Here is an overview of basic dental phrases that you will benefit from learning as soon as possible. Dont have to learn all at once, but it can be useful in your studies because some phrases can be more difficult and hard to differentiate from one another, especially when its all so overwhelming in the begining. Hope this is helpful and let me know if there are any you feel are missing!
Tooth Anatomy
- Enamel: Hard outer layer of the tooth, protects against wear and decay.
- Dentin: Layer beneath enamel, provides support and transmits sensitivity.
- Cementum: Thin layer covering the root, anchors the tooth to the bone.
- Pulp: Soft tissue inside the tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels.
- Periodontium: Structures supporting the teeth, including gingiva, PDL, cementum, and bone.
- Gingiva: Gums; soft tissue surrounding and protecting the teeth.
- Alveolar Bone: Bone that houses the roots of teeth and supports them.
- Periodontal Ligament (PDL): Connects tooth roots to the alveolar bone, providing support.
- Cusp: Pointed elevation on the chewing surface of a tooth.
- Furcation: Area where roots of a multi-rooted tooth divide.
Tooth Surfaces
- Occlusal Surface: Chewing surface of molars and premolars.
- Incisal Edge: Cutting edge of anterior teeth.
- Mesial Surface: Side of the tooth closest to the midline.
- Distal Surface: Side of the tooth farthest from the midline.
- Buccal Surface: Outer surface of posterior teeth facing the cheek.
- Labial Surface: Outer surface of anterior teeth facing the lips.
- Lingual Surface: Inner surface of teeth facing the tongue.
- Palatal Surface: Inner surface of maxillary teeth facing the palate.
Dental Pathology
- Caries: Tooth decay caused by acid-producing bacteria.
- Plaque: Sticky biofilm of bacteria on teeth.
- Calculus (Tartar): Hardened plaque that can’t be removed by brushing.
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums, often due to plaque buildup.
- Periodontitis: Advanced gum disease involving loss of PDL and bone.
- Attrition: Tooth wear caused by grinding.
- Erosion: Loss of tooth structure due to chemical processes (e.g., acid).
- Abrasion: Wear of tooth surfaces caused by mechanical action, like brushing.
- Bruxism: Teeth grinding or clenching, often during sleep.
- Halitosis: Persistent bad breath, often due to oral or systemic issues.
Tooth Development
- Amelogenesis: Formation of enamel by ameloblasts.
- Dentinogenesis: Formation of dentin by odontoblasts.
- Cementogenesis: Formation of cementum by cementoblasts.
- Eruption: Movement of a tooth into its functional position in the mouth.
- Exfoliation: Shedding of primary teeth to make way for permanent teeth.
Hygiene Practices
- Fluoridation: Use of fluoride to strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
- Prophylaxis (Prophy): Professional cleaning to remove plaque and calculus.
- Scaling: Removal of plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces, especially near the gumline.
- Polishing: Smoothing tooth surfaces after scaling to reduce plaque retention.
Clinical Instruments
- Scaler: Removes plaque and calculus above the gumline.
- Curette: Removes subgingival calculus and smooths root surfaces.
- Explorer: Detects caries, calculus, and irregularities in tooth surfaces.
- Probe: Measures periodontal pocket depth and assesses gum health.
- Mouth Mirror: Provides indirect vision and retracts soft tissues.
Radiology
- Radiograph (X-ray): Imaging tool for visualizing teeth and bone structures.
- Periapical X-ray: Focuses on individual teeth and their roots.
- Bitewing X-ray: Displays crowns of upper and lower teeth and interproximal areas.
- Panoramic X-ray: Shows a broad view of the entire oral cavity.
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