NSDA - Dental Assisting Terminology A-C

Abrasion

Removal of tooth structure due to rubbing and scraping (e.g. incorrect brushing method)

Abscess

a localized infection of a tooth and/or the gum; characterized by a collection of pus

Abutment

A tooth, root or implant used for support AND retention of a fixed or removable prosthesis

Acute apical abscess

An inflammatory reaction to pulpal infection and necrosis characterized by rapid onset, spontaneous pain, tenderness of the tooth to pressure, pus formation and swelling of associated tissues

Acute infection

an infection of short duration that is often severe

Acute myocardial infarction

An occlusion or blockage of arteries supplying the muscles of the heart, resulting in injury or necrosis or the heart muscle (heart attack)

Aerosols

l) The suspension of materials in gas or vapor;
2) a substance dispensed as a constituent of a gas or vapor suspension

Air abrasion

removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive, also a relatively new technology in dentistry that often avoids the need for anesthetic

Ala of the nose

winglike tip of the outer side of each nostril.

ALARA principle

Acronym for " As Low As Reasonably Achievable"
Pertains to radiation exposure encountered when taking x-rays. The idea is that every possible precaution is taken to limit radiation levels when exposing the patient or technician to radiation.

Alginate

A type of impression material used to obtain study models - - -
a salt of alginic acid which when mixed with water in accurate proportions forms an irreversible hydrocolloid gel used for making impressions

Allergen

A substance capable of causing an allergic reaction - - pollens...dust...drugs...certain foods

Allergic reaction

The hypersensitive response of the immune system of an allergic individual to a substance

Allergy

An unwanted bodily response to a substance or organism;

Alloy

A solution composed of two metals dissolved in each other when in the liquid state

Alveolar bone

the bone surrounding the roots of teeth

Alveolitis

Inflammation of a tooth socket
(Usually occurs after an extraction when a blood clot fails to form)

Alveolar socket

Cavity within the alveolar process that surrounds the root of a tooth.

Alveoloplasty

The surgical shaping and smoothing of the margins of the tooth socket after the extraction of the tooth - generally in preparation for the placement of a prosthesis

Amalgam

An alloy, one of the constituents of which is mercury;
The most common material used for fillings, also called silver fillings; a mixture of mercury (app 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc used for fillings

Amalgamator

A mechanical device used to TRITURATE the ingredients of dental amalgam into a mass

Analgesia

Insensibility to pain without the loss of consciousness; a state in which painful stimuli are not perceived or interpreted as pain; usually induced by a drug, although trauma or the disease process may produce a general or regional analgesia

Anesthesia

Drugs that produce a loss of feeling or sensation, generally of locally;
Absence of pain sensation; numbing a tooth is local anesthesia; with general anesthesia the patient is unconscious

Anaphylaxis

A VIOLENT allergic reaction characterized by sudden collapse, shock, respiratory or circulatory failure after injection of allergen.

Anatomic crown

That portion of dentin covered by enamel;

Angle of the mandible

the sharp angle of the lower jaw inferior to the ear's lobule

Anode

The positive electrode in the x-ray tube

Anterior teeth

The six upper and six lower front teeth;
toward the front surface

Antibiotic

A drug that stops or slows the growth of germs (bacteria). A drug used to kill bacteria

Anterior naris

The nostril; plural is nares.

Antigen

A substance introduced into the body to stimulate the production of an antibody ( ie: flu shot)

Antiseptic

A substance for killing microorganisms on the skin

Apex

Tapered end of each root tip;
the tip of the root of a tooth

Apical

Pertaining to the end portion of the root

Apical tissues - normal

Teeth with normal periradicular tissues that will not be abnormally sensitive to percussion or palpation testing. The lamina dura surrounding the root is intact and the periodontal ligament space is uniform

Apicoectomy

Removal of the root end of a tooth to treat an infection

Arch

shape assumed collectively by upper and lower teeth

Arestin

An FDA-approved drug that is used in scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures for reduction of pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis. ARESTIN may be used as part of a periodontal maintenance program that includes good oral hygiene, and SRP; (

Articulator

dental laboratory device that simulates mandibular and temporomandibular joint movement when models of the dental arches are attached to it

Asymptomatic apical periodontitis

Inflammation and destruction of apical periodontium that is of pulpal origin, appears as an apical radiolucent area and does not produce clinical symptoms. (This is what many of us have previously called a Chronic Apical Periodontitis)

Asepsis

A condition of being without infection; of being free of viable pathogenic microorganisms

Attached gingiva

The fibrous attachment of the gingival tissues to the teeth;
firm, pink mucosa, firmly attached to aveolar bone surrounding teeth (Vestibular landmark)

Autoclave sterilizer

Instrument for sterilization by means of moist heat under pressure.

