Glossary of Dental Terms
Do you struggle to keep all of the different dental terms straight? If so, we’ve got just the thing for you: A glossary full of all the dental terminology you could possibly want to know—and then some! Search for a specific term below, or scroll down to see our full list of dental terms. From dental procedures to parts of the mouth and the tools dentists use, read on to get down with some dentistry vocabulary.
A
abscess
A type of localized lesion that is usually associated with pus, swelling, and discomfort; this type of infection can affect the tooth, bone, or soft tissues. | Read more…
abutment
1) Teeth that support fixed or partial bridges; 2) The metal or porcelain piece that connects the implant post to the crown
acetaminophen
A pain-relieving medication that you can purchase over the counter. Both Tylenol and Anacin are acetaminophen.
acid etching
A dental material used to prepare/roughen surface of the tooth for bonding materials
activated charcoal
A black powder that is used for natural tooth whitening | Read more…
acute
A sudden illness, potentially requiring immediate treatment.
ADA Seal of Acceptance
An award from the American Dental Association given to products deemed safe, effective, and supported by science
adhesive
A substance or material that bonds surfaces or materials together
adult-onset diabetes
An adult health condition, wherein those affected can’t control their blood sugar levels
aesthetic
Related to appearance and beauty
aligner
An alternative to wire-and-bracket braces; a plastic tray fitted to the teeth to correct alignment problems | Read more…
allograft
A type of tissue graft from one human donor to another recipient
alloplastic
A synthetic material used to replicate/replace human tissue (e.g., bone)
alveolar
A bone that keeps the tooth anchored at the tooth base
amalgam
A common alloy used for fillings, sometimes known as silver fillings; contains tin, silver, copper, zinc, and mercury
anesthesia
A process for pain management; anesthesia is administered before dental procedures to promote relaxation and lessen feelings of pain and discomfort.
antibiotic prophylaxis
The use of antibiotics before potential exposure to bacteria in order to prevent infection.
antibiotics
A group of medications used to treat bacterial infections, such as abscesses | Read more…
anticoagulant medication
A type of medicine that keeps blood clots from forming, reducing the risk of stroke or heart attack
antiviral medications
Medication that fights against viruses.
apex
The tip of the tooth root
appliance
A removable orthodontic device or dental restoration
arch
The curved anatomy of upper and lower teeth alignment
autograph
Bone or tissue that is surgically transferred from one part of the body to another
B
bacterial endocarditis
A rare infection involving the heart.
baking soda
A chemical compound sometimes used in natural dentistry to clean teeth; also known as sodium bicarbonate
barrier membrane
A thin layer of material used in certain tissue regeneration procedures
benign
A medical term used to describe a non-cancerous growth or lesion
bicuspid
The fourth and fifth teeth toward the back of the mouth in each arch; see also premolars.
biocompatibility
The ability to be tolerated by living tissues, bones, organs etc.
biopsy
A procedure that involves removing a small amount of tissue in order to diagnose a condition
bisphosphonate
A type of medicine that makes bones stronger
bitewing
A type of dental x-ray characterized by showing upper and opposing lower teeth in a single photo film to identify decay
bleaching
A procedure that makes teeth whiter in color
bonding
The process of adhering materials to teeth, such as porcelain or composite resin
bone augmentation
The building up of the bone around dental implants.
bone loss
The decrease of bone supporting a tooth or implant.
bone resorption
Deterioration of the bone that keeps teeth in place; often associated with gum (periodontal) disease
braces
An orthodontic device composed of brackets and wires that is gradually adjusted to straighten misaligned teeth | Read more…
bridge
An appliance that can replace missing teeth and spans multiple teeth to create better support; sometimes called a fixed partial denture | Read more…
bruxism
The condition of teeth grinding, which often occurs at night | Read more…
buccal
A general term relating to the cheek or mouth (e.g. the buccal side of the tooth)
bulimia teeth
Tooth decay that results due to bulimia, an eating disorder | Read more…
C
calculus
A calcium-based deposit that can be yellow or brown in color and is the result of poor plaque removal; another term for tartar
canine
See cuspid.
