DDS:
Doctor of Dental Surgery - equivalent to DMD.

DMD:
Doctor of Medical Dentistry - equivalent to DDS.

DECAY:
Destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.

DECIDUOUS TEETH:
Commonly called "baby teeth," the first set of (usually) twenty teeth.

DENTIN:
Inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel.

DENTAL IMPLANT:
A (usually) titanium cylinder surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to provide support for a dental restoration or appliance.

DENTITION:
The arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth.

DENTURE:
Removable (partial or complete) set of artificial teeth.

DENTURISM:
The production of dentures dispensed directly by laboratory technicians.

DIASTEMA:
Space between teeth.

ENAMEL:
Hard tissue covering the portion of tooth above the gum line.

ENDODONTIST:
Specialist who treats injuries, diseases and infections of the tooth pulp (nerve chamber).

EPIDEMIOLOGY:
Study of the incidence of disease in a population.

ERUPTION:
Process of teeth protruding through the gums.

EXFOLIATE:
Process of shedding deciduous (baby) teeth.

EXODONTIA:
Practice of dental extractions.

EXPLORER:
Sharp instrument used to detect decay on the surface of teeth.

EXTRACTION:
Removal of a tooth.

EYETEETH:
The four upper and lower canine (cuspid) teeth.

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