Glossary
General Dentistry Glossary
A broad reference of everyday dental terms covering common procedures, dental specialties, and the vocabulary your dentist uses at every visit.
This glossary covers the foundational vocabulary of general dentistry — terms you are likely to hear at any routine visit or when discussing treatment options with your dentist.
- Amalgam Filling
- A silver-colored filling used to repair cavities.
- Bonding
- A procedure to repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth using a tooth-colored resin material.
- Bridge
- A dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth.
- Composite Filling
- A tooth-colored filling used to repair cavities.
- Crown
- A cap that covers the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength.
- Dentures
- Removable replacements for missing teeth.
- Extraction
- The removal of a tooth.
- Filling
- A material used to fill a cavity in a tooth.
- Fluoride Treatment
- Applying fluoride to teeth to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Inlay/Onlay
- A custom-made filling that is cemented onto a tooth.
- Root Canal
- A procedure to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth.
- Dental Implants
- Titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth.
- Scaling and Root Planing
- A deep cleaning procedure to treat gum disease.
- Sealant
- A thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities.
- Teeth Whitening
- A procedure to lighten the color of teeth.
- Veneer
- A thin shell that is bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance.
- Dental Hygienist
- A licensed professional who provides preventive care, such as cleanings, exams, and patient education.
- Endodontics
- The treatment of diseases of the dental pulp (root canals).
- Oral Surgeon
- Performs surgical procedures in the mouth, including tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and dental implant placement.
- Orthodontics
- The alignment of teeth and jaws.
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Focuses on the oral health of children.
- Periodontics
- The treatment of gum disease.
- Prosthodontics
- The replacement of missing teeth with artificial restorations (e.g., dentures, bridges, implants).
- Abscess
- A collection of pus caused by an infection.
- Bitewing X-ray
- An X-ray that shows the upper and lower teeth in a specific area.
- Bruxism
- Grinding or clenching of the teeth.
- Calculus (Tartar)
- Hardened plaque.
- Caries
- The technical term for tooth decay.
- Cavity
- A hole in a tooth caused by decay.
- Cementum
- The layer of tissue that covers the root of a tooth.
- Dentin
- The layer of the tooth beneath the enamel.
- Enamel
- The hard, outer layer of the tooth.
- Gingivitis
- Inflammation of the gums.
- Malocclusion
- Misalignment of the teeth or jaws.
- Occlusion
- The way the upper and lower teeth fit together.
- Panoramic X-ray
- An X-ray that shows the entire mouth.
- Periapical X-ray
- An X-ray that shows the entire tooth, from crown to root.
- Periodontal Disease
- Gum disease.
- Plaque
- A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
- Pulp
- The soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.
- Restoration
- A general term for any dental work used to restore the function or appearance of a tooth.