canker sore
A type of mild mouth ulcer that is common in adolescents and young adults
cap
See crown.
caries
A medical term for cavities or tooth decay
cavity
Missing tooth structure from caries, erosion or abrasion; also known as a carious lesion
cementum
A type of mineralized tissue that protects the root of the tooth and helps anchor it in place
cervical area
The location of the gum line in between the tooth crown and the root; sometimes called the cervical margin
cleaning
The process of removing plaque and tartar from the teeth above the gum line
cleft lip
A birth condition that results in a split lip and may be associated with a cleft palate
cleft palate
A birth condition that results in a split in the roof of the mouth | Read more…
clinical trial
A study conducted to test the efficacy of a new treatment or medication
codeine
A pain-relieving medication that requires a doctor’s prescription; can have many side effects including mental dependence
composite resin
A dental material used in restorations (e.g., fillings) that is tooth-colored and composed of plastic and blended with glass or ceramic particles for added strength
cosmetic dentistry
Services that improve the aesthetics of your teeth or mouth instead of your oral health.
cross-bite
A dental misalignment where the top and bottom teeth sit unevenly, resulting in an asymmetrical face | Read more…
crown
1) The part of the tooth above the gum line; 2) A covering for part or all of a tooth to restore the tooth to its original shape and size | Read more…
cusp
The pointed tip(s) of the tooth
cuspid
A tooth with a rounded or pointed tip; the third tooth from the center; also known as canines
cyst
A sac that can contain fluid, soft material, or gas and can be benign or malignant; may be accompanied by inflammation
D
dam
A barrier used during dental care
dead tooth
See pulp necrosis.
debridement
The process of removing damaged tissue or debris as part of treatment
decay
Tooth destruction that happens due to bacterial buildup; see also tooth decay.
deciduous teeth
The first teeth that children get; also called baby teeth
deductible
The amount you have to pay out of pocket before your dental insurance kicks in.
demineralization
Erosion of the enamel that covers the tooth surface | Read more…
dental erosion
The thinning of dental enamel.
dental lab
A facility where dentures and other dental prosthetics are created and repaired | Read more…
dental tourism
A general term for traveling abroad to receive less expensive dental care | Read more…
dentin
The layer of the tooth just underneath the enamel
dentition
The development and arrangement of teeth
dentrifice
An old word for toothpaste.
denture
A removable or fixed replacement for damaged or missing teeth; complete dentures replace the entire set of teeth, and partial dentures replace some teeth but not all | Read more…
denture adhesive
A type of glue used to temporarily hold dentures in place.
denture cleansers
Solutions such as creams, pastes, and gels that are used to clean removable dentures.
diastema
A gap between the upper front teeth | Read more…
distal
The side of the tooth away from the midline of the mouth
dry mouth
A medical condition where not enough saliva is produced; may be due to medications, other medical ailments, tobacco use, and certain medical treatments; also called xerostomia
dry socket
A complication that can result after a tooth extraction when a blood clot either doesn’t form or comes loose, which leaves the socket and bone unprotected
E
edema/edematous
Swelling and inflammation
edentulism
The condition of having no remaining teeth
edentulous
Having no teeth
efficacy
The ability of something to work as it was designed.
enamel
The hard, mineralized external layer of the tooth above the gum line
endodontic
See root canal.
endodontist
A dental specialist who focuses on the treatment and study of dental pulp and teeth roots, particularly root canal procedures | Read more…
eruption
The process of teeth emerging through the gums
esthetic
Related to appearance and beauty. Also spelled ‘aesthetic.’
excision
Surgical removal
extraction
Tooth removal | Read more…
F
filling
A type of tooth restoration where lost tooth portions are filled with metal, composite resin, or porcelain | Read more…
first molars
The molars that are closest to the front of the mouth.
