Dental Science 1
Terms
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- Cytology
- The study of cells, their origin, structure, function, and pathology.
- Abnormal
- Deviating from the normal to average.
- Periodontitis
- Inflammation of tissue surrounding the tooth.
- Chronic
- Long duration: not acute
- Vasoconstrictor
- A drug that constricts or narrows the caliber of blood vessels.
- Enamel
- The surface of the crown that you see; the hardest material in the body.
- Halitosis
- Bad breath
- Apicoectomy
- The surgical removal of the apex of the tooth root.
- Frenum
- Tissue connection between lip and attached gingival-labial frenum; the lingual frenum attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
- ANUG (Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
- Acute infection and ulceration of marginal and inter proximal gingival tissue..
- Acute condition
- A disease process of sudden onset which requires immediate treatment and has a short and relatively severe course.
- Bur
- A cutting instrument used by the dentist in preparing a tooth for restoration. Burs come in many shapes and sizes and of various materials.
- Bacterial Plaque
- Highly organized colony of microorganisms which forms on teeth and/or prosthesis in the oral cavity.
- Sealant
- Resin material placed in occlusal pits and fissures to seal surfaces and prevent decay.
- Prophylaxis
- The removal of calculus (tartar) and stains from the exposed and unexposed surfaces of the teeth by scaling and polishing.
- Denture
- An artificial substitute for missing natural teeth and adjacent structures.
- Molar
- One of the grinding teeth found in the posterior of the mouth (6yr 12 yr& wisdom teeth in laymans)
- Free gingival
- that part of the gingival which surrounds the neck of the tooth above the cervical line and is not attached to the tooth.
- Leukocyte
- white blood cell.
- Diastema
- An abnormal space between the proximal surfaces of two adjacent teeth in the same arch. (between 8&9 7,8,9, &10)
- Quadrant
- Four sections of mouth i.e upper right or lower left, etc.; tooth planning or restorative work often done by quadrant.
- Cementum
- A thin, bonelike tissue covering the roots of a tooth.
- Esthetic
- Pleasing to see; apart from practical function; are cosmetic dentistry.
- Calculus
- A hard tenacious material that forms on the surfaces of the crowns and roots of the teeth. (Mineralized plague) 72 hours or more and plague begins to change.
- Opaque
- X-ray term; radiation doesn't penetrate more dense materials; i.e amalgam restorations appear white on x-rays.
- Dentition
- Natural teeth in the dental arch. Natural teeth as considered collectively in the dental arch may be primary (decidous) secondary (permanent) or mixed.
- Cervical line
- the line at which the cementum meets the enamel on a tooth.
- Oral Hygiene
- The science of oral health and its preservation.
- Malocclusion
- Irregularities in the positioning and relationship of teeth. Any deviation from a normal occlusion
- Apex
- The end of the root of the tooth.
- Attrition
- Normal wearing away by friction. In dentistry it refers to wearing down the surfaces of the teeth by mastication of food.
- Anesthesia
- Loss of sensation.
- Apical Foramen
- The opening at the top of the root through which his blood and nerve supply enter and leave the tooth.
- Edema
- When tissue fluid collects in a large amount in one place in the body, there is a swelling known as edema.
- DDS
- Abbreviation for Doctor of Dental Surgery, a degree from a dental college that a dentist receives.
- Cyst
- A sac with a distinct wall, containing fluid or other material. It may be normal or a pathologic structure. (can only tell difference between cyst and abscess by biopsy)
- Bifurcation
- Division into two, referring to the roots of the tooth.
- Periodontium
- Supporting tissue around the teeth.
- Local Anesthetic
- A drug which when injected into the tissues and absorbed into a nerve will temporarily cause loss of feeling in the area supplied by that nerve. It is called local because the area so anesthetized is only a part of the patient's body.
- Crossbite
- A form of malocclusion when one or more of the mandibular teeth is in front of the opposing maxillary teeth when the jaws are shut.
- Lateral
- Position, to the side; anterior teeth positioned to either side of the central incisors.
- Maxillae
- The bones of the upper jaw
- Allergy
- The sensitivity of a person to a specific substance that, in turn, causes no reaction in a person who is not sensitive to it. Anything the body views as poison.
- Cancer
- A malignant tumor. Malignant means capable if causing death.
- Dentin
- Calcified hard tissue forming the bulk of the tooth.
- Asepsis
- Freedom from living germs of disease and decay.
- Abrasion
- Mechanical wearing down of the teeth. Often caused by toothbrush.
- Fluoridation
- The adjustment of the fluoride content of a water supply as an aid in decreasing the incidence of dental caries. the optimum content is one part fluoride per million of water (fluorosis cuased by too much fluoride)
- Cast
- A reproduction of all or part of a dental arch made by pouring a mix of plaster or artificial stone into an impression.
- Ankylosis
- Tooth attached to bone; usually primary molar; tooth won't exfoliate on its own.
