can cause uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, TMJ disorders, and headaches.

The dental specialty concerned with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth, jaws, face, and neck. Oral surgeons perform extractions (including wisdom teeth), implant placement, jaw surgery, and treatment of facial trauma.

The dental specialty focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontists use braces, clear aligners, retainers, and other appliances to move teeth into proper position. Treatment improves bite function, hygiene, and smile appearance.

The biological process in which bone tissue grows around and fuses with the surface of a dental implant, anchoring it permanently in the jaw. Osseointegration typically takes three to six months after implant placement and is the foundation of implant stability.

The roof of the mouth. The hard palate (front portion) is formed by bone; the soft palate (back portion) is muscular. The palate separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity and plays a role in speaking, chewing, and swallowing.

A dentist who specialises in the oral health of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric dentists complete an additional two to three years of specialty training beyond dental school and are trained to manage children's dental development, behaviour, and dental anxiety.

An infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth, most commonly a wisdom tooth. Food and bacteria become trapped under the gum flap, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes difficulty opening the mouth. Treatment includes irrigation, antibiotics, and often extraction of the offending tooth.

The dental specialty dealing with the supporting structures of the teeth — the gums (gingiva), periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Periodontists diagnose and treat gum disease at all stages, perform gum and bone surgery, and place dental implants.

A sticky, colourless film of bacteria that constantly forms on tooth surfaces. Plaque bacteria produce acids from sugars that erode enamel and cause cavities. When plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus) and contributes to gum disease.

The space between a tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. Healthy pockets measure 1–3 mm. When gum disease causes the gum to pull away from the tooth, pockets deepen (4 mm or more), providing an environment for bacteria to accumulate and destroy bone and tissue.

The dental specialty focused on the design, fabrication, and fitting of dental prostheses — including crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant-supported restorations. Prosthodontists are experts in restoring and replacing missing or damaged teeth to restore function and aesthetics.

The soft tissue inside the tooth, contained within the root canals and pulp chamber. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It is responsible for tooth sensitivity and played a role in tooth formation. Root canal treatment removes the pulp when it becomes infected or inflamed.

A custom-made appliance worn after orthodontic treatment to hold teeth in their corrected positions while the surrounding bone stabilises. Retainers can be removable (clear plastic or wire/acrylic Hawley type) or fixed (a thin wire bonded to the back of the teeth). Consistent retainer wear prevents teeth from shifting back.

The natural hollow channel within the root of a tooth that contains the dental pulp (nerves and blood vessels). "Root canal" also refers to the endodontic treatment procedure that cleans, shapes, and seals these canals after the pulp has been removed due to infection or damage.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the skull in front of each ear. TMJ disorder (TMD) refers to a group of conditions affecting this joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement, causing pain, clicking, limited opening, and headaches. Most cases are managed non-surgically.

A condition characterised by insufficient saliva production. Dry mouth is caused by many medications, radiation therapy, Sjögren's syndrome, and other medical conditions. Without adequate saliva, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases significantly because saliva neutralises acids and washes away food particles.

A very strong, white ceramic material used in dentistry for crowns, bridges, and implant abutments. Zirconia restorations are tooth-coloured, highly durable, and biocompatible. They are particularly suitable for back teeth that experience heavy chewing forces and have largely replaced metal-based restorations in many practices.