This glossary explains common dental terms in plain language – from the structure of the tooth and surrounding tissues through diseases and damage to treatments, fillings, crowns and dentures. The terms are grouped by topic and listed alphabetically, so it is easier to understand the diagnosis and treatment your dentist explains to you.
Teeth and surrounding tissues
- alveolus (tooth socket) — a hollow in the jawbone in which the root of the tooth sits and is anchored
- apical foramen — an opening at the tip of the tooth root through which blood vessels and nerves enter the tooth
- dentine — the inner tissue that makes up the tooth, located between the enamel and the pulp
- enamel — the hard outer surface of the tooth, which is made of special crystals
- frenulum — a mucosal fold connecting the lips or the tongue to the jaw
- gingiva — the mucosa (gum) around each tooth
- occlusion — the relationship between the dental arches of the upper and lower jaw
- periodontal ligament — fibres of connective tissue connecting the root of the tooth to the jawbone
- periodontium (supporting tissues) — the tooth-supporting apparatus of the tooth, including cementum, periodontal ligament, bone and mucosa
- pulp — richly supplied connective tissue made up of blood vessels and nerve fibres, located in the tooth roots (the nerve of the tooth)
Dental diseases and damage
- abrasion — wearing away of the teeth as a result of harmful habits, bruxism, use of hard toothbrushes, prolonged chewing, etc.
- abscess — an inflammatory process in which pus forms in the bone or soft tissues
- aphtha (mouth ulcer) — a very painful small ulcer (sore), rounded with a bright red halo, on the oral mucosa or the tongue
- approximal caries — caries developing at the points where the teeth touch
- bruxism — involuntary grinding (clenching) of the teeth at night, resulting in pathological wear of the tooth surfaces
- candidiasis — a disease of the oral mucosa with a milky-white coating and severe soreness, caused by the fungus Candida albicans
- caries — a defect (a hole in the tooth) accompanied by a change in colour and softening of the tooth tissues
- cyst — a pathological cavity filled with fluid and located at the tip of the teeth
- demineralisation — leaching of the mineral components of the enamel as a result of early caries or harmful influences from external factors, which reduce its strength
- dental fluorosis — a change in the tooth enamel caused by prolonged and incorrect intake of fluoride-containing products and water
- dysplasia — abnormal formation and development of dental tissues
- erosion — mechanical or chemical damage to tooth surfaces that do not take part in chewing (tooth necks)
- fistula — a tract in the bone or soft tissues resulting from chronic inflammation (periodontitis), through which pus drains
- fracture — breaking of the tooth in the area of the tooth crown or root
- Godon’s phenomenon — free eruption of teeth whose opposing teeth are missing
- granuloma — granulation tissue around the tip of the tooth root as a result of a chronic inflammatory process
- hypodontia — congenital absence of tooth germs in the primary or permanent dentition
- impacted tooth — a tooth that has not erupted but has remained in the bone in an abnormal position
- luxation — loosening of a tooth without fracture
- occlusal caries — caries developing on the chewing surface of the tooth
- periapical periodontitis — acute or chronic inflammation of the periodontal ligament in the area of the root tip
- pericoronitis — inflammation of the gum around a wisdom tooth
- periodontitis — inflammation of the tissues around the teeth – mucosa and bone – leading to the formation of bone pockets and loosening of the teeth
- pulpitis — inflammation of the dental pulp
- stomatitis — inflammation of the whole oral mucosa
- tartar — hard deposits on the necks of the teeth below and above the gum as a result of poor removal of dental plaque
- wedge-shaped defect — wearing away of the outer surface of the teeth in the area of the neck as a result of rough brushing movements, a hard toothbrush and abrasive toothpastes
Treatments and procedures
- anaesthesia — pain relief – complete or partial absence of the sensation of pain as a result of an anaesthetic being given
- bone grafting — placing artificial bone material into bone defects resulting from periodontitis or cysts
- curettage — removal of inflamed and softened bone using special bone burs
- endodontic treatment — root canal treatment – cleaning and shaping of the root canals (mechanical, chemical and medicinal) and filling them
- extraction — a surgical method of removing a tooth from its socket (the place where it lies in the bone)
- frenulotomy — removal of a short frenulum surgically or with a laser
- hemisection — a surgical method of cutting multi-rooted teeth and removing one of the roots together with part of the tooth crown
- incision — cutting of tissues to allow pus to drain
- circumcisio (operculectomy) — a surgical procedure in which the mucosa over a wisdom tooth that is struggling to erupt is cut away
- pulp extirpation — complete removal of the pulp from the root canals after the tooth has been devitalised or under anaesthetic
Fillings, crowns and dentures
- abutment teeth — the teeth on both sides of an extracted tooth, on which the dental bridge is placed
- composite — a top-class dental material used to make fillings
- crown — a dental structure that covers the tooth completely in order to restore its anatomical shape, function and aesthetics
- denture — a removable structure made of acrylic, or acrylic and metal, which restores chewing function and aesthetics when teeth are completely or partially missing
- filling (obturation) — a filling that restores the shape and function of the tooth
- photopolymer filling — a filling made of high-quality composite with high strength and aesthetics
- pontic — an artificial tooth that fills the place of the extracted tooth when dental bridges are made
- veneered crