A Glossary of Dental Terms for Palmetto Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
Welcome to Palmetto Dentistry's glossary of dental terms! Whether you're a seasoned dental professional or a curious patient, this comprehensive guide clarifies common dental terminology to enhance your understanding of oral health and dental procedures. From A to Z, we've compiled key terms to help you confidently navigate the world of dentistry.
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- Abscess: A localized collection of pus resulting from infection in the tooth or surrounding tissues.
- Anesthesia: This is medication administered to eliminate pain during dental procedures. Types include local, regional, and general anesthesia.
- Amalgam: A common filling material used to repair cavities in teeth. It’s composed of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper.
- Abutment: A natural tooth or dental implant supports a dental prosthesis such as a bridge or crown.
- Alignment: Properly positioning teeth in the dental arches to achieve optimal bite function and aesthetics.
- Alveolar Bone: The bone that surrounds and supports the roots of teeth within the jaw.
- Apicoectomy: A surgical procedure involving the removal of the tip of a tooth’s root and surrounding infected tissue.
- Attrition: The natural wearing down of tooth structure that occurs over time due to chewing and grinding.
- Bruxism: The habitual, involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep.
- Bonding: This is a dental procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and bonded to the tooth surface to repair chips, cracks, or discoloration.
- Bridge: A dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between adjacent teeth. It consists of artificial teeth anchored to crowns placed on the neighboring natural teeth or implants.
- Bicuspid: Also known as a premolar, a bicuspid is a tooth with two cusps or points located between the molars and canines in the dental arch.
- Bite: How the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed. An improper bite alignment can lead to various dental issues.
- Biopsy: The surgical removal and examination of a small piece of tissue from the oral cavity to diagnose abnormalities or diseases such as oral cancer.
- Bone Graft: A surgical procedure where bone tissue is transplanted to a deficient jawbone area to augment bone volume, often necessary for dental implant placement.
- Bleaching: A cosmetic dental procedure that whitens and brightens discolored or stained teeth using bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide.
- Caries: Commonly known as tooth decay or cavities, caries are areas of tooth enamel demineralized by acid-producing bacteria, which can lead to structural damage.
- Crown: A dental restoration that completely covers or caps a damaged or decayed tooth above the gum line to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
- Canal: Also referred to as the root canal, it’s the hollow chamber within the root of a tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
- Cavity: A decayed tooth area caused by bacteria, destroying tooth structure.
- Composite: A tooth-colored resin material used in dental restorations such as fillings, bonding, and veneers to repair or enhance the appearance of teeth.
- Crown Lengthening: A surgical procedure to remove excess gum tissue and bone to expose more of the tooth’s structure, often performed to facilitate restorative or cosmetic dental treatments.
- Cuspid: Also known as the canine tooth, the cuspid is the pointed tooth located between the incisors and premolars in the dental arch. It is used for tearing food.
- Cleft Palate: A congenital condition characterized by a split or opening in the roof of the mouth due to incomplete fusion of the palatal bones during fetal development.
- Dental Implant: A surgical component, typically made of titanium, that serves as an artificial tooth root when placed into the jawbone. It provides a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
- Denture: A removable dental appliance used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. Dentures can be complete (replacing all teeth) or partial (replacing some teeth).
- Decay: The deterioration of tooth structure caused by acids produced by bacteria in plaque. It leads to cavities or caries if left untreated.
- Dental Floss: A thin, flexible string that removes food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline. It helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Dental Sealant: A thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent decay. Sealants fill in the deep grooves and pits where bacteria often accumulate.
- Dentin: The hard, yellowish tissue underlying the enamel and composing the bulk of a tooth. Dentin is less mineralized than enamel and contains microscopic tubules.
- Dry Socket: This is a painful complication that can occur after tooth extraction when the blood clot in the socket dislodges or dissolves prematurely, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.
- Diastema: A gap or space between two adjacent teeth, often occurring between the upper central incisors. Diastemas can be closed with orthodontic treatment or dental restorations.
- Enamel: The hard outer layer of the tooth that protects the underlying dentin. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, primarily composed of minerals like hydroxyapatite.
