At Queens Modern Dental Suite, we believe that an informed patient is an empowered patient. Dental terminology can sometimes sound like a foreign language, but understanding your treatment options is key to making the best decisions for your smile.
We have compiled this glossary of common dental terms to help you navigate your visits with confidence. If you hear a word during your consultation that isn’t listed here, please ask! Dr. Lassegue, Dr. Buchanan, and our team are always happy to explain.
A
Abutment – A connector used in dental implants. It attaches the titanium implant (the artificial root) to the visible crown (the artificial tooth).
Abscess – A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often found at the tip of a tooth root. It requires immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
Aligner Trays (Clear Aligners) – Transparent, removable plastic trays used to straighten teeth gradually. This is the technology behind Invisalign®.
Amalgam – A durable, silver-colored filling material used to repair cavities. While effective, many patients now prefer tooth-colored composite fillings for aesthetic reasons.
Anesthesia – Medication used to eliminate pain or sensation during a dental procedure. It can be local (numbing a specific area) or general (for sleep dentistry).
B
Bite (Occlusion) – The way your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. A “bad bite” (malocclusion) can cause jaw pain or wear down teeth.
Bleaching (Teeth Whitening) – A cosmetic procedure to brighten discolored or stained teeth using chemical agents. We offer professional whitening that is safer and more effective than store-bought kits.
Bonding (Dental Bonding) – A cosmetic procedure where tooth-colored composite resin is applied to a tooth to repair chips, close gaps, or change its shape. It is a quick, affordable alternative to veneers.
Bridge – A fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is anchored to the neighboring natural teeth or dental implants.
Bruxism – The clinical term for grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep. If left untreated, it can damage enamel and cause jaw pain.
C
Calculus (Tartar) – Hardened plaque that forms on teeth when they aren’t cleaned properly. It can only be removed by a dental professional during a hygiene cleaning.
Caries – The scientific name for tooth decay or cavities.
Cavity – A hole in the tooth caused by decay. It forms when bacteria produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel.
Composite Resin – A tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used for fillings, bonding, and cosmetic repairs. It blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Crown (Cap) – A cover that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
D
Dental Implant – A small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. It provides a permanent foundation for a crown or denture.
Dentin – The layer of the tooth found just beneath the hard enamel. It is softer than enamel and protects the sensitive nerve (pulp) inside.
Dentures – A removable appliance used to replace missing teeth. They can be complete (replacing all teeth) or partial (replacing some teeth).
Diastema – A gap or space between two teeth, most commonly seen between the two upper front teeth.
E
Edentulous – A term meaning “without teeth.” It can refer to having lost all teeth or just specific ones in an area.
Enamel – The hard, outer surface of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in the human body and protects the tooth from decay and sensitivity.
Endodontics – The branch of dentistry concerned with the inside of the tooth (the pulp). Root canal therapy is the most common endodontic procedure.
Extraction – The removal of a tooth. This is typically a last resort when a tooth is too damaged to be saved or for orthodontic reasons (like wisdom teeth).
F
Filling – A restoration used to repair a tooth damaged by decay or fracture. The dentist removes the decayed portion and fills the space with composite or amalgam.
Fluoride – A mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. It is often found in toothpaste and tap water, and we provide professional fluoride treatments in our office.
Frenectomy – A minor surgical procedure to release a “frenum” (a band of tissue) that is too tight, often to fix a tongue-tie or lip-tie.
G
Gingivitis – The earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. It is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning.
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) – An infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. If untreated, it can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.
H
Halitosis – The clinical term for chronic bad breath. It can be caused by bacteria, gum disease, or other health issues.
Hygiene – The practice of keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent disease.
I
Impaction – A condition where a tooth is blocked from breaking through the gum, often seen with wisdom teeth.
Inlay/Onlay – Custom-made fillings (often gold or porcelain) that are cemented into a tooth. They are larger than standard fillings but smaller than a full crown.
Invisalign® – A popular orthodontic system that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth without metal braces.
M
Malocclusion – “Bad bite.” A misalignment of the teeth or jaws, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite.
Mandible – The lower jawbone.
Maxilla – The upper jawbone.
Mouthguard – A protective device worn over the teeth to prevent injury during sports or to protect against grinding (nightguard).
N
Nightguard – A custom-fitted appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from the wear and tear of grinding (bruxism).
O
Oral Surgery – Surgical procedures performed in the mouth, such as tooth extractions, gum surgery, or implant placement.
Orthodontics -The branch of dentistry focused on correcting irregularities of the teeth and jaw (e.g., braces, Invisalign).
P
Periodontitis – Advanced gum disease. At this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets that can become infected.
Plaque – A sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth. It is the main cause of cavities and gum disease.
Porcelain – A ceramic material used in dentistry (for crowns and veneers) because it mimics the look and strength of natural tooth enamel.
Prophylaxis -The medical term for a professional dental cleaning to prevent disease.
Prosthodontics – A dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of oral function, often using prostheses like dentures, bridges, and implants.
R
Restoration – Any treatment that restores a tooth’s shape, function, or appearance (e.g., filling, crown, bridge).
Root Canal – A treatment used to save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
S
Sealant – A thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth (usually molars) to prevent tooth decay.
Sedation Dentistry – Using medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Options range from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to oral sedatives.
T
Tartar – Another name for Calculus. Hardened plaque that irritates gum tissue.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) – The hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. Problems with this joint are often referred to as TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders).
V
Veneer – A thin shell of tooth-colored porcelain that is bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance (shape, color, or size).
W
Whitening See Bleaching.
Wisdom Teeth – The third molars, which are the last teeth to develop. They often need to be extracted if they do not have enough room to emerge properly.
X-Ray (Radiograph) – High-energy electromagnetic radiation used to produce images of the internal structures of the mouth (bones and roots) to diagnose problems not visible to the naked eye.
Still have questions?
If you are unsure about a procedure or a term, don’t hesitate to ask. We are here to help you smile with confidence! Contact Queens Modern Dental Suite today to schedule your consultation.
