Every dental term, explained simply
Plain-English definitions of the words your dentist uses. Every entry links to relevant treatments and further reading.
A
Abscess
A pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection, usually at the root tip of a tooth or in the gums. Painful and often needs root canal, drainage, or extraction.
Abutment
The connector piece between a dental implant fixture and the visible crown. Can be stock (pre-made) or custom milled.
Aligner
A clear removable tray that gradually straightens teeth. Most common brand is Invisalign.
Alveolar Bone
The part of the jawbone that surrounds and supports teeth. Its health is critical for keeping teeth and implants stable.
Amalgam
A traditional silver-coloured filling material made of mercury, silver, copper, and tin. Durable but being phased out globally.
Anesthesia
Medication that blocks pain during dental procedures. Local, sedation, and general forms are used depending on the procedure.
Apicoectomy
A surgical procedure that removes the tip of a tooth's root to treat persistent infection after a failed root canal.
Articulator
A mechanical device that simulates jaw movements, used to design and test dental restorations like crowns and dentures.
Attachment (Invisalign)
A small tooth-coloured composite bump bonded to a tooth that helps aligners grip for specific movements.
B
Bleeding Gums
Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, usually a sign of gingivitis (early gum disease). Usually reversible with good oral hygiene.
Bone Graft
A procedure that adds graft material to the jawbone to rebuild lost bone, usually before implant placement.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, usually during sleep. Causes wear, cracks, and jaw pain. Managed with a nightguard.
C
Calculus (Tartar)
Hardened plaque that forms on teeth over time. Cannot be removed by brushing — requires professional scaling.
Canine (Cuspid)
The pointed tooth next to the incisors, used for tearing food. Humans have four canines — two upper, two lower.
Cantilever Bridge
A bridge anchored to only one adjacent tooth. Less common than traditional bridges due to biomechanical stress.
Caries (Dental Decay)
The medical term for cavities — the destruction of tooth structure by acid-producing bacteria.
CBCT (Cone Beam CT)
A 3D dental x-ray that shows jaw bone, teeth, and sinuses in three dimensions. Essential for implant planning.
Cementum
The hard layer that covers the roots of teeth. Thinner and softer than enamel.
CEREC (Same-Day Crowns)
A chairside CAD/CAM system that designs and mills ceramic restorations in a single visit.
Composite Resin
A tooth-coloured plastic-ceramic filling material. The standard modern choice for most fillings and cosmetic bonding.
Crown Lengthening
A surgical procedure that removes gum and sometimes bone to expose more of the tooth. Used for cosmetic and restorative cases.
Cusp
The raised point on a tooth's biting surface. Molars typically have four cusps; premolars have two.
D
Dental Bonding
A cosmetic procedure where tooth-coloured composite resin is sculpted onto a tooth to repair chips, gaps, or stains.
Dental Bridge
A fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the teeth on either side of the gap.
Dental Cement
The adhesive used to bond crowns, bridges, veneers, and other restorations to teeth. Multiple types for different applications.
Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
Professional removal of plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline. Part of every hygiene visit.
Dental Crown (Cap)
A restoration that covers the entire visible part of a damaged tooth. Used after root canals, large fractures, and significant decay.
Dental Filling
A restoration that fills a cavity after decayed tooth structure has been removed. Usually composite (tooth-coloured) or amalgam (silver).
Dental Implant
A titanium screw surgically placed in the jawbone to replace a tooth root. Supports a crown, bridge, or denture.
Dental Inlay
A lab-made restoration that fits inside a tooth's biting surface. Used for medium-sized cavities too large for fillings.
Dental Onlay
A lab-made restoration that covers one or more cusps of a tooth. Used for larger cavities or cracked cusps.
Dental Plaque
A sticky film of bacteria on teeth. Constantly reforms and causes cavities and gum disease if not removed.
Dental Sealant
A thin resin coating applied to the grooves of back teeth to prevent cavities. Most effective for kids' permanent molars.
Dental Sedation
Medications used to relax anxious patients during dental procedures. Ranges from mild (oral) to deep (IV).
Dental Veneer
A thin shell bonded to the front of a tooth to change its appearance. Made of porcelain or composite resin.
Dental X-ray
An imaging technique that shows teeth, bone, and tissues not visible during a visual exam.
Dentin
The hard tissue just beneath the enamel. Contains microscopic tubules connecting to the tooth's nerve, causing sensitivity when exposed.
Denture
A removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. Can be full (all teeth) or partial (some teeth).
Diastema (Tooth Gap)
A visible gap between two teeth, most commonly between the upper front teeth. Can be closed cosmetically or orthodontically.
DMF Index
A clinical measure of decay experience, counting Decayed, Missing, and Filled teeth. Used in dental epidemiology.
Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis)
A painful complication 2–4 days after tooth extraction when the blood clot dislodges, exposing bone. Affects 2–5% of extractions.
E
E.max (Lithium Disilicate)
A premium ceramic used for veneers and crowns. Combines high strength with excellent aesthetics.
Enamel
The hardest substance in the human body. The outer protective layer of teeth, 1–2 mm thick.
Endodontics
The dental specialty focused on treating the pulp (nerve) and roots of teeth. Includes root canals and related procedures.
F
G
Gingivectomy
A surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue. Used for aesthetic reshaping and treatment of deep gum pockets.
Gingivitis
The earliest stage of gum disease. Gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily. Fully reversible with good hygiene.
Gum Graft
A procedure that adds tissue to areas of gum recession, restoring gum coverage and protecting exposed roots.
Gum Recession
When gums pull back, exposing more tooth and root. Causes sensitivity and cosmetic concerns.
Gummy Smile
When 3+ mm of gum shows above the upper front teeth during a full smile. Has several possible causes and treatments.
H
I
Immediate Load Implant
An implant that receives a temporary crown on the same day of surgery, rather than waiting 3–4 months.
Incisor
The front teeth used for biting. Humans have eight incisors — four upper, four lower.
Invisalign
The leading clear aligner brand for straightening teeth. Removable, transparent trays progressively move teeth over 6–24 months.
L
M
Malocclusion
Misalignment between upper and lower teeth when they come together. Includes overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.
Molar
Large back teeth used for grinding food. Adults have 12 molars — 6 upper and 6 lower, including wisdom teeth.
Mouthguard
A protective device worn over teeth during contact sports to prevent tooth and jaw injuries.
O
Orthodontic Retainer
A device worn after orthodontic treatment to prevent teeth from shifting back. Should be worn nightly for life.
Orthodontics
The dental specialty that treats misaligned teeth and jaws. Uses braces, aligners, and other appliances.
Osseointegration
The process by which bone cells grow into and around a titanium implant, anchoring it firmly in the jaw.
Overbite
When upper front teeth vertically overlap lower teeth. Normal is 20% coverage; deep bite is 40%+ coverage.
Overjet
The horizontal distance between upper and lower front teeth. Normal is 1–3 mm; excessive overjet is 'buck teeth'.
P
Pediatric Dentistry
The dental specialty for children from infancy through adolescence. Includes preventive care and treatment of baby and developing permanent teeth.
Periodontal Ligament
The thin ligament of fibres that attaches each tooth root to the surrounding jawbone. Allows slight tooth movement.
Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease affecting the bone around teeth. Not reversible, but progression can be stopped with treatment.
Pontic
The artificial tooth portion of a bridge that replaces a missing tooth. Anchored by crowns on adjacent teeth.
Porcelain Veneer
A thin ceramic shell bonded to the front of a tooth to change its colour, shape, or alignment. Lasts 12–20 years.
Premolar
The teeth between canines and molars. Adults have eight — four upper, four lower. Used for tearing and grinding.
R
S
Scaling
The removal of plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces. Part of routine cleanings and periodontal treatment.
Sinus Lift
A procedure that adds bone height in the upper jaw by lifting the sinus floor. Needed before implants in upper back teeth with thin bone.
Smile Design
The planning process for cosmetic dentistry that balances tooth proportions, face shape, and patient preferences.
T
Teeth Whitening
Chemical process that lightens tooth colour using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. In-chair or take-home options.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)
The hinge joint connecting your lower jaw to your skull. Problems here cause clicking, pain, and headaches.
TMJ Disorder (TMD)
A group of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Causes pain, clicking, and limited movement.
Tooth Eruption
The process of teeth emerging through the gums. Happens in childhood (baby teeth and permanent teeth) and with wisdom teeth.
Tooth Extraction
The removal of a tooth from its socket. Can be simple (visible tooth) or surgical (impacted or broken).
Tooth Hypersensitivity
Sharp pain in response to cold, sweet, or air — usually from exposed dentin through gum recession or enamel loss.
Tooth Pulp
The innermost layer of a tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels. Infected or inflamed pulp is treated with root canal.
Tooth Wear
Loss of tooth structure from grinding, acid erosion, or aggressive brushing. Accumulates over years.