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Glossary of Dental Terminology

-A-

• Abscess-infection caused by severe decay, gum disease or trauma.
• Amalgam-a mixture of silver and mercury that has been used for fillings since the mid 1800s. Expands and contracts over time eventually damaging or fracturing the tooth. Definitely not part of 21st century dentistry.
• Anesthetic-a drug that is administered to you by a doctor, that puts you or a particular part of your body to sleep so that you do not feel pain during medical procedures.
• Anterior Teeth-the teeth in the front of your mouth (centrals, laterals, and cuspids).
• Antiseptic-a chemical agent which can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs.

-B-

• Bleaching-acid based gel used to condition teeth and make them whiter.
• Bonding- process in which a composite resin is layered onto the teeth, cured with a harmless, high-intensity light, and then sculpted to the desired shape. Goto Bonding Procedure
• Bridge-one or more artificial teeth attached, usually on both sides, to crowns on adjacent teeth. It is used to maintain space and function for missing teeth.
• Bruxism-unconscious clenching or grinding of your teeth, done most often at night.

-C-

• Calculus-also known as tartar, calculus is hardened plaque that forms when you do not brush your teeth.
• Canine-another name for cuspids, canine teeth are the pointy teeth just behind the laterals.
• Cap-slang term for Crown.
• Caries-also known as cavities, caries are decayed teeth.
• Cavity-a small hole in one of your teeth caused by tooth decay, also known as caries.
• Centrals-the two upper and two lower teeth in the center of your mouth.
• Crown-an artificial tooth, or an artificial cover for a tooth made of porcelain or metal used to repair a decayed or damaged tooth. Goto Crown Procedure
• Cuspid-pointy teeth just behind the laterals, also known as canines.