DENTAL DICTIONARY
<a id="top" name="top"></a><a href="#A">A</a> | <a href="#B">B</a> | <a href="#C">C</a> | <a href="#D">D</a> | <a href="#E">E</a> | <a href="#F">F</a> | <a href="#G">G</a> | <a href="#H">H</a> | <a href="#I">I</a> | <a href="#J">J</a> | <a href="#K">K</a> | <a href="#L">L</a> | <a href="#M">M</a> | <a href="#N">N</a> | <a href="#O">O</a> | <a href="#P">P</a> | <a href="#Q">Q</a> | <a href="#R">R</a> | <a href="#S">S</a> | <a href="#T">T</a> | <a href="#U">U</a> | <a href="#V">V</a> | <a href="#W">W</a> | <a href="#X">X</a> | <a href="#Y">Y</a> | <a href="#Z">Z</a>
<p> <p>
<h3><a id="A" name="A"></a><b>Abscess</b></h3>
<p>A collection of pus. Usually forms because of infection.</p>
<h3><b>Abutment</b></h3>
<p>A tooth or tooth structure which is responsible for the anchorage of a bridge or a denture.</p>
<h3><b>Amalgam</b></h3>
<p>A silver filling material.</p>
<h3><b>Anesthetic</b></h3>
<p>An agent that causes temporary loss of sensation/feeling.</p>
<h3><b>Anterior</b></h3>
<p>The front position.</p>
<h3><b>Apex</b></h3>
<p>The end of the root.</p>
<h3><b>Asepsis</b></h3>
<p>No micro-organism.</p>
<h3><b>Attrition</b></h3>
<p>Wear of teeth due to activities such as chewing.</p>
<h3><strong>Avulsed</strong></h3>
<p>An injury that causes a tooth to be completely knocked out of the mouth.</p>
<h3><a id="B" name="B"></a><b>Bitewing</b></h3>
<p>A kind of dental x-ray which is taken with the teeth bite together. The main function of this kind of x-ray is to detect cavities in between teeth and height of bone support.</p>
<h3><b>Bleaching</b></h3>
<p>Whitening of teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Bridge</b></h3>
<p>A prosthesis which is fixed inside the mouth to replace missing teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Bruxism</b></h3>
<p>Teeth grinding.</p>
<h3><a id="C" name="C"></a><b>Canine</b></h3>
<p>The third tooth from the middle of the jaw. There are four of them. They are the longest teeth in humans.</p>
<h3><b>Canker sore</b></h3>
<p>An ulceration with yellow base and red border in mouth. It can be caused by trauma or herpes simplex virus.</p>
<h3><b>Caries</b></h3>
<p>Tooth decay.</p>
<h3><b>Cavity</b></h3>
<p>A hole on the tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Cast</b></h3>
<p>A model of teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Cementation</b></h3>
<p>The process of "gluing" the appliance/prosthesis on the associated area.</p>
<h3><b>Chlorhexidine</b></h3>
<p>An anti-microbial agent. It is available in many forms such as gels and rinses. It is an effective agent in controlling gum diseases.</p>
<h3><b>Clasp</b></h3>
<p>A metal arm extended from a removable partial denture. It helps to hold onto natural tooth structure and thus provide anchorage for the denture.</p>
<h3><b>Cold sore</b></h3>
<p>An ulcer or blister on lip. A form of herpes simplex.</p>
<h3><b>Composite</b></h3>
<p>White filling.</p>
<h3><b>Cross-bite</b></h3>
<p>An abnormal bite relationship of upper and lower jaw. The lower teeth/tooth align toward the check/ lip side more than the upper teeth/tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Crown (porcelain/plastic/metal)</b></h3>
<p>A <a href="http://www.willisdentistry.com/treatments/dental-crowns/">crown</a> is almost like a "cap" on a tooth. It covers the tooth partially or totally above the gum to restore its function and outlook.</p>
<h3><a id="D" name="D"></a><b>Decay</b></h3>
<p>A soft substance caused by the bacterial demineralization of enamel and dentin. An infection within a tooth. Must be treated.</p>
<h3><b>Dentistry</b></h3>
<p>A branch of medicine that involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of any disease concerning teeth, oral cavity, and associated structures.</p>
<h3><b>Dentition</b></h3>
<p>The position, type, and number of teeth in upper and lower jaw.</p>
<h3><b>Denture</b></h3>
<p>(Immediate/complete/partial) (overdenture, temporary)<br />
An artificial object to replace missing teeth and their neighboring structures. There are many different types of denture to satisfy different treatment requirements and patient preferences.</p>
