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Amalgam: A dental filling material made of a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, and other alloys.
Abscess: An infection characterized by a collection of pus, often caused by bacterial infection in the tooth or gums.
Alveolar Bone: The part of the jawbone that surrounds and supports the teeth.
Anterior Teeth: The front teeth, including the incisors and canines.
Anesthesia: The use of medication to numb a specific area or induce sedation during dental procedures to ensure patient comfort.
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Bruxism: The habit of grinding or clenching teeth, often done involuntarily during sleep.
Biopsy: The removal of a small tissue sample from the oral cavity for further examination and diagnosis.
Bonding: A cosmetic dental procedure that uses a tooth-colored resin material to repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth.
Bridge: A dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent teeth with artificial teeth.
Buccal: Referring to the cheek side of the teeth or oral cavity.
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Cavity: A decayed area of the tooth resulting from the breakdown of tooth enamel by bacteria.
Crown: A tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Canine: The pointed tooth located on either side of the incisors, also known as the “eye tooth.”
Composite: A tooth-colored filling material made of a mixture of resin and fine glass particles used to restore teeth.
Cephalometric X-ray: A type of X-ray used in orthodontics to evaluate the position and relationships of the jaws and teeth.
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Dentin: The layer of the tooth beneath the enamel that forms the main bulk of the tooth structure.
Dental Floss: A thin thread-like material used to clean between teeth and along the gumline to remove plaque and food particles.
Denture: A removable dental appliance used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues.
Diastema: A gap or space between two teeth, commonly seen between the upper front teeth.
Distal: Referring to the side or surface of the tooth that is away from the midline or towards the back of the mouth.
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Enamel: The outermost layer of the tooth that protects the underlying structures.
Endodontics: The branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of dental pulp and root canal-related issues.
Eruption: The process by which teeth emerge or erupt through the gumline into their proper position in the mouth.
Exodontia: The branch of dentistry that involves the extraction or removal of teeth.
Extraction: The removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone.
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Fluoride: A natural mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel when used in dental products or treatments.
Filling: A dental restoration used to repair a cavity or damaged tooth structure using materials such as amalgam or composite resin.
Frenectomy: A surgical procedure to remove or loosen the frenulum, a small fold of tissue that can restrict movement in the mouth.
Fistula: An abnormal passageway that forms between a tooth root and the surrounding tissues, often resulting from infection.
Full Mouth Reconstruction: A comprehensive treatment plan that involves restoring or replacing multiple teeth to improve oral health and aesthetics.
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Gingivitis: The inflammation and swelling of the gums caused by bacterial plaque buildup along the gumline.
Graft: A procedure in which tissue is taken from one area and transplanted to another, commonly used to augment gum tissue or cover exposed tooth roots.
Gum Disease: A broad term for various conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, ranging from gingivitis to periodontitis.
Gummy Smile: A smile that shows an excessive amount of gum tissue, often resulting in an aesthetic concern for some individuals.
Gingival Recession: The exposure of tooth roots due to the recession or pulling back of the gum tissue, often resulting from gum disease or aggressive tooth brushing.
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Halitosis: Bad breath caused by factors such as poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, or certain medical conditions.
Hygiene: Refers to practices and habits that promote oral health, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings.
Hypersensitivity: Increased sensitivity of the teeth to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli, often due to exposed tooth roots or worn enamel.
Hypodontia: A condition characterized by the congenital absence or lack of development of one or more teeth.
Hemisection: The surgical procedure of dividing a multi-rooted tooth into two separate parts for treatment or extraction.
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Implant: A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of biocompatible materials that is surgically placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge.
Incisor: The front teeth in the dental arch, used for cutting and biting.
Impacted Tooth: A tooth that fails to fully emerge or erupt through the gumline due to obstruction or lack of space.
Inlay: A type of dental restoration made from materials like porcelain or composite resin that is custom-made to fit into a prepared cavity within a tooth.
Interproximal: Referring to the spaces or areas between adjacent teeth, where dental floss or interdental brushes are used for cleaning.
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Jaw: The upper and lower bones of the mouth that contain the teeth and provide support for facial structure.
Joint Disorder: Refers to any condition or dysfunction affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull.
Juvenile Dentistry: The branch of dentistry that focuses on the oral health and dental care of children and adolescents.
Juxtaposition: The abnormal positioning or arrangement of teeth, often resulting in crowding, spacing, or bite problems.
Jaws Surgery: Surgical procedures performed on the jawbones to correct abnormalities, misalignment, or skeletal imbalances.
