Speak Your Dentist’s Language: A Guide to Common Dental Terms

Dock Dental Team  |  September 12, 2024  |  5 min read

Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the tissues around a tooth due to a bacterial infection. It can cause swelling, pain, and redness.

Amalgam

Amalgam is a common dental material used to fill cavities. It’s often referred to as “silver fillings” because of its colour.

Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia refers to the use of medications to numb a specific area (local anaesthesia) or induce sleep (general anaesthesia) during dental procedures. Local anaesthesia is most commonly used in routine dental work.

Bitewing

A bitewing is a type of dental X-ray that shows the upper and lower teeth in a single view. It helps dentists detect cavities between the teeth and monitor bone levels.

Bleaching

Bleaching is a cosmetic procedure that uses strong bleaching agents to lighten teeth by removing or reducing stains. It results in whiter, brighter teeth.

Bonding

Bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure in which a tooth-coloured resin material is applied to teeth to repair chips, cracks, or gaps and improve the appearance of the smile.

Bridge

A bridge is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It is anchored by the teeth adjacent to the gap, providing stability and a natural appearance.

Bruxism

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep. It can lead to tooth wear, jaw pain, and other dental problems.

Calculus

Also known as tartar, calculus is hardened plaque that forms on teeth. Once it has developed, only a dentist or hygienist can remove it.

Canker Sore

A canker sore is a small, painful ulcer that appears inside the mouth. It is not contagious and usually heals on its own within a week or two.

Caries

Caries is the clinical term for tooth decay, also known as cavities. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that erode tooth enamel.

Composite Filling

Composite fillings are tooth-coloured materials used to repair cavities, fractures, or for cosmetic improvements. Unlike amalgam, they are designed to blend with your natural teeth.

Crown

A crown can refer to two things: the visible part of a tooth, or a dental restoration. When referring to treatment, a crown is an artificial cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, often made of porcelain or metal.

Curettage

Curettage is a surgical procedure that involves scraping away infected tissue from the roots of teeth, typically to treat gum disease. A curette, a specialised instrument, is used for this process.

Denture

Dentures are removable artificial teeth that replace missing teeth. They can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or an entire set of teeth.

Diastema

A diastema is the gap or space between two teeth, most commonly found between the upper front teeth.

Enamel

Enamel is the hard, outermost layer of a tooth. It protects the inner layers of the tooth from decay and damage. Once enamel is lost, it cannot regenerate.

Extraction

Extraction refers to the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It is typically done under local anaesthesia to minimise discomfort.

Filling

A filling is the process of restoring a tooth damaged by decay using materials like amalgam, composite, or alloy. It is commonly called a “cement filling.”

Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth and helps prevent tooth decay and sensitivity. It is commonly found in toothpaste and is sometimes added to drinking water.

Frenulum

The frenulum is a small fold of tissue that connects the tongue, lips, or cheeks to the gums. Sometimes, the frenulum can be too tight (a condition known as “tongue-tie”) and may require a minor surgical procedure to correct.

Gingiva

Gingiva is the clinical term for gums, the soft tissue that surrounds and protects your teeth.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums characterised by redness, swelling, and bleeding. It is often a precursor to more severe gum disease if left untreated.

Gum Recession

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue recedes, exposing more of the tooth’s root. This condition can make teeth appear longer and increase sensitivity.

Halitosis

Halitosis is the clinical term for bad breath. It can be caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or other underlying health issues.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity is the sharp, sudden pain that occurs when teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli. It can be a sign of enamel wear or gum recession.

Impacted Tooth

An impacted tooth is one that is prevented from fully emerging into the mouth by adjacent teeth, bone, or soft tissue. Wisdom teeth are commonly impacted.

Implant

A dental implant is a permanent solution for missing teeth. It involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a foundation for a replacement tooth.

Impression

An impression is a mold of your teeth or gums made by using a soft material that hardens after a few minutes. Dentists use impressions to create crowns, bridges, dentures, or other dental appliances.

Inlay/Onlay

Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations used to repair teeth that are too damaged for a simple filling but not damaged enough to require a crown. An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth, while an onlay covers one or more cusps.

Local Anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia is a medication, often injected, that numbs a specific area of the mouth to prevent pain during dental procedures such as extractions or fillings.

Malocclusion

Malocclusion refers to the misalignment of the upper and lower teeth when the jaws are closed. Orthodontic treatment, such as braces, is often used to correct malocclusion.

Occlusion

Occlusion refers to the way your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. Proper occlusion is important for chewing, speaking, and overall oral health.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Treatments often involve braces, aligners, or other devices to straighten teeth.

Palate

The palate is the roof of the mouth, separating the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. It is divided into two parts: the hard palate (towards the front) and the soft palate (towards the back).

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, affects the structures supporting the teeth, including the gums, ligaments, and bone. If untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.

Plaque

Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on the surface of teeth. It contains bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed regularly through brushing and flossing.

Prophylaxis

Prophylaxis is the clinical term for a professional dental cleaning, which involves removing plaque, tartar, and stains to maintain oral health and prevent disease.

Pulp

The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, root canal therapy may be necessary.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a procedure to remove infected tissue from the inner part of a tooth (the pulp). After cleaning and disinfecting the area, the space is filled with an inert material to prevent further infection.

Scaling

Scaling is the professional removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from the teeth and beneath the gumline. It is often part of a dental cleaning to maintain oral health.

Sealant

A sealant is a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars) to prevent cavities, especially in children.

Temporary Crown

A temporary crown is a provisional covering placed on a tooth while waiting for a permanent crown to be made. It protects the tooth and provides an idea of what the final crown will look like.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The TMJ is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull, allowing you to open and close your mouth. Disorders of the TMJ can cause pain, clicking, and difficulty chewing.

Veneer

A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of porcelain or composite resin that is bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance.

Read More Dental Articles