<h3><b>Denturist</b></h3>
<p>The person who specializes in fabricating dentures. A Denturist is not responsible for making any type of diagnosis or carrying out any other treatment (e.g. removing teeth).</p>
<h3><b>Desensitization</b></h3>
<p>A procedure to reduce the sensitivity of teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Diagnosis</b></h3>
<p>The process of identifying dental disease.</p>
<h3><b>Diastema</b></h3>
<p>The space between two adjacent teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Distal</b></h3>
<p>A direction indication in the mouth. It indicates the direction away from the middle of the jaw.</p>
<h3><b><a id="E" name="E"></a>Edentulous</b></h3>
<p>No teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Endodontics</b></h3>
<p>A department of dentistry involving diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental pulp (where the nerves and blood vessels are inside the tooth).</p>
<h3><b>Eruption</b></h3>
<p>The process of the tooth appearing in the mouth.</p>
<h3><b>Excision</b></h3>
<p>The action of cutting something off.</p>
<h3><b>Extruded</b></h3>
<p>When a tooth may be pushed partially out of the socket.</p>
<h3><a id="F" name="F"></a><b>Filling</b></h3>
<p>A <a href="http://www.willisdentistry.com/treatments/fillings-restorations/">restoration</a> placed on a tooth to restore its function and appearance.</p>
<h3><b>Flipper</b></h3>
<p>A temporary denture to replace missing teeth during the waiting period for long term treatment.</p>
<h3><b>Floss</b></h3>
<p>A thread/tape that goes in between teeth for cleaning.</p>
<h3><b>Fluoride</b></h3>
<p>A compound of fluorine (an element) which be put in different forms such as water, gels, and rinses to strengthen teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Fluoride Treatment</b></h3>
<p>Teeth treatment with fluoride agents like gel or rinse. It helps to prevent tooth decay.</p>
<h3><b>Fracture</b></h3>
<p>When a cusp of a tooth becomes weakened, a fracture may result. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root and damage to the pulp is commonplace.</p>
<h3><b>Framework</b></h3>
<p>A metal skeleton of a removable partial denture to support the false teeth and the plastic attachments.</p>
<h3><a id="G" name="G"></a><b>Gingivitis</b></h3>
<p>The mildest form of gum disease: inflammation of gum. The earliest sign is bleeding gum.</p>
<h3><a id="H" name="H"></a><b>Hemorrhage</b></h3>
<p>Bleeding</p>
<h3><b>Hemostasis</b></h3>
<p>Stop bleeding.</p>
<h3><a id="I" name="I"></a><b>Impaction</b></h3>
<p>A condition where a tooth is not able to come in normally or is stuck underneath another tooth or bone.</p>
<h3><b>Implant</b></h3>
<p>A device (usually "screw-like") put in the jaw bone to support a false tooth, a denture or a bridge.</p>
<h3><b>Impression</b></h3>
<p>A mold taken by some jelly-like material loaded on a tray.</p>
<h3><b>Incisal</b></h3>
<p>The cutting edge of front teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Incisor</b></h3>
<p>The four upper and lower front teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Inlay</b></h3>
<p>A restoration (usually gold, composite or ceramics) fabricated in the lab that cements on a tooth like a missing puzzle piece. It helps to restore the normal function and outlook of the tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Interproximal</b></h3>
<p>The space between two adjacent teeth.</p>
<h3><a id="J" name="J"></a><b>J</b></h3>
<h3><a id="K" name="K"></a><b>K</b></h3>
<h3><a id="L" name="L"></a><b>Lingual</b></h3>
<p>The side of the tooth towards the tongue.</p>
<h3><a id="M" name="M"></a><b>Mesial</b></h3>
<p>The side of the tooth towards the middle of the jaw.</p>
<h3><b>Molar</b></h3>
<p>The last three upper and lower teeth on both sides of the mouth.</p>
<h3><b>Mouthguard</b></h3>
<p>A device to be worn in the mouth. Depending on the design of it, it prevents injury to teeth and/or jaw during teeth grinding or sport events.</p>
