Dental Term Glossary
Understanding your dental care starts with knowing the language. Browse our A–Z glossary of common dental terms so you can walk into your appointment feeling informed and confident.
Abscess
A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, typically forming at the root of a tooth or in the gum tissue. Abscesses require prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
Amalgam
A silver-colored filling material made from a mixture of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Amalgam has been used in dentistry for over 150 years and is known for its durability.
Anesthesia
Medication used to prevent pain during dental procedures. Local anesthesia numbs a specific area; general anesthesia renders the patient unconscious for more complex procedures.
Anterior Teeth
The front teeth — incisors and canines — visible when you smile. These teeth are primarily used for biting and cutting food.
Bite (Occlusion)
The way your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. A proper bite is important for chewing, speaking, and the long-term health of your teeth and jaw.
Bonding
A cosmetic procedure in which tooth-colored composite resin is applied and sculpted onto a tooth to repair chips, cracks, gaps, or discoloration. Bonding is quick and typically requires no anesthesia.
Bruxism
The habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep. Bruxism can wear down enamel, cause jaw pain, and lead to headaches. A custom night guard is a common treatment.
Calculus (Tartar)
Hardened plaque that has mineralized on the tooth surface. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing alone and must be scaled off by a dental professional during a cleaning.
Canine
The pointed teeth located on either side of the incisors, also called cuspids. Adults have four canines — two upper and two lower — used for tearing food.
Cavity (Caries)
A permanently damaged area in the hard surface of a tooth that develops into a hole. Cavities are caused by bacteria, sugary foods, and poor oral hygiene, and are treated with fillings.
Crown
A tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination.
Dentin
The hard tissue layer beneath tooth enamel. Dentin is yellowish in color and contains tiny channels that transmit sensations to the nerve. Exposed dentin often causes tooth sensitivity.
Dry Socket
A painful condition that can occur after a tooth extraction when the blood clot at the site dissolves or dislodges before the wound heals, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.
Enamel
The hard, outermost layer of a tooth and the hardest substance in the human body. Enamel protects teeth from daily wear and tear but can be eroded by acids from food, drinks, and bacteria.
Extraction
The removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Extractions may be necessary due to severe decay, infection, crowding, or impaction.
Filling
A restorative material used to repair a tooth damaged by decay. Common filling materials include tooth-colored composite resin and amalgam. Fillings restore the tooth's function and prevent further decay.
Fluoride
A naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Fluoride is found in toothpaste, drinking water, and professional dental treatments.
Gingivitis
The earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is caused by plaque buildup and is reversible with proper brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings.
Gum Recession
A condition in which the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, exposing the root. Recession can be caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, or genetics, and may lead to sensitivity and tooth loss.
Implant
A titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. An implant supports a crown, bridge, or denture and is considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth.
Incisor
The four flat, chisel-shaped front teeth in each jaw used for cutting food. Adults have eight incisors total — four upper and four lower.
Mandible
The lower jaw bone. The mandible is the only movable bone in the skull and holds the lower teeth in place.
Maxilla
The upper jaw bone. The maxilla is fixed in place and holds the upper teeth. It also forms part of the hard palate and the floor of the nasal cavity.
Molar
The large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth used for grinding and chewing food. Adults typically have 12 molars, including four wisdom teeth.
Night Guard
A custom-fitted oral appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from the effects of bruxism (grinding and clenching). Night guards cushion the teeth and reduce jaw muscle strain.
Oral Appliance Therapy
A treatment for sleep apnea and snoring that uses a custom-fitted mouthpiece to reposition the jaw and tongue, keeping the airway open during sleep. An effective alternative to CPAP for many patients.
Orthodontics
A dental specialty focused on diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatments include braces and clear aligners to improve both function and appearance.
Periodontal Disease
Advanced gum disease that affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to systemic health conditions including heart disease.
Plaque
A sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque produces acids that attack enamel and cause cavities and gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing remove plaque.
Prophylaxis
A professional dental cleaning performed to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. Prophylaxis is a key part of preventive dental care and is typically recommended every six months.
Pulp
The soft tissue at the center of a tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp is responsible for tooth development and sensation. Infection of the pulp often requires a root canal.
Root Canal
A procedure to treat infection or damage inside a tooth by removing the pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing the tooth. Root canals relieve pain and save teeth that would otherwise need extraction.
Scaling and Root Planing
A deep cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease. Scaling removes tartar from above and below the gum line; root planing smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach to the teeth.
Sealant
A thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. Sealants are especially effective for children and teens whose molars are most vulnerable to decay.
Sleep Apnea
A sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway. Dental oral appliances are an effective treatment option.
TMJ / TMD
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) refers to pain and dysfunction in this joint, often causing jaw pain, clicking, and headaches.
Veneer
A thin shell of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its color, shape, or size. Veneers are a popular cosmetic solution for discolored, chipped, or slightly misaligned teeth.
Wisdom Teeth
The third and final set of molars that typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth often need to be removed if they are impacted, misaligned, or causing crowding.
X-Ray (Radiograph)
A diagnostic imaging tool used to detect cavities, bone loss, impacted teeth, and other conditions not visible to the naked eye. Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays.
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