- Gingiva
- The oral mucosa which surrounds the teeth and covers teh alveolar process
- Bridge
- A dental prosthesis, which replaced one or more missing teeth, being supported by and affixed to adjacent teeth.
- Incisor
- A tooth with an incisal (cutting) edge. (Lateral and Central)
- Fibroma
- Benign tumor of fibrous, connective tissue.
- Rubber Dam
- A thin sheet of rubber that is perforated in such a manner as to fit over a tooth or group of teeth preventing saliva from wetting that portion of the mouth exposed through the rubber.
- Uvula
- Soft tissue hanging down in back of mouth from soft palate.
- Decalcification
- Beginning process of decay; weakened enamel from repeated acid attacks. (Can be reversed)
- Pericoronitis
- Inflammation of tissue surrounding partially erupted teeth, usually 2nd or 3rd molars.
- Oral Mucosa
- The mucous membrane that lines the inside of the mouth.
- Virulence
- The relative infectiousness of a microorganism, or its ability to overcome the body defences of the host..
- Hygienist (dental)
- A person trained and licensed by the state in which he/she lives to practice dental prophylaxis under the directions of a licensed dentist (legally able to remove calculus)
- Embrasure
- Opening or space between adjacent teeth.
- Arch (dental)
- The curving structure formed by the teeth in their normal position. There are two dental arches: the maxillary arch and the mandibular arch.
- Impaction
- Confinement of a tooth in the jaw. May be complete or partial.
- Radiograph
- A film of internal structures of the body produces by the action of x-rays of a specifically sensitized film.
- Pulp
- the vital tissue within the tooth containing the nerve and blood vessels. Commonly called the nerve.
- Exfoliate
- Normal loss of primary teeth due to process of root structure resorption.
- Bilateral
- Affecting both sides
- Lingual
- Pertaining to the tongue , as a position toward the tongue. the lingual surface of a tooth is the surface that is close to the tongue.
- Hepatitis
- Inflammation of the liver.
- Hypersensitive
- Abnormally sensitive.
- Radioluscent
- X-ray term, appears darker (gray to black), indicates less density, i.e. abscess or decay.
- Topical Anesthetic
- A drug that is applied to the surface of tissues and produces the loss of feeling in that tissue area. It is used prior to the insertion of a hypodermic needle, preparatory to injections, to prevent pain.
- Exodontics
- The science and practice of removing teeth from the oral cavity.
- Fistula
- Abnormal tract from inner structure to outer surface; allows drainage of thus; indicates infection. (white head on gingival surfaces)
- Mamelon
- Rounded prominences on the incisal edge of newly erupted anterior teeth. (3 bumps on permanent teeth)
- Occlusal
- Chewing surface of posterior teeth.
- Labial
- Pertaining to the lips, as a position toward the lips. The labial surface of a tooth is that surface that is close to the lips. (Canine, central, lateral, all have labial surface)
- Analgesic
- A mild remedy for relieving pain, such as aspirin, Anacin, and Bufferin.
- Hypoglossal
- Beneath the tongue (floor to mouth)
- Sterilization
- The removal or destruction of all forms of life.
- Subgingival
- Below the gingival margin.
- Anterior
- Front or in the front or forward part of. Anterior teeth are the six front teeth in both upper and lower arches.
- Oral Examination
- those procedures performed by a dentist that aid in making diagnostic conclusions about the oral health of an individual patient.
- Cuspid
- A tooth having one cusp. (Canine tooth)
- Gingival Sulcus
- the space between the tooth and the gree gingival.
- DMD
- Abbreviation for Doctor of Dental Medicine, a degree granted by some dental colleges; similar to DDS
- Dermatitis
- Inflammation of the skin.
- Recession
- Gingival margin retreats, often due to incorrect brushing; also natural aging process.
- Bicuspid (pre molar)
- Bi means "two", cusp means a "prominent shape of a tooth", so a bicuspid is a tooth with two cusps, or rounded parts.
- Biopsy (slice and dice)
- Surgical removal of tissue for microscopic examination, primarily for the purpose of diagnosing the possibility of benign or malignant neoplasms(tumors)
- Papilla(e)
- Interdental gingival tissue peak between adjacent teeth.
- Operatory
- A room in which dental treatment is performed.
- Fluoride, topical
- The direct application of a solution of fluoride, to the crowns of the teeth as a measure of help prevent the incidence of dental caries. Application is recommended on a routine basis through childhood and adolescence.
- Benign Neoplasma (tumor)
- Refers to tumor which is not malignant and will not kill.
- Cardiopulmonary
- Involving the heart and lungs.
- Plaque
- Soft, sticky film of bacteria and salivary components that constantly forms on tooth surfaces.
- Edentulous
- Without any teeth;completely lacking natural teeth.
- Masitcation
- Process of chewing
- Unilateral
- Occurring on one side.
- Atypical
- Not normal.
- Cervical
- Pertaining to the neck or cervix of a tooth.
