To help you better understand dental terminology, we have compiled a list of commonly used words in the dental office. We encourage our patients to become informed participants in their dental care. If you have further questions, please feel free to email us at northden@bellsouth.net.

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ABSCESS - a localized collection of pus usually resulting from pulpal or gum disease.

ABUTMENT - a tooth used to support and/or stabilize a fixed or removable appliance.

AVULSION - a tooth or teeth that have been knocked out.

BRUXISM - a conscious or unconscious habit of grinding the teeth.

CALCULUS - plaque that has hardened into a rough, porous deposit on teeth and below the gum line. Also called tartar.

COMPOSITE - a tooth or natural colored filling.

DIASTEMAS - spaces between the teeth.

ENAMEL - the protective barrier on the surface of a tooth.

ENDODONTICS - the treatment of disorders of the nerve (pulp) of a tooth.

FLUORIDE - a mineral that combines with tooth enamel to strengthen teeth against decay

GINGIVITIS - accumulation of plaque on teeth at or below the gum line which causes infection, inflammation and bleeding.

IMPLANTS - artificial teeth that replace lost or missing natural teeth.

MALOCCLUSION - a condition in which teeth are crooked, crowded or out of alignment.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE - leading cause of tooth loss in people over 35 years old, it is caused by bacterial infections that attack the gums, tissue and bone.

PITS & FISSURES - natural depressions and grooves in the chewing surfaces of back teeth.

PLAQUE - a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth.

PROPHYLAXIS (cleaning) - the removal of stains, tartar, and plaque from the teeth and gums

PULP - soft tissue consisting of nerves and blood vessels located in the center of a tooth.

QUADRANT - The mouth is divided into 4 quadrants: Upper Right, Upper Left, Lower Right, and Lower Left. Separated at the midline between the front incisors and going posterior.

ROOT CANAL - a thin shaft running down the center of a tooth containing pulp. Also called pulp canal.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT - removal of infection or unhealthy pulpal tissue from the inside root of a tooth.

SEALANT - The dentist or hygienist bonds a white or tooth colored flowable material into the pits and fissures of the cavity prone teeth. It hardens upon light activation and should remain on teeth with proper home care.

TARTAR - plaque that has hardened into a rough, porous deposit on teeth and below the gum line. Also called calculus.

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ) - the joint that connects the lower jaw to the upper jaw

VENEER - a thin, semi-transparent "shell" that is permanently attached to a tooth. Usually customized from porcelain.