The ADA Seal of Acceptance is a designation awarded to products that have met American Dental Association's criteria for safety and effectiveness and whose packaging and advertising claims are scientifically supported.

Adjustment

Adjustment refers to a modification made upon a dental prosthesis after it has been completed and inserted into the mouth.

Air Abrasion/Micro Abrasion

Abrasion is a drill-free technique that blasts the tooth surface with air and an abrasive. This is a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for an anesthetic and can be used to remove tooth decay, old composite restorations and superficial stains and discolorations, and prepare a tooth surface for bonding or sealants.

Alveolar Bone

The Alveolar Bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth, anchoring it in place; loss of this bone is typically associated with severe periodontal (gum) disease.

Amalgam

Amalgam is a common filling material used to repair cavities. The material, also known as "silver fillings," contains mercury in combination with silver, tin, copper and sometimes zinc.

Anaerobic Bacteria

Anaerobic Bacteria is a bacteria that do not need oxygen to grow; they are generally associated with periodontal disease (see below).

Analgesia

Analesia is a state of pain relief; an agent for lessening pain.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia is a type of medication that results in partial or complete elimination of pain sensation; numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness.

Antibiotic

An Antibiotic is a drug that stops or slowpoulins the growth of bacteria.

Antiseptic

Antiseptic is a chemical agent that can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs.

Apex

Apex refers to the tip of the root of a tooth.

Appliance

AnAppliance is any removable dental restoration or orthodontic device.

Arch

An Arch is a description of the alignment of the upper or lower teeth.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is decay in infants and children, most often affecting the upper front teeth, caused by sweetened liquids given and left clinging to the teeth for long periods (for example, in feeding bottles or pacifiers).

Bicuspid

Bicuspid is the fourth and fifth teeth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth. These are the back teeth that are used for chewing; they only have two points (cusps). Adults have eight bicuspids (also called premolars), two in front of each group of molars.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a relaxation technique that involves learning how to better cope with pain and stress by altering behavior, thoughts, and feelings.

Biopsy

A Biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for diagnostic examination.

Bite

Bite refers to the relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure (occlusion).

Bite-wing

A Bite-wing is a single X-ray that shows teeth (from crown to about the level of the supporting bone) in a select area on the same film.

Bleaching

Bleaching is a chemical or laser treatment of natural teeth that uses peroxide to produce the whitening effect.

Bonding

Bonding is the covering of a tooth surface with a tooth-colored composite to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth, for instance, due to stain or damage.

Bone Resorption

Bone Resorption is a decrease in the amount of bone supporting the roots of teeth; a common result of periodontal (gum) disease.

Braces

Braces are devices (bands, wires, ceramic appliances) put in place by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth to a more favorable alignment.

Bridge

A Bridge is a stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth adjacent to a space; replaces one or more missing teeth, cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the space. Also called a fixed partial denture.

Bruxism

Bruxism is the grinding or gnashing of the teeth, most commonly during sleep.

Calcium

Calcium is an element needed for the development of healthy teeth, bones, and nerves.

Calculus

Calculus are hard, calcium-like deposits that form on teeth due to inadequate plaque control, often stained yellow or brown. Also called "tartar."

Canker Sore

Canker Sores are small shallow ulcers that appear in the mouth and often make eating and talking uncomfortable; they typically appear in people between the ages of 10 and 20 and last about a week in duration before disappearing.

Cap

A Cap is a common term for a dental crown.

Caries

Caries are areas of tooth decay or "cavities."

Cementum

Cementum is the hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth.

Clasp

A Clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture to stationary teeth.

Cleaning

A Cleaning is the removal of plaque and calculus (tarter) from teeth, generally above the gum line.

Cleft Lip

A Clft Lip is a physical split or separation of the two sides of the upper lip that appears as a narrow opening or gap in the skin of the upper lip. This separation often extends beyond the base of the nose and includes the bones of the upper jaw and/or upper gum.

Cleft Palate

A Cleft Palate is a split or opening in the roof of the mouth.

Composite Resin Filling

Composite Resin Fillings are tooth-colored restorative material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles; usually "cured" or hardened with filtered light or chemical catalyst. An alternative to silver amalgam fillings.

