Search for a word — try crown, gum or root canal — and every term or definition containing it is shown, whatever letter it starts under. Or choose a letter to show only those terms, or All to read the whole list. Terms are grouped by first letter, exactly as the previous page grouped them. No terms begin with K, Q, Y or Z, so those letters have no group. These definitions are general information, not a diagnosis — if one of them came up in your own treatment plan, call (919) 646-6538 and ask.
A
Abstraction
Loss of tooth surface at the cervical areas of teeth (near the gum line) caused by tensile and compressive forces during tooth flexure. These are wedge shaped notches involving enamel loss. They are susceptible to decay & can be extremely sensitive due to dentine exposure. May or may not require treatment depending on the extent
Abrasion
Abnormal loss of tooth structure due to non-masticatory friction such as using a hard toothbrush or improper brushing technique. Involved teeth may be cold or hot sensitive .Treatment involves correcting brushing technique, using a soft toothbrush and tooth coloured bond0ing
Abscess
A localized accumulation of pus caused by an infection. Once tooth decay infects the pulpal tissue inside the tooth, if left untreated will cause disintegration of the tissue and accumulation of pus in the pulpal and periapical tissues causing a periapical abscess.
Abutment
A tooth , root or implant used for support and retention of a fixed or removable prosthesis
Acetaminophen ( Tylenol-trade name )
Non-nacrotic analgesic . Used in mild to moderate pain and fever
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
disease caused by a retro-virus (HIV-1). Generalized lymphadenopathy, persistent fever, diarrhea and weight loss are some of the associated symptoms
Acromegaly
A hormone disorder caused by excess production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland . Characterized by enlargement of the hands, feet, jaws, spacing between teeth and deepening of the voice due to enlarged sinuses and vocal cords. Patients who wear dentures will have to frequently replace them due to the enlargement of the jaws
Acrylic resin
formed from acrylic acid. Used in dentistry to make denture teeth and temporary crowns
ADA
American Dental Association, professional organization for dentists in the United States of America
Adverse drug reaction
Harmful, unintended reaction to a drug administrated at a normal dosage
Aglossia
Developmental anomaly in which a portion or all of the tongue is absent
Alginate
Commercial varieties of alginate are extracted from seaweed. It absorbs water very quickly and is used in dentistry for making impressions
Allograft
Graft tissue obtained from human cadavers. (Genetically dissimilar members of the same species). Allografts go through a series of radiation, chemical and freezing processes and is prepared at tissue banks.
Alloplastic Grafts
Synthetic graft materials
Adhesive dentistry
contemporary term for dental restorations that involve "bonding" of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth
Air abrasion
removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive, a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for anesthetic
Allergy
unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug
Alveolar bone
the portion of the jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth
Amalgam
most common filling material, also known as "silver fillings". It is an alloy of mercury (app 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc. It does not chemically bond to the tooth structure and is not esthetic.
Analgesia
a state of pain relief; an agent lessening pain
Anesthesia
partial or complete elimination of pain sensation; numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness
Anterior teeth
the six upper or six lower front teeth
Antibiotic
a drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria
ANUG
an acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent's disease, aggravated by stress and/or smoking. Characterized by small punched out ulcers of the gingival papillae
Apex
the tip of the root of a tooth
Apicoectomy
surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth
Arch
describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth
Attrition
loss of structure due to natural wear
Augmentation
Placement of a graft or any procedure that corrects a soft (example - gums) or a hard tissue (example - Bone) deficiency.
Autogenous Graft
Graft material taken from one site and transplanted to another site in the same individual.
cement placed under a dental restoration to insulate the pulp (nerve chamber) from temperature changes
Bicuspid or pre-molar
transitional teeth behind the cuspids . They usually have two cusps buccal and lingual cusps hence the name, bicuspids.
Bifurcation (trifurcation)
juncture of separation of two (three) roots from the root trunk in posterior teeth
Biopsy
removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination
Bioinert
Property of a material that elicits no reaction of the body such as immune response or inflammation
Biomaterial
Non-viable material used to replace part of the living system or function in contact with the living system
Biointegration
Bonding of living tissue to a biomaterial or implant
Bioabsorbable
Property of a material to degrade or dissolve inside the body by the body mechanisms.
