Dental Implants and Implant Dentistry Glossary

A

ABUTMENT - a term used to denote  the teeth on either side of a missing tooth.

ADJUSTMENT - a modification made upon a dental prosthesis after it has been completed and inserted into the mouth.

ALVEOLUS - the bony socket in which the root of the tooth sits.

AMALGAM - or silver filling; an alloy in which one of the metals is mercury. Below are the approximate percentages of the component elements:

ANATOMICAL CROWN - the portion of the tooth that is covered with enamel.

ATTRITION - the wearing away of tooth structure through normal use (ie. chewing, biting, etc.).

B

BLEACHING - cosmetic whitening of teeth using peroxide.

BONDING - the covering of a tooth surface to correct stained or damaged teeth.

BRIDGE - a fixed appliance (prosthesis) that replaces missing teeth. A bridge is a series of attached crowns (abutments and pontics).

BRUXISM - or the grinding of teeth, usually occurs during sleep.

C

CAST - reproduction of the mouth in stone or plaster.

CEMENT - a dental material  used to seal inlays, onlays, and crowns; also used for pupal protection.

CLINICAL CROWN - that portion of  the tooth visible in the mouth, extending from the occlusal or incisal edge to the crest of the free gingiva.

COMPOSITE FILLING - tooth-colored restorative material. The word "composite" refers to the mixture of filler particles in a liquid resin. Commonly, the resin used is BIS-GMA (bis-gammamethylmetacrylate). Filler particles are added to alter the color and wear characteristics. Common filler particles are silica, aluminum, zinc, tin, copper and iron.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY - aesthetic improvement of the color and shape of teeth performed by a general dentist.

CROWN - full coverage for a tooth (used when the tooth cannot be restored by a filling).

D

DECALCIFICATION - The loss of calcium from your teeth, weakening the teeth and making them more susceptible to decay

DEMINERALIZATION - loss of mineral from tooth enamel  just below the surface in a carious lesion; usually appearing as a white area on the tooth surface.

DENTAL RESIN - a dental material  applied to the tooth which is used in cases of severe dentinal hypersensitivity; usually not used unless all other treatment attempts have failed.

DENTAL VARNISH - a hypersensitivity treatment which sometimes contains sodium fluoride; applied to the tooth surface, covering the outer surface of dentin and thus blocking transmission of stimuli to the pulp.

DENTIN - the hard, yellowish tissue underlying the enamel and cementum; it makes up the major bulk of the tooth.

DENTURE - a removable appliance (prosthesis) that replaces missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.

DESQUAMATION - a peeling of gingival tissue; in cases of  desquamative gingivitis, the tissues may appear smooth and shiny, with patches  of bright red and gray. Surface tissue may peel away, exposing a raw, bleeding,  painful surface.

DIASTEMA - a space between the teeth.

DILACERATION - an abnormal tooth that where both the crown and the root are twisted.

DISTAL - the surface of the tooth farthest from the midline of  the dental arch.

DIVERGENT - spread.

E

EDENTULOUS - having no teeth.

EMBRASURE -  the space between two teeth created by the sloping away of the mesial and distal surfaces.

EMPRESS - Type of porcelain crown and porcelain veneer/laminate. The advantage Empress is that it blends very nicely with the surrounding teeth; it is very esthetic.

ENAMEL - the  hard, white shiny surface of the crown; composed of 95% calcium hydroxyapatite.

EROSION - The dissolution of tooth structure due to the presence of gastric juices or citrus. Erosion seldom occurs alone; it is often accompanied by attrition or abrasion (or both) to varying degrees. Acidic foods, such  as citrus fruits and juices should be avoid in patients with signs of erosion.

F

FACIAL -  the surface next to the face; the outer surface of a tooth resting against the  cheeks or lips.

FISSURE - cleft-like grooves in the chewing surface of the back teeth.

FISTULA - an abnormal passage formed in the gum tissue through which an abscessed tooth drains.

FOSSA - a  shallow depression on the lingual (tongue) surfaces of some front teeth.

FREE GINGIVA - the marginal part of the gingival (gums) that can  be deflected from the tooth surface; it forms a collar around the tooth.