<h3><a id="N" name="N"></a><b>Nightguard</b></h3>
<p>A mouthguard which is worn at night time.</p>
<h3><a id="O" name="O"></a><b>Occlusal</b></h3>
<p>The biting surface of the back teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Occlusion</b></h3>
<p>The way how the upper and lower teeth close together.</p>
<h3><b>Onlay</b></h3>
<p>A restoration covers the entire biting surface of a tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Open bite</b></h3>
<p>The situation where the upper teeth not able to contact the opposing lower teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Orthodontics</b></h3>
<p>A special field in dentistry which involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of bite abnormalities or facial irregularities.</p>
<h3><b>Over bite</b></h3>
<p>The overlap of upper teeth and lower teeth when they close together.</p>
<h3><b>Overhang</b></h3>
<p>The portion of filling material that hangs beyond the border of the cavity.</p>
<h3><a id="P" name="P"></a><b>Palate</b></h3>
<p>The roof of the mouth.</p>
<h3><b>Panoramic Radiograph</b></h3>
<p>An x-ray film used to obtain the wide view of upper and lower jaw and their associated structures.</p>
<h3><b>Perforation</b></h3>
<p>An opening on a tooth or other oral structure.</p>
<h3><b>Periapical</b></h3>
<p>The surrounding of the bottom of the root of a tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Periodontics</b></h3>
<p>A specialty of dentistry involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gum (periodontal) disease.</p>
<h3><b>Permanent teeth</b></h3>
<p>Adult's teeth. The first permanent tooth usually comes in around 6 years old.</p>
<h3><b>Pin</b></h3>
<p>A piece of "nail-like" metal. It usually is used for better retention of a filling.</p>
<h3><b>Polish</b></h3>
<p>A process to make the tooth or filling or other denture smooth and glossy.</p>
<h3><b>Pontic</b></h3>
<p>The false tooth in a bridge or denture to replace the missing tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Post</b></h3>
<p>A big pin which can be made with different materials such as metal or carbon. Its function usually is to support a big buildup on a tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Posterior</b></h3>
<p>Located at the back.</p>
<h3><b>Pre-authorization</b></h3>
<p>An approval from the particular authority (usually insurance company in dentistry) before any action (treatment) is carried out.</p>
<h3><b>Pre-medication</b></h3>
<p>Medication needing to be taken before treatment.</p>
<h3><b>Premolar</b></h3>
<p>The two teeth located in front of the molar.</p>
<h3><b>Prescription</b></h3>
<p>A written statement (from a doctor to a pharmacist) regarding the type, the amount and direction of the use of a medication for a patient. In dentistry, a prescription can also be a written statement for preparation of an appliance from a dentist to a lab technician.</p>
<h3><b>Primary teeth</b></h3>
<p>Baby teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Prophylaxis/prophy</b></h3>
<p>The procedure of teeth polishing. It also means the prevention of diseases.</p>
<h3><b>Prosthesis</b></h3>
<p>An artificial part to replace missing teeth and their associated structures.</p>
<h3><b>Prosthodontics</b></h3>
<p>A specialty of dentistry involving diagnosis, treatment planning, and fabrication of artificial parts to replace missing teeth and their associated structures.</p>
<h3><b>Pulp</b></h3>
<p>The innermost part of a tooth. It contains nerves and blood vessels inside a tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Pulpectomy</b></h3>
<p>The removal of the whole pulp inside a tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Pulpotomy</b></h3>
<p>The removal of the top part of the pulp inside a tooth.</p>
<h3><a id="Q" name="Q"></a><b>Q</b></h3>
<h3><a id="R" name="R"></a><b>Radiograph</b></h3>
<p>An x-ray picture.</p>
<h3><b>Recall</b></h3>
<p>The regular checkup and teeth cleaning appointment.</p>
<h3><b>Recementation</b></h3>