Automatic processing technique

Fast and efficient method of processing in which the film is mechanically transferred from the developed to the fixer, is washed, and finally dried.

Automix

A mixing technique available for use with impression materials. Automix systems are designed by manufacturers to complete the mixing process for the procedure. The unique automix system device provides a homogenous mix with the appropriate amount of mater

Avulsed

Torn away or dislodged by force.

Background radiation

Rradiation coming from sources other than those being observed:
Resulting from cosmic rays & natural radioactivity is always present

Baby teeth

The first teeth, also called deciduous teeth; usually there are twenty baby teeth Numbering is from A thru T

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms which can exist either as independent (free-living) organisms or as parasites (dependent upon another organism for life); Small living organisms, or microorganisms, that live in the bodies of animals, humans, and plants. Some

Bacterial endocarditis

An inflammation of the heart valved and lining of the heart as a result of bacterial infection.

Bad Breath ( Halitosis)

Many things can cause bad breath. A major cause is decreased saliva. Saliva has a cleaning action that helps reduce or eliminate bad breath. When saliva decreases, bacteria can grow, causing bad breath.

Base

A cement applied under a filling or crown to decrease sensitivity to heat or cold and protect the filling

Bicuspid

A two-cusped tooth found between the molar and the cuspid also known as an eye tooth or canine tooth

Bifurcation

The division into two parts or branches, such as any two roots of a tooth.

Bioburden

Blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids.
Also:
It is the quantitative estimation of the number of viable microorganisms in or on a medical product, device or raw material before sterilization.

Biofilm

Slime-producing bacterial communities that may also harbor fungi, algae, and protozoa.

Biologic monitor

That which verifies sterilization by confirming that all spore forming microorganisms have been destroyed.

Biopsy

Removal of a small piece of tissue to determine if it is diseased

Bisecting angle technique

The proper angle to take a periapical survey;
a radiographic technique in which the central ray bisects the right angle formed by the long axis of the tooth and film packet.

Bite

How the upper and lower teeth come together; may also be called occlusion

Black hairy tongue

Excessive growth of fungi that normally live in the mouth.
(Many smokers have this condition).

Bitewing

A kind of dental x-ray which is taken with the teeth bite together. The main function of this kind of x-ray is to detect cavity in between teeth and height of bone support;
A cavity detecting film showing the crown and interproximal areas of a tooth

Bleaching

Used interchangeably with the term, "whitening". The use of a chemical oxidizing agent, sometimes in combination with heat, to lighted tooth discolorations;
Cosmetic whitening of teeth using foumulations based on peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Consumer w

Block Injection

Anesthetizing a nerve that serves a large area of the jaw, usually the lower jaw; may numb teeth, tongue and half of the jaw in that area

Bloodborne disease

Viral diseases that are transmitted via contaminated blood and/or other body fluids.

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

The most important OSHA Standard regarding infection control law in dentistry. It is designed to protect employees against bloodborne, disease-causing organisms, such and HBV, HBC and HIV.

Bonding

Applying a tooth-colored resin to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth, most often a front tooth;
Adhesion of orthodontic attachments to the teeth without the use of an interposed band.

Bone loss

Decrease in bone supporting the roots of teeth; a common result of gum disease.

Bone resorption

The gradual loss of bone;
The process of bone demineralization or the breaking down of bone into mineral components

Braces

Devices used by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth

Brachial

Relating to the arm, as in brachial artery;

Bridge

Fixed partial denture;
appliance cemented to teeth adjacent to a space that replaces one or more missing teeth; usually cemented or attached to teeth or implants adjacent to the space

Bruxism

Involuntary, "nervous" grinding of the teeth while the patient is asleep

Buccal

The tooth surface which is next to your cheeks. Usually only posterior teeth touch your cheeks, the term "buccal" used only when talking about back teeth.

Bur

A rotary cutting instrument that fits into a dental handpiece. Made of steel, tungsten carbide and comes in various shapes.

Calculus

Calcium and phosphate salts in saliva that become mineralized and adhere to tooth's surfaces;
also known as tartar;
hardened dental plaque on teeth, that is usually rough, hard, and porous hard residue, ranging from yellow to brown, forming on teeth when

Canine tooth

The second tooth from the big front tooth, commonly called the cuspid.

Canker sore

Whitish, often circular mouth sore lasting ten to fourteen days;
Canker sores are caused by a pH change or change of acidity in the mouth, which can be attributed to diet, stress or illness. Not contagious.
Read more: Difference Between Canker & Cold Sore

Canthus

Fold of tissue at the corner of the eyelids.

Cantilever Bridge

Fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth on one end only

Caries

Tooth decay; infection; is a disease where bacterial processes damage hard tooth structure.

