Glossary

Amalgam – silver/mercury alloy used to fill cavities

Bleaching – cosmetic whitening of teeth using peroxide

Caries – cavities, tooth decay

Carcinogenic – cancer-causing

Cariogenic – decay-causing

Composites – tooth-colored restorative materials

Cosmetic dentistry – aesthetic improvement of the color and shape of teeth performed by a general dentist

Edentulous – having lost most or all of the natural teeth

Endodontist – treats oral conditions that arise as a result of disease or injury of the dental pulp of the tooth, such as a root canal

General dentist – primary care provider for patients in all age groups who take responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services to meet patients’ oral health needs

Geriatric dentist – general dentist who primarily treats senior citizens

Gingivitis – reversible inflammation of gum tissue not including the bone

Malocclusion – misalignment of teeth and or jaws

Microair abrasion – a drill-free technique using an instrument resembling a tiny sand blaster that delivers tiny aluminum oxide particles to the surface, where they cut away the decayed area

Mouthguards – an appliance used to protect teeth from injury

Occlusal surface – the chewing surface of the tooth

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon – treats and surgically corrects diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth and jaws

Oral pathologist – examines oral tissues for evidence of suspected abnormalities such as cancer.

Orthodontics – a branch of dentistry dealing with irregularities of the teeth and their correction, as by means of braces and retainer

Orthodontist – designs and applies corrective and supportive appliances, braces, to realign crooked teeth

Pediatric dentist – provides treatment and care for children from birth through adolescence

Periodontal disease – inflammation and irritation of the gums which, if left untreated, can cause the jawbone and teeth to deteriorate and fall out

Periodontist – diagnoses and treats diseases of the tissues supporting and surrounding the teeth, especially periodontal disease

Plaque – bacterial colonies which have mineralized and attack teeth, causing dental decay

Porcelain veneers – ultra-thin shells of ceramic material bonded to the front of the tooth

Prophylaxis – professional cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or hygienist

Prosthodontist – constructs artificial appliances designed to restore and maintain oral function by replacing missing teeth and other oral structures such as dentures

Public health dentist – concerned with the dental health needs of entire communities, and can design and administer large-scale prevention and dental care programs by compiling and analyzing statistics

Radiosurgery – surgery technique that uses radio waves to produce a pressureless, bloodless incision; can also be used to heat bleaching agents

Resin – plastic material used in bonding, restorative, and replacement procedures

Restorative dentistry – process of restoring missing, damaged or diseased teeth to normal form and function, performed by general dentists

Sealant – plastic coating used to protect teeth from decay

Special patient – person with a disability who requires particular dental care needs

Third molars – wisdom teeth

TMD – temporomandibular disorder; problems relating to your temporomandibular joint which include locking of the jaw, frequent headaches, sore jaw muscles, and painful clicking of the jaw

TMJ – temporomandibular joint