Bite
relationship of the upper and lower teeth on closure (occlusion) to each other.
Bite wings
caries (decay) detection x-rays showing the crowns of the upper and lower molars in the section x-rayed.
Black hairy tongue
elongated papillae on the tongue, promoting the growth of microorganisms.
Bleaching
chemical or laser treatment of natural teeth for whitening effect.
Block injection
anesthesia of a nerve trunk that covers a large area of the jaw ; for example a mandibular block injection produces numbness of the lower jaw, teeth, half the tongue and lip on the side injected.
Block Graft
Autogenous bone or Bone Allograft stabilized in the recipient site with screws. Used when there is a huge bone defect.
Bonding
adhesive dental restoration technique; a tooth-colored composite resin to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth.
Bone resorption
decrease in bone supporting the roots of teeth; a common result of periodontal (gum) disease, caused by toxins released by the micro-organisms in plaque
Bone Augmentation
Procedure that corrects bone deficiency by using a graft.
Bone Atrophy
Decrease in dimension of bone due to bone loss.
Braces
devices used by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth to a more favorable alignment
Bridge
fixed dental prosthesis replacing one or more missing teeth ; cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the space
Bruxism
involuntary, unconscious, destructive grinding of the teeth, most commonly while the patient is asleep. Characterized by extensive wear of teeth , sensitive teeth and soreness of jaw joints upon awakening
Bruxomania
persistent "nervous" grinding of the teeth while the patient is awake
chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves
Calculus
hard residue, commonly known as "tarter," that forms on teeth due to inadequate plaque control, often stained yellow or brown
Canker sore
mouth sore appearing whitish, often with a red halo, of ten to fourteen day duration . Also known as aphtous ulcers
Cantilever bridge
fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth only on one end
Cap
common term for dental crown
Caries
tooth decay or "cavities"
Cast or model
reproduction of structures made by pouring plaster or stone into a mold or impression
CAT scan
Computed axial tomography scan. Helps in determining available bone for precise implant placement
Cavitron
dental tool that uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to clean teeth
Cellulitis
soft tissue infection causing extensive, hard swelling, a potentially dangerous condition requiring immediate attention. Can arise from an untreated tooth
Cementum
hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth
Chart
log of dental or medical records
Clasp
metal or acrylic part of a removable partial denture that hooks on to natural teeth to retain the partial in the mouth
Cleaning
removal of plaque and calculus (tarter) from teeth, generally above the gum line. Also referred to as Prophylaxis
Commercially pure titanium
Biocompatible metal commonly used for dental implants. It is an alloy of Titanium 99 wt. % and small amounts of oxygen with trace amounts of iron, hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen.
Composite resin
material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles; usually cured with filtered light or chemical catalyst
Complication
An unfavorable condition that may be reversible or irreversible. Cosmetic (aesthetic) dentistry - treatments performed to enhance appearance by altering the shape and color of the teeth
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
Artificial procedures employed by a rescuer after cessation of breathing or heart stoppage
Cross bite
reverse biting relationship of upper and lower teeth; the lower teeth are ahead of the upper teeth in their relationship
Crown
(1) the portion of a tooth above the gum line; (2) dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth
Curettage
removal of diseased tissue from a periodontal pocket. Usually done in conjunction with scaling and root planning (deep cleaning)
Cusp
mound on posterior teeth
Cuspid or canine
transition from incisors to cusped teeth. Also called the eye teeth. They are the teeth with the longest roots and form the corners of the mouth
Cyst
a soft or hard tissue sac, hard or filled with fluid
destruction of tooth structure caused by acids produced by plaque microorganisms
Deciduous teeth
commonly called "baby teeth," the first set of (usually) twenty teeth which begin to erupt at 5-6 months of age .Eruption is completed at the age of 21/2-3 years of age.
Delayed Loading
Refers to the time of applying force on an implant by means of a temporary prosthesis after initial placement. This time depends on the quality of bone and primary stability of the implant.
Dentin
inner sensitive layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel
Dental implant
a (usually) titanium cylinder surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to provide support for a dental restoration or appliance
Dentition
the arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth
Denture
removable (partial or complete) set of artificial teeth
Diastema
space between teeth
Diagnostic wax-up
Laboratory procedure in which teeth are created in wax according to the planned restoration. It may be used to evaluate the feasibility of a proposed plan and to fabricate a radiographic template, a surgical guide, or laboratory guides.