- Endodontist: A dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating dental pulp and root canal-related issues. Endodontists perform root canal therapy and other procedures to save damaged teeth.
- Extraction: The removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Extractions may be necessary due to severe decay, advanced periodontal disease, trauma, or orthodontic reasons.
- Edentulous: Refers to a state of being without teeth. Patients who have lost all of their natural teeth are considered edentulous and may require dentures or dental implants for restoration.
- Eruption: The process by which a tooth emerges through the gum tissue and becomes visible in the mouth. Tooth eruption typically begins during infancy and continues into early adulthood.
- Examination: A comprehensive evaluation of the teeth, gums, and oral structures performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Dental exams help identify oral health issues and develop treatment plans.
- Erosion is the gradual loss of tooth enamel caused by acids from sources such as acidic foods and beverages, gastric reflux, or excessive consumption of citrus fruits. It can lead to tooth sensitivity and decay.
- Esthetics: Refers to the appearance or cosmetic aspects of dentistry, including treatments aimed at improving the appearance of teeth and enhancing smiles, such as teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding.
- Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars. It is commonly found in toothpaste, mouth rinses, and professional treatments.
- Filling: A dental restoration used to repair a cavity or damaged tooth structure. Fillings can be made from amalgam (metal) or composite resin (tooth-colored).
- Flossing is the act of cleaning between the teeth and along the gumline using dental floss. It removes food particles and plaque, helping prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Frenectomy: A surgical procedure to remove or loosen the little tissue fold known as the frenulum, which links the lips, tongue, or cheeks to the underlying structures. Frenectomies are performed to correct issues such as tongue-tie or lip-tie.
- Full Mouth Reconstruction: A comprehensive dental treatment plan involving multiple procedures to restore the health, function, and appearance of all teeth in both dental arches. Full mouth reconstructions address dental issues such as decay, tooth loss, bite problems, and esthetic concerns.
- Gingiva: Also known as gum tissue, gingiva is the delicate pink tissue that envelops and sustains the teeth. Healthy gingiva forms a tight seal around the teeth, protecting them from bacteria and providing stability.
- Gingivectomy involves cutting away extra gum tissue during surgery. It is often performed to eliminate overgrown or diseased gums that contribute to periodontal issues or aesthetic concerns.
- Gingivoplasty: A surgical procedure to reshape or contour the gum tissue, enhancing its appearance and improving the overall esthetics of the smile.
- Gingivitis: Bacterial plaque buildup causes gum inflammation and bleeding in these early stages. Good oral hygiene and dental care can reverse gingivitis.
- Gum Disease: Periodontal disease, which is another name for gum disease, is an infection of the gum tissue caused by bacterial plaque and tartar accumulation. Gum disease, if ignored, can cause teeth to fall out and systemic health issues.
- Gum Recession is the progressive receding of gums that reveals the tooth’s root structure. It can be caused by factors such as periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, or genetic predisposition.
- Gutta-percha is a rubber-like material used in root canal therapy to fill and seal a tooth’s empty pulp chamber and root canals after the infected or damaged pulp tissue has been removed.
- Gypsum: A mineral commonly used in dentistry to create dental models, impressions and casts for diagnostic purposes and to fabricate dental restorations.
- Halitosis: Halitosis, most commonly referred to as bad breath, is characterized by an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth. Poor oral hygiene, dental issues, or underlying health conditions can cause it.
- Hygiene alludes to the process of keeping things tidy and healthy, particularly in relation to oral care. Dental hygiene involves brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups to prevent dental problems.
- Hygienist: A dental professional specializing in preventive dental care, particularly oral hygiene. Dental hygienists perform teeth cleanings, provide oral hygiene instructions, and educate patients on proper oral care techniques.
- Hypersensitivity: Dental hypersensitivity, or tooth sensitivity, refers to discomfort or pain in response to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli. It is often caused by exposed dentin due to gum recession, enamel erosion, or tooth wear.
- Impacted Tooth: A tooth that fails to fully emerge through the gum tissue due to adjacent teeth, bone, or soft tissue obstruction. Impacted teeth commonly occur with wisdom teeth (third molars) but can also affect other teeth.