Cavity

Pitted area in tooth caused by decay; When the pH at the surface of the tooth drops below 5.5, demineralization proceeds faster than remineralization (i.e. there is a net loss of mineral structure on the tooth's surface).

Cavity Classifications

Carious lesions are sorted ( classified) according to the surfaces of a tooth on which they occur and numerical grouping

Carcinogenic

Cancer causing.

Cariogenic

Cavity causing.

Cavitron

Dental tool that uses high frequency sound waves to clean teeth

Cast

A model of teeth.

Cells

The basic unit of vital tissue.

Cellulitis

Uncontrolled infection causing extensive swelling Since this is a dangerous condition, a dentist or physician should be consulted as soon as possible.

Cement

A material that produces a mechanical interlocking effect of a direct restoration and the tooth.

Cementation

The process of "gluing" the appliance/prosthesis on the associated area.

Cementoenamel junction

The place where the enamel of the crown and the cementum of the root of a tooth meet;
C E J - where anatomic crown and root join; where enamel and cementum meet. AKA cervical line.

Cementum

Specialized, calcified connective tissue that covers the anatomic root of a tooth; hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth.

Centric

Having an object centered, such as maxillary teeth centered over mandibular teeth in correct relation.

Cephalometric

An extraoral radiograph taken to sow the bones and soft tissue areas of the facial profile.

Cerebrovascular accident

A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain; a stroke

Certified dental assistant

A person who has successfully passed the Dental Assisting National Board Exam and remains current with continuing education requirements

Cervical collar

a leaded device or piece of the X-ray apron that is positioned around the throat during x-ray procedures; used to protect the thyroid gland from radiation.

Chart

To measure the depth of the gum pockets around teeth - verb;
a patient's legal record - noun

Chemical vapor sterilizer

Instrument for sterilization by means of chemical vapors under heat and pressure.

Chlorhexidine

An anti-microbial agent. It is available in many forms such as gels and rinses. It is an effective agent in controlling gum diseases.

Chronic apical abscess

An inflammatory reaction to pulpal infection and necrosis characterized by gradual onset, little or no discomfort and the intermittent discharge of pus through an associated sinus tract

Chlorine dioxide

Effective, rapid-acting environmental surface disinfectant or chemical sterilant

Chronic infection

An infection of long duration.

Clasp

A metal arm extends from a removable partial denture. It helps to hold on to natural tooth structure and thus provide anchorage for the denture.

Clean area

Place where sterilized instruments, fresh disposable supplies, and prepared trays are stored.

Clenching

The forceful holding together of the upper and lower teeth, which places stress on the ligaments that hold the teeth to the jawbone and the lower jaw to the skull

Cleaning

Removal of plaque and calculus from teeth, above the gumline.

Clinical crown

The portion of the tooth that is visible in the oral cavity.

Cold Sore

An ulcer or blister on lip. ; Cold sores are caused by the HPV virus, a part of the herpes simplex virus.
Read more: Difference Between Canker & Cold Sore | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5486409_difference-between-canker-cold-sore.html#ixzz1KbDaaXPg

Composite

Common bonding mix of plastic and glass/ceramic particles; usually cured with light or chemicals; white filling.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Aesthetic improvement of the color and shape of teeth performed by a general dentist; to create a pleasing appearance.

Contact point

The area of the mesial or distal surfaces or a tooth that touches the adjacent tooth in the same arch.

Contaminated area

Place where contaminated items are brought for pre-cleaning.

Contrast

The different degrees of blackness on an x-ray.

Control Tooth

The healthy tooth used as a standard to compare questionable teeth of similar size and structure during pulp vitality testing.

Core

The central part or support for an indirect restorataion

Cross contamination

The transfer of infection directly or indirectly,from one person to another;
the process by which bacteria or other micro-organisms are unintentionally transferred from one substance or object to another, with harmful effect.

Cross bite

An abnormal bite relationship of upper and lower jaw. The lower teeth/tooth align toward the check/ lip side more than the upper teeth/tooth.

Crown

A restoration, almost like a "cap" on a tooth. It covers the tooth partially or totally above the gum to restore its function and outlook. A crown is made from porcelain, plastic, or metal

Crown

The enamel covered part of a tooth above the gum

Cumulative effect

Exposure to radiation which accumulates or adds up over a lifetime; The theory that radiation-exposed tissues accrue damage and may function at a diminished capacity with each repeated exposure.

Curing

The act of polymerization;
In Dental adhesives, involves a hardening of the material.

Curretage

Removal of dead inner tissue from a gum pocket; deep scaling

Cusp

Major elevation on the masticatory surfaces of canines and posterior teeth.

Cuspal

The chewing or tearing points of the cuspids, bicuspids, and molars.

Cyst

A fluid-filled sac.

Autogenous

produced from within, self-generating - using one's own tooth to be transplanted elsewhere in the mouth