<p>The process of "gluing" the appliance/prosthesis back on the associated area.</p>
<h3><b>Restoration</b></h3>
<p>An item a dentist uses to restore the normal function of a tooth or an area in the mouth. It can be a filling, a crown, a bridge, etc.</p>
<h3><b>Retainer</b></h3>
<p>A device used for maintaining the position of teeth in the jaw in orthodontic treatment.</p>
<h3><b>Retreatment</b></h3>
<p>The process of repeating the root canal treatment.</p>
<h3><b>Root</b></h3>
<p>The bottom part of tooth. It anchors the tooth to its supporting units.</p>
<h3><b>Root canal</b></h3>
<p>The canal that runs inside the root of the tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Root canal treatment</b></h3>
<p>A treatment for the root canal inside the tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Root planing</b></h3>
<p>The action of cleaning the root area of teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Rubber dam</b></h3>
<p>A rubber sheet that fits around teeth. It isolates the treatment area from the rest of the oral cavity.</p>
<h3><a id="S" name="S"></a><b>Scaling</b></h3>
<p>The action of cleaning teeth below the gumline.</p>
<h3><b>Sealant</b></h3>
<p>A thin layer of plastic-like material covering the grooves and pits on a tooth to prevent cavity.</p>
<h3><b>Sedation</b></h3>
<p>The use of medication to calm a patient.</p>
<h3><b>Space Maintainer</b></h3>
<p>An appliance to maintain the space between teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Splint</b></h3>
<p>An appliance or a material to prevent movement of a mobile part.</p>
<h3><a id="T" name="T"></a><b>Tempromandibular Joint (TMJ)</b></h3>
<p>The joint that links the two parts of the jaw.</p>
<h3><b>Torus</b></h3>
<p>An outgrowth of bone. It usually develops on the roof of the mouth or around the premolar area on the lower jaw.</p>
<h3><a id="U" name="U"></a><b>U</b></h3>
<h3><a id="V" name="V"></a><b>Veneer</b></h3>
<p>A layer of tooth-colored material (can be porcelain, composite, or ceramics) that attaches to the front of the tooth. It is usually used to improve the appearance of the tooth.</p>
<h3><a id="W" name="W"></a><b>Wisdom tooth</b></h3>
<p>The eighth (also the last) tooth from the middle of the jaw.</p>
<h3><a id="X" name="X"></a><b>Xerostomia</b></h3>
<p>Dry mouth</p>
<h3><a id="Y" name="Y"></a><b>Y</b></h3>
<h3><b><a id="Z" name="Z"></a>Z</b></h3>
<p> <p>
<h3><a id="A" name="A"></a><b>Abscess</b></h3>
<p>A collection of pus. Usually forms because of infection.</p>
<h3><b>Abutment</b></h3>
<p>A tooth or tooth structure which is responsible for the anchorage of a bridge or a denture.</p>
<h3><b>Amalgam</b></h3>
<p>A silver filling material.</p>
<h3><b>Anesthetic</b></h3>
<p>An agent that causes temporary loss of sensation/feeling.</p>
<h3><b>Anterior</b></h3>
<p>The front position.</p>
<h3><b>Apex</b></h3>
<p>The end of the root.</p>
<h3><b>Asepsis</b></h3>
<p>No micro-organism.</p>
<h3><b>Attrition</b></h3>
<p>Wear of teeth due to activities such as chewing.</p>
<h3><strong>Avulsed</strong></h3>
<p>An injury that causes a tooth to be completely knocked out of the mouth.</p>
<h3><a id="B" name="B"></a><b>Bitewing</b></h3>
<p>A kind of dental x-ray which is taken with the teeth bite together. The main function of this kind of x-ray is to detect cavities in between teeth and height of bone support.</p>
<h3><b>Bleaching</b></h3>
<p>Whitening of teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Bridge</b></h3>
<p>A prosthesis which is fixed inside the mouth to replace missing teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Bruxism</b></h3>
<p>Teeth grinding.</p>
<h3><a id="C" name="C"></a><b>Canine</b></h3>
<p>The third tooth from the middle of the jaw. There are four of them. They are the longest teeth in humans.</p>
<h3><b>Canker sore</b></h3>
<p>An ulceration with yellow base and red border in mouth. It can be caused by trauma or herpes simplex virus.</p>
<h3><b>Caries</b></h3>
<p>Tooth decay.</p>
<h3><b>Cavity</b></h3>
<p>A hole on the tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Cast</b></h3>
<p>A model of teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Cementation</b></h3>
<p>The process of "gluing" the appliance/prosthesis on the associated area.</p>
<h3><b>Chlorhexidine</b></h3>
<p>An anti-microbial agent. It is available in many forms such as gels and rinses. It is an effective agent in controlling gum diseases.</p>
<h3><b>Clasp</b></h3>
<p>A metal arm extended from a removable partial denture. It helps to hold onto natural tooth structure and thus provide anchorage for the denture.</p>
<h3><b>Cold sore</b></h3>
<p>An ulcer or blister on lip. A form of herpes simplex.</p>
<h3><b>Composite</b></h3>
<p>White filling.</p>
<h3><b>Cross-bite</b></h3>
<p>An abnormal bite relationship of upper and lower jaw. The lower teeth/tooth align toward the check/ lip side more than the upper teeth/tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Crown (porcelain/plastic/metal)</b></h3>
<p>A <a href="http://www.willisdentistry.com/treatments/dental-crowns/">crown</a> is almost like a "cap" on a tooth. It covers the tooth partially or totally above the gum to restore its function and outlook.</p>
<h3><a id="D" name="D"></a><b>Decay</b></h3>
<p>A soft substance caused by the bacterial demineralization of enamel and dentin. An infection within a tooth. Must be treated.</p>
<h3><b>Dentistry</b></h3>
<p>A branch of medicine that involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of any disease concerning teeth, oral cavity, and associated structures.</p>
<h3><b>Dentition</b></h3>
<p>The position, type, and number of teeth in upper and lower jaw.</p>
<h3><b>Denture</b></h3>
<p>(Immediate/complete/partial) (overdenture, temporary)<br />
An artificial object to replace missing teeth and their neighboring structures. There are many different types of denture to satisfy different treatment requirements and patient preferences.</p>
<h3><b>Denturist</b></h3>
<p>The person who specializes in fabricating dentures. A Denturist is not responsible for making any type of diagnosis or carrying out any other treatment (e.g. removing teeth).</p>
<h3><b>Desensitization</b></h3>
<p>A procedure to reduce the sensitivity of teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Diagnosis</b></h3>
<p>The process of identifying dental disease.</p>
<h3><b>Diastema</b></h3>
<p>The space between two adjacent teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Distal</b></h3>
<p>A direction indication in the mouth. It indicates the direction away from the middle of the jaw.</p>
<h3><b><a id="E" name="E"></a>Edentulous</b></h3>
<p>No teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Endodontics</b></h3>
<p>A department of dentistry involving diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental pulp (where the nerves and blood vessels are inside the tooth).</p>
<h3><b>Eruption</b></h3>
<p>The process of the tooth appearing in the mouth.</p>
<h3><b>Excision</b></h3>
<p>The action of cutting something off.</p>
<h3><b>Extruded</b></h3>
<p>When a tooth may be pushed partially out of the socket.</p>
<h3><a id="F" name="F"></a><b>Filling</b></h3>
<p>A <a href="http://www.willisdentistry.com/treatments/fillings-restorations/">restoration</a> placed on a tooth to restore its function and appearance.</p>
<h3><b>Flipper</b></h3>
<p>A temporary denture to replace missing teeth during the waiting period for long term treatment.</p>
<h3><b>Floss</b></h3>
<p>A thread/tape that goes in between teeth for cleaning.</p>
<h3><b>Fluoride</b></h3>
<p>A compound of fluorine (an element) which be put in different forms such as water, gels, and rinses to strengthen teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Fluoride Treatment</b></h3>
<p>Teeth treatment with fluoride agents like gel or rinse. It helps to prevent tooth decay.</p>
<h3><b>Fracture</b></h3>
<p>When a cusp of a tooth becomes weakened, a fracture may result. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root and damage to the pulp is commonplace.</p>
<h3><b>Framework</b></h3>
<p>A metal skeleton of a removable partial denture to support the false teeth and the plastic attachments.</p>
<h3><a id="G" name="G"></a><b>Gingivitis</b></h3>
<p>The mildest form of gum disease: inflammation of gum. The earliest sign is bleeding gum.</p>
<h3><a id="H" name="H"></a><b>Hemorrhage</b></h3>
<p>Bleeding</p>
<h3><b>Hemostasis</b></h3>
<p>Stop bleeding.</p>
<h3><a id="I" name="I"></a><b>Impaction</b></h3>
<p>A condition where a tooth is not able to come in normally or is stuck underneath another tooth or bone.</p>
<h3><b>Implant</b></h3>
<p>A device (usually "screw-like") put in the jaw bone to support a false tooth, a denture or a bridge.</p>
<h3><b>Impression</b></h3>
<p>A mold taken by some jelly-like material loaded on a tray.</p>
<h3><b>Incisal</b></h3>
<p>The cutting edge of front teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Incisor</b></h3>
<p>The four upper and lower front teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Inlay</b></h3>
<p>A restoration (usually gold, composite or ceramics) fabricated in the lab that cements on a tooth like a missing puzzle piece. It helps to restore the normal function and outlook of the tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Interproximal</b></h3>
<p>The space between two adjacent teeth.</p>
<h3><a id="J" name="J"></a><b>J</b></h3>
<h3><a id="K" name="K"></a><b>K</b></h3>
<h3><a id="L" name="L"></a><b>Lingual</b></h3>
<p>The side of the tooth towards the tongue.</p>
<h3><a id="M" name="M"></a><b>Mesial</b></h3>
<p>The side of the tooth towards the middle of the jaw.</p>
<h3><b>Molar</b></h3>
<p>The last three upper and lower teeth on both sides of the mouth.</p>
<h3><b>Mouthguard</b></h3>
<p>A device to be worn in the mouth. Depending on the design of it, it prevents injury to teeth and/or jaw during teeth grinding or sport events.</p>
<h3><a id="N" name="N"></a><b>Nightguard</b></h3>
<p>A mouthguard which is worn at night time.</p>
<h3><a id="O" name="O"></a><b>Occlusal</b></h3>
<p>The biting surface of the back teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Occlusion</b></h3>
<p>The way how the upper and lower teeth close together.</p>
<h3><b>Onlay</b></h3>
<p>A restoration covers the entire biting surface of a tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Open bite</b></h3>
<p>The situation where the upper teeth not able to contact the opposing lower teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Orthodontics</b></h3>
<p>A special field in dentistry which involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of bite abnormalities or facial irregularities.</p>
<h3><b>Over bite</b></h3>
<p>The overlap of upper teeth and lower teeth when they close together.</p>
<h3><b>Overhang</b></h3>
<p>The portion of filling material that hangs beyond the border of the cavity.</p>
<h3><a id="P" name="P"></a><b>Palate</b></h3>
<p>The roof of the mouth.</p>
<h3><b>Panoramic Radiograph</b></h3>
<p>An x-ray film used to obtain the wide view of upper and lower jaw and their associated structures.</p>
<h3><b>Perforation</b></h3>
<p>An opening on a tooth or other oral structure.</p>
<h3><b>Periapical</b></h3>
<p>The surrounding of the bottom of the root of a tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Periodontics</b></h3>
<p>A specialty of dentistry involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gum (periodontal) disease.</p>
<h3><b>Permanent teeth</b></h3>
<p>Adult's teeth. The first permanent tooth usually comes in around 6 years old.</p>
<h3><b>Pin</b></h3>
<p>A piece of "nail-like" metal. It usually is used for better retention of a filling.</p>
<h3><b>Polish</b></h3>
<p>A process to make the tooth or filling or other denture smooth and glossy.</p>
<h3><b>Pontic</b></h3>
<p>The false tooth in a bridge or denture to replace the missing tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Post</b></h3>
<p>A big pin which can be made with different materials such as metal or carbon. Its function usually is to support a big buildup on a tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Posterior</b></h3>
<p>Located at the back.</p>