Disuse Atrophy
Diminution in the density and/or dimension resulting from inactivity.
tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown to alter the shape and color of the tooth; may be acrylic, composite or porcelain
Failed implant
An implant that is mobile and symptomatic.
Filling
restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain or resin materials to re-establish function and esthetics
Fistula
channel emanating pus from an infection site; a gum boil
Fixed Prosthesis
A restoration that is not removable by the patient.
Flap surgery
lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures
Forceps
instrument used for removal of teeth
Forensic dentistry
practice of gathering legal evidence for body identification or judicial issues
Freeze - dried bone allograft
Bone harvested from donor cadavers, washed, immersed in ethanol, frozen in nitrogen, freeze dried and ground to similar particles ranging from 250-750 microns.
Full denture
removable dental prosthesis (appliance) replacing all upper or lower teeth
Full mouth reconstruction
extensive restorations of natural teeth with crowns and or fixed bridges/implants to re-establish normal relation of the teeth to each other and the jaws
Frenectomy
removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth
(guided tissue regeneration) a new technique for guiding bone growth and preventing epithelial ingrowths
General anesthesia
controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of pain sensation, protective reflexes, and the ability to respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command
Geographic tongue
benign changes in the usual color and texture of tongue; does not require treatment
Gingival
gum tissue
Gingivectomy
surgical removal of gum tissue
Gingivitis
inflammation of gum tissue
Grafting material
A substance natural or synthetic used to repair a tissue defect or deficiency
Gum recession
exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion, periodontal disease or surgery
technique employed by rescuer for obstruction of victim's airway
Hematoma
swelling of effused blood beneath tissue surface
HMO or DMO
health (dental) maintenance organization which specifies a health care (dental) provider a patient may see
Hygienist
dental auxiliary who cleans teeth and provides patient education; administers local anesthetic, nitrous oxide and performs periodontal scaling
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Treatment modality where a patient is placed in a pressurized chamber that allows for the delivery of oxygen in high concentrations for therapeutic purposes. It is sometimes used prior to implant therapy or extractions for patients who underwent radiation therapy in the head and neck areas to reduce the risks of osteoradionecrosis.
Hyperemia
increased blood flow to a region
Hyperplasia
Excessive enlargement of a tissue due to increase in the number of cells.
Placement of an implant at the time of dental extraction into the extraction socket.
Impacted tooth
If a tooth fails to emerge or emerges partially and remains embedded in soft gingiva (gum) tissue or bone is wedged against another tooth beyond its normal eruption time it is impacted.
Implant Dentistry
Field of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, surgical placement, prosthetic reconstruction, and maintenance of dental implants
Implant
artificial titanium cylindrical device replacing tooth root; may anchor an artificial crown, bridge or denture
Implant supported prosthesis
A restoration that derives its entire support from dental implants.
Implant
tissue supported prosthesis - A prosthesis that derives its support from a combination of intra oral tissues and dental implants.
Impression
mold made of the teeth and soft tissues
Incision and drainage
surgical incision of an abscess to drain suppuration (pus)
Incisors
four upper and four lower front teeth, excluding the cuspids (canine teeth)
Infiltration
local anesthetic procedure effective for upper teeth, lower anterior teeth and soft tissue; involves placement of anesthetic under the gum, allowing it to seep into bone
Inlay
indirect - filling made by a dental laboratory that is cemented or bonded into place, direct - placement of dental composite resin restoration at chairside
Interproximal
surfaces of adjoining teeth
Interocclusal
space between upper and lower teeth
Intraoral camera
a small video camera used to view and magnify oral conditions;images may be printed
In vitro
Outside of the living organism or natural system
In vivo
Within the living organism or natural system
Isografts
A tissue graft transplanted from one genetically identical individual to another as in identical twins.
