Treatments at LS1 Dental in Leeds

A

ABRASION - tooth wear caused by forces other than chewing such as holding objects between teeth or poor brushing methods

ABSCESS - the term used for a local infection.  May be caused by severe decay, periodontal disease, or trauma.  Typical symptoms are; swelling and pain. A ruptured abscess will be accompanied by sudden relief from pain due to a reduction in pressure in the mouth. Occasionally, a foul taste may be noticed.

ABUTMENT – a tooth (or implant) which supports a dental prosthesis.

ACRYLIC RESIN -  a type of plastic used in dentistry to make dentures.

ACTIVE ERUPTION - the emergence of a tooth from the jaw.

ADHESION - the sticking of substances

ADJUSTMENT - a modification made to a dental prosthesis, after it has been completed and inserted into the mouth.

AEROBIC BACTERIA - bacteria which grow in oxygen rich environments.

AGAR - a gelatin like substance obtained from seaweed; used in impression materials.

ALGINATE - an impression material used by dental surgeons for making stone models.

ALVEOLECTOMY - an operation where portions of the alveolar bone are removed.

ALVEOLAR BONE - the part of the jaw that surround the roots of the teeth.

ALVEOLAR CREST - the highest portion of the alveolar bone.

ALVEOLAR EMINENCE - outline of the root on the facet portion of the alveolar bone.

ALVEOLAR PROCESS - the curving part of the jaw into which teeth are rooted.

ALVEOLUS - the socket in the alveolar bone into which the tooth’s root sits.

AMALGAM – also known as a silver filling; an alloy composed of; Mercury 50%, Silver 35%, Tin 13%, Copper 0-3%, Zinc 0-1%, used in dental restorations.

ANAEROBIC BACTERIA - bacteria that can grow without oxygen; often associated with periodontal disease.

ANODONTIA - the developmental absence of teeth.

ANTIBIOTIC – a substance produced by or derived from bacteria which is able to inhibit or kill other  bacteria.  Often prescribed by dentists. 

ANTIMICROBIAL – destroying/inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

ANATOMICAL CROWN - the portion of a tooth which is covered with enamel.

ANTISCEPTIC - a chemical agent used to destroy germs.  It can be applied to living tissues.

ANESTHESIA - medication often used by dentists to relieve the sensation of pain.  General anesthesia is a controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of protective reflexes, including; ability to maintain airway and respond purposefully to physical stimulation.  Intravenous sedation/analgesia is a medically controlled state of depressed consciousness while maintaining the airway, protective reflexes and the ability to respond to stimulation. It includes intravenous administration of sedative and/or analgesic agent(s).  Local anesthesia is the loss of pain sensation over a specific area of the anatomy.  There is no loss of consciousness.  Non intravenous conscious sedation is a medically controlled state of depressed consciousness while maintaining the patient’s airway, protective reflexes and the ability to respond to stimulation.

ANTERIOR – a term often used in dentistry to describe the position of teeth.  Anterior refers to; situated in front of.

ANTERIOR TEETH - the front teeth including incisors and cupids.

ANUG - Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis. An acute, painful condition which is characterized by severe gingival redness, bleeding, foul breath and pain.

APEX - the pointed extremity of a particular structure.

APICAL FORAMEN - the opening at the end of the root of a tooth.  Through this, the tooth receives its nerve and blood supply.

APICOECTOMY - removal of the tip of a tooth root.

ARCH - a curvature; both the maxillary and mandibular ridge form  a horseshoe shaped arch.

ARTICULATING PAPER - /carbon paper; used to mark contact between the upper and lower teeth

ARTICULATOR - a mechanical device used to replicate functional movements of the jaw to casts.

ASPIRATOR - a tube-like straw which the dentist places in the mouth for sucking, water, saliva and debris.

ASYMMETRY/ SYMMETRY - to be aesthetic.  Tooth size, shape and gum contour, close to identical from one side of the mouth to the other.  The incisal edges of your teeth should follow the contour of the upper lip. 

ATTACHMENT LEVEL - a numerical measure of the amount of attachment of the periodontal ligament to a tooth.  Determined by combining a pocket depth measurement with a gingival recession. This level is considered one of the most important measures of periodontal disease and indicates treatment success.

ATTRITION - the wearing away of tooth structure through chewing, biting, etc.

B
BICUSPIDS – a tooth with two cusps. The first and second bicuspids are the fourth and fifth teeth from the centre of the mouth, respectively. They are the back teeth, used for chewing.

BIFURCATION - having two branches.

BILATERAL - occurring on, or pertaining to, both right and left sides.

BITEWING - X-ray’s that shows the upper and lower teeth's biting surfaces on the same film.

BLEACHING - whitening of teeth using peroxide.

BOLUS - a chewed up mass of food and saliva.

BONDING – adhesion, adhering tooth-coloured resin materials to tooth surface to create a bond to correct stained or damaged teeth.

Bonding (Composite Resin) - enamel-like resin is bonded to a tooth's surface, sculpted to an ideal shape, hardened and then polished.

BRIDGE - a fixed/removable prosthetic appliance that is permanently attached to remaining teeth and replaces missing/lost teeth/tooth.

BRUXISM - constant grinding or clenching of teeth, which usually occurs during sleep.

BUCCAL - or pertaining to the cheek.

BUCCINATOR MUSCLE - the medical term for cheek muscle.

C
CALCIFICATION - hardening through the deposition of lime salts.

CALCULUS - hard deposit of mineralized material which form on teeth.

CANAL - a relatively narrow tubular passage or channel which contains nerve tissue and blood vessels

CANINES - see CUSPIDS.

CARIOGENIC - or cancer causing.

CARIES - medical term for decay caused by decalcification of the enamel and disintegration of the dentin by acid producing bacteria i.e. tooth decay.

CARIOGENIC – promotes tooth decay.

CAST - reproduction of the mouth in stone or plaster often used in bridge work. 

CAVITY - decay in tooth which is caused by caries.

CEMENT - a dental material used to seal inlays, onlays and crowns.  Sometimes used for pupal protection.

CEMENTUM – the hard connective tissue covering the tooth root.

CENTRIC OCCLUSION - the relationship of the occlusal surfaces of one arch to those in the opposing arch at physical rest position.

CENTRIC RELATION - the relationship of the maxillary arch to the mandibular arch when the condyle is in its most, retracted position.

CERVIX - the neck of the tooth, where the crown joins the root or the enamel joins the cementum.

CHEEK POUCH - the area of the mouth inside the cheeks.
 
CINGULUM - a raised area on the lingual surface of anterior teeth.

CLASP - the metal part of a partial denture which helps to retain, support and stabilize the denture.

CLEFT LIP – a birth defect in which one or more fissures form in the upper lip.  This takes place while the feotus is growing.

CLEFT PALATE - congenital deformity resulting in lack of fusion of the soft and/or hard palate.  It is either partial or complete.

CLENCHING TEETH - the pressing of the jaws and teeth together in centric occlusion.  Associated with psychological stress or physical effort.

CLINICAL CROWN - the portion of the tooth visible in the mouth, extending from the occlusal/incisal edge to the crest of the free gingiva.

COL - a V-shaped depression in the facial-lingual interdental papilla located cervically to the contact area of the tooth.

COMPOSITE FILLING – a tooth-coloured restorative material usually a mixture of filler particles in a liquid resin. Usually, the resin used is BIS-GMA (bis-gammamethylmetacrylate). Filler particles are added to alter the color and wear characteristics. Common filler particles include; silica, aluminum, zinc, tin, copper and iron.

COMPOSITE RESIN - tooth-coloured filling material made of resin reinforced with silica/porcelain.

CONCAVE - curving inwards.

CONTACT AREA - that portion of the proximal surface of a tooth which touches the adjacent tooth.

CONVEX - curving outwards.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY - the field of dentistry dedicated to improvement of the colour and/or shape of teeth, enhancing a person's smile, overall appearance and oral health.

COSMETIC CONTOURING - reshaping teeth to make them straighter or improve aesthetics.

CREST - a prominence/ridge.

CROSS CONTAMINATION - passing disease/infection indirectly from one patient to another through the use of inadequate sterilization procedures.

CROWN - a cap, cover, or restoration involving full coveridge of a tooth, to replace the missing portion of a tooth. (This procedure can also correct general bite with individual teeth or replace missing teeth.) Usually used when the tooth cannot be restored by a filling.

CROWN LENGHTHENING - a surgical procedure exposing more tooth for restorative purposes.  The procedures involves apically positioning the gingival margin and/or removing supporting bone.

CURETTAGE - the surgical scraping of bacteria from soft tissue. A periodontal procedure which is usually performed one quadrant at a time.

CUSPID - the third tooth from the centre of the mouth towards the back, also referred to as canines.

CUSPS - elevated points on the chewing surfaces of posterior teeth.

CUSTOM TRAY - a tailor made tray, individually made to fit a patient's mouth.

D
DEBRIDEMENT - treatment of a bacterial infection by removing irritants such as bacteria and calculus from the periodontal pocket so as to allow healing of adjacent tissues.  Also the removal of dead tissue.

DECALCIFICATION - the loss of calcium from teeth, weakening them and making them more susceptible to decay.

DECAY – everyday term for carious lesions in a tooth, i.e. decomposition of tooth structure.

DECIDUOUS TEETH – the term used for baby teeth i.e. teeth that exfoliate or shed

DEGLUTITION - swallowing.

DEMINERALIZATION - loss of mineral from tooth enamel, under the surface in a carious lesion.  This usually appears as a white area on the tooth surface.

DENTAL MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION  (D.M.O.) - a legal entity that accepts the responsibility of providing  services at a fixed price.

DENTAL PROPHYLAXIS - scaling and polishing procedure performed to remove plaque, calculus and stains.  Often by a hygienist.

DENTAL PROTHESIS - an artificial device that replaces missing teeth.

DENTAL RESIN - a dental material  applied to the tooth which is used in cases of severe dentinal hypersensitivity; usually not used unless all other treatment attempts have failed.

DENTAL VARNISH - a hypersensitivity treatment which sometimes contains sodium fluoride.  It is applied to the tooth surface, covering the outer surface of dentin and hence blocking transmission of stimuli to the pulp.

DENTINE - the hard, yellow coloured tissue layer of tooth structure under the enamel and cementum.

DENTITION - natural teeth as a unit. Permanent dentition refers to the permanent teeth in the dental arch and deciduous dentition refers to the deciduous or primary teeth in the arch.

DENTURE - a removable appliance (prosthesis) that is an artificial substitute for natural teeth and adjacent tissues.

DENTURE BASE - the part of a denture which holds the artificial teeth and fits over the gums.

DESENSITIZATION - the blocking of painful stimuli which cause dentinal hypersensitivity.

DESICCATE - to make dry remove all moisture.

DESQUAMATION - a peeling of gingival tissue, in cases of desquamative gingivitis, the tissues may appear smooth and shiny, with patches of bright red/gray. Surface tissue may peel away and expose a raw, bleeding, painful surface.

DEVELOPMENTAL DEPRESSION - a concavity in a surface that formed while the tooth was in the developmental stages.

DIAGNOSIS - the identification of the nature of a disorder.

DIASTEMA – the space between two teeth.

DILACERATION - an abnormal tooth where both the crown and the root are twisted.

DIPHYODONT - two successive sets of teeth.
 
DISINFECTION - a cleaning process which destroys microorganisms, but not highly resistant forms such as bacterial and mycotic spores.

DISINFECTANT - a chemical agent which destroys germs.

DISTAL - the surface of the tooth farthest from the midline of the dental arch.

DRY SOCKET - localized inflammation of the tooth socket following extraction.  Usually caused by infection or loss of blood clot.

E
EDEMA - swelling resulting from fluid accumulation in gingival tissues.

EDENTULOUS – toothless.

EMBRASURE - the space between two teeth which is created by the sloping away of the mesial and distal surfaces.

EMPRESS - type of porcelain crown/veneer. The material blends very nicely with the surrounding teeth and is very aesthetic.

ENAMEL - the hard, white outer layer of a tooth that covers and protects the dentine and composed of 95% calcium hydroxyapatite.

ENDODONTICS (ENDO) - the treatment of diseases or injuries that affect the root tip or nerve of a tooth.

ENDODONTIST - a dental specialist who treats disease and injuries of the pulp and associated peripadicular conditions.

EROSION - the wearing down of tooth structure due to the presence of gastric juices/citrus. It is often accompanied by attrition and/or abrasion. Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and juices should be avoided in patients which suffer from erosion.

ERUPTION - the occlusal moving of the tooth.  The tooth usually emerges or pushes through the gums.

EXISION – the surgical removal of bone or tissue.

EXPLORER - a probe like dental instrument used to detect cavity growth.

EXTRACTION - the removal of teeth by dentists.

EXTRAORAL - outside the mouth.

F
FILLING – everyday term used for the restoring of lost tooth structure by using metal, alloy, plastic or porcelain.

FILTRUM - the dimple or indentation under the nose located, directly above the upper lip.