<h3><b>Pre-authorization</b></h3>
<p>An approval from the particular authority (usually insurance company in dentistry) before any action (treatment) is carried out.</p>
<h3><b>Pre-medication</b></h3>
<p>Medication needing to be taken before treatment.</p>
<h3><b>Premolar</b></h3>
<p>The two teeth located in front of the molar.</p>
<h3><b>Prescription</b></h3>
<p>A written statement (from a doctor to a pharmacist) regarding the type, the amount and direction of the use of a medication for a patient. In dentistry, a prescription can also be a written statement for preparation of an appliance from a dentist to a lab technician.</p>
<h3><b>Primary teeth</b></h3>
<p>Baby teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Prophylaxis/prophy</b></h3>
<p>The procedure of teeth polishing. It also means the prevention of diseases.</p>
<h3><b>Prosthesis</b></h3>
<p>An artificial part to replace missing teeth and their associated structures.</p>
<h3><b>Prosthodontics</b></h3>
<p>A specialty of dentistry involving diagnosis, treatment planning, and fabrication of artificial parts to replace missing teeth and their associated structures.</p>
<h3><b>Pulp</b></h3>
<p>The innermost part of a tooth. It contains nerves and blood vessels inside a tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Pulpectomy</b></h3>
<p>The removal of the whole pulp inside a tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Pulpotomy</b></h3>
<p>The removal of the top part of the pulp inside a tooth.</p>
<h3><a id="Q" name="Q"></a><b>Q</b></h3>
<h3><a id="R" name="R"></a><b>Radiograph</b></h3>
<p>An x-ray picture.</p>
<h3><b>Recall</b></h3>
<p>The regular checkup and teeth cleaning appointment.</p>
<h3><b>Recementation</b></h3>
<p>The process of "gluing" the appliance/prosthesis back on the associated area.</p>
<h3><b>Restoration</b></h3>
<p>An item a dentist uses to restore the normal function of a tooth or an area in the mouth. It can be a filling, a crown, a bridge, etc.</p>
<h3><b>Retainer</b></h3>
<p>A device used for maintaining the position of teeth in the jaw in orthodontic treatment.</p>
<h3><b>Retreatment</b></h3>
<p>The process of repeating the root canal treatment.</p>
<h3><b>Root</b></h3>
<p>The bottom part of tooth. It anchors the tooth to its supporting units.</p>
<h3><b>Root canal</b></h3>
<p>The canal that runs inside the root of the tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Root canal treatment</b></h3>
<p>A treatment for the root canal inside the tooth.</p>
<h3><b>Root planing</b></h3>
<p>The action of cleaning the root area of teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Rubber dam</b></h3>
<p>A rubber sheet that fits around teeth. It isolates the treatment area from the rest of the oral cavity.</p>
<h3><a id="S" name="S"></a><b>Scaling</b></h3>
<p>The action of cleaning teeth below the gumline.</p>
<h3><b>Sealant</b></h3>
<p>A thin layer of plastic-like material covering the grooves and pits on a tooth to prevent cavity.</p>
<h3><b>Sedation</b></h3>
<p>The use of medication to calm a patient.</p>
<h3><b>Space Maintainer</b></h3>
<p>An appliance to maintain the space between teeth.</p>
<h3><b>Splint</b></h3>
<p>An appliance or a material to prevent movement of a mobile part.</p>
<h3><a id="T" name="T"></a><b>Tempromandibular Joint (TMJ)</b></h3>
<p>The joint that links the two parts of the jaw.</p>
<h3><b>Torus</b></h3>
<p>An outgrowth of bone. It usually develops on the roof of the mouth or around the premolar area on the lower jaw.</p>
<h3><a id="U" name="U"></a><b>U</b></h3>
<h3><a id="V" name="V"></a><b>Veneer</b></h3>
<p>A layer of tooth-colored material (can be porcelain, composite, or ceramics) that attaches to the front of the tooth. It is usually used to improve the appearance of the tooth.</p>
<h3><a id="W" name="W"></a><b>Wisdom tooth</b></h3>
<p>The eighth (also the last) tooth from the middle of the jaw.</p>
<h3><a id="X" name="X"></a><b>Xerostomia</b></h3>
<p>Dry mouth</p>
<h3><a id="Y" name="Y"></a><b>Y</b></h3>
<h3><b><a id="Z" name="Z"></a>Z</b></h3>