Glossary of dental terms

Abscess – A painful infection filled with pus, usually at the root of a tooth or in the gums. 

Amalgam – A silver-coloured filling material made from a mixture of metals.

Anaesthesia – Medication used to prevent pain during dental procedures (local or general).

Bicuspid (Premolar) – A tooth with two cusps located between the canine and molars.

Bitewing X-ray – A dental X-ray that shows upper and lower teeth in one area to check for cavities.

Calculus (Tartar) – Hardened plaque that forms on teeth and can only be removed professionally.

Canker Sore – A small ulcer inside the mouth (not contagious).

Caries – The medical term for tooth decay or cavities.

Cavity – A hole in a tooth caused by decay.

Cementum – The hard tissue covering the tooth root.

Crown – The visible part of a tooth above the gumline. Or a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape and strength.

Dentin – The layer beneath enamel that makes up most of the tooth structure.

Denture – A removable appliance used to replace missing teeth (full or partial).

Enamel – The hard, outer protective layer of a tooth.

Endodontics – The dental specialty that deals with the inside of the tooth and root canal treatment.

Filling – Material used to restore a tooth after decay is removed.

Fluoride – A mineral that strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.

Gingiva – The gums.

Gingivitis – Early-stage gum disease causing red, swollen, or bleeding gums.

Implant – A titanium post placed in the jawbone to support a crown, bridge, or denture.

Malocclusion – Misalignment of teeth or incorrect bite.

Molars – Large back teeth used for grinding food.

Occlusion – The way upper and lower teeth come together when biting.

Orthodontics – The dental specialty focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.

Plaque – A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.

Periodontics – The dental specialty dealing with gum disease and supporting tooth structures.

Periodontitis – Advanced gum disease that can damage bone and lead to tooth loss.

Pulp – The soft inner tissue of a tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.

Root Canal – A procedure to remove infected pulp and seal the inside of a tooth.

Root – The part of a tooth below the gumline that anchors it in the jaw.

Sealant – A protective coating applied to chewing surfaces to prevent cavities.

Scaling – Professional removal of plaque and tartar from teeth.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) – The joint connecting the jaw to the skull.

Tooth Extraction – Removal of a tooth.

Tartar (Calculus) – Hardened plaque that must be removed by a dental professional.

Unerupted Tooth – A tooth that has not yet broken through the gum.

Veneer – A thin covering (usually porcelain) placed over the front of a tooth to improve appearance.

Wisdom Teeth – The third molars that typically appear in late teens or early adulthood.

X-ray – A radiographic image used to detect problems not visible during a regular exam.

Yeast Infection (Oral Thrush) – A fungal infection in the mouth caused by overgrowth of Candida.

Zirconia – A strong, tooth-coloured material often used for crowns and bridges.