ABRASION:
Loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique, or Bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth).

ABCESS:
An infection of a tooth, soft tissue or bone.

ABUTMENT:
Portion of an implant above the neck utilized to provide support for a fixed, semi- fixed or removable dental prosthesis.

ADHESIVE DENTISTRY:
Contemporary term for dental restorations that involve "bonding" of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth.

AIR ABRASION:
Removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive, a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for anesthetic.

ALLERGY:
Unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug.

ALLOGRAFT:
Transplants from one individual to a genetically non-identical individual of the same species.

ALVEOLAR BONE:
The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth.

AMALGAM:
A most common filling material, also known as "silver fillings,"containing mercury (app 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc used for fillings.

ANALGESIA:
A state of pain relief; an agent lessening pain.

ANESTHESIA:
Partial or complete elimination of pain sensation; numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete
unconsciousness.

ANTERIOR TEETH:
The six upper or six lower front teeth.

ANTIBIOTIC:
A drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria.

ANUG:
An acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent's disease, aggravated by stress and/or smoking.

APEX:
The tip of the root of a tooth.

APICOECTOMY:
Surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth.

ARCH:
Describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth.

ATTRITION:
Loss of structure due to natural wear.

next page >