Dental Clinical Terms

Dental clinical terms are used by dentists and dental professionals to communicate and diagnose dental conditions, as well as to explain treatment options to patients. These terms cover a wide range of topics, from basic anatomy and oral hygiene to complex dental procedures and restorations. Understanding these terms can help patients make informed decisions about their dental health and feel more comfortable during dental visits.

Many dental clinical terms relate to common dental procedures, such as fillings, extractions, and root canals. Patients may be familiar with some of these procedures, but may not understand the underlying dental anatomy or the reasons why the procedure is necessary. By using clear, concise language and explaining dental clinical terms in a way that patients can understand, dentists and dental professionals can help patients feel more at ease during dental visits and make informed decisions about their dental health.

Table of Contents

A

  1. Abscess: A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection.
  2. Amalgam: A silver-colored filling material made of mercury, silver, tin, and copper.
  3. Anesthesia: The use of drugs to block pain and other sensations during dental procedures.
  4. Anterior teeth: The teeth at the front of the mouth, including incisors and canines.

B

5. Bite: The way upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed.

  1. Braces: Orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth and correct bite issues.
  2. Bridge: A dental appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth.
  3. Buccal: Refers to the cheek side of a tooth.

C

9. Calculus: Hardened plaque that has built up on teeth and can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

  1. Canker sore: A small, painful ulcer on the inside of the mouth.
  2. Caries: Another term for tooth decay.
  3. Cementum: The hard, outer layer of the tooth root.
  4. Crown: A cap that covers a damaged tooth to protect it and restore its shape, size, and function.
  5. Cusp: The pointed or rounded parts of a tooth’s chewing surface.

D

15. Dentin: The layer of tooth structure beneath the enamel that makes up most of the tooth.

  1. Dental dam: A thin sheet of rubber used to isolate teeth during certain procedures.
  2. Dental implant: A titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge.
  3. Denture: A removable dental appliance used to replace missing teeth.
  4. Enamel: The hard, outer layer of the tooth that protects it from damage.
  5. Endodontics: A branch of dentistry that focuses on the treatment of the tooth’s pulp and root canal system.
  6. Extraction: The removal of a tooth.

F

22. Filling: A material used to fill a cavity and restore the tooth’s shape and function.

  1. Fluoride: A mineral used to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.
  2. Forceps: Dental instruments used to extract teeth.

G

25. Gingiva: The soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth.

  1. Gingivectomy: A surgical procedure to remove diseased gum tissue.
  2. Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial infection.
  3. Gum disease: An infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth.

H

29. Halitosis: Another term for bad breath.

  1. Implant: See Dental implant.
  2. Incisor: The front teeth used for biting and cutting food.
  3. Inlay: A type of dental restoration made in a laboratory and cemented into a prepared tooth.

J

33. Jaw: The bones that support the teeth and allow for chewing and speaking.

L

34. Lateral incisor: The teeth next to the central incisors.

  1. Malocclusion: A misalignment of the teeth and/or jaws that can cause functional and cosmetic issues.
  2. Molar: The back teeth used for grinding food.

O

37. Occlusal surface: The chewing surface of a tooth.

  1. Orthodontics: A branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting bite issues and straightening teeth.

P

39. Partial denture: A removable dental appliance used to replace some, but not all, missing teeth.

  1. Periodontal disease: An infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth.
  2. Periodontics: A branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and other disorders of the soft tissues and bones that support the teeth.
  3. Plaque: A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
  1. Prosthodontics: A branch of dentistry that focuses on the design, fabrication, and placement of artificial teeth, bridges, and other dental appliances.
  2. Pulp: The soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

R

45. Radiograph: An X-ray image of the teeth and/or jawbone used to diagnose dental problems.

  1. Resin: A tooth-colored filling material used to repair cavities and other dental damage.
  2. Retainer: A dental appliance used to maintain tooth position after orthodontic treatment.
  3. Root: The part of the tooth that anchors it in the jawbone.
  4. Root canal: A dental procedure to remove infected or damaged tissue from the inside of a tooth.
  5. Scaling and root planing: A deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
  6. Sealant: A protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities.
  7. Sinus lift: A surgical procedure to add bone to the upper jaw to support dental implants.
  8. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ): The joint that connects the jawbone to the skull.

T

54. Tartar: Hardened plaque that has built up on teeth and can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

  1. Tooth decay: The breakdown of tooth structure caused by bacteria in the mouth.
  2. Tooth extraction: See Extraction.

V

57. Veneer: A thin, custom-made shell placed over the front of a tooth to improve its appearance.

W

58. Wisdom teeth: The third molars that usually emerge in the late teenage years or early twenties.

X

59. X-ray: See Radiograph.