- Implant: When a tooth is lost, a dental implant—a small titanium post—inserted into the jawbone can replace the tooth’s root. Crowns, bridges, and dentures, among other dental restorations, might lay on top of it.
- Incisors are the thin, sharp-edged teeth located at the front of the mouth. They are used for cutting or biting into food. Incisors are essential for aesthetics and initial food processing during chewing.
- Inlay: A type of dental restoration used to repair a cavity or damage within the chewing surface of a tooth. An inlay is custom-made from materials such as porcelain or composite resin and bonded into place within the tooth.
- Jaw: The jaw, also known as the mandible, is the bone structure that forms the lower part of the skull and holds the lower teeth in place. It helps with chewing, speaking, and facial aesthetics. The upper jaw is known as the maxilla. Jaw problems include misalignment (malocclusion), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and bone abnormalities.
- Lingual Refers to the tongue-facing tooth surface. Langue Braces are inserted on the tongue-facing inner surface of teeth.
- Luting Agent: A dental material used to cement or bond restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or inlays, to the natural tooth structure. Luting agents can be resin-based, glass ionomer, or zinc phosphate cement.
- Lymphadenopathy is swelling or enlargement of the lymph nodes, which can occur in response to infections or other inflammatory conditions in the oral cavity or elsewhere in the body.
- Leukoplakia appears as a spot, sometimes grayish white,throughout the oral mucosa, including the tongue, cheeks, or gums.
- Local Anesthesia: An anesthetic agent administered to numb a specific mouth area during dental procedures, such as fillings, root canals, or extractions. Regional anesthesia blocks nerve signals in the targeted area, ensuring the treatment is painless.
- Labial: Referring to the surface of the tooth that faces the lips. For example, labial veneers are thin shells and porcelain or composite resin front surface teeth to improve their appearance.
- Laminate: A thin layer of material, such as porcelain or composite resin, bonded to the surface of a tooth to improve its appearance or strength. Dental veneers are a typical example of laminates.
- Malocclusion: Malocclusion refers to misalignment of the improper tooth alignment between dental arches. It can lead to various issues, such as difficulty chewing, speech problems, and temporomandibular joint disorders.
- Mandible: The mandible, the lower jaw or jawbone, is the largest and strongest bone in the face. It holds the lower teeth and is crucial for chewing, speaking, and facial aesthetics.
- Maxilla: The maxilla is the upper jawbone that forms the upper part of the jaw and holds the upper teeth in place. It also contributes to the structure of the nasal cavity and orbits (eye sockets).
- Molar: Molars are large, flat teeth located at the back of the mouth. They grind and chew food. Adults typically have three molars in each quadrant of the mouth: the first molar, second molar, and third molar (wisdom tooth).
- Malformation: Malformation refers to an abnormal or irregular formation of dental structures, such as teeth or jaws, during development. It can result in various dental anomalies that may require corrective treatment.
- Mouthguard: Protective mouthguards are worn over the teeth and gums to prevent injury during sports or to alleviate symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). It helps cushion blows to the face and reduces dental trauma risk.
- Mesial: Mesial refers to the tooth’s surface closest to the dental arch’s midline. It is opposite to distal, which refers to the surface farthest from the midline.
- Microabrasion: Microabrasion is a minimally invasive dental procedure used to remove superficial stains and discoloration from the enamel surface of teeth. It involves using a mild abrasive agent to polish the teeth and gently improve their appearance.
- Nitrous Oxide: Nitric oxide, alternatively referred to as “laughing gas,” is colorless and odorless used in dentistry to induce relaxation and reduce anxiety in patients during dental procedures. It is often administered through a mask worn over the nose.
- Nerve: In dentistry, nerves refer to the bundles of nerve fibers that transmit sensory information, such as pain or temperature, from the teeth and surrounding tissues to the brain. Nerves also play a crucial role in controlling the movements of the muscles involved in chewing and speaking.
