Dentistry Glossary

The part of the maxilla and mandible that forms the sockets (alveoli) for the teeth and provides structural support.

A dental restorative material composed of a mixture of mercury with an alloy of silver, tin, copper, and sometimes zinc.

Involuntary habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, typically during sleep or periods of stress.

Mineralized dental plaque (biofilm) that forms a hard deposit on tooth surfaces above and below the gumline.

The disease process that results in the demineralization and destruction of tooth structure by bacterial acid production.

A thin layer of calcified tissue covering the root surface of a tooth, providing attachment for the periodontal ligament fibers.

A tooth-colored restorative material consisting of a resin matrix, filler particles, and a coupling agent, bonded directly to tooth structure.

A fixed prosthetic restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

The first set of 20 teeth (primary or 'baby' teeth) that erupt in childhood and are eventually replaced by 32 permanent teeth.

The condition of being without natural teeth, either partially or completely.

The dental specialty concerned with the biology and pathology of the dental pulp and periapical tissues, and with root canal treatment.

A developmental condition of tooth enamel caused by excessive fluoride intake during tooth formation, resulting in white spots to brown staining and pitting.

The mucosal tissue (gums) that surrounds and supports the teeth, forming a protective collar around each tooth.

The crystalline calcium phosphate mineral that constitutes approximately 96% of tooth enamel and 70% of dentin.

A condition in which a tooth is unable to fully erupt into its normal position, most commonly affecting third molars (wisdom teeth).

Misalignment of the teeth or incorrect relationship between the upper and lower dental arches.

The process of filling the root canal system with a biocompatible material (typically gutta-percha) after cleaning and shaping during endodontic therapy.

The relationship between the upper (maxillary) and lower (mandibular) teeth when they come into contact during biting and chewing.

Relating to the area around the apex (tip) of a tooth root, often used to describe infections or radiographic findings at the root tip.

The fibrous connective tissue that attaches the cementum of a tooth root to the surrounding alveolar bone, providing support and shock absorption.

A professional dental cleaning procedure to remove plaque, calculus, and stains from the teeth to prevent disease.

The dental specialty focused on the replacement and restoration of missing teeth using crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant-supported prostheses.

Inflammation of the dental pulp, classified as reversible (mild inflammation, tooth can recover) or irreversible (severe inflammation requiring root canal or extraction).

The bilateral synovial joint connecting the mandible (lower jaw) to the temporal bone of the skull, allowing for jaw movement during speech, chewing, and yawning.

The subjective sensation of dry mouth, often associated with reduced salivary flow, which increases susceptibility to dental caries and oral infections.