Dental Care Definitions

Abscess

Acute or chronic localized inflammation, probably with a collection of pus, associated with tissue destruction and, frequently, swelling; usually secondary to infection.

Abutment

A tooth or implant fixture used as a support for a prosthesis.

Abutment Crown

Artificial crown also serving for the retention or support of a dental prosthesis.

Acid Etching

Use of an acidic chemical substance to prepare the tooth enamel and or dentin surface to provide retention for bonding.

Adhesion

State in which two surfaces are held together by chemical or physical forces or both with or without the aid of an adhesive. Adhesion is one aspect of bonding.

Adhesive

Any substance that joins or creates close adherence of two or more surfaces. Intermediate material that causes two materials to adhere to each other.

Adjunctive

A secondary treatment in addition to the primary therapy.

Adult Dentition

The permanent teeth of adulthood that either replace the primary dentition or erupt distally to the primary molars. A statistical condition within a group when there is a greater demand for dental services and/or more services necessary than the average expected for that group.

Alloy

Compound combining two or more elements having properties not existing in any of the single constituent elements. Sometimes used to refer to amalgam.

Alveoloplasty

Surgical procedure for recontouring supporting bone, sometimes in preparation for a prosthesis.

Amalgam

An alloy used in direct dental restorations. Typically composed of mercury, silver, tin and copper along with other metallic elements added to improve physical and mechanical properties.

Analgesia

See definition under anesthesia.

Anatomical Crown

That portion of tooth normally covered by, and including, enamel.

Ancillary

Subordinate or auxiliary to something or someone else; supplementary.

Anesthesia

A patient's level of consciousness is determined by the provider and not the route of administration of anesthesia. State dental boards regulate the use of anesthesia techniques. The ADA House of Delegates adopted and has published anesthesia policy and guidelines, which are available online.

General Anesthesia

A drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function is often impaired. Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and positive pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug-induced depression of neuromuscular function. Cardiovascular function may be impaired.

Local anesthesia

The elimination of sensation, especially pain, in one part of the body by the topical application or regional injection of a drug.

Analgesia

The diminution or elimination of pain.

Anterior

Mandibular and maxillary centrals, laterals and cuspids. The designation of permanent anterior teeth in the Universal/National tooth numbering system include teeth 6 through 11 (maxillary), and 22 through 27 (mandibular); primary teeth in the Universal/National tooth numbering system are designated C through H (maxillary), and M through R (mandibular). Also refers to the teeth and tissues located towards the front of the mouth.

Apex

The tip or end of the root end of the tooth.

Apicoectomy

Amputation of the apex of a tooth.

Arch, Dental

The curved composite structure of the natural dentition and the residual ridge, or the remains thereof, after the loss of some or all of the natural teeth.

Artificial Crown

Restoration covering or replacing the major part, or the whole of the clinical crown of a tooth, or implant.

Barrier Membrane

Usually a thin, sheet-like usually non-autogenous material used in various surgical regenerative procedures.

Benign

The mild or non-threatening character of an illness or the non-malignant character of a neoplasm.

Bicuspid

A premolar tooth; a tooth with two cusps.

Bilateral

Occurring on, or pertaining to, both right and left sides.

Biopsy

Process of removing tissue for histologic evaluation.

Bitewing Radiograph

Interproximal radiographic view of the coronal portion of the tooth/teeth. A form of dental radiograph that may be taken with the long axis of the image oriented either horizontally or vertically,that reveals approximately the coronal halves of the maxillary and mandibular teeth and portions of the interdental alveolar septa on the same image.

Bleaching

Process of lightening of the teeth, usually using a chemical oxidizing agent and sometimes in the presence of heat. Removal of deep seated intrinsic or acquired discolorations from crown of vital and non-vital teeth through the use of chemicals, sometimes in combination with the application of heat and light. Bleaching has been achieved through short and long term applications of pastes or solutions containing various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Normally applied externally to teeth; may be used internally for endodontically treated teeth.

Bonding

Process by which two or more components are made integral by mechanical and/or chemical adhesion at their interface.

Bridge

See fixed partial denture.