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K9 Tooth: Also known as the “canine tooth,” it is the pointed tooth located on each side of the incisors, designed for tearing and cutting food.
Kronos Dental System: A state-of-the-art digital technology used for precise and efficient dental implant planning and placement.
Keratinized Gingiva: The firm, tough, and resilient gum tissue that surrounds and protects the teeth, providing stability and support.
Kois Deprogrammer: A diagnostic device used to relax the jaw muscles and determine the ideal bite position for dental treatments.
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Local Anesthesia: A numbing medication administered by a dentist to numb a specific area of the mouth, ensuring pain-free dental treatments.
Lingual Braces: Orthodontic braces that are placed on the backside of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front.
Lateral Incisors: The second teeth from the center of the mouth, located next to the central incisors, commonly used for biting and cutting.
Laser Dentistry: The use of laser technology in dental procedures, providing precise treatment, minimizing pain, and reducing healing time.
Lumineers: Ultra-thin porcelain veneers that are bonded to the front surface of teeth, enhancing aesthetics and correcting dental imperfections.
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Malocclusion: A misalignment of the teeth or jaws, causing an improper bite, which can lead to functional and aesthetic issues.
Maxillofacial Surgery: A surgical specialty that deals with treating complex dental and facial conditions, such as jaw misalignments and facial trauma.
Mandibular Arch: The lower jaw arch that consists of the lower teeth and supporting structures.
Mouthguard: A protective device worn over the teeth to prevent dental injuries during sports or teeth grinding (bruxism) while sleeping.
Molar Teeth: The back teeth used for chewing and grinding food, located behind the premolars and positioned before the wisdom teeth.
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Nerve: The sensitive tissue inside a tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves.
Nightguard: A dental appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding or clenching.
Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy: Treatment for gum disease that doesn’t involve surgery, often including scaling and root planing.
Nutrition and Oral Health: The relationship between diet and oral health, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet for healthy teeth and gums.
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Occlusion: The alignment and contact between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed.
Oral Cancer: A malignant growth that can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, and throat.
Oral Hygiene: Practices and habits that maintain cleanliness and health of the mouth, such as brushing and flossing.
Orthodontics: The branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, aligners, or other appliances.
Overdenture: A removable denture that is supported by dental implants or remaining teeth for improved stability and function.
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Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure performed to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth and roots, often used to treat gum disease.
Sealant: A protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent tooth decay.
Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity refers to the discomfort or pain experienced when teeth are exposed to certain stimuli, such as hot or cold temperatures.
Saliva: The watery fluid produced by the salivary glands in the mouth that helps with digestion, lubrication, and protection against oral bacteria.
Sleep Apnea: A sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep, often associated with snoring and daytime drowsiness.
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Tartar: Hardened plaque that forms on the teeth due to the mineralization of plaque over time, requiring professional dental cleaning for removal.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The joint that connects the jawbone to the skull, responsible for jaw movement and function.
Tooth Decay: The destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, resulting in cavities or dental caries.
Tongue Tie: A condition in which the tongue’s movement is restricted due to an abnormally short or tight frenulum.
Teething: The process by which an infant’s primary teeth emerge or “cut” through the gums.
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Ultrasonic Scaling: A dental cleaning technique that uses high-frequency vibrations to remove plaque and calculus from the teeth.
Unerupted Tooth: A tooth that has not emerged or erupted through the gumline.
Underbite: A malocclusion where the lower teeth protrude in front of the upper teeth when the jaws are closed.
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): A surgical procedure to remove excess tissue from the throat to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
Unilateral: Referring to a condition or treatment affecting only one side of the mouth or face.
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Periodontics: The branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth.
Prosthodontics: The branch of dentistry that deals with the design, fabrication, and placement of artificial teeth (prosthetics) such as dentures, bridges, and dental implants.
Plaque: A sticky, colorless film of bacteria and food particles that forms on the teeth and contributes to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed.
Prophylaxis: The professional dental cleaning and polishing procedure performed to remove plaque, calculus (tartar), and surface stains from the teeth.
Palate: The roof of the mouth, consisting of the hard palate at the front and the soft palate at the back.
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Quadrant: One of the four sections into which the mouth can be divided for dental treatment purposes (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left).
QuickPro: A professional tooth-whitening treatment that combines a specially formulated gel with a desensitizing varnish for fast and effective results.
Quartz Fiber Post: A type of dental post used in root canal-treated teeth to provide stability and support for the placement of a dental crown.