fissure
A naturally existing groove on the surface of a tooth
fixed denture
A dental prosthesis that cannot be removed
flap surgery
The process of lifting gum tissue away from the tooth for deeper cleaning
flossing
The process of using a thread-like material to clean in between teeth and keep the contact points between teeth free of debris and plaque | Read more…
fluoride
A mineral that makes tooth enamel stronger | Read more…
fluoride varnish
This liquid contains fluoride and is painted onto the teeth for extra protection.
fluorosis
A condition that results in tooth discoloration due to ingesting too much fluoride during the first 8 years of life | Read more…
G
gingiva
See gums.
gingivectomy
A type of surgery done to remove gum tissue
gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums and a type of gum disease caused by the accumulation of plaque and food debris | Read more…
glass ionomer
A type of material used for restorations (like fillings) that is partially composed of silicate glass powder
guided tissue regeneration
A procedure that encourages the growth of new gum tissue
gum disease
See periodontitis.
gum graft
A procedure where tissue from the roof of the mouth is surgically attached to an area that needs gum tissue
gum recession
See receding gums.
gums
Oral tissue that covers the jaw and surrounds the base of the teeth; also known as gingiva
H
halitosis
The clinical term for chronic bad breath that does not resolve with basic oral hygiene | Read more…
hard palate
The roof of the mouth
hemisection
A dental procedure where half of a tooth is removed; this procedure can only be done on teeth with multiple roots (molars)
hepatitis C
An infection of the liver.
holistic dentistry
A form of dental treatment that seeks to treat total body wellness instead of treating isolated disease; also known as natural dentistry | Read more…
hydrogen peroxide
A chemical compound sometimes used in dentistry as a mouthwash or for teeth whitening | Read more…
hygienist
A specialist who focuses on cleaning and polishing teeth; also known as a dental hygienist
hyperdontia
A congenital condition where a person has more than the normal number of teeth | Read more…
hypersensitivity
A condition where the teeth are more sensitive to pain, cold, heat, and other stimuli | Read more…
hypodontia
A congenital condition where a person has fewer than the normal number of teeth | Read more…
I
ibuprofen
Pain reliever that you can buy over the counter; examples include Motrin and Advil
imaging
A general term for the process of taking internal pictures of the teeth and mouth; many imaging techniques are radiographs.
impacted tooth
A dental condition where the tooth has either partially grown (erupted) from the gums (partially impacted) or has not grown from the gums at all; this may be due to crowding (like wisdom teeth); impacted teeth are sometimes surgically removed.
implant
A type of dental prosthesis that replaces a missing tooth root and crown | Read more…
incisor
The front teeth (upper and lower); humans have eight incisors
inlay
A type of indirect tooth restoration that is formed outside the mouth and attached to the inner surfaces between the tips of the teeth
interdental brushes
Small dental tools composed of bristles and wire that are designed to clean in between teeth | Read more…
interproximal reduction
The process of slimming and creating gaps between teeth in preparation for braces, abbreviated as IPR; this will allow teeth to align properly without crowding. | Read more…
intraoral
Inside the mouth.
intrinsic staining
Discoloration of the internal tooth structure
J
jaw
Pieces of bone that make up the mouth and contain the teeth
K
keratin
A protein that is present in the body’s cuticular structures, like hair and skin. Tooth enamel also contains some keratin.
L
labial
1) The surface that faces the lips; 2) Related to the lips
laughing gas
See nitrous oxide.
lesion
An area of disease or injury, such as an abscess, tumor, or ulcer
leukoplakia
A condition where thick, white patches form on the tongue and inside of the mouth, sometimes due to smoking; leukoplakia is usually benign
lingual
1) The surface of the tooth facing the tongue; 2) Related to the tongue
loading
When the dentist attaches the crown to an implant.
lockjaw
See trismus.
M
malignant
A medical term used to describe a cancerous growth or lesion
malocclusion
A misaligned bite in which the upper and lower teeth do not come together correctly | Read more…
mandible
The lower jaw
maxilla
The upper part of the jaw that is attached to the skull
maxillofacial
A general term referring to the face and jaw
maxillofacial surgeon
A dental specialist who focuses on surgery related to the face and jaw
microabrasion
A minimally invasive procedure that involves using mild abrasive material to restore and shape teeth
molars
The large, multi-rooted teeth in the back of the mouth
mouth breathing
Inhaling and exhaling through the mouth instead of the nose, which can lead to dry mouth, potentially causing gum disease or decay
mouthguard
A removable dental device that can be worn to prevent teeth grinding or worn during contact activity to prevent injury
mouthwash
A product used to rinse the mouth to freshen breath and kill bacteria; also known as a mouthrinse | Read more…
N
natural dentistry
See holistic dentistry.
nerve
A body system component that sends signals to and from the brain, such as pain
night guard
A removable dental device that can be worn at night to prevent teeth grinding, often made from flexible acrylic | Read more…
nitrous oxide
A chemical compound used to sedate patients and provide some relief from pain; also known as laughing gas
NSAIDS
A group of over the counter medicines that are anti-inflammatory and nonsteroidal, used to relieve pain.
O
occlusion
The general term referring to the contact/alignment between the teeth
odontoplasty
Also known as recontouring, this mostly cosmetic procedure reshapes the teeth
onlay
A tooth restoration created in a dental lab that covers most/part of the tooth
open bite
A type of misalignment that exists when the jaw is closed and the upper teeth do not overlap over the bottom teeth | Read more…
opioid
A type of prescription pain reliever that is known for causing addiction
oral
Related to the mouth.
oral and maxillofacial surgeon
A dental specialist who focuses on surgery related to the inside of the mouth, as well as the face and jaw | Read more…
oral candidiasis
See thrush.
oral cavity
The inside of the mouth
oral herpes
A condition caused by the herpes simplex virus-1 that results in lesions inside and outside the oral cavity | Read more…
oral hygiene
The practice of keeping the teeth and mouth clean to prevent disease; includes brushing and flossing | Read more…
oral lichen planus
A condition that can cause burning or pain, appearing as white patches or swollen sores in the mouth.
oral mucosa
The lining, or ‘skin’, of the inside of the mouth
oral surgeon
A dental specialist who focuses on surgery related to the inside of the mouth
orthodontic appliances
The general term for fixed and removable devices used with issues related to misaligned teeth and jaws
orthodontic treatment
Treatment to straighten teeth and fix alignment problems, like braces.
orthodontist
A specialist who focuses on issues related to misaligned teeth and jaws | Read more…
orthognathic surgery
Jaw surgery
osteonecrosis of the jaws
Severe jaw bone loss.
osteoporosis
A disease that causes bones to become weaker.
over-the-counter
Medications that you can buy without a doctor’s prescription.
overbite
A teeth alignment condition where the upper jaw overlaps the lower jaw | Read more…
overcrowding
An alignment condition where there is not enough room in the mouth to accommodate tooth growth; also known as crowding or dental crowding
overjet
An alignment condition where the upper teeth extend outward; sometimes called ‘buck teeth’
P
pacifier teeth
An alignment condition that can result from long-term pacifier use or thumb-sucking | Read more…
palate
The roof of the mouth that extends into the sinus cavity
palliative
A method of treatment that typically eases discomfort but may not treat the root cause
pedicle graft
A type of gum tissue graft that takes gum tissue from near the area of gum surgery to cover areas of lost tissue
pedodontics
Pediatric dentistry | Read more…
pedodontist
A dental specialist who focuses on treating child and adolescent teeth; also known as a pediatric dentist
peri-implantitis
An infection that develops around implants and that can cause bone loss.
periapical
The area and tissue surrounding the tip of a tooth root
periodontal
The tissues and structures that surround and support the teeth (gums)
periodontics
A branch of dentistry that deals with gum disease and other gum issues
periodontist
A dentist who specializes in treating gum disease and gum-related problems | Read more…
periodontitis
Also known as gum disease and periodontal disease, this condition refers to the inflammation and infection of gum tissue
permanent teeth/dentition
Adult teeth; adults have 32 permanent teeth
plaque
A sticky film that forms on the surface of the teeth, which can eventually harden into tartar and lead to decay | Read more…
porcelain/ceramic
A type of restoration material (like crowns) that is strong, stain-resistant, and tooth-colored and composed of lab-made ceramic
post
A metal shaft that is implanted in the jaw and forms the base for dental implants and bridges
posterior
A general term referring to the rear/back; premolars and molars are considered posterior teeth
premolar
The tooth that is located in between the canine and the molar; adults have four premolars
primary teeth/dentition
Baby teeth; these are the first teeth to emerge in human development, and children have 20 primary teeth
prophylaxis
Teeth cleaning performed by a dentist that removes plaque and calculus from teeth.
prosthesis
A replacement for missing teeth; dentures, veneers, crowns, implants, and bridges are types of prostheses
prosthodontics
A branch of dentistry that deals with dental prostheses and missing teeth
prosthodontist
A dental specialist who focuses on missing teeth and dental prosthetics
pulp
The inner part of the tooth structure that contains blood vessels and nerves
pulp necrosis
A dental condition where the pulp (part of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves) dies; also known as a dead tooth | Read more…
pulpitis
A dental condition that causes pain, swelling and sensitivity in the dental pulp, the tissue that surrounds the root of the tooth | Read more…
Q
quadrant
One of four sections of the mouth that begins at the midline of the arch and goes to the back tooth.
R
radiograph
A type of image created by x-rays or other types of radiation (like gamma rays)
radiologist
A specialist who focuses on taking and interpreting x-rays and other radiographic images
rebase
A denture replacement procedure where the denture base is replaced, but not the teeth
receding gums
A type of gum disease that occurs when gums pull back, or recede, away from the teeth, exposing more teeth surfaces and roots; usually affects the smile | Read more…
recontouring
The process of reshaping the outer edges of the teeth; sometimes called odontoplasty, enameloplasty, stripping, or slenderizing | Read more…
reline
The process of refitting the dentures to fit the gums correctly; this is done when gums recede or dentures become loose in some way | Read more…
resin
See composite resin.
restorations
A general term for techniques used to preserve or replace teeth, such as fillings, implants, bridges, and root canals
restorative dentistry
A branch of dentistry focused on preserving tooth structure and restoring damage | Read more…
retainer
A type of orthodontic device used after orthodontic treatment to keep the teeth in position | Read more…
rinse
See mouthwash.
root
The bottom part of the tooth, including the bottom tip, that anchors the tooth in place
root canal
1) The passageway into the root of the tooth that contains pulp, blood vessels, and nerves; 2) Root canal treatment (also known as endodontic treatment) involves cleaning the root canal and repairing damage in the area in order to protect the tooth | Read more…
root planing
A process where rough root surfaces are smoothed to remove bacteria; also known as deep cleaning | Read more…
S
saliva
The fluid produced by the salivary glands, which keeps the oral cavity moist
scaling
A dental procedure done to clean calculus and plaque from the teeth
sealant
A type of thin dental coating meant to cover the teeth to prevent tooth decay; applied during a dental cleaning | Read more…
sedation
The general term for the tools and techniques meant to cause relaxation and drowsiness
sedation dentistry
A branch of dentistry that focuses on providing medication to patients to encourage relaxation and drowsiness | Read more…
sedative
The general term for a medication administered to cause relaxation, drowsiness, and pain relief
sensitive teeth
A dental condition where more pain or sensation in the teeth is felt due to stimuli such as cold or heat
sinus lift
A surgical procedure where bone is added to the upper jaw that is often done in preparation for dental implants | Read more…
sinuses
Spaces in your facial bones, in the forehead on either side of your eyes.
Sjögren syndrome
An illness where the immune system attacks itself. It can cause dry mouth and dry eyes, along with other symptoms.
smile design
A cosmetic consultation to develop a plan to whiten, straighten, and overall improve one’s smile
smile makeover
The process of using one or more cosmetic dental procedures to improve one’s smile
smokers' teeth
A condition involving teeth staining and possibly gum disease or tooth decay as a result of smoking | Read more…
socket graft
A type of graft procedure done in the ‘hole’ from a tooth extraction to keep the bone intact for a dental implant
soft palate
The flexible part of the roof of the mouth
spacer
A small rubber band or ring that is placed around teeth to create a gap; this is done during dental procedures and to help make room for braces
staining
Tooth discoloration due to food, drink, and tobacco, and even medications; intrinsic staining refers to discoloration of the internal structure of the tooth
stomatitis
Irritation of the soft tissue in and around the mouth
supernumary teeth
See hyperdontia.
suture
A stitch or series of stitches used in surgical procedures to hold the edges of a wound or incision together
T
tartar
Hardened plaque on the surface of the teeth that contributes to tooth decay
teeth grinding
See bruxism.
teething
The process that young children undergo when teeth first emerge from the gums
temporomandibular joint
The joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull
temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Issues related to pain, clicking, stiffness, and locking of the jaw; sometimes called TMJ or TMJ syndrome
tetracycline teeth
Teeth discoloration due to the antibiotic tetracycline | Read more…
therapeutic
A therapy or treatment to help control or eliminate illnesses or other health problems.
thrush
A condition caused by yeast overgrowth, specifically Candida albicans; thrush can be caused by illness, certain medical conditions, and smoking; also known as oral candidiasis | Read more…
tongue scraper
A tool used to clean the tongue in order to reduce bacteria; a tongue scraper is used in addition to brushing. | Read more…
tongue tie
A condition in young children where the frenulum linguae (the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is shorter or tighter than normal | Read more…
tooth decay
The damage to the tooth surface or enamel caused by bacteria | Read more…
tooth resorption
A rare dental condition where the body starts to absorb part of the tooth | Read more…
topical anesthetic
A medication placed on a tissue surface (like skin or gums) to numb an area before a procedure
trauma
The general term for any sort of injury or damage to the teeth, bones, or nearby tissues
trismus
A condition where the jaw cannot be opened completely; this can be temporary or permanent; also known as lockjaw
U
ulcer
A benign lesion inside the mouth; also known as a canker sore | Read more…
ultrasound
A tool that uses high-frequency waves for imaging and dental procedures (such as cleaning)
underbite
An alignment condition where the lower teeth extend further forward than the upper teeth | Read more…
unerupted
A general term for when a tooth does not emerge from the gums
V
veneer
A type of dental restoration that involves placing a thin shell over the tooth enamel; often used in cosmetic dentistry | Read more…
W
wax
A natural or synthetic product used to cover the pointed edges of orthodontic devices (like braces) to prevent damage to oral tissues | Read more…
whitening
A dental treatment that involves using bleaching elements to reduce discoloration | Read more…
wisdom teeth
The most posterior teeth in the mouth, which emerge in adolescence; also called third molars | Read more…
X
x-ray
A type of radiographic image commonly used in dentistry | Read more…
xerostomia
See dry mouth.
There you have it! A digital dental dictionary packed full of all of the dental terminology you could possibly want to know. In our dental glossary, we cover:
- Dental procedures: Here you have your dental vocabulary and dentist medical terminology for the procedures that dentists perform. From root canals to extractions, dental terminology abbreviations, and more!
- Parts of the mouth: We get into the nitty-gritty of dental nomenclature with definitions including the medical terminology for the mouth, the medical term for teeth, and other basic dental terminology.
- Tooth anatomy: We provide special tooth nomenclature and obscure dental definitions like the medical term for missing teeth,
- Dental professions: Let this also serve as your dentistry dictionary to expand your dentistry vocabulary with the various medical terms for dentists, such as endodontists, periodontists, orthodontists, and more!