FISSURE - cleft-like grooves in the chewing surface of the back teeth.

FISTULA - an abnormal passage formed in the gum tissue.  Through the fistula, an abscessed tooth drains.

FIXED APPLIANCE – (brace) bonded to the teeth to produce different tooth movements to help reposition teeth.

FIXED BRIDGE - a fixed dental appliance which is cemented or bonded to adjacent teeth which have been prepared to act as anchor supports.

FIXED PARTIAL DENTURE - a prosthetic replacement of missing teeth cemented or attached to the abutment teeth or implant abutments adjacent to the space.

FLUORIDE - topical application of a gel or liquid which prevents decay.

FLUOROSIS – or enamel mottling; discoloration of the enamel due to excessive fluoride absorption into the bloodstream.

FORAMEN - an opening in the bone.

FOSSA - a shallow depression on the lingual surfaces of front teeth.

FRACTURE – the breaking of a tooth.

FREE GINGIVA - the marginal part of the gingival (gums) which can be deflected from the tooth surface.  A collar is formed around the tooth.

FULL MOUTH X RAYS – a combination of 14 or more periapical and 4 bitewing films of back teeth.  This series of x-rays reveals all the teeth and the alveolar bone around surrounding them.

FUNCTIONAL OCCLUSION – an occlusion that is free of interferences to smooth gliding movements of the mandible, with no pathology.

G
GENERAL  ANESTHESIA - relief of pain.

GERIATRIC  DENTIST - general dentist who primarily treats senior citizens.

GINGIVA - the soft tissue surrounding teeth, also known as the gum.

GINGIVAL CREST - the prominent edge of occlusal/incisal gingiva.

GINGIVAL HYPERPLASIA – the overgrowth of gingival tissues.

GINGIVAL HYPERTROPHY - the abnormal enlargement of the gingiva surrounding the teeth caused by poor oral hygiene or certain medications.

GINGIVECTOMY - the removal of soft tissue surrounding the tooth.  Typically used in treating periodontal disease.

GINGIVITIS – the inflammation of gingival tissue without loss of connective tissue.

GINGIVECTOMY - the excision or removal of gingiva.

GINGIVOPLASTY – the surgical procedure to reshape gingiva.

GOLDON PROPORTION - the guidelines which dentists use in determining the most aesthetic appearance of a tooth.

GUTTA PERCHA - material used in the filling of root canals.

GRAFT – placement of tissue or alloplastic material in contact with tissue to repair a defect or supplement a deficiency.

GUIDED TISSUE REGENERATION - procedure during flap surgery for periodontal disease in which a membrane is inserted between the alveolar bone and the bone graft.  This encourages the gum tissues to grow onto the alveolar bone.

H

HANDPIECE - the instrument used to hold and revolve burs in dental treatment.

HEAT-STERILIZING - use of an autoclave or dry-heat sterilizer to kill disease-causing agents. Instruments that are not heat stable and cannot tolerate high temperatures are thoroughly cleaned and soaked in disinfectant chemicals.

HETERODONT - different types of teeth within the same dentition (i.e. incisors, canines, molars).

HIGH LIPLINE – the point where the widest smile meets the gum tissue above the teeth.

HISTO-DIFFERENTIATION - development into a specialized tissue.

HOMODONT - the presence of only one tooth type in the dentition.

HOME WHITENING – patient bleaches teeth themselves using custom made trays and a bleaching agent.

HYPERSENSITIVITY - a sharp, sudden painful reaction in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, chemical, mechanical or osmotic stimuli.

I
IDEAL OCCLUSION - a harmonious relationship of the teeth and masticatory system.  An anatomically perfect occlusion is rare.

IMMEDIATE DENTURE - a complete or partial prosthesis constructed for placement immediately after removal of natural teeth.

IMPACTED TOOTH - an unerupted/partially erupted tooth that is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue preventing complete eruption.

IMPACTION - an unerupted/partially erupted tooth that will not fully erupt into the mouth because of an obstruction.

IMPLANT - a fixed dental appliance used to replace missing teeth.  A titanium post is implanted into the bone. A crown, bridge, or denture is then placed over the implant to restore functionality and improve aesthetics.

IMPLANTATION TOOTH – the placement of an artificial or natural tooth into an alveolus.

IMPRESSION TRAY - used for taking impressions and formed in the general shape of the mouth. 