Conventional Denture

A Conventional Denture is a denture that is ready for placement in the mouth about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.

Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Dentistry

Cosmetic or Aesthetic Dentistry is a branch of dentistry under which treatments are performed to enhance the color and shape of teeth.

Crown

A Crown refers to (1) the portion of a tooth above the gum line that is covered by enamel;(2) dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth; the artificial cap can be made of porcelain, composite or metal and is cemented on top of the damaged tooth.

Cuspids

Cuspid is the third tooth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth. These are the front teeth that have one rounded or pointed edge used for biting. Also known as canines.

Cusps

Cusps are the high points on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.

Cyst

Cyst is an abnormal sac containing gas, fluid, or a semisolid material.

DDS

DDS is an acronym that stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery -- equivalent to DMD, Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Decay

Decay is the destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.

Deciduous Teeth

Deciduous Teeth is commonly called "baby teeth" or primary teeth; the first set of (usually) 20 teeth.

Demineralization

Demineralization is loss of mineral from tooth enamel just below the surface in a carious lesion; usually appears as a white area on the tooth surface.

Dentin

Dentin is the inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel.

Denture

Denture is a removable replacement of artificial teeth for missing natural teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available -- complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.

DMD

DMD is an acroynm that stands for Doctor of Medical Dentistry; equivalent to DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery.

Dry mouth

Dry Mouth is a condition in which the flow of saliva is reduced and there is not enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. Dry mouth can be the result of certain medications (such as antihistamines and decongestants), certain diseases (such as Sjögren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes), certain medical treatments (such as head and neck radiation), as well as nerve damage, dehydration, tobacco use, and surgical removal of the salivary glands.

Dry socket

Dry Socket is a common complication that occurs when either a blood clot has failed to form in an extracted tooth socket or else the blood clot that did form has been dislodged.

Edentulous

Edentulous is the state of having no teeth.

Enamel

Enamel is the hard, mineralized material that covers the outside portion of the tooth that lies above the gum line (the crown).

Endodontics

Endodontics is a field of dentistry concerned with the biology and pathology of the dental pulp and root tissues of the tooth and with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of these tissues. A root canal is a commonly performed endodontic procedure.

Endodontist

Endodontist is a dental specialist concerned with the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the human dental pulp or the nerve of the tooth.

Eruption

Eruption is the emergence of the tooth from its position in the jaw.

Extraction

Extraction is the removal of a tooth.

Filling

A Filling is restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain or resin materials.

Fistula

A Fistula is a channel emanating pus from an infection site; a gum boil.

Flap Surgery

Flap Surgery is the lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures.

Flossing

Flossing is the act of using a thread-like material to clean between the contact areas of teeth; a part of a good daily oral hygiene plan.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen teeth enamel making teeth less susceptible to decay. Fluoride is ingested through food or water, is available in most toothpastes, or can be applied as a gel or liquid to the surface of teeth by a dentist.

Fluorosis

Flurosis is the discoloration of the enamel due to too much fluoride ingestion (greater than one [1] part per million) into the bloodstream, also called enamel mottling.

General Dentist

A General Dentist is the primary care dental provider. This dentist diagnoses, treats and manages overall oral health care needs, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, and preventive education.

Gingiva

Gingiva is the soft tissue that surrounds the base of the teeth; the pink tissue around the teeth.

Gingivectomy

Gingivectomy is the surgical removal of gum tissue.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the inflamed, swollen and reddish gum tissue the may bleed easily when touched or brushed. Is the first step in a series of events that begins with plaque build up in the mouth and may end -- if not properly treated -- with periodontitis and tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth.

Gingivoplasty

Gingivoplasty is a procedure performed by periodontists to reshape the gum tissue.

Gold Fillings

A Gold Filling is an alternative to silver amalgam fillings.

Gum Recession

Gum Recession is the exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion, periodontal disease, or surgery.

Gutta Percha

Gutta Percha is a material used in the filling of root canals.

Halitosis

Halitosis is the condition of bad breath of oral or gastrointestinal origin.

Handpiece

Hanpiece is the instrument used to hold and revolve burs in dental operations.