FRENUM - a fold of mucous membrane that connects two parts.

G

GINGIVA - the soft tissue surrounding teeth, also known as the gums.

GINGIVAL CREST - the prominent edge of occlusal or incisal  gingiva.

GINGIVAL HYPERTROPHY - The abnormal enlargement of the gingiva surrounding the teeth caused by poor oral hygiene or the use of certain medications.

GINGIVECTOMY - the removal of soft tissue surrounding the tooth; typically used in the treatment of periodontal disease.

GINGIVITIS - inflamed and swollen gum tissue most commonly caused by plaque.  If left untreated, may lead to periodontitis.

GOLDON PROPORTION - The guidelines which dentists use in determining the most esthetic appearance of a particular tooth (teeth need to maintain a certain height to width ratio to look their best.)

H

HETERODONT - different types of teeth within the same dentition (ie. incisors, canines, molars).

HISTO-DIFFERENTIATION -  development into a specialized tissue.

HOMODONT - the presence of only one type of tooth in the  dentition.

HYPERPLASIA - over-growth of a part; an increase in  the number of cells.

HYPERSENSITIVITY - a sharp, sudden painful  reaction in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, chemical, mechanical or osmotic  (sweet or salt) stimuli.

I

IDEAL  OCCLUSION - a complete harmonious relationship of the teeth and masticatory  system.

IMPACTION - an unerupted or partially erupted tooth that will not fully erupt into the mouth because of an obstruction.

IMPLANT - a post that is implanted into bone. A  crown, bridge, or denture is then placed over the implant to restore function  and esthetics.

IMPRESSION TRAY - formed in the general shape of the mouth, used for taking impressions.

INCISORS - the central and lateral incisors; the first  and second teeth from the midline of the mouth.

INLAY - a gold,  porcelain, or composite custom-made filling cemented into the tooth. If it  covers the tips of the teeth, it is called an onlay.

INCISAL EDGE - the cutting edge, ridge, or surface of anterior teeth.

INTERCUSPATION - interlocking; a cusp-to-fossa relationship of  the maxillary to mandibular teeth.

INTERPROXIMAL - the space  between two adjacent surfaces.

INTRAORAL - Inside your mouth.

INVISALIGN - The system is a way to move teeth without the use of conventional brackets and archwires. Basically, a series of clear plastic trays are computer fabricated with each tray gradually shifting the teeth into proper alignment. The system works best for minor tooth movements.

IONTOPHOR - the process of introducing a drug through the dental enamel by use of an electrical current; often used in the treatment of dentin  hypersensitivity.

J

JAW - a  common name for the maxilla or mandible.

L

LAMINATE VENEER - a porcelain, or composite covering which is bonded to restore discolored, or damaged teeth.

LINGUAL - the surface of a tooth nearest the tongue; relating to the tongue.

LOBE - center of tooth formation.

M

MALOCCLUSION - any deviation from the ideal positioning of the teeth or jaws.

MAMELON - small elevations of enamel present on the incisors as  they erupt.

MANDIBLE - the lower jaw.

MARYLAND BRIDGE - A type of Bonded Bridge. Its main difference from conventional bridges is in the reduced amount of abutment preparation necessary. Only the lingual surfaces of the abutments are reduced.

MAXILLAE - the upper jaw.

MESIAL - is the surface of the tooth nearest the midline of the dental arch.

MICRO ABRASION - a drill-free technique using an  instrument resembling a tiny sand blaster that delivers tiny aluminum oxide  particles to the surface of teeth.

MIXED DENTITION- The developmental stage when both deciduous and permanent teeth are present.

MOLAR - the first, second and third molars; these are the sixth, seventh and eighth teeth from the center of the mouth, respectively.

MOUTHGUARD - a soft-fitted device which protects teeth against  impact or injury.

N

NIGHTGUARD - a removable acrylic appliance to minimize  the effects of grinding (bruxism) and TMJ associated problems.

O

OCCLUSAL TRAUMA - results from excessive force placed on a normal  dentition, i.e. grinding and clenching of teeth. If left uncontrolled, occlusal trauma may result in rapid attachment loss and bone destruction.