non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often used as a dental analgesic
Nerve
tissue that transmits sensation of temperature, pressure and position information to the brain
Nerve (root) canal
the internal chamber of a tooth which houses the nerve tissue
Nerve repositioning
Surgical procedure whereby the course of the nerve in the mandibular canal is redirected in order to place longer implants in a mandible where there is extensive loss of bone
Night guard
acrylic appliance used to prevent teeth wear and temporomandibular damage caused by grinding of the teeth during sleep
Nitrous oxide(laughing gas)
a gas used to reduce patient anxiety during dental treatment
Novocain
older brand name for a local anesthetic, currently replaced by safer, more effective agents
relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure
Onlay
laboratory processed porcelain or metal restoration covering one or more cusps of a tooth
Onlay graft
Autogenous or Bone replacement graft placed on existing bone to increase the width or height of bone
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
a dental specialist with special training in surgery of the mouth and jaw. Diagnoses & surgical treats diseases, injuries, and deformities of the mouth and supporting structures; Requires four additional years of training after dental school
Oral cavity
the mouth
Oral hygiene
The practice of keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent disease, as by regular brushing and flossing and visits to a dentist.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery
surgical procedures on the mouth including extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws
Oral pathologist
dentist specializing in the study of oral diseases
Oral Pathology
A branch of dentistry that is concerned with the diseases of the teeth, oral cavity, and jaws, and with the oral manifestations of systemic diseases. Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry which deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes and effects of these diseases.
O-ring
Doughnut shaped over denture attachment that possess the ability to bend and return to its approximate original shape
Orthodontics
dental specialty that treats mal -alignment of teeth and jaws
Osseous
bone
Osteonecrosis
Death or necrosis of bone
Osteoradionecrosis
Bone necrosis caused by excessive exposure to radiation
Overbite
vertical overlap of the front teeth
Overdenture
denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants and provides added retention to the denture
hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth
Palliative treatment
non invasive treatment for pain relief
Panoramic Radiograph
A radiographic view showing both the entire upper and the lower jaw in one film
Parasthesia
tingling, pricking, or numbness sensation (altered sensation)of a person's skin , more generally known as the feeling of pins and needles; may be temporary or permanent
Partial denture
removable dental prosthesis (appliance) replacing one or more natural teeth
Pathology
study of disease onset, course and duration
Periapical (PA)
region at the end of the roots of teeth
Peri-implantitis
Inflammatory reactions in the hard and soft tissues surrounding an implant exposed to the oral environment.
Periodontal surgery
recontouring or esthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue
Periodontist
dental specialist treating the gums and supporting soft and hard tissues retaining natural teeth and the surgical placement of dental implants
Pedodontics or pediatric dentistry
dental specialty specializing in the treatment of children
Periodontal chart
chart used to record pocket depths measurements around the teeth
Permanent teeth
second and final set of teeth in humans ; (usually) thirty-two adult teeth in a complete dentition
Pit
a small defect in the tooth enamel; junction of four formative lobes of a developing tooth
Placebo
inert medication or treatment that produces psychological benefit
Plaque
soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth; composed of bacteria and food debris due to inadequate dental hygiene
Pontic
artificial tooth replacing one or two missing teeth ; part of a fixed bridge
Porcelain crown
all porcelain restoration covering the coronal portion of tooth (above the gum line) to reestablish function and esthetics
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown
restoration with metal coping (for strength) covered by porcelain (for appearance)
Porcelain inlay or onlay
lab processed tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain, cemented or bonded in place
Porcelain veneers
a thin layer of porcelain, fabricated by a laboratory bonded to a natural tooth to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth or change color and/or shape
Post
thin metal or fiber rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy; provides retention for a "coping" that replaces lost tooth structure and retains crown
Post-core
post and buildup to replace lost tooth structure and retain crown
PPO or PDO
preferred provider (dental) organization which a health care (dental) provider may join, offering fee for service treatment at reduced fees
Prognosis
the anticipated outcome of treatment
Progressive loading
Gradual increase in the application of load on a prosthesis and thus on the implant
Prophylaxis
regular routine cleaning of the teeth for the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth decay
Prosthesis
An artificial replacement of a missing part of the body
Prosthodontist
dental specialist skilled in restoring or replacing teeth with fixed or removable prosthesis (appliance), maintaining proper occlusion; treats facial deformities with artificial prostheses such as eyes, ears, and noses
Pulp
the nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue inside a tooth
Pulp cap
a medicated covering over a small area of exposed pulp tissue to aid healing
Pulp chamber
the center or innermost portion of the tooth containing the pulp
