Amalgam

silver/mercury alloy used to fill cavities [read more...]

Bleaching

cosmetic whitening of teeth using peroxide [read more...]

Caries

cavities, tooth decay [read more ...]

Carcinogenic

cancer-causing

Cariogenic

decay-causing

Composites

tooth-colored restorative materials [read more...]

Cosmetic dentistry

aesthetic improvement of the color and shape of teeth performed by a general dentist [read more...]

Edentulous

having lost most or all of the natural teeth

Endodontist

treats oral conditions that arise as a result of disease or injury of the dental pulp of the tooth, such as a root canal

General dentist

primary care provider for patients in all age groups who take responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services to meet patients' oral health needs [read more...]

Geriatric dentist

general dentist who primarily treats senior citizens

Gingivitis

reversible inflammation of gum tissue not including the bone

Malocclusion

misalignment of teeth and or jaws

Microair abrasion

a drill-free technique using an instrument resembling a tiny sand blaster that delivers tiny aluminum oxide particles to the surface, where they cut away the decayed area

Mouthguards

an appliance used to protect teeth from injury [read more...]

Occlusal surface

the chewing surface of the tooth

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon

treats and surgically corrects diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth and jaws

Oral pathologist

examines oral tissues for evidence of suspected abnormalities such as cancer.

Orthodontics

a branch of dentistry dealing with irregularities of the teeth and their correction, as by means of braces and retainer [read more...]

Orthodontist

designs and applies corrective and supportive appliances, braces, to realign crooked teeth

Pediatric dentist

provides treatment and care for children from birth through adolescence

Periodontal disease

inflammation and irritation of the gums which, if left untreated, can cause the jawbone and teeth to deteriorate and fall out [read more...]

Periodontist

diagnoses and treats diseases of the tissues supporting and surrounding the teeth, especially periodontal disease

Plaque

bacterial colonies which have mineralized and attack teeth, causing dental decay

Porcelain veneers

ultra-thin shells of ceramic material bonded to the front of the tooth [read more...]

Prophylaxis

professional cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or hygienist

Prosthodontist

constructs artificial appliances designed to restore and maintain oral function by replacing missing teeth and other oral structures such as dentures

Public health dentist

concerned with the dental health needs of entire communities, and can design and administer large-scale prevention and dental care programs by compiling and analyzing statistics

Radiosurgery

surgery technique that uses radio waves to produce a pressureless, bloodless incision; can also be used to heat bleaching agents

Resin

plastic material used in bonding, restorative, and replacement procedures

Restorative dentistry

process of restoring missing, damaged or diseased teeth to normal form and function, performed by general dentists

Sealant

plastic coating used to protect teeth from decay [read more...]

Special patient

person with a disability who requires particular dental care needs

Third molars

wisdom teeth [read more...]

TMD

temporomandibular disorder; problems relating to your temporomandibular joint which include locking of the jaw, frequent headaches, sore jaw muscles, and painful clicking of the jaw [read more...]

TMJ

temporomandibular joint