A – I

Abrasion
Wear on tooth enamel from aggressive brushing or dental appliances.

Abutment
A support structure (natural tooth or implant) used to anchor a bridge or crown.

Aligners (Clear Aligners)
Removable, nearly invisible trays (e.g., Invisalign) that straighten teeth over time.

Amalgam
A durable, silver-colored dental filling made from metals and mercury.

Bleaching
Another term for teeth whitening is tooth bleaching, which lightens tooth discoloration.

Bonding
A cosmetic procedure where tooth-colored resin is applied and hardened to repair chips, cracks, or gaps.

Bridges (Dental Bridges)
Fixed prosthetic devices that replace one or more missing teeth, anchored by abutments.

Bruxism
Involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep.

Canine (Cuspid)
Pointed teeth are used for tearing food. Each arch typically has two.

Cavity
A decay-caused hole in a tooth that requires restoration with a filling.

Composite
Tooth-colored resin is used for fillings or cosmetic improvements.

Crown
A custom-made cap is placed over a damaged or treated tooth to restore function and appearance.

Deep Cleaning
Also called scaling and root planing, this procedure is used to remove plaque and tartar beneath the gumline.

Dental Implants
Permanent artificial tooth roots are placed in the jawbone to support crowns or dentures.

Dentures
Removable prosthetics that replace multiple missing teeth.

Digital X-Rays
Advanced imaging that uses less radiation to produce detailed images of your teeth and jaw.

Enamel
The hard, outermost layer of the tooth that protects against decay.

Endodontics
The dental specialty focuses on the treatment of the tooth’s pulp, most commonly through root canals.

Extraction
Removal of a tooth due to damage, infection, or crowding.

Fluoride
A mineral applied to teeth to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.

Full Mouth Reconstruction
A comprehensive treatment plan combining multiple procedures to restore full oral health and aesthetics.

Gingivitis
Early-stage gum disease is characterized by inflammation, redness, and bleeding.

Gum Graft
A surgical procedure to restore receding gum tissue.

Implant-Supported Dentures
Dentures anchored securely by dental implants, offering more stability than traditional versions.

Impacted Tooth
A tooth that fails to erupt fully, often requiring extraction, is common with wisdom teeth.

Invisalign
A brand of clear aligners used as a modern alternative to traditional metal braces.

K -Z

Laser Gum Surgery
Minimally invasive procedure using lasers to treat gum disease or reshape gum lines.

Limited Oral Exam (Problem-Focused Exam)
A targeted dental examination is used to diagnose a specific issue, like pain or trauma.

Lingual Braces
Orthodontic braces are attached to the inner side of the teeth, making them less visible.

Mouthguard
A custom-fitted appliance used to protect teeth during sports or from nighttime grinding (bruxism).

Occlusal Adjustment
Selective reshaping of biting surfaces to improve alignment and comfort.

Onlay
A restoration covering one or more tooth cusps; more extensive than a filling, but less than a crown.

Orthodontics
The specialty of aligning teeth and jaws using devices like braces or clear aligners.

Pediatric Dentistry
Focused dental care for children and adolescents.

Periodontics
Dental specialty dealing with the prevention and treatment of gum disease.

Plaque
A sticky biofilm that forms on teeth, harboring bacteria that cause decay and gum disease.

Porcelain Veneers
Thin ceramic shells are bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance and are used in smile makeovers.

Preventive Dentistry
Dental care aimed at preventing disease includes regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and exams.

Root Canal
A treatment to remove infected pulp inside the tooth and preserve its structure.

Scaling
The removal of hardened plaque (tartar) from the tooth surfaces, especially below the gumline.

Sealant
A thin protective coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent decay.

Sleep Apnea Evaluation
A dental screening to assess whether oral appliance therapy can help manage sleep-disordered breathing.

Tartar (Calculus)
Hardened plaque that must be professionally removed during a dental cleaning.

TMJ/TMD
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) affect the jaw joint, causing pain or dysfunction.

Veneers
Custom-crafted shells are placed on teeth to enhance shape, color, and alignment.

Wisdom Teeth
The third set of molars, which usually emerge in late teens or early twenties, is often removed to avoid crowding or impaction.

X-Rays
Diagnostic images are used to visualize teeth, roots, and bone structure, as well as to detect cavities or abnormalities.