- Necrosis: Necrosis is the demise of body cells or tissues, which frequently occurs resulting from injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. In dentistry, necrosis can occur in a tooth’s pulp due to untreated decay or trauma, leading to the need for root canal treatment.
- Night Guard: A night guard, also known as an occlusal guard or splint, is a removable dental appliance worn over the teeth during sleep to protect against bruxism (teeth grinding) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It helps cushion the teeth and reduce stress on the jaw joints.
- Nasopalatine Canal: The nasopalatine canal is caned in the midline of the maxilla (upper jaw) and splits nerves and blood vessels between the oral and nasal cavities. It compensates anterior teeth and supplies to the palate.
- Nonvital: Nonvital refers to a tooth that is no longer alive or does not contain vital tissue, such as the pulp. A tooth becomes non vital following pulp necrosis (death of the pulp) due to decay, trauma, or other factors, requiring root canal treatment to remove the necrotic tissue.
- Neonatal Teeth: Neonatal teeth are present in the mouth at birth or erupting within the first month of life. They are relatively rare and may need to be monitored by a dentist, as they can cause feeding difficulties or irritation to the infant’s tongue or gums.
- Oral Health: A person’s dental health is defined as the state of the teeth, gums, mouth, and associated structures. It encompasses practices to maintain cleanliness, prevent dental problems, and promote overall well-being.
- Orthodontics specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities such as misplaced teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatments often involve braces, aligners, and other appliances to straighten teeth and improve bite alignment.
- Overbite: In overbite, the top teeth protrude, front teeth overlap the lower front teeth vertically when the jaws are closed. If left untreated, it can lead to aesthetic concerns, speech difficulties, and an increased risk of dental problems.
- Occlusion relates to the way the front and back teeth meet while the mouth is closed, also known as the bite. Proper occlusion ensures that the teeth fit together harmoniously and function effectively during chewing and speaking.
- Occlusal Surface: The occlusal surface is the chewing surface of the teeth, particularly the premolars and molars. It contains cusps, grooves, and pits that aid in grinding and crushing food during chewing.
- Oral Surgeon: An oral surgeon, also known as a dental expert who specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery who performs surgical procedures involving the teeth, jaws, and facial structures. Oral surgeons commonly perform tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and corrective jaw surgery.
- Occlusal Guard: An occlusal guard, or a night guard or bite splint, is a custom-made dental appliance worn over the teeth to protect against teeth grinding (bruxism) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It helps cushion the teeth and alleviate stress on the jaw joints during sleep.
- Plaque: Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and along the gumline. If not removed through proper oral hygiene practices, plaque can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems.
- Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth, including the gums and bone. Bacteria in plaque and tartar buildup cause it and can lead to gum recession, tooth loss, and systemic health issues if left untreated.
- Periodontist: A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating periodontal disease and related conditions. Periodontists are trained in scaling, root planing, gum grafting, and dental implant placement.
- Prophylaxis: Prophylaxis, commonly referred to as a dental cleaning, is a preventive dental procedure which a dental hygienist does to clean the teeth by removing tartar, plaque, and discolorations. Decay and gum disease can be lessened with its use and promotes oral health.
- Pontic: A pontic is an artificial tooth that replaces a missing natural tooth in a dental bridge. One of the many possible materials for pontics is porcelain metal, or a combination of both, and are supported by adjacent teeth or dental implants.
- Pulp: The pulp is a network of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels located in the tooth’s soft interior. The length of it begins at the tooth’s crown and finishes at the very tip of the roots and is responsible for nourishing the tooth and transmitting sensory information.
- Pulpotomy: A pulpotomy is a dental procedure that removes the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the crown portion of a tooth while preserving the vital tissue in the roots. It is commonly performed on primary (baby) teeth to alleviate pain and prevent further infection.
- Periapical: Periapical refers to the area surrounding the tip of the tooth root. Periapical radiographs, or periapical X-rays, are dental images that capture the entire tooth, including the root and surrounding bone, to assess for signs of infection or other pathology.
- Quadrant: In dentistry, the mouth is divided into four sections called quadrants. Each quadrant contains a specific set of teeth: the upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. Dentists often refer to these quadrants when describing dental procedures or identifying areas of concern within the mouth.
- Root Canal: One dental procedure that can be done to treat infection or damage deep within the tooth’s pulp (the soft tissue). As part of the process, the diseased or injured pulp is extracted and the pulp chamber is disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection.
- Restoration: In dentistry, restoration refers to repairing or replacing a damaged, decayed, or missing tooth structure. Common dental restorations include fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants.
- Retainer: After orthodontic treatment is complete, a removable dental item called a retainer is utilized to keep the teeth in their new positions (such as braces) to prevent them from shifting back to their original position. Retainers may also treat conditions such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Resin: Dental resin is used in various dental procedures, including fillings, bonding, veneers, and sealants. It is a tooth-colored composite material that may be sculpted into forms that mimic the organic appearance of the teeth.
- Ridge: The dental ridge refers to the bony ridge along the upper and lower jaws where the teeth are anchored. It provides support and stability for the teeth and surrounding tissues.
- Radiograph: A radiograph, also known as an X-ray, is a diagnostic image of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures used to detect dental problems such as cavities, infections, and bone abnormalities.
- Root: The root is the part of the tooth that is anchored within the jawbone. It provides support and stability for the tooth and is covered by gum tissue. Each tooth can have one or more roots, depending on its type.
- Saliva: Saliva is the watery fluid produced by the salivary glands in the mouth. It helps moisten and lubricate food, aids swallowing, neutralizes acids, and protects against tooth decay.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Dental hygienists and dentists use scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning process, to eliminate bacterial toxins, tartar (calculus), and plaque from tooth surfaces and roots below the gum line. It is often recommended for treating gum disease (periodontitis).
- Sealant: For the purpose of preventing cavities, a thin plastic covering called a sealant is put to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (both molars and premolars). In order to seal the deep fissures and grooves on the tooth surface, making it easier to clean and less susceptible to decay.
- Stomatitis: Chronic inflammation of the oral mucosa, often known as stomatitis,membranes inside the mouth, which can cause pain, discomfort, and irritation. Various factors, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications, can cause it.
- Sensitivity: Dental sensitivity, or tooth sensitivity, refers to pain or discomfort experienced in response to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. It is often caused by exposed dentin (the tooth’s inner layer) due to gum recession, enamel erosion, or tooth wear.
- Space Maintainer: A space maintainer is a dental appliance used to preserve the space left by a prematurely lost primary (baby) tooth and prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting into it. It also helps guide the eruption of permanent teeth and maintain proper dental alignment.
- Sutures: Sutures, also known as stitches, are thread-like materials that hold tissues together after dental surgery or injury. They help promote healing and prevent bleeding and infection.
- Subgingival: Subgingival refers to the area below the gumline. Subgingival plaque and tartar accumulation can contribute to gum disease and periodontal problems if not adequately removed through professional cleanings.
- Tartar: Tartar, or dental calculus, is a complex, yellowish deposit on the teeth when plaque mineralizes over time. Too much tartar in the teeth, if left untreated, can lead to gum disease and cavities in the teeth through professional dental cleanings.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that ensures proper motion between the cranium and the lower jaw (mandible). TMJ disorders (TMD) can cause pain, clicking or popping sounds, difficulty chewing, and other symptoms related to jaw movement and function.
- Tooth Decay: Cavities, tooth decay, or dental caries are all terms that describe the same process: bacteria in plaque. It leads to small holes or cavities in the enamel, dentin, and, eventually, the tooth’s pulp.
- Toothbrush: A toothbrush is a dental hygiene tool for cleaning teeth and gums. Standard components include a grip and bristles that remove food, bacteria, and plaque teeth’s surfaces.
- Toothpaste: Toothpaste is a dental hygiene product used using a toothbrush to remove plaque and tartar from teeth and keep oral hygiene. It contains fluoride, abrasives, and detergents to help remove plaque, strengthen enamel, and freshen breath.
- Tongue: An important function of the tongue, a muscular organ of the mouth, is to chew, swallow, and speak. It is covered with taste buds that detect flavors and textures and help manipulate food during chewing.
- Tongue Cleaner: A tongue cleaner, also known as a tongue scraper or tongue brush, is a dental hygiene tool to remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from the tongue’s surface. It helps improve oral hygiene and prevent bad breath.
- Traction: In dentistry, traction refers to applying force to move teeth into their proper position. Orthodontic treatments such as braces and aligners use traction to shift misaligned teeth and correct bite problems gradually.
- Unerupted: In dentistry, “unerupted” refers to teeth that have not emerged or erupted through the gums into their proper position in the mouth. These teeth may be impacted (unable to emerge correctly) for various reasons, such as crowding, lack of space, or obstruction by other teeth.
- Veneer: Veneers can enhance the appearance of a tooth’s front surface by bonding a thin shell of porcelain or composite resin to its appearance. Veneers can correct discoloration, chips, cracks, or minor misalignments.
- Vital: In dentistry, “vital” refers to the tooth’s living tissues, including the pulp—the tooth’s deepest layer, which houses its nerves and blood vessels—. A tooth is considered vital if it contains healthy pulp tissue.
- Vitality Test: A vitality test is a diagnostic procedure to assess the health and vitality of a tooth’s dental pulp (nerve). Common vitality tests include temperature sensitivity tests, electric pulp testing, and percussion testing.
- Vestibule: The vestibule is the space between the lips, cheeks, and gums. It is located on the outer surface of the dental arches and is involved in speaking, swallowing, and maintaining oral hygiene.
- Vertical Dimension: Vertical dimension refers to the height or vertical space between the upper and lower jaws when the teeth are in contact. It is essential in maintaining proper occlusion (bite) and facial aesthetics.
- Vital Bleaching: Vital bleaching, or whitening one’s teeth is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that can eliminate discolouration and stains from one’s natural teeth. It can be performed using in-office treatments or take-home whitening kits.
- Vulcanization: Vulcanization is used to harden or cure dental materials, such as rubber-based impression materials or denture base resins, by subjecting them to heat and pressure. This process improves the strength, durability, and stability of the materials.
- Wisdom Teeth: Final teeth erupt the mouth are the wisdom teeth, sometimes called third molars emerge in the mouth, usually 17–25. It may cause impaction, crowding, or infection and often require extraction.
- Whitening: Whitening, also known as teeth whitening or dental bleaching, is a cosmetic dental procedure used in order to diminish the shade of naturally occurring discolouration and stains on teeth. It can be done several ways, including in-office treatments and at-home whitening kits.
- Wear: Wear refers to losing tooth structure over time from chewing, grinding, (bruxism), or acid erosion. Types of wear include attrition (wear from tooth-to-tooth contact), abrasion (wear from external forces), and erosion (wear from acidic substances).
- Water Flosser: Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, use water to eliminate food and plaque between teeth and gums. It is an alternative to traditional dental floss and can be helpful for individuals with braces or dental implants.
- Wax-Up: A wax-up is a diagnostic tool used in cosmetic dentistry to create a three-dimensional model of a patient’s teeth and gums using dental wax. It helps visualize and plan dental treatments such as veneers, crowns, or smile makeovers before they are performed on the patient.
- Xerostomia: Dry mouth (xerostomia) is characterized by a lack of saliva production. It may result from drug adverse effects dehydration, or certain medical conditions, leading to oral discomfort and increased risk of dental problems.
- X-ray: X-ray, or radiograph, is a diagnostic imaging technique used in dentistry to capture images of the teeth, jawbones, and surrounding structures. Dental X-rays are essential for detecting dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, impacted teeth, and jawbone abnormalities.
- Yeast Infection: An oral fungus, also known as oral thrush, often characterized by inner cheeks, tongue, or roof of mouth white spots.
- Zirconia: Zirconia is a type of ceramic material used in dentistry for various applications, including dental crowns, bridges, and implants. It is known for its strength, durability, and aesthetics, making it a preferred dental restorative material, especially in the posterior region of the mouth.
This glossary is intended to provide general information and should not be used as a substitute for professional dental advice or diagnosis. If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, please consult a qualified dentist.