Dental Glossary: A-Z Dental Terms & Definitions

A branch of prosthodontics focused on restoring damaged or missing teeth using dental prostheses that are permanently attached and cannot be removed by the patient.

A fluoride treatment is a preventive dental procedure in which concentrated fluoride is applied to the teeth to strengthen enamel and help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

A frenectomy is a dental procedure that removes or modifies the frenulum, a small band of tissue connecting the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gums.

A Full Mouth Series (FMX) radiograph is a set of dental X-rays that captures detailed images of all teeth and surrounding bone structures.

A clinical scoring system used to measure the level of gum inflammation around the teeth.

Gingival recession is a condition in which the gum tissue gradually pulls away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth surface or root.

A gingivectomy is a periodontal surgical procedure that removes excess or diseased gum tissue to improve gum health and tooth exposure.

Gingivitis is inflammation of gum tissue caused by bacterial plaque buildup.

Gingivoplasty is a dental procedure that reshapes and contours the gum tissue to improve gum health or the appearance of the gumline.

Guided tissue regeneration is a periodontal surgical procedure that encourages regrowth of bone and gum tissue lost due to periodontal disease.

Gum contouring is a dental procedure that reshapes the gumline to improve the appearance or health of the gums and teeth.

Gum grafting is a periodontal surgical procedure that adds or restores gum tissue to areas where the gums have receded.

A diagnostic test in which heat is applied to a tooth to evaluate the response of the dental pulp.

Hyperdontia is a condition in which a person develops more teeth than the normal number.

Hypodontia is a condition in which one or more permanent teeth fail to develop naturally.

An impacted tooth is a tooth that cannot fully emerge into its normal position because it is blocked by bone, gum tissue, or other teeth.

An inlay is a custom-made dental restoration placed within the grooves of a tooth to repair moderate decay or damage.

An inlay restoration is a custom-made dental restoration used to repair moderate tooth damage within the grooves of a tooth without covering the cusps.

Clinical photographs taken inside the mouth to document the teeth, gums, and other oral structures.

An intraoral radiograph is a dental X-ray taken inside the mouth to capture detailed images of individual teeth and surrounding bone.

A diagnostic evaluation that measures and analyzes how the lower jaw moves during speaking, chewing, and biting.

Leukoplakia is a condition in which thick white patches develop on the inside of the mouth that cannot be wiped away.

A clinical evaluation used to determine how much a tooth moves within its supporting structures.

A fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth or implants.

Necrotic pulp is a condition in which the soft tissue inside a tooth, known as the dental pulp, has died due to infection, trauma, or loss of blood supply.

A clinical evaluation of how the upper and lower teeth contact and function together when biting and chewing.

A clinical assessment used to identify areas where teeth contact improperly and interfere with normal bite or jaw movement.

An onlay is a custom dental restoration that repairs a damaged tooth and covers one or more cusps on the chewing surface.

An onlay restoration is a custom dental restoration that repairs a damaged tooth and covers one or more cusps on the chewing surface.

An oral biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small sample of tissue from the mouth is removed and examined to identify abnormal cells or disease.

An oral cancer screening is a clinical examination used to check the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat for signs that may indicate oral cancer or precancerous changes.

An oral exam is a routine dental evaluation in which a dentist examines the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues to assess overall oral health.

A clinical evaluation used to assess the cleanliness of the teeth and gums and identify plaque, tartar, and oral hygiene habits that may affect oral health.

A dental specialty focused on diagnosing and managing diseases affecting the mouth and related structures without surgical treatment.

A dental specialist who diagnoses diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, and related oral tissues.

The branch of dentistry and pathology focused on diagnosing diseases that affect the mouth, jaws, and related oral structures.

A clinical evaluation of oral tissues to identify abnormal changes, lesions, or diseases affecting the mouth.

A diagnostic appointment in which a dental specialist evaluates a patient to determine whether oral surgery is needed.

A panoramic X-ray is a dental imaging technique that captures a single wide view of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures.

Percussion testing is a diagnostic method in dentistry where a dentist gently taps a tooth to evaluate sensitivity and possible inflammation around the root.

A periapical X-ray is a dental radiograph that captures the entire tooth, from crown to root tip, along with the surrounding bone.

Pericoronitis is inflammation and infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth, most commonly a wisdom tooth.

Periodontal charting is a clinical measurement process used to record the health of the gums and supporting structures around each tooth.

A periodontal exam is a dental evaluation that measures the health of the gums and supporting structures around the teeth.

Periodontal maintenance is a specialized dental cleaning performed regularly to manage and monitor gum disease after periodontal treatment.

A clinical assessment used to estimate a patient’s likelihood of developing or progressing periodontal disease.

A dental specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

Periodontitis is an advanced gum disease in which inflammation and bacterial infection damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

A clinical scoring system used to measure the amount of dental plaque present on teeth.