Pulpectomy
complete removal of the infected pulp
Pulpitis
inflammation of the pulp; common cause of toothache; could be reversible or irreversible
Pulpotomy
partial removal of the pulp tissue commonly done in children teeth
re-insertion and temporary fixation of partially or completely avulsed tooth or teeth back into the socket , resulting from traumatic injury
Reline
acrylic restoration of denture base to compensate for bone lossand soft tissue remolding ; direct: done at chairside(soft reline); indirect: in conjunction with a dental laboratory(lab reline )
Resorption
The loss of substance or bone by physiological or pathological means
Retained root
partial root structure remaining in jaw after extraction or fracture of a natural tooth
Ridge
The remainder of the alveolar process (socket) after tooth extraction
Ridge Preservation (extraction socket graft)
The immediate placement of a graft material in an extraction socket following removal of a tooth. This helps to preserve bone and soft tissue architecture
Root canal
interior canal system of the tooth
Root canal therapy
process of removing pulp of a tooth and filling it with an inert material
Root resection
removal of a portion of diseased root structure, retaining the remaining natural tooth
Rubber dam
soft latex sheet used to establish isolation of one or more teeth from contamination by oral fluids and to keep materials from falling to the back of the throat
clear lubricating protective fluid in the mouth containing water, enzymes, bacteria, mucus, viruses, blood cells and undigested food particles
Saliva ejector
suction tube placed in the mouth to remove saliva and blood
Salivary glands
glands located under tongue and in cheeks, produce saliva to lubricate the mouth and act on food to start the digestive process
Scaling and root planning
professional removal of plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces using hand instruments and ultrasonic devices
Sealants
thin resin material bonded in the pits and fissures of back teeth for the prevention of decay
Secondary dentin
reparative tooth structure produced by the pulp in response to tooth irritation
Sequstrum
loosened spicule of bone pushed to the surface
Sinus Graft
Grafting the maxillary sinus with autogenous bone or bone replacement graft material to facilitate the placement of longer length implants
Sinusitis
infammation of the sinus that may mimic dental pain in the upper teeth
Sinusitis (maxillary)
Inflammation of the sinus. Signs include sensitivity of the teeth to tapping, fever and facial swelling. Symptoms includes nasal congestion, post- nasal discharge, bad taste in the mouth, mouth odor, popping of the ears and muffled hearing
Sleep apnea
the periodic interruption or delay in breathing during sleep
Space maintainer
dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth until the eruption of the permanent teeth
Supernumerary tooth
extra tooth
Splinting
Joining of two or more teeth or implants into a rigid or non-rigid unit by means of a fixed or removable restoration
Suppuration
the formation of pus
Stent
A device used in conjunction with a surgical procedure to keep the graft in place or protect a surgical site during the initial healing period
thin composite or porcelain facing bonded directly to a natural tooth to improve its color and appearance. See laminate.
Vertical dimension
distance between two fixed points on the upper and lower jaws measured upon closure at rest(no contact of teeth ) or at occlusion (maximum intercuspation of teeth ) may decrease over time due to wear, shifting or damage to the teeth
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Just had my initial visit with Alicia and Dr. Lee and I have nothing but good things to say. The front staff, hygienist, and dentist mentioned above were welcoming, thorough, and put me at ease. They listened and actually cared!
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Jorge Rendon Pineda
99 days ago
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Super profesionales
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Jessica Ekstrom
107 days ago
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Such a great experience! Dr. Ferzli is the best.
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Stacy
121 days ago
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Great staff! Always kind and patient! I will recommend them to anyone
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Marko Sun
122 days ago
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Been coming here for years and all the dentists and staff are super helpful and knowledgeable. Highly Recommend!
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MaverickSuper
131 days ago
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I am writing to share my excellent experience at your practice today. The professionalism and empathy displayed by your staff completely alleviated my concerns. The treatment was exceptional, and the clear communication regarding my care plan was greatly appreciated. Please extend my thanks to the team for their outstanding service.
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kenneth Arcudia
132 days ago
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Great service and attention on detail!
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Daniel Osborne
132 days ago
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Excellent service, the hygienist was friendly and efficient with time. They didn't seem to push unneeded services
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Chaithanya Pundru
132 days ago
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Wonderful care of us our teeth.
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Bill Harris
167 days ago
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My hygienist is the best ever. Lauren is the top notch 10/10!
Thank you!
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