Abrasion
Wearing away of the surfaces of the teeth as a result of their use in chewing.
Abscess
A collection of pus in a cavity formed within the tissue of the body.
Absorption
The process of sucking up, taking in
Abutment
A tooth used to support support one end of a prosthetic appliance, suck as a dental bridge
Accretion
An accumulation of foreign matter, such as tartar on the surface of a tooth or decayed within the cavity.
Acrylic
Permits ultraviolet rays, Synthetic thermoplastic substance resembling clear glass, but lighter in weight.
A D A
American Dental Association.
Adduct
To move toward the center or midline
Adhesives
A compound used after the acid etch to provide Adhesion between the composite and the tooth surface
Adjustment
An alteration or modification that may be required on a tooth or a denture
Align
To position properly in relation to another object
Alloy
Fusing two or more metals; such as silver alloy to mercury to produce an amalgam
Alveolectomy
Shaping of the dental ridges in preparation for construction of a prosthetic appliance
Alveolus
Bone cavity or a socket in which the root of a tooth is held by the periodontal ligament
Amalgam
Used for restoring teeth; composed of mercury with any other metal
Analgesia
Reduction or loss of sensitivity to pain without loss of consciousness.
Anesthetics
Drugs that produce the loss of feeling or sensation either as local or general anesthesia
Ankylosis
Abnormal immobility of a joint
Anterior
Teeth at the front of the mouth
Antibiotic
A drug that inhibits or destroys bacterial growth
Antiseptic
Pharmaceutical substance that stops or inhits the growth of microorganisms
Apex
A conical end; the terminal end of a root or tooth.
Apical
Pertaining to the apex or conical endings of the roots of the teeth.
Aplasis
Lack origin or development
Appliance
A device used to replace missing parts, provide function, or perform a therapeutic purpose. Dental prostheses, splints, orthodontic appliance, and obturators
Arch, Dental
Curving structure formed by the crowns of the teeth in their normal position, or by the residual ridge after loss of teeth.
Arch Wire
The main wire framework, which is attached to bands and passes around the entire dental arch
Artificial Teeth
Dentures or bridgework composed of two materials-porcelain or plastic.
Attrition
The normal or abnormal loss of tooth structure
Backing
A piece of metal, usually gold, that backs up an artificial bridge or tooth and to which the tooth is soldered or otherwise attached
Band
A metallic attachment that surrounds and is cemented to the tooth, used to anchor arch-wires to the teeth
Base
In dentures, the part of a denture that replaces the normal contours of the soft tissues and supports the artificial teeth
baseplate
A temporary form to represent the base of a denture that is used for making maxillomandibular relation re records and for arranging the teeth.
Bicuspid
Having two cusps, as in bicuspid teeth, a premolar
Bilateral
Having two sides
Bite Plane
An appliance that covers the palate and is designed to provide resistance to the mandibular incisors where there is contact
Bite-wing Radiograph
An x-ray showing the crowns of the upper or lower teeth and a portion of the roots and supporting bone.
Bleaching
Restores a discolored tooth to its natural color
Bracing
Resistance to displacement in a lateral direction
Bracket
An attachment that is either welded or soldered to a band which secures arch wires to bands
Bridge
A partial denture; bridgework
Bridge-work
An appliance made of artificial crowns of teeth to replace missing natural teeth
Bruxism
Unconscious habit of grinding teeth
Buccal
Pertaining to the cheek