-A- Abscess - infection caused by severe tooth decay, trauma or gum disease. Amalgam - a silver and mercury material used for fillings. Anesthetic - a drug used by your doctor to eliminate a patient's localized pain during certain dental procedures. Anterior - the teeth in the front of your mouth. Antiseptic - an agent that can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs. Apex - the very tip of the root of a tooth. Aspirator - a suction device your dentist uses to remove saliva from your mouth.
-B- Bleaching Agent - a gel used to whiten and brighten teeth. Bonding - a plastic composite painted on the teeth to correct stains or damage. Bridge - one or more artificial teeth attached to your adjacent teeth. Bruxism - the clenching or grinding of teeth, most commonly while sleeping.
-C- Calculus - the hardened plaque that can form on neglected or prone teeth, commonly known as tartar. Canine - the pointy teeth just behind the laterals. Caries - another name for cavities or decayed teeth. Cavity - a tiny hole in the tooth caused by decay. Central - the two upper and two lower teeth in the center of the mouth. Crown - an artificial tooth or cover made of porcelain or metal. Cuspid - the pointy teeth just behind the laterals, also known as canines.
-D- Decalcification - the loss of calcium from the teeth. Deciduous Teeth - also called "baby teeth." Dental Implants - an implant permanently attached to the jawbone that replaces a missing tooth or teeth. Denture - a removable set of artificial teeth.
-E- Enamel - the hard surface of the tooth above the gum line. Endodontist - a dentist who specializes in root canals and the treatment of diseases and infections of the dental pulp (inner tooth). Extraction - the removal of a tooth or teeth.
-F- Filling - a plug made of metal or composite material used to fill a tooth cavity. Fluoride - a chemical solution used to harden teeth and prevent decay.
-I- Impacted Tooth - often occurring with wisdom teeth, it is a tooth that sits sideways below the gum line, often requiring extraction. Incisal - related to incisors (see below). Incisor - one of the flat, sharp-edged teeth in the front of the mouth. Inlays - a custom-made filling cemented into an unhealthy tooth. Instant Orthodontics - Alternative to braces using bonded porcelain veneers or crowns. Invisalign - uses a series of clear aligners that are custom-molded to fit you. Implant - a dental prosthesis placed permanently in gum tissue.
-P- Pedontist - also known as a pediatric dentist, a dentist that specializes in the treatment of children's teeth. Periodontist - a dentist specializing in the treatment of gum disease. Plaque - a sticky buildup of acids and bacteria that causes tooth decay. Posterior Teeth - the teeth in the back of the mouth. Primary Teeth - also known as "baby teeth" or deciduous teeth. Prosthodontist - a dentist specializing in the restoration and replacement of missing teeth or severely damaged teeth.
-S- Sealant - plastic coating applied to teeth to prevent decay. Used most commonly for children. Secondary Teeth - the permanent teeth. Six-Year Molar - commonly known as "the first molar." Sleep Apnea - a potentially serious disorder in which a sleeping person may stop breathing for 10 seconds or more, often continuously throughout the night.
-T- Tartar - see calculus. TMJ Syndrome - a disorder associated with the joint of the jaw. Often caused by a misalignment of or a disparity in upper and lower jaw sizes. Tooth whitening - a process designed to whiten and brighten teeth. Twelve-year molar - commonly known as "the second molar."