Pocket reduction surgery is a periodontal procedure that reduces deep gum pockets around teeth to help treat gum disease and improve gum health.

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom made ceramic shells bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance.

A post and core buildup is a restorative dental procedure used to rebuild and support a tooth that has been significantly damaged, often after root canal treatment.

The use of data analysis and artificial intelligence to predict potential dental conditions and guide preventive care and treatment planning.

A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a type of dental insurance plan that offers lower costs when patients receive care from dentists within the plan's approved provider network.

Preventive dentistry refers to dental practices and treatments aimed at maintaining oral health and preventing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental conditions.

A dental specialty focused on restoring or replacing missing or damaged teeth using prosthetic devices such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants.

A dental specialist trained in restoring and replacing missing or damaged teeth using prosthetic dental treatments.

A pulpectomy is a dental procedure that removes all pulp tissue from the crown and root canals of a tooth to treat infection and preserve the tooth.

Pulpitis is inflammation of the dental pulp, the soft inner tissue of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.

A pulpotomy is a dental procedure that removes infected pulp from the crown portion of a tooth while preserving the healthy pulp in the roots.

Radiolucency refers to the ability of a material or tissue to allow X-rays to pass through, causing it to appear darker on dental radiographic images.

Radiolucent describes a structure or material that allows X-rays to pass through, causing it to appear darker on dental radiographic images.

Radiopacity refers to the ability of a material or structure to block X-rays, causing it to appear white or light on dental radiographic images.

Radiopaque describes a structure or material that blocks X-rays, causing it to appear white or light on dental radiographic images.

A branch of prosthodontics focused on replacing missing teeth with prosthetic devices that patients can remove and reinsert.

Ridge preservation is a dental procedure performed after tooth extraction to help maintain the shape and volume of the jawbone.

A personalized schedule for dental checkups and preventive visits based on a patient’s risk for dental disease.

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth and seals the root canals to preserve the natural tooth.

Root canal irrigation is the process of flushing disinfecting solutions through the root canals during root canal treatment to remove debris and bacteria.

Root canal obturation is the step in root canal treatment where the cleaned root canals are filled and sealed to prevent bacterial reinfection.

Root infection is a bacterial infection that develops in the tooth pulp and spreads to the root tip and surrounding bone.

Root planing is a periodontal procedure that smooths the root surfaces of teeth to remove bacterial deposits and help the gums reattach to the tooth.

A measurement of saliva’s ability to neutralize acids in the mouth and help protect teeth from decay.

Salivary diagnostics refers to the analysis of saliva to detect biological markers associated with oral or systemic health conditions.

A measurement of the amount of saliva produced by the salivary glands over a specific period of time.

Scatter radiation refers to X-rays that change direction after interacting with matter, causing radiation to spread beyond the original beam during imaging.

Sinus lift surgery is a dental procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars to support dental implants.

Dental devices equipped with sensors, connectivity, and digital technology that monitor oral health or assist with dental care.

Standard Tessellation Language (STL) is a digital file format used to represent three dimensional surface geometry for dental models, restorations, and 3D printing.

Surgical extraction is a dental procedure that removes a tooth using surgical techniques when the tooth cannot be easily removed with a simple extraction.

Teeth reshaping is a cosmetic dental procedure that adjusts the shape or length of teeth by removing small amounts of enamel.

A remote dental appointment in which a patient consults with a dental professional using digital communication technology.

A temporary crown is a short-term dental restoration placed over a prepared tooth to protect it until a permanent crown is ready.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a condition involving dysfunction or pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles that control jaw movement.

Tooth contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that reshapes small amounts of tooth enamel to improve the appearance and contour of teeth.

Dental procedures used to stop, repair, or manage damage caused by tooth decay.

Tooth discoloration is a change in the natural color of a tooth caused by staining, structural changes in enamel or dentin, or internal changes within the tooth.

Tooth erosion is the gradual loss of tooth enamel caused by repeated exposure to acids that dissolve the mineral structure of the tooth.

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone.

Tooth resorption is a condition in which the body gradually breaks down and absorbs parts of a tooth’s structure.

Tooth sensitivity is a condition in which teeth experience sharp or temporary discomfort when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli.

A diagnostic evaluation used to determine whether the dental pulp inside a tooth is alive and functioning.

Transillumination is a diagnostic technique that uses light passed through a tooth to help identify structural changes such as cracks, cavities, or internal defects.

A computer software tool that simulates jaw movement and bite relationships using digital dental models.

A digital process that uses computer software and imaging data to simulate and plan dental treatments before they are performed.

Vital pulp therapy is a dental treatment that preserves healthy pulp tissue inside a tooth after injury or early pulp exposure.

Wisdom tooth removal is a dental procedure in which one or more third molars are extracted from the back of the mouth.

Xerostomia is a condition in which the mouth feels dry due to reduced or absent saliva production.