- Syncope
- The act of fainting
- Hemorrhage
- Bleeding
- Cusp
- A pronounced elevation, or point, on or near the masticatory or occlusal surface of the tooth. (mountains of the tooth from canine back).
- Hematoma
- A blood tumor
- Prognosis
- A forecast as to the probable result of a disease or condition. Prediction of end or outcome.
- Congenital
- Any condition that was present when the person was born is referred to as congenital. not hereditary.
- Frenectomy
- Surgical detachment of a frenum from its attachment.
- Ligament;Periodontal
- Connective tissue that holds the tooth in its socket; periodontal membrane.
- Trifurcation
- Division into three parts or branches as three roots of a tooth (maxillary 1st & 2nd molar)
- Amalgam
- A metal alloy consisting of silver, tin, zinc, and copper combined with mercury and used as a restorative material in operative dentistry.
- Hyperplasia
- An abnormal increase in the number of cells in normal arrangement in tissue. The tissue thickens and enlarges (scar)
- Periosteum
- Lining around bones
- Vestibule
- Part of oral cavity between teeth and the lips or cheeks.
- Occlusion
- The relationship between the occlusal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular teeth when they are in contact.
- Treatment plan
- A series of operations or procedures that are proposed to treat the attainment of a given state of oral health.
- Overhang
- Excess filling material (cement) creating a poor margin - not flush with tooth surface; collects plaque, contributing to decay or periodontal disease in that area.
- Dry Socket
- Term indicting an extraction complications caused by disruption of the blood cloth; painful and requires further treatment.
- Extraction
- Surgical removal of teeth.
- Abscess
- Pus formation that is localized and limited in extent in any part of the body. Localized site of infection.
- Exudate
- Drainage of pus; indicates infection.
- Jacket
- A specific type of crown, generally fabricating of porcelain or acrylic resin, or combination of precious metal and porcelain or acrylic resin. Often called a "cap" by lay people.
- Bruxism
- The clenching or grinding of the teeth.
- Anomaly
- Not normal, usually developmental in origin.
- Anesthetic
- A drug or gas which takes away the sense of feeling.
- Pharmacology
- the science of drugs, their uses and actions.
- Alveolar Process
- The portion of each jaw in which the roots of the teeth are embedded. Bone that holds tooth in socket.
- Diagnostic Services
- Procedure such as radiographs, clinical examinations, biopsies, blood tests, study models, and vitality tests which assist the dentist in determining the disease conditions present and the treatment required.
- Torus (tori)
- Bony growth; mandibular - located along the lingual ridge of the lower jaw; palatal - located on the hard palate. (remove with mallet and chisel more traumatic to remove with high speed hand tool)
- General Anesthetic
- A drug or gas which produces unconsciousness (and thus the loss of feeling) either by inhalation (ether, chloroform) or by injection (sodium pentothal)
- Resorption
- Process of absorption of root structure, normal process for exfoliation of primary teeth.
- Antiseptic
- A substance that is used to stop, inhibit, or arrest the growth of bacteria but does not necessarily kill the bacteria.
- Interproximal Space
- Situated between the proximal surfaces of adjoining teeth of the same arch. (proximal where teeth touch)
- Carious Lesion
- An area of the tooth structure exhibiting caries as identified by clinical or radiographic examination. A cavity.
- Trauma
- A wound or injury
- Mandible
- The lower jaw
- Foramen
- A passage or opening usually in bone for the transmission of vessels and nerves.
- Caries
- Decay in the tooth structure.
- Intraoral
- Inside the mouth
- Root Canal
- The space within the roots of a tooth containing pulp tissue and connecting the pulp chamber with the apex of the tooth.
- Crown and Bridge
- That branch of dental science primarily concerned with the replacement of missing or naturally destroyed teeth or tooth structure by use of permanent, nonremovable dental prosthesis or restorations.
- Cariogenic
- Caries producing; conducive to caries.
- Eruption
- the act of breaking through or appearing. The movement of the tooth into its normal working position in the mouth.
- Anatomy (dental)
- The science of the structure of the external an dinternal forms of teeth and their surrounding structures.
- Supragingival
- Above gingival margin.
- Buccal
- Latin word for "cheek". in dentistry it means the side of the tooth that is next to the cheek.
- Antibiotic
- The product of an organism that may be used to destroy other disease-producing organisms. (Bacteria ONLY)
- Deciduous
- The primary dentition , or baby teeth.
- Alloy
- The product of the fusion of two or more metals.
- Abutment
- A tooth or teeth used to support and anchor a fixed or removable denture prosthesis.
- Avulsed or Evulsed
- Tooth torn from socket due to trauma.
- Acrylic Resin (acrylic)
- Plastic materials used in the fabrication of dentures and crowns and occasionally as a restorative filling material.
- Hard Palate
- The bony anterior part of the roof of the mouth.
- Asymmetric
- Unevenly arranged, not the same on both sides.
- Articulate
- to bring the teeth of one arch on proper position with the teeth of the opposing arch.