Hard Palate

The Hard Palate is the bony front portion of the roof of the mouth.

Hygienist

A Hygienist is a licensed, auxiliary dental professional who is both an oral health educator and clinician who uses preventive, therapeutic, and educational methods to control oral disease.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity is a sharp, sudden painful reaction in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, sour, salty, chemical, or mechanical stimuli.

Immediate Denture

Immediate Denture is a complete or partial denture that is made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the natural teeth are removed.

Impacted Tooth

An Impacted Tooth a tooth that is partially or completely blocked from erupting through the surface of the gum. An impacted tooth may push other teeth together or damage the bony structures supporting the adjacent tooth. Often times, impacted teeth must be surgically removed.

Implant

An Implant is a metal rod (usually made of bio-compatiable titanium) that is surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone where a tooth is missing; it serves as the tooth root and anchor for the crown, bridge, or denture that is placed over it.

Impression

An Impression is a mold made of the teeth and soft tissues.

Incision and Drainage

Incision and Drainage is a surgical incision of an abscess to drain suppuration (pus).

Incisors

Incisors are four upper and four lower front teeth, excluding the cuspids (canine teeth). These teeth are used primarily for biting and cutting.

Inlay

An Inlay is similar to a filling but the entire work lies within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of the tooth.

Jawbone

The Jawbone is the hard bone that supports the face and includes alveolar bone, which anchors the teeth.

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a white or gray patch that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek. It is the mouth's reaction to chronic irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth.

Malocclusion

Malocclusion is a "bad bite" or misalignment of the teeth or jaws.

Mandible

The Mandible is the lower jaw.

Maxilla

Maxilla is the upper jaw.

Mercury

Mercury is a metal component of amalgam fillings.

Molars

Molars are the three back teeth in each dental quadrant used for grinding food.

Mouthguard

A Mouthguard is a soft-fitted device that is inserted into the mouth and worn over the teeth to protect them against impact or injury.

Muscle relaxant

A Muscle Relaxant is a type of medication often prescribed to reduce stress.

Nerve

A Nerve is a tissue that conveys sensation, temperature, position information to the brain.

Nerve (root) canal

Nerve Root Canal is the dental pulp; the internal chamber of a tooth where the nerves and blood vessels pass.

Night Guard

A Night Guard is a removable acrylic appliance that fits over the upper and lower teeth used to prevent wear and temporomandibular damage caused by grinding or gnashing of the teeth during sleep.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide is a gas (also called laughing gas) used to reduce patient anxiety.

NSAID

NSAID is an acronymn that stands for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often used as a dental analgesic.

Occlusal X-rays

Occlusal X-rays are X-rays that show the full tooth development and placement. Each X-ray reveals the entire arch of teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.

Occlusion

Occlusion is the relationship of the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

Onlay

Onlay is a type of restoration (filling) made of metal, porcelain, or acrylic that is more extensive than an inlay in that it covers one or more cusps. Onlays are sometimes called partial crowns.

Oral Cavity

Oral Cavity refers to the mouth.

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist

A Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist is a oral health care provider who specializes in the production and interpretation of all types of X-ray images and data that are used in the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery are surgical procedures on the mouth including extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws.

Oral Hygiene

Oral Hygiene is a process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related structures.

Oral Medicine

Oral Medicine is the specialty of dentistry that provides for the care of the medically complex patient through the integration of medicine and oral health care.

Oral Pathologist

A Oral Pathologist is the oral health care provider who studies the causes of diseases that alter or affect the oral structures (teeth, lips, cheeks, jaws) as well as parts of the face and neck.

Oral Surgeon

An Oral Surgeon is the oral health care provider who performs many types of surgical procedures in and around the entire face, mouth, and jaw area.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that using braces, retainers, and other dental devices to treat misalignment of teeth, restoring them to proper functioning.

Orthodontist

Orthodontist is the oral health provider who specializes in diagnosis, prevention, interception and treatment of malocclusions, or "bad bites," of the teeth and surrounding structures. This is the specialist whose responsibility is to straighten teeth by movement of the teeth through bone by the use of bands, wires, braces, and other fixed or removable corrective appliances or retainers.

Overbite

An overbite is an excessive protrusion of the upper jaw resulting in a vertical overlap of the front teeth.

Overdenture

An Overdenture is a denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants.

Palate

The Palate is the hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth.

Panoramic X-ray

Panoramic X-ray is a type of X-ray that shows a complete two dimensional representation of all the teeth in the mouth. This X-rays also shows the relationship of the teeth to the jaws and the jaws to the head.

Partial Denture

A Partial Denture is a removable appliance that replaces some of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.

Pathology

Pathology is the study of disease.

Pedodontics or Pediatric Dentistry

Pedodontics or Pediatric Dentistry is dental specialty focusing on treatment of children.

Pedodontist/Pediatric Dentist

Pedodontist/Pediatric Dentist is the oral health care provider who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the dental problems of children from the age of one or two to early adulthood.

Periapical

Periapical is the region at the end of the roots of teeth.

Periapical X-rays

Periapical X-ray are X-rays providing complete side views from the roots to the crowns of the teeth.

Periodontal Ligament

The Periodontal Ligament is the connective tissue that surrounds the tooth (specifically covering the cementum) and connects the tooth to the jawbone, holding it in place.

Periodontist

A Periodontist is the dental specialist who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the soft tissues of the mouth (the gums) and the supporting structures (bones) of the teeth (both natural and man-made teeth).

Periodontitis

Periodontis is a more advanced stage of periodontal disease in which the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets and alveolar bone is destroyed.

Periodontium

A Periodontium is the tissue that lines the socket into which the root of the tooth fits.

Permanent Teeth

Permanent Teeth are the teeth that replace the deciduous or primary teeth. There are (usually) thirty-two adult teeth in a complete dentition.

Plaque

Plaque is a colorless, sticky film composed of undigested food particles mixed with saliva and bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. Plaque left alone eventually turns in to tartar or calculus and is the main factor in causing dental caries and periodontal disease.

Pontic

Pontic is a replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a tooth-colored, sand like material; much like enamel in appearance.

Porcelain Crown

Porcelain Crowns are an all porcelain restoration covering the coronal portion of tooth (above the gum line).

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crown

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crown is a restoration with metal caping (for strength) covered by porcelain (for appearance).

Porcelain Inlay or Onlay

Porcelain Inlay or Onlay is a tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain, cemented or bonded in place.

Post

A Post is a thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy; provides retention for a capping that replaces lost tooth structure.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Pregnancy Gingivitis is gingivitis that develops during pregnancy. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy especially the increased level of progesterone may make it easier for certain gingivitis-causing bacteria to grow as well as make gum tissue more sensitive to plaque and exaggerate the body's response to the toxins (poisons) that result from plaque.

Pregnancy Tumors

Pregnancy Tumors are an extreme inflammatory reaction to a local irritation (such as food particles or plaque) that occurs in up to 10% of pregnant women and often in women who also have pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy tumors appear on inflamed gum tissue as large lumps with deep red pinpoint markings on it, usually near the upper gum line. The red lump glistens, may bleed and crust over, and can make eating and speaking difficult and cause discomfort.

Primary Teeth

Primary Teeth are the first set of 20 temporary teeth. Also called baby teeth, the primary dentition, or deciduous teeth.

Prophylaxis

Prophylaxis is the cleaning of the teeth for the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Prosthetics

Prosthetics is a fixed or removable appliance used to replace missing teeth (for example, bridges, partials, and dentures).

Prosthodontist

Prosthodontist is a dental specialist who is skilled in restoring or replacing teeth with fixed or removable prostheses (appliances), maintaining proper occlusion; treats facial deformities with artificial prostheses such as eyes, ears, and noses.

Pulp

Pulp is the living part of the tooth, located inside the dentin. Pulp contains the nerve tissue and blood vessels that supply nutrients to the tooth.

Radiographic

Radiographic refers to X-rays.

Radio Wave Therapy

Radio Wave Therapy a therapy involving the use of low level electrical stimulation to increase blood flow and provide pain relief. In dentistry, this is one type of therapy that can be applied to the joint of individuals with temporomandibular disorder.

Recontouring

Recontouring is a procedure in which small amounts of tooth enamel are removed to change a tooth's length, shape or surface. Also called odontoplasty, enameloplasty, stripping or slenderizing.

Remineralization

Remineralization is the redeposition or replacement of the tooth's minerals into a demineralized (previously decayed) lesion. This reverses the decay process, and is enhanced by the presence of topical fluoride.

Restorations

Restorations are any replacement for lost tooth structure or teeth; for example, bridges and dentures, fillings, crowns and implants.

Retainer

A Retainer is a removable appliance used to maintain teeth in a given position (usually worn at night).

Root

Root refers to the tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw.

Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Therapy is the procedure used to save an abscessed tooth in which the pulp chamber is cleaned out, disinfected, and filled with a permanent filling.

Rubber Dam

A Rubber Dam is a 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.

Saliva

Saliva is a clear lubricating fluid in the mouth containing water, enzymes, bacteria, mucus, viruses, blood cells and undigested food particles.

Salivary Glands

Salivary Glands are the glands located under tongue and in cheeks that produce saliva.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and Root Planing is a deep-cleaning, nonsurgical procedure whereby plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line are scraped away (scaling) and rough spots on the tooth root are made smooth (planing).

Sealants

Sealants are a thin, clear resin substance that is applied to the biting surfaces of teeth to prevent decay.

Sedative

A Sedative is a type of medication used to reduce pain and anxiety, and create a state of relaxation.

Soft Palate

Soft Palate is the back one-third of the roof of the mouth composed of soft tissue.

Space Maintainer

Space Maintainer is the dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth.

Stains

Stains can be either extrinsic or intrinsic. extrinsic stain is located on the outside of the tooth surface originating from external substances such as tobacco, coffee, tea or food; usually removed by polishing the teeth with an abrasive prophylaxis paste. Intrinsic stain originates from the ingestion of certain materials or chemical substances during tooth development, or from the presence of caries. This stain is permanent and cannot be removed.

Stomatitis

Stomatitis is an inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture. Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans cause the condition.

Supernumerary Tooth

Supernumerary Tooth is an extra tooth.

Tartar

Tartar is a common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth; produces rough surface that attracts plaque.

Teething

Teething is action of baby teeth pushing through gums.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)/Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) or Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is the term given to a problem that concerns the muscles and joint that connect the lower jaw with the skull. The condition is characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open or move the jaw. It is often accompanied by a clicking or popping sound when the jaw is opened or closed.

Thrush

Thrush is an infection in the mouth caused by the fungusCandida.

Tooth Whitening

Tooth Whitening is a chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth.

Topical Anesthetic

Topical Anesthetic is an ointment that produces mild anesthesia when applied to tissue surface.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that uses low-level electrical currents to provide pain relief. In dentistry, TENS is one type of therapy that can be used to relax the jaw joint and facial muscles.

Transplant

A Transplant is the placing of a natural tooth in the empty socket of another tooth.

Trauma

Trauma refers to an injury caused by an external force, chemical, temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment.

Trigger-Point Injections

Rigger-Point Injections is a method of relieving pain whereby pain medication or anesthesia is injected into tender muscles called 'trigger points.' In dentistry, this is can be used in individuals with temporomandibular disorders.

Ultrasound

An Ultraound is a treatment in which deep heat is applied to an affect area to relieve soreness or improve mobility. In dentistry, ultrasound can be used to treat temporomandibular disorder.

Underbite

An Underbite is when the lower jaw protrudes forward causing the lower jaw and teeth to extend out beyond the upper teeth.

Unerupted tooth

An Unerupted Tooth is a tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct position in the dental arch.

Veneer

A Veneer is a thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored plastic or porcelain that are bonded directly to the front side of natural teeth to improve their appearance for example, to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth or change color and/or shape.

Wisdom Teeth

The Wisdom Teeth is the third (last) molars that usually erupt at age 18-25.

Xerostomia

Xerostomia refers to a dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva.

X-Rays

X-rays are high frequency light (or radiation) that penetrates different substances with different rates and absorption. In dentistry, there are typically four types of X-rays: periapical, bite-wing, occlusal, and panoramic.