Buccal

Pertaining to or toward the cheek (as in the buccal surface of a posterior tooth).

Calculus

Hard deposit of mineralized substance adhering to crown

Canal

A relatively narrow tubular passage or channel.

Root canal

Space inside the root portion of a tooth containing pulp tissue.

Caries

Commonly used term for tooth decay.

Carious Lesion

A cavity caused by caries.

Cast

See diagnostic cast.

Cavity

Missing tooth structure. A cavity may be due to decay, erosion or abrasion. If caused by caries; also referred to as carious lesion.

Cement Base

Material used under a filling to replace lost tooth structure.

Cephalometric Image

A standardized, extraoral projection utilized in the scientific study of the measurements of the head.

Ceramic

Refers to pressed, fired, polished or milled materials containing predominantly inorganic refractory compounds including porcelains, glasses, ceramics and glass-ceramics.

Cleft Palate

Congenital deformity resulting in lack of fusion of the soft and/or hard palate, either partial or complete.

Clenching

The clamping and pressing of the jaws and teeth together in centric occlusion, frequently associated with psychological stress or physical effort.

Crown of the tooth

That portion of a tooth not covered by tissues.

Complete Denture

A prosthetic for the edentulous maxillary or mandibular arch, replacing the full dentition. Usually includes six anterior teeth and eight posterior teeth.

Complete Series

An entire set of radiographs. A set of intraoral radiographs usually consisting of 14 to 22 periapical and posterior bitewing images intended to display the Crowns and roots of all teeth, periapical areas and alveolar bone crest (source: FDA/ADA radiographic guidelines).

Composite

A dental restorative material made up of disparate or separate parts (e.g. resin and quartz particles).

Compound Fracture

Break in bone which is exposed to external contamination.

Consultation

In a dental setting, a diagnostic service provided by a dentist where the dentist, patient, or other parties (e.g., another dentist, physician, or legal guardian) discuss the patient's dental needs and proposed treatment modalities.

Contiguous

Adjacent; touching.

Coping

A thin covering of the coronal portion of the tooth usually without anatomic conformity. Custom made or pre-fabricated thimble-shaped core or base layer designed to fit over a natural tooth preparation, a post core, or implant abutment so as to act as a substructure onto which other components can be added to give final form to a restoration or prosthesis. It can be used as a definitive restoration or as part of a transfer procedure.

Core Buildup

The replacement of a part or all of the crown of a tooth whose purpose is to provide a base for the retention of an indirectly fabricated crown.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

A collection of symptoms characterized by transient acute pain experienced when chewing.

Crown

An artificial replacement that restores missing tooth structure by surrounding the remaining coronal tooth structure, or is placed on a dental implant. It is made of metal, ceramic or polymer materials or a combination of such materials. It is retained by luting cement or mechanical means.

Crown Lengthening

A surgical procedure exposing more tooth for restorative purposes by apically positioning the gingival margin and removing supporting bone.

Culture and Sensitivity Test

Clinical laboratory test which identifies a microorganism and the ability of various antibiotics to control the microorganism.

Curettage

Scraping and cleaning the walls of a real or potential space, such as a gingival pocket or bone, to remove pathologic material.

Cusp

Pointed or rounded eminence on or near the masticating surface of a tooth.

Cuspid

Single cusped tooth located between the incisors and bicuspids.

Cyst

Pathological cavity, usually lined with epithelium, containing fluid or soft matter.

Cytology

The study of cells, including their anatomy, chemistry, physiology and pathology.

Debridement

Removal of subgingival and/or supragingival plaque and calculus which obstructs the ability to perform an evaluation.

Decay

The lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure.

Deciduous

Having the property of falling off or shedding; a term used to describe the primary teeth.

Deep Sedation

See anesthesia.

Dentin

Hard tissue which forms the bulk of the tooth and develops from the dental papilla and dental pulp, and in the mature state is mineralized.

Dentistry

The evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical, surgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body; provided by a dentist, within the scope of his/her education, training and experience, in accordance with the ethics of the profession and applicable law.

Dentition

The teeth in the dental arch.