Quality Assurance: Processes and protocols in place to ensure that dental treatments, materials, and services meet high standards of quality and safety.
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Root Canal: The treatment procedure used to remove infected or damaged dental pulp from the root canals of a tooth, often followed by the placement of a dental crown.
Retainer: A custom-made dental appliance used after orthodontic treatment to maintain the new position of the teeth.
Radiograph: An image produced by dental X-rays, used to diagnose dental conditions and assess the health of teeth and surrounding structures.
Recurrent Decay: Tooth decay that forms around or underneath existing dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns.
Ridge Augmentation: A surgical procedure used to restore or enhance the shape and size of the jaw ridge after tooth extraction or bone loss.
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Veneer: A thin shell made of porcelain or composite resin that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance.
Vitality Test: A diagnostic procedure to assess the health and vitality of a tooth, typically involving temperature or electric stimulation.
Vertical Dimension: The height or length of the face and teeth when the jaws are in a relaxed and properly aligned position.
Vestibule: The space or area between the teeth and lips or cheeks in the mouth.
Vitapan Shade Guide: A standardized shade guide used in dentistry to match the color of natural teeth for restorative procedures.
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Wisdom Teeth: The third molars that usually erupt in the late teens or early twenties, often requiring extraction due to impaction or insufficient space.
Whitening: The process of lightening the color of the teeth to achieve a brighter, more attractive smile, often using bleaching agents or professional treatments.
Water Flosser: A device that uses a pulsating stream of water to clean between the teeth and along the gumline, promoting oral hygiene.
Wax-up: A diagnostic tool or model made of wax to simulate the desired outcome of restorative or cosmetic dental procedures.
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Xeroradiography: A dental imaging technique that uses a special type of X-ray film to produce highly detailed, high-resolution images.
Xylitol: A natural sugar substitute that can help prevent tooth decay by reducing the growth of oral bacteria and promoting remineralization.
X-ray: A type of electromagnetic radiation used in dentistry to capture images of teeth, bones, and other structures for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Xenograft: A type of bone graft material derived from animal sources, commonly used in dental implant procedures to promote bone regeneration.
Xerostomia: Dry mouth caused by reduced saliva production, which can lead to discomfort, oral health problems, and difficulties in speaking and eating.
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Yellowing: The discoloration or staining of teeth, often caused by factors such as aging, dietary habits, or certain medications.
Yttrium-Stabilized Zirconia: A high-strength ceramic material used in dental restorations, such as crowns or bridges, for its durability and natural appearance.
Youth Dentistry: The branch of dentistry that focuses on the oral health and dental care of children and adolescents.
Yawn: A reflex action of opening one’s mouth wide and inhaling deeply, often associated with tiredness or boredom.
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Zirconia Crown: A type of dental crown made from zirconia, a strong and biocompatible material known for its natural appearance and durability.
Zygomatic Implants: Dental implants that are anchored in the zygomatic bone, an alternative option for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
Zinc Oxide Eugenol: A material used in dentistry for temporary restorations, cementation of crowns, and root canal fillings.
Zoonotic Disease: Infectious diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, highlighting the importance of infection control in dental settings.
Zygomatic Arch: The bony arch on each side of the face formed by the zygomatic bone, commonly known as the cheekbone.
A
Amalgam: A dental filling material made of a mixture of metals, including silver, mercury, and other alloys.
Abscess: An infection characterized by a collection of pus, often caused by bacterial infection in the tooth or gums.
Alveolar Bone: The part of the jawbone that surrounds and supports the teeth.
Anterior Teeth: The front teeth, including the incisors and canines.
Anesthesia: The use of medication to numb a specific area or induce sedation during dental procedures to ensure patient comfort.
B
Bruxism: The habit of grinding or clenching teeth, often done involuntarily during sleep.
Biopsy: The removal of a small tissue sample from the oral cavity for further examination and diagnosis.
Bonding: A cosmetic dental procedure that uses a tooth-colored resin material to repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth.
Bridge: A dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent teeth with artificial teeth.
Buccal: Referring to the cheek side of the teeth or oral cavity.
C
Cavity: A decayed area of the tooth resulting from the breakdown of tooth enamel by bacteria.
Crown: A tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Canine: The pointed tooth located on either side of the incisors, also known as the “eye tooth.”
Composite: A tooth-colored filling material made of a mixture of resin and fine glass particles used to restore teeth.
Cephalometric X-ray: A type of X-ray used in orthodontics to evaluate the position and relationships of the jaws and teeth.
