Dental Encyclopedia
Dental terms, explained simply
Common dental terms explained in plain language.
Implants
OsseointegrationOsseointegration
Osseointegration refers to the phenomenon in which the artificial tooth root (fixture) of an implant bonds directly and firmly with the surrounding jawbone. It is known as the process that forms the foundation allowing an implant to withstand chewing force like a natural tooth.
Sinus LiftSinus Lift / Sinus Augmentation
A sinus lift is a pre-implant procedure that lifts the membrane of the empty space above the upper jaw (the maxillary sinus) and augments the bone when there is not enough jawbone in the upper molar area. It is known to be performed with the aim of making implant placement possible when bone height is insufficient.
Bone Graft (GBR)Bone Graft / Guided Bone Regeneration
A bone graft is a procedure that augments the bone with graft material when there is not enough jawbone to support an implant. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is known as a method that uses a barrier membrane to guide bone to regenerate in the intended area.
AbutmentAbutment
An abutment is the intermediate post that connects the implant fixture placed in the jawbone with the artificial tooth (prosthesis) mounted on top of it. It is known to support the prosthesis and to shape a natural contour where it passes through the gum.
Guided Implant SurgeryGuided Implant Surgery
Guided implant surgery is a method of placing implants at the planned position, angle and depth using a surgical guide fabricated from 3D CT imaging and digital planning. It is known to aim at precise placement exactly as planned in advance.
Flapless Implant SurgeryFlapless Implant Surgery
Flapless implant surgery is a method of placing an implant through a small opening without making a wide incision and reflecting the gum. It is known to aim at reducing gum damage and thereby lowering swelling and the burden of recovery.
Prosthetics
Dental CrownCrown
A dental crown is a restoration that fully covers a tooth damaged by decay, fracture or root canal treatment to restore its shape and function. It is known as a treatment that restores chewing function and appearance by capping the tooth with an artificial crown shaped like a natural tooth.
Dental BridgeDental Bridge
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that fills an empty space by connecting artificial teeth like a bridge, using the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth as supports. It is known as one of the methods for restoring the space left by a lost tooth.
DentureDenture
A denture is a removable prosthesis that replaces multiple lost teeth — an artificial tooth appliance that can be taken out and put back in. It is known to be classified into partial dentures and complete dentures according to the condition of the remaining teeth and gums.
Laminate VeneerLaminate Veneer
A laminate veneer is an aesthetic restoration in which the front surface of the tooth is thinly prepared by about 0.3–0.7 mm and a ceramic shell is bonded on to improve color, shape and size. It is known as a method of improving discoloration, gaps and peg-shaped teeth with minimal reduction.
Teeth WhiteningTeeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a procedure that brightens the teeth by breaking down the discoloration deposited on them, using whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. It is known as a method of improving color without reducing the tooth.
Orthodontics
MalocclusionMalocclusion
Malocclusion refers to a state in which the way the upper and lower teeth meet, or the alignment of the teeth, departs from the normal range. It is known to appear in various forms such as crowding, spacing, protrusion and crossbite.
Clear AlignerClear Aligner
A clear aligner is an orthodontic method that moves the teeth little by little by replacing transparent, removable custom appliances in stages. It is known as a method that is comparatively less noticeable, with no metal appliances.
Restorative
Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)Dental Caries
Dental caries (tooth decay) is a disease in which acid produced by bacteria in the mouth dissolves and damages the hard tissue of the tooth. It is known to cause almost no symptoms at first, with pain and damage growing as it progresses.
Root Canal TreatmentRoot Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a treatment that preserves the natural tooth by removing and disinfecting the pulp (nerve and blood vessels) inside a tooth infected by decay or trauma, and then filling it. It is known as a method of saving the tooth instead of extracting it.
Periodontics
Periodontal DiseasePeriodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a condition in which bacteria in plaque and calculus cause inflammation in the gums and the jawbone (alveolar bone). It is known to be divided into gingivitis, where inflammation is confined to the gums, and periodontitis, where the jawbone is destroyed as well.
Scaling (Calculus Removal)Scaling
Scaling (calculus removal) is a procedure in which plaque and calculus built up on the tooth surface and at the gum margin are removed with professional instruments. It is known as the basic procedure for preventing and managing periodontal disease.
Diagnostics
CBCT (3D CT)Cone Beam CT
CBCT (cone beam CT) is a dental three-dimensional tomography device that allows the teeth, jawbone, nerve canal and maxillary sinus to be examined in three dimensions. It is known to be used for detailed diagnosis in implant treatment, wisdom teeth and root canal treatment.
Intraoral ScannerIntraoral Scanner
An intraoral scanner is a device that optically scans the inside of the mouth to capture a three-dimensional digital model of the teeth and gums. It is known to be used for designing restorations and orthodontic appliances from digital data, without impression material.
TMJ
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)Temporomandibular Disorder
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition in which pain or functional problems arise in the jaw joint and the surrounding chewing muscles. It is known to present as sounds when opening the mouth, pain, or limited mouth opening.
Occlusal SplintOcclusal Splint
An occlusal splint is an intraoral appliance worn between the upper and lower teeth, used to reduce the burden on the jaw joint and the chewing muscles and to stabilize the bite. It is known to be used in managing temporomandibular disorder and bruxism.
Oral Surgery
Impacted Wisdom ToothImpacted Wisdom Tooth
An impacted wisdom tooth is a wisdom tooth (third molar) that is buried in the jawbone or the gum and has not erupted normally. It is known that many are only partially erupted or lying at an angle, which can cause problems for the neighboring teeth and gums.
Sialolithiasis (Salivary Stones)Sialolithiasis
Sialolithiasis is a condition in which a stone (sialolith) forms inside a salivary gland or its duct and blocks the flow of saliva. It is known to be characterized by swelling and pain in the salivary gland area at mealtimes.