INCISOR - the central or lateral front teeth (first and second teeth from the midline of the mouth) with cutting edges (4 upper and 4 lower).

IN-HOUSE /IN-OFFICE WHITENING – bleaching agents, carbamide / hydrogen peroxide, are applied to natural teeth tissue.  Dental curing lights are used to activate the bleaching agent.

INLAY - a gold, porcelain or composite resin (made to fit a prepared cavity) cemented or bonded in place to help restore a decayed or broken tooth.  If it covers the tips of the teeth, it is called an onlay.

INCISAL EDGE - the cutting edge, ridge, or surface of anterior teeth.

INTERPROXIMAL - between teeth.

INTRAORAL - inside the mouth.

INVISALIGN - a system used to move teeth without the use of conventional braces and archwires. A series of clear plastic trays are computer fabricated with each tray gradually shifting the teeth into proper alignment.

IONTOPHOR - the process of introducing a drug through the dental enamel by use of an electrical current.  Usually used in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.

IRRIGATION – the use of a solution to wash out the mouth.

J

JAW - the name for the maxilla/mandible joint.

K

L
LABIAL - pertaining to or around lips.

Laminate Veneer - a thin porcelain resin shell that is bonded to the enamel of front teeth.

Laminating - the process of applying a thin porcelain or composite resin veneer to a tooth.

Low Lipline - where the widest smile barely reveals the bottom edges of the upper front teeth.

LABIAL - facial surface of anterior teeth, next to the lip.

LAMINATE VENEER - a thin porcelain or composite resin shell that is bonded to the enamel of teeth to restore discolored, damaged, misshaped teeth.

LESION – injury or wound.

LINGUAL - pertaining to or around the tongue.

LOBE - centre of tooth formation.

LOCAL ANESTHESIA – drug used to relieve the sensation of pain in a localized area.

M
MALOCCLUSION - a deviation from the ideal positioning of upper and lower teeth or jaw.

MAMELON - small elevations of enamel present on the incisors when they erupt.

MANDIBLE - lower jaw.

MARYLAND BRIDGE - a type of fixed partial denture which does not require crowns. It is bonded to natural teeth to secure it.

MASTICATION - chewing.

MASTICATORY SYSTEM - the teeth and surrounding structures including; jaws, temporomandibular joint, muscles, tongue and lips.

MAXILLAE - upper jaw.

MERCURY - a metal, one of the components of amalgam fillings.

MESIAL - the surface of the tooth nearest the midline of the dental arch.

MICRO ABRASION - a drill-free technique using an instrument resembling a tiny sand blaster which delivers aluminum oxide particles to the surface of teeth.

MIDLINE - an imaginary vertical line that divides the face into two equal parts.

MIXED DENTITION- the developmental stage when both deciduous and permanent teeth are visible.

MOLAR - teeth posterior to the premolars (bicuspids) on either side of the jaw.  They have broad chewing surfaces.

MOUTHGUARD – a device that fits over the teeth to prevent injury to the mouth.  A mouthguard may also refer to a device that prevents tooth grinding or treats temporomandibular disorders.

MUCOSA - the thin, outer pink-red membrane lining the inside of the oral cavity.

N

NIGHTGUARD - a removable acrylic appliance used to minimize the effects of grinding (bruxism) and TMJ problems.

O
OCCLUSAL - relating to the biting surface of teeth.

OCCLUSAL EQUILIBRATION - process of refining and perfecting the occlusion.

OCCLUSAL PLANE - the imaginary surface on which upper and lower teeth meet.

OCCLUSAL TRAUMA - results from excessive force placed on a normal dentition such as grinding and clenching of teeth.

OCCLUSION - the relationship of the teeth in a closed position in both the maxillary and mandibular arch.

ONLAY - a porcelain, resin, or gold filling that protects a tooth by covering the chewing surface and replacing one or more of cusps of a tooth.

OPAQUING – using a material to cover the metal work of a prosthesis so that it doesn't show through.

OPEN BITE - increased distance between the two arches; i.e. space between the front upper and lower teeth when the back teeth are touching.

ORAL - pertaining to the mouth.

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON -  specialist involved in the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, deformities, defects and esthetic aspects of the oral and maxillofacial regions.

ORAL CAVITY - the mouth.

ORAL MUSOCA  - the pink-red tissues that line the mouth.

ORAL SURGERY (O.S.) - surgery of the mouth.

ORAL PATHOLOGIST – specialist who examines oral tissues for evidence of suspected abnormalities.

ORTHODONTICS - a branch of dentistry dealing with irregularities of teeth and the correction of them.

ORTHODONTIST – specialist who designs and applies corrective and supportive appliances and braces, to realign crooked teeth.

OSSEONINTEGRATION - process by which bone heals around an implant.

OSTEOTOMY - surgical cutting of bone.

OVERDENTURE  - prosthetic device that overlies and may be supported by retained tooth roots or implants.


P
PALATE – the roof of the mouth.

PALATAL SURFACE - the surface of the maxillary teeth which are nearest the palate.

PANOREX - a large x-ray taken outside the mouth which shows all the teeth on one x-ray film.

PARTIAL DENTURE - a fixed/removable appliance that replaces natural teeth in either the upper/lower jaw.

PASSIVE ERUPTION - the process by which teeth continue to erupt into the mouth as tooth structure is lost to attrition and wear.

PEDIATRIC DENTIST - a dental specialist whose practice is limited to treatment of children.

PEDODONTICS - treatment of children's/baby teeth.

PELLICLE - a thin nonbacterial film from saliva which covers teeth.

PERIAPICAL - an x-ray which shows the whole tooth.

PERIAPICAL ABSCESS - infection of the pulp of the tooth and tissues surrounding the tooth.

PERICORONITIS - infection of the tissue overlying a tooth which is partially erupted.

PERIODONTAL - pertaining to the supporting and surrounding tissues of teeth.

PERIODONTAL ABSCESS - an infection in the gum pocket that can destroy tissue.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE - inflammatory process of the gingival tissues and/or periodontal membrane of teeth.  This results in an abnormally deep gingival sulcus and sometimes periodontal pockets .

PERIODONTAL CHARTING - measures the pocket depth resulting from attachment loss between gum and teeth.

PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT - the fibres which suspend the tooth in the bony socket. 

PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE - cleaning of teeth following on from periodontal treatment.

PERIODONTAL POCKET - pathologically deepened gingival sulcus.

PERIODONTAL PROBE - instrument used by dentists to measure pocket depth in dentistry.
 
PERIODONTICS (PERIO) - the treatment of gum disease.

PERIODONTIST – dentist whom diagnoses and treats diseases of the tissues supporting and surrounding teeth.

PERIODONTITIS - inflammation and loss of the connective tissue of the supporting or surrounding structure of teeth with the loss of attachment.

PERMANENT TEETH - teeth that replace the deciduous/primary teeth (baby teeth).

PLAQUE - a sticky film that accumulates on teeth, composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives.

PLASTER OF PARIS – this is used to make models of teeth.

POLISHING – by attaching to a slow handpiece, this procedure removes stain, plaque and acquired pellicle by using an abrasive polishing paste.  

POLYPHYODONT – a condition involving possessing several sets of teeth during a lifespan (rare).

PONTIC - the component of a bridge which replaces the missing tooth.

PORCELIAN - a ceramic, tooth-coloured material that fuses at high temperatures to form a hard substance akin in structure and appearance to enamel (natural tooth).

PORCELAIN VENEER – thin shells of porcelain ceramic material which is bonded to the tooth surface.

POST - an elongated projection fitted and cemented within the prepared root canal.  This serves to strengthen and retain restorations.

POSTERIOR TEETH - back teeth (bicuspids & molars).

POSTERIOR BONDED COMPOSITE RESIN – tooth coloured fillings used primarily, for back teeth.

PRECISION ATTACHMENT - interlocking device made up of two components.  One component is fixed to an abutment and the other is integrated into a fixed or removable prosthesis in order to stabilize and/or retain it.

PREMOLARS - two-cusped teeth immediately in front of the molars.

PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY – dental care directed towards preventing decay and/or gum disease.

PRIMARY TEETH – also known as primary dentition and baby teeth.

PRIMATE SPACING - the spacing between primary anterior teeth.

PROCERA – a type of porcelain crown which is particularly strong.

PROPHYLAXIS - to clean teeth, removing coronal plaque, calculus and stains.

PROSTHETICS – an appliance used to replace missing teeth (i.e. bridges & dentures).

PROSTHODONTIST – a dental specialist whose practice is limited to the restoration of the natural teeth and/or the replacement of missing teeth with false substitutes.

PROXIMAL SURFACE - the surface of the tooth adjacent to the next tooth.  Proximal refers to the mesial and distal surfaces.

PULP – the connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue.

PULP CAVITY - the space within a tooth which contains the pulp.

PULPECTMY - removal of vital and non vital pulp tissue.

PULPOTOMY - removal of a portion of the pulp with the aim of maintaining the vitality of the remaining portion via adequate dressing.

Q

QUADRANT – used by dentists to denote the four equal sections in the mouth; upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left.

R
RADIOGRAPH – is an image produced by projecting radiation, as x-rays, onto film.

REBASE – to replace the denture base.

RELINE - to resurface the side of the denture that is in contact with the soft tissues of the mouth.  This makes the denture fit more securely.

RESTORATION – the replacement for lost tooth structure or tooth (i.e. bridges, fillings, crowns and implants).

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY - process of restoring teeth to normal form and function.

RESIN BONDED BRIDGE – a thin metal or glass fibre-reinforced bridge which requires slight or no reduction of anchor teeth.

REST POSITION – the habitual position of the mandible when the patient is relaxed.

RETAINER - a removable appliance used to maintain teeth in a certain position.   An orthodontic retainer appliance stabilizes teeth following orthodontic treatment.  A prosthodontic retainer is part of a fixed partial denture.  It attaches a pontic to the abutment tooth, implant abutment, or implant.

ROOT - the anatomic portion of the tooth that is covered by cementum and is located in the alveolus.

ROOT CANAL THERAPY (RCT) - procedure used to save an abscessed tooth in which the pulp chamber is cleaned out and filled after disinfection.

ROOT CARIES - tooth decay that forms on the roots.

ROOT PLANING - a procedure designed to remove the following; microbial flora, bacterial toxins, calculus, and diseased cementum or dentin on the root surfaces and in the pocket.

RUBBER DAM - a thin rubber sheet applied to teeth which controls moisture during dental procedures

S
SAGITTAL PLANE - the vertical plane which divides the mouth into two halves.

SCALING - scraping of teeth above the gums, removing plaque, calculus and stain from teeth.

SEALANTS - plastic resin placed on the biting surfaces of teeth to prevent bacteria from attacking the enamel and causing caries.

SLOUGHING - gingival tissue dies and peels away from the living tissue.

SOCKET - cavity in the bone.

SOFT PALATE - the back 1/3 of the roof of the mouth which is composed of  soft tissue.

SPLINT - a device used to support, protect, or immobilize oral structures and used in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.

STAIN, EXTRINSIC - stain located on the outside of the tooth surface.  Caused by external substances such as tobacco, coffee, tea or food.

STAIN, INTRINSIC - stain originating from the ingestion of certain materials/chemical substances during tooth development and formation, or from the presence of caries. 

STOMATITIS - inflammation of oral membranes.

SUBLINGUAL GLANDS – the major salivary glands found in the mucosa in the bottom of the mouth.

SUBMANDIBULAR GLANDS  - salivary glands located underneath the tongue.

SUCCEDANEOUS - the tooth which replaces or succeeds another.

SULCUS - a broad depression on the chewing surfaces of back teeth.

SUPERGINGIVAL - the area above the gingival margin.

SUPERNUMERARY TEETH - extra teeth, which are in addition to the development of the normal 32 teeth.

SUTRE – stitching to repair incision or wound.

T

TEETHING - baby teeth pushing through gum.

TEMPORARY REMOVABLE DENTURE - the interim prosthesis, used over a limited period of time.

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ) - the hinge mechanism between the base of the skull (temporal bone) and the lower jaw (mandible).

TERMINAL MESIAL STEP - the position of a vertical plane along the distal surfaces when the deciduous second molars are in Class I.

TERMINAL PLANE - the distal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular deciduous second molars that are on the same plane.

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER - a problem with the joint that connects the lower jaw with the skull leading to dysfunction.

TORUS - a bony elevation/protuberance of bone.

U

UNERUPTED – teeth that have not physically appeared in the oral cavity

V
VENEERS - thin, custom-made laminates bonded to teeth.  Veneers are effective for repairing chipped, cracked, or worn teeth. 

VIRGIN TEETH - teeth which are free from decay or restorations.

W

WISDOM TOOTH - the third molar; the eighth tooth from the centre of the mouth.

WHITENING - the process of brightening stained, discoloured, or dull teeth with either an in-office/house method or dentist supervised home whitening system.

X

XEROSTOMIA - decreased salivary secretion that produces a dry mouth and sometimes burning sensation.

Y

Z