Adolescent Dentition

In orthodontic coding, refers to the stage of permanent dentition prior to cessation of growth.

Deciduous Dentition

Refers to the deciduous or primary teeth in the dental arch.

Permanent Dentition (adult dentition)

Refers to the permanent teeth in the dental arch.

Transitional Dentition

Refers to a mixed dentition; begins with the appearance of the permanent first molars and ends with the exfoliation of the deciduous teeth.

Denture

An artificial substitute for some or all of the natural teeth and adjacent tissues.

Denture Base

That part of a denture that makes contact with soft tissue and retains the artificial teeth.

Diagnostic Cast

Plaster or stone model of teeth and adjoining tissues; also referred to as study model. Primarily for use in extra-oral examinations of relationships existing between oral tissues so as to determine how those relationships will effect form and function of a dental restoration or appliance being planned, or so as to determine whether subsequent pre-definitive impression tissue treatment or modification might be necessary in order to insure optimal performance of the planned restoration or appliance.

Diagnostic Imaging

A visual display of structural or functional patterns for the purpose of diagnostic evaluation. May be photographic or radiographic.

Diastema

A space, such as one between two adjacent teeth in the same dental arch.

Direct Pulp Cap

Procedure in which the exposed vital pulp is treated with a therapeutic material, followed with a base and restoration, to promote healing and maintain pulp vitality.

Displaced Tooth

A partial evulsion of a tooth; may be mesial, distal, facial, lingual or incisal.

Distal

Surface or position of a tooth most distant from the median line of the arch.

Dressing

Medication, bandages or other therapeutic material applied to a wound.

Dry Socket

Localized inflammation of the tooth socket following extraction due to infection or loss of blood clot; osteitis.

Edentulous

Without teeth.

Enamel

Hard calcified tissue covering dentin of the crown of tooth.

Endodontics

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry which is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions.

Endodontist

A dental specialist who limits his/her practice to treating disease and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions.

Established Patient

A patient who has received professional services from a dentist or another dentist of the same specialty who belongs to the same group practice, within the past three years, subject to state laws.

Evaluation

The patient assessment that may include gathering of information through interview, observation, examination, and use of specific tests that allows a dentist to diagnose existing conditions. Please refer to specific oral evaluation code descriptors for more complete definitions.

Evulsion

Separation of the tooth from its socket due to trauma. See avulsion.

Excision

Surgical removal of bone or tissue.

Exfoliative

Refers to a thin layer of epidermis shed from the surface.

Exostosis

Overgrowth of bone.

Extraoral

Outside the oral cavity.

Extracoronal

Outside the crown of a tooth.

Extraction

The process or act of removing a tooth or tooth parts.

Facial

The surface of a tooth directed toward the cheeks or lips (i.e., the buccal and labial surfaces) and opposite the lingual surface.

Fascial

Related to a sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating or binding together muscles, organs and other soft tissue structures of the body.

Filling

A lay term used for the restoring of lost tooth structure by using materials such as metal, alloy, plastic or porcelain.

Fixed partial denture

A prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth cemented or otherwise attached to the abutment teeth or implant replacements.

Fracture

The breaking of a part, especially of a bony structure; breaking of a tooth.

Frenum

Muscle fibers covered by a mucous membrane that attaches the cheek, lips and or tongue to associated dental mucosa.

Furcation

The anatomic area of a multirooted tooth where the roots diverge.

Gingiva

Soft tissues overlying the Crown of unerupted teeth and encircling the necks of those that have erupted.

Gingivectomy

The excision or removal of gingiva.

Gingivitis

Inflammation of gingival tissue without loss of connective tissue.

Gingivoplasty

Surgical procedure to reshape gingiva.

Graft

A piece of tissue or alloplastic material placed in contact with tissue to repair a defect or supplement a deficiency.

Hyperplastic

Pertaining to an abnormal increase in the number of cells in an organ or a tissue with consequent enlargement.

Imaging, Diagnostic

This would include, but is not limited to, CAT scans, MRIs, photographs, radiographs, etc.

Immediate Denture

Prosthesis constructed for placement immediately after removal of remaining natural teeth.

