Dental terminology #1 Flashcards
abscess
Acute or chronic localized inflammation, probably with a collection of pus, associated with tissue destruction and, frequently, swelling
acute periradicular or 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 eventual swelling of associated tissues.
chronic periradicular or chronic periapical 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.
abutment
A term with different meanings depending on the clinical scenario.
implant case – the fixture that is placed between the implant body (aka implant post) and the restorative prosthesis (e.g., single crown; denture).
natural tooth case – the tooth used as the support for one end of a denture.
abutment crown
Artificial crown also serving for the retention or support of a dental prosthesis.
accession
Addition of a test specimen, previously collected by a health care provider, to a laboratory specimen collection; recording of essential specimen identification data in a laboratory-maintained file in chronological order of laboratory specimen acquisition; assignment to the specimen of an identification code.
acid etching
Use of an acidic chemical substance to prepare the tooth enamel and or dentin surface to provide retention for bonding.
adhesion
State in which two surfaces are held together by chemical or physical forces or both with or without the aid of an adhesive. Adhesion is one aspect of bonding.
adhesive
Any substance that joins or creates close adherence of two or more surfaces. Intermediate material that causes two materials to adhere to each other.
adjunctive
A secondary treatment in addition to the primary therapy.
adult dentition
permanent dentition.
allogenic
Belonging to the same species, but genetically different. See graft.
alloplastic
Refers to synthetic material often used for tissue augmentation or replacement.
alloy
Compound combining two or more elements having properties not existing in any of the single constituent elements. Sometimes used to refer to amalgam.
alveolar
Referring to the bone to which a tooth is attached.
alveoloplasty
Surgical procedure for recontouring supporting bone, sometimes in preparation for a prosthesis.
amalgam
An alloy used in direct dental restorations. Typically composed of mercury, silver, tin and copper along with other metallic elements added to improve physical and mechanical properties.
anesthesia
A procedure that controls the patient’s level of anxiety or pain. Delivery of an anesthesia inducing agent by a dentist or other health care practitioner is regulated by state dental boards.
anatomical crown
That portion of tooth normally covered by, and including, enamel.
ancillary
Subordinate or auxiliary to something or someone else; supplementary.
analgesia
the diminution or elimination of pain.
anxiolysis
the diminution or elimination of anxiety.
deep sedation
a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function may be impaired. Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation may be inadequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.
general anesthesia
a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function is often impaired. Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and positive pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug-induced depression of neuromuscular function. Cardiovascular function may be impaired.
inhalation
a technique of administration in which a gaseous or volatile agent is introduced into the lungs and whose primary effect is due to absorption through the gas/blood interface.
intravenous
a technique of administration in which the anesthetic agent is introduced directly into the patient’s venous system.
local anesthesia
the elimination of sensation, especially pain, in one part of the body by the topical application or regional injection of a drug.
minimal sedation
a minimally depressed level of consciousness, produced by a pharmacological method, that retains the patient’s ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond normally to tactile stimulation and verbal command. Although cognitive function and coordination may be modestly impaired, ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected.
moderate sedation
a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.
non-intravenous
a technique of administration in which the anesthetic agent is not introduced directly into the patient’s venous system.
regional block anesthesia
a form of local anesthesia that induces numbness in areas of the mouth and face.
trigeminal division block anesthesia
a form of local anesthesia that is an injection of medication that helps relieve facial pain.
enteral
any technique of administration in which the agent is absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or oral mucosa (i.e., oral, rectal, sublingual).
inhalation
a technique of administration in which a gaseous or volatile agent is introduced into the lungs and whose primary effect is due to absorption through the gas/blood interface.
parenteral
a technique of administration in which the drug bypasses the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (i.e., intramuscular [IM], intravenous [IV], intranasal [IN], submucosal [SM], subcutaneous [SC], intraosseous [IO].)
transdermal
a technique of administration in which the drug is administered by patch or iontophoresis through skin.
transmucosal
a technique of administration in which the drug is administered across mucosa such as intranasal, sublingual or rectal.
anomaly
deviation from the normal anatomic structure, growth, development or function; an abnormality.
anterior
Mandibular and maxillary centrals, laterals and cuspids. The codes for anterior teeth in the Universal/National Tooth Numbering System are 6 through 11 (maxillary), and 22 through 27 (mandibular) for permanent dentition; C through H (maxillary), and M through R (mandibular) for primary dentition. This is also a term that, in general, refers to the teeth and tissues located towards the front of the mouth.
apex
The tip or end of the root end of the tooth.
apexification
The process of induced root development to encourage the formation of a calcified barrier in a tooth with immature root formation or an open apex. May involve the placement of an artificial apical barrier prior to nonsurgical endodontic obturation.
apexogenesis
Vital pulp therapy performed to encourage continued physiological formation and development of the tooth root.
apicoectomy
Amputation of the apex of a tooth.
arch, dental
The curved composite structure of the natural dentition and the residual ridge, or the remains thereof, after the loss of some or all of the natural teeth.
areas of oral cavity
A two digit numeric system used to report regions of the oral cavity on patient records and on claims submitted to third-party payers.
00 entire oral cavity 01 maxillary arch 02 mandibular arch 10 upper right quadrant 20 upper left quadrant 30 lower left quadrant 40 lower right quadrant
arthrogram
A diagnostic X-ray technique used to view bone structures following injection of a contrast medium into a joint.
artificial crown
Restoration covering or replacing the major part, or the whole of the clinical crown of a tooth, or implant.
attachment
A mechanical device for the fixation, retention, and stabilization of a prosthesis
avulsion
Separation of tooth from its socket due to trauma
barrier membrane
Usually a thin, sheet-like usually non-autogenous material used in various surgical regenerative procedures.
behavior management
Techniques or therapies used to alter or control the actions of a patient who is receiving dental treatment. Examples include use of a papoose board, education or anxiety relief techniques.
benign
The mild or non-threatening character of an illness or the non-malignant character of a neoplasm.
bicuspid
A premolar tooth; a tooth with two cusps.
bilateral
Occurring on, or pertaining to, both right and left sides.
biologic materials
Agents that alter wound healing or host-tumor interaction. Such materials can include cytokines, growth factor, or vaccines, but do not include any actual hard or soft tissue graft material. These agents are added to graft material or used alone to effect acceleration of healing or regeneration in hard and soft tissue surgical procedures. Also known as biologic response modifiers.
biopsy
Process of removing tissue for histologic evaluation.
bitewing radiograph
Interproximal radiographic view of the coronal portion of the tooth/teeth. A form of dental radiograph that may be taken with the long axis of the image oriented either horizontally or vertically, that reveals approximately the coronal halves of the maxillary and mandibular teeth and portions of the interdental alveolar septa on the same image.
bleaching
Process of lightening of the teeth, usually using a chemical oxidizing agent and sometimes in the presence of heat. Removal of deep seated intrinsic or acquired discolorations from crowns of vital and non-vital teeth through the use of chemicals, sometimes in combination with the application of heat and light. Bleaching has been achieved through short and long term applications of pastes or solutions containing various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Normally applied externally to teeth; may be used internally for endodontically treated teeth.
bonding
Process by which two or more components are made integral by mechanical and/or chemical adhesion at their interface.
bruxism
The parafunctional grinding of the teeth.
buccal
Pertaining to or toward the cheek (as in the buccal surface of a posterior tooth).
by report
A written description of the service provided that is prepared when the term “by report” is included in a procedure code nomenclature; must be part of the patient’s record and included on the claim submission.
calculus
Hard deposit of mineralized substance adhering to crowns and/or roots of teeth or prosthetic devices.
canal
A relatively narrow tubular passage or channel.
root canal
Space inside the root portion of a tooth containing pulp tissue.
mandibular canal
The passage which transmits vessels and nerves through the jaw to branches that distributes them to the teeth.
cantilever extension
Part of a fixed prosthesis that extends beyond the abutment to which it is attached and has no additional support.
caries
Commonly used term for tooth decay.
carious lesion
A cavity caused by caries
cavity
Missing tooth structure. A cavity may be due to decay, erosion or abrasion. If caused by caries; also referred to as carious lesion.
cement base
Material used under a filling to replace lost tooth structure.
cementum
Hard connective tissue covering the outer surface of a tooth root.
cephalometric image
A standardized, extraoral projection utilized in the scientific study of the measurements of the head.
cleft palate
Congenital deformity resulting in lack of fusion of the soft and/or hard palate, either partial or complete.
clenching
The clamping and pressing of the jaws and teeth together in centric occlusion, frequently associated with psychological stress or physical effort.
complete denture
A prosthetic for the edentulous maxillary or mandibular arch, replacing the full dentition. Usually includes six anterior teeth and eight posterior teeth.
complete series
A set of intraoral radiographs usually consisting of 14 to 22 periapical and posterior bitewing images intended to display the crowns and roots of all teeth, periapical areas and alveolar bone crest
composite
A dental restorative material made up of disparate or separate parts (e.g. resin and quartz particles)
compound fracture
Break in bone which is exposed to external contamination.
consultation
In a dental setting, a diagnostic service provided by a dentist where the dentist, patient, or other parties (e.g., another dentist, physician, or legal guardian) discuss the patient’s dental needs and proposed treatment modalities.
contiguous
Adjacent; touching.
coping
A thin covering of the coronal portion of the tooth usually without anatomic conformity. Custom made or pre-fabricated thimble-shaped core or base layer designed to fit over a natural tooth preparation, a post core, or implant abutment so as to act as a substructure onto which other components can be added to give final form to a restoration or prosthesis. It can be used as a definitive restoration or as part of a transfer procedure.
core buildup
the replacement of a part or all of the crown of a tooth whose purpose is to provide a base for the retention of an indirectly fabricated crown.
cracked tooth syndrome
A collection of symptoms characterized by transient acute pain experienced when chewing.
crown lengthening
A surgical procedure exposing more tooth for restorative purposes by apically positioning the gingival margin and removing supporting bone.
culture and sensitivity test
Clinical laboratory test which identifies a microorganism and the ability of various antibiotics to control the microorganism.
curettage
Scraping and cleaning the walls of a real or potential space, such as a gingival pocket or bone, to remove pathologic material.
cyst
Pathological cavity, usually lined with epithelium, containing fluid or soft matter.
odontogenic cyst
Cyst derived from the epithelium of odontogenic tissue (developmental, primordial).
periapical cyst
An apical inflammatory cyst containing a sac-like epithelium-lined cavity that is open to and continuous with the root canal.
cytology
The study of cells, including their anatomy, chemistry, physiology and pathology.
debridement
Removal of subgingival and/or supragingival plaque and calculus.
dentin
Hard tissue which forms the bulk of the tooth and develops from the dental papilla and dental pulp, and in the mature state is mineralized.
diastema
A space, such as one between two adjacent teeth in the same dental arch.
direct
A procedure where the service is delivered completely in the patient’s oral cavity and without the use of a dental laboratory.
direct pulp cap
Procedure in which the exposed vital pulp is treated with a therapeutic material, followed with a base and restoration, to promote healing and maintain pulp vitality.
discectomy
Excision of the intra-articular disc of a joint.
dry socket
Localized inflammation of the tooth socket following extraction due to infection or loss of blood clot; osteitis
equilibration
Reshaping of the occlusal surfaces of teeth to create harmonious contact relationships between the upper and lower teeth; also known as occlusal adjustment.
evulsion
Separation of the tooth from its socket due to trauma
excision
Surgical removal of bone or tissue.
exostosis
Overgrowth of bone
exudate
A material usually resulting from inflammation or necrosis that contains fluid, cells, and/or other debris.
fascial
Related to a sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating or binding together muscles, organs and other soft tissue structures of the body.
foramen
Natural opening into or through bone.
furcation
The anatomic area of a multirooted tooth where the roots diverge.
xerostomia
Decreased salivary secretion that produces a dry and sometimes burning sensation of the oral mucosa and/or cervical caries.
tuberosity
A protuberance on a bone.
trismus
Restricted ability to open the mouth, usually due to inflammation or fibrosis of the muscles of mastication.
transseptal
Through or across a septum.
transplantation of tooth
Transfer of a tooth from one socket to another, either in the same or a different person.
transplantation
Surgical placement of biological material from one site to another.
tracheotomy
A surgical procedure to create an opening in the trachea (windpipe) to aid in breathing.
tissue conditioning
Material intended to be placed in contact with tissues, for a limited period, with the aim of assisting the return to a healthy condition.
sialolithotomy
Surgical procedure by which a stone within a salivary gland or its duct is removed, either intraorally or extraorally.
sialography
Inspection of the salivary ducts and glands by radiograph after the injection of a radiopaque medium.
sialodochoplasty
Surgical procedure for the repair of a defect and/or restoration of portion of a salivary gland duct.
salivary gland
Exocrine glands that produce saliva and empty it into the mouth; these include the parotid glands, the submandibular glands and the sublingual glands.
reline
Process of resurfacing the tissue side of a removable prosthesis with new base material.
prophylaxis
Removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the tooth structures. It is intended to control local irritational factors.
plaque
A soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives.
pontic
The term used for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture (bridge).
edentulous
without teeth
hemisection
Surgical separation of a multi-rooted tooth.
histopathology
The study of disease processes at the cellular level.
hyperplastic
Pertaining to an abnormal increase in the number of cells in an organ or a tissue with consequent enlargement.
impacted tooth
An unerupted or partially erupted tooth that is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely.
indirect pulp cap
Procedure in which the nearly exposed pulp is covered with a protective dressing to protect the pulp from additional injury and to promote healing and repair via formation of secondary dentin.
inlay
A fixed intracoronal restoration; a fixed dental restoration made outside of a tooth to correspond to the form of the prepared cavity, which is then luted to the tooth.
keratin
A protein present in all cuticular structures of the body, such as hair, epidermis and horns.
keratinized gingiva
The oral surface of the gingiva extending from the mucogingival junction to the gingival margin.
laminate veneer
A thin covering of the facial surface of a tooth usually constructed of tooth colored material used to restore discolored, damaged, misshapen or misaligned teeth.
malar
Pertaining to the cheek or cheek bone
microabrasion
Mechanical removal of a small amount of tooth structure to eliminate superficial enamel discoloration defects.
obturate
With reference to endodontics, refers to the sealing of the canal(s) of tooth roots during root canal therapy procedure with an appropriately prescribed material such as gutta percha in combination with a suitable luting agent.
obturator
A disc or plate which closes an opening; a prosthesis that closes an opening in the palate.
occlusal
Pertaining to the biting surfaces of the premolar and molar teeth or contacting surfaces of opposing teeth or opposing occlusion rims.
odontogenic
Refers to tooth-forming tissues.
odontoplasty
Adjustment of tooth length, size, and/or shape; includes removal of enamel projections.
onlay
A dental restoration made outside the oral cavity that covers one or more cusp tips and adjoining occlusal surfaces, but not the entire external surface. It is retained by luting cement
operculectomy
Removal of the operculum
operculum
The flap of tissue over an unerupted or partially erupted tooth.
orthognathic
Functional relationship of maxilla and mandible.
osteitis
dry socket
palliative
Action that relieves pain but is not curative.
periapical
The area surrounding the end of the tooth root.
pericoronal
Around the crown of a tooth.
periodontal disease
Inflammatory process of the gingival tissues and/or periodontal membrane of the teeth, resulting in an abnormally deep gingival sulcus, possibly producing periodontal pockets and loss of supporting alveolar bone.
periodontal pocket
Pathologically deepened gingival sulcus; a feature of periodontal disease.
periodontium
tissue complex comprising gingival, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone which attaches, nourishes and supports the tooth.