OCCLUSION - the relationship of the teeth in a closed position in  both the maxillary and mandibular arch.

ONLAY - A laboratory processed restoration made of metal, porcelain or acrylic that replaces one or more of cusps of a tooth.

OPAQUING - covering the metal work of a prosthesis with a material so that it doesn't show through.

OPEN BITE - increased distance between the two arches; space between the front upper and lower teeth when the back teeth are touching.

OSTEOBLASTS - Cells which aid in the growth and development of teeth and bones.

OSTEOCLASTS - Cells which help remodel bone. 

P

PARTIAL DENTURE - a removable  appliance that replaces some of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.

PERIODONTIUM -  the structures that surround and support the teeth.

PERMANENT TEETH - the teeth  that replace the deciduous or primary teeth.

POLISHING - a dental procedure that removes stain, plaque and  acquired pellicle by using an abrasive polishing paste in a rubber cup attached  to a slow-speed handpiece.

PONTIC - the component of a bridge  that replaces the missing teeth.

PORCELAIN - a tooth-colored  sand like material; much like enamel in appearance.

PORCELAIN VENEER - ultra-thin shells of ceramic material bonded to the front of the tooth.

POSTPALATAL SEAL - an elevation of material on the back (tissue side) of a denture; for the purpose of sealing the denture.

PREMOLARS - two-cusped teeth immediately in front  of molars.

PROCERA - Procera is a type of Porcelain Crown.  They are one of the strongest all-porcelain crowns available. Procera’s framework is computer generated; porcelain is then added to the structure.

PROSTHETICS - a fixed or removable appliance used to replace missing teeth (ie. bridges, partials, and dentures).

PROSTHODONTIST - constructs artificial appliances designed to restore and maintain oral function by replacing missing teeth and other oral structures such as dentures

Q

QUADRANT -  denotes one of four equal sections in the mouth. The upper right, upper left, lower right or the lower left.

R

REBASE - process where only the tissue surface of a denture is  replaced by new material.

RESORB - to dissolve into the tissue.

RESTORATIONS - any replacement for lost tooth structure or teeth (ie. bridges, fillings, crowns and implants).

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY - process of restoring missing, damaged or diseased teeth to normal form and function.

RETAINER - a  removable appliance used to maintain teeth in a given position (usually worn at night).

RIDGE - a linear elevation.

S

SOCKET - a cavity in the bone, see ALVEOLUS.

SOFT PALATE - the back 1/3 of the roof of the mouth composed of  soft tissue.

STAIN, EXTRINSIC - stain  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.

STAIN, INTRINSIC - stain  originating 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.

SULCUS - a broad depression on the chewing  surfaces of your back teeth.

SUPERGINGIVAL - the area above the gingival margin.

SUPERNUMERARY TEETH - Extra teeth, in addition to the development of the normal 32.

SURGICAL TEMPLATE - a clear tray used in immediate denture fabrication.

SUTURE - a joining of two bones, also stitxhes.

T

TERMINAL MESIAL STEP - the position of a vertical plane along the distal surfaces when the deciduous second molars are in Class I position.

TERMINAL PLANE - the distal surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular deciduous second molars that are on the same line or plane.

THIRD MOLAR - see WISDOM TOOTH.

TRANSVERSE RIDGE - a linear elevation that crosses a surface  (usually the occlusal surface).

TRIANGULAR RIDGE - a linear elevation that forms a triangle.

TRIFURCATION - forked or divided  into three parts.

TUBERCLE - a small, rounded projection.

TUBEROSITY - a large, rounded projection.

U

ULTRASONIC - the conversion of high frequency electrical current into mechanical  vibrations.

V

VENTRAL -  the underside, used when speaking of the tongue; thus the ventral surface of the  tongue is the underside of the tongue.
VIRGIN TEETH - teeth that are free from decay or restorations.

 

W

WISDOM TOOTH - the third molar; the eighth tooth from the center of mouth.

X

XEROSTOMIA - dryness of the mouth.