Impacted Tooth

An unerupted or partially erupted tooth that is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely.

Implant

Material inserted or grafted into tissue.

Dental Implant

A device specially designed to be placed surgically within or on the mandibular or maxillary bone as a means of providing for dental replacement.

Implantation, Tooth

Placement of an artificial or natural tooth into an alveolus.

Incisal

Pertaining to the biting edges of the incisor and cuspid teeth.

Incision and Drainage

The procedure of incising a fluctuant mucosal lesion to allow for the release of fluid from the lesion.

Incisor

A tooth for cutting or gnawing; located in the front of the mouth in both jaws.

Indirect Pulp Cap

Procedure in which the nearly exposed pulp is covered with a protective dressing to protect the pulp from additional injury and to promote healing and repair via formation of secondary dentin.

Indirect Restoration

A restoration fabricated outside the mouth.

Inlay

An intracoronal dental restoration, made outside the oral cavity to conform to the prepared cavity, which restores some of the occlusal surface of a tooth, but does not restore any cusp tips. It is retained by luting cement. (American College of Prosthodontics; The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms).

Interproximal

Between the adjoining surfaces of adjacent teeth in the same arch.

Intracoronal

Referring to "within" the crown of a tooth.

Intraoral

Inside the mouth.

Jaw

A common name for either the maxilla or the mandible.

Keratin

A protein present in all cuticular structures of the body, such as hair, epidermis and horns.

Labial

Pertaining to or around the lip.

Laminate Veneer

A thin covering of the facial surface of a tooth usually constructed of tooth colored material used to restore discolored, damaged, misshapen or misaligned teeth.

Lesion

An injury or wound; area of diseased tissue.

Lingual

Pertaining to or around the tongue; surface of the tooth directed toward the tongue; opposite of facial.

Maintenance, Periodontal

Therapy for preserving the state of health of the periodontium.

Malignant

Having the properties of dysplasia, invasion, and metastasis.

Malocclusion

Improper alignment of biting or chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth.

Mandible

The lower jaw.

Maryland Bridge

Fixed partial denture featuring conservative retainers which are resin bonded to abutments.

Maxilla

The upper jaw.

Medicament

Substance or combination of substances intended to be pharmacologically active, specially prepared to be prescribed, dispensed or administered by authorized personnel to prevent or treat diseases in humans or animals.

Mesial

Nearer the middle line of the body or the surface of a tooth nearer the center of the dental arch.

Microabrasion

Mechanical removal of a small amount of tooth structure to eliminate superficial enamel discoloration defects.

Microorganisms

A minute living organism, such as a bacterium, fungus, yeast, virus or rickettsia.

Molar

Teeth posterior to the premolars (bicuspids) on either side of the jaw; grinding teeth, having large crown

Mouthguard

Individually molded device designed primarily to be worn for the purpose of helping prevent injury to the teeth and their surrounding tissues. Sometimes called a mouth protector.

Mucous Membrane

Lining of the oral cavity as well as other canals and cavities of the body; also called "mucosa."

Occlusal

Pertaining to the biting surfaces of the premolar and molar teeth or contacting surfaces of opposing teeth or opposing occlusion rims.

Occlusal Radiograph

An intraoral radiograph made with the film, phosphorous plate, emulsion or digital sensor being held between the occluded teeth.

Occlusal Surface

A surface of a posterior tooth or occlusion rim that is intended to make contact with an opposing occlusal surface.

Occlusion

Any contact between biting or chewing surfaces of maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth.

Onlay

A dental restoration made outside the oral cavity that covers one or more cusp tips and adjoining occlusal surfaces, but not the entire external surface. It is retained by luting cement.

Oral

Pertaining to the mouth.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, deformities, defects and esthetic aspects of the oral and maxillofacial regions.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry which includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region.

Oral Diagnosis

The determination by a dentist of the oral health condition of an individual patient achieved through the evaluation of data gathered by means of history taking, direct examination, patient conference, and such clinical aids and tests as may be necessary in the judgment of the dentist.

Orthodontist

A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the interception and treatment of malocclusion and other neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the teeth and their surrounding structures.

Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopedics Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures.