Glossary

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Dental Glossary: A–Z of Essential Terms

Welcome to your go-to dental glossary—an easy reference for everything from “Abscess” to “Veneer.” Whether you’re scheduling your first visit or simply curious about the language your dentist uses, this comprehensive list breaks down key terms in plain English. Learn what each procedure, device, and condition means so you can feel confident, informed, and in control of your oral health journey.

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
  • Apex – the very tip of the root of a tooth
  • Aspirator – a suction device your dentist uses to remove saliva from your mouth

  • 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

  • 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

  • Decalcification – the loss of calcium from the teeth
  • Dental Implants – an implant is attached to the jawbone that replaces a missing tooth or teeth
  • Dentures – a removable set of artificial teeth

  1. Enamel – the hard surface of the tooth above the gum line
  2. Endodontist – a dentist who specializes in root canals and the treatment of diseases and infections of the dental pulp (inner tooth)
  3. Extraction – the removal of a tooth or teeth

  • 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

  • Gingivitis – inflammation of gums around the roots of the teeth
  • Gums – the firm flesh that surrounds the roots of the teeth

  • Impacted Tooth – often occurring with wisdom teeth, it is a tooth that sits sideways below the gum line, often requiring extraction
  • Incisor – one of the flat, sharp-edged teeth in the front of the mouth
  • Inlays – a custom-made filling cemented into an unhealthy tooth

  • Lateral – these are the teeth adjacent to the centrals

  • Night Guard – a plastic mouthpiece worn at night to prevent grinding of the teeth; also used to treat TMJ.

  • Pedodontist – 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”
  • Prosthodontist – a dentist specializing in the restoration and replacement of missing teeth or severely damaged teeth

  • Root – the portion of the tooth below your gum line
  • Root Canal – cleaning out and filling the inside nerve of a tooth that is heavily decayed

  • Sealant – plastic coating applied to teeth to prevent decay. Used most commonly for children
  • Secondary Teeth – the permanent teeth
  • Sleep Apnea – a potentially serious disorder in which a sleeping person may stop breathing for 10 seconds or more, often continuously throughout the night

  • 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

  • Veneer – a plastic, porcelain or composite material used to improve the attractiveness of a stained or damaged tooth

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Chicago Dental 312
25 E Washington St # 1211, Chicago, IL 60602

(312) 263-5090

info@chicagodental312.com

Monday: 7:30am – 4:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday: 7:00am – 5:30pm
Thursday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Friday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am – 12:00pm (bi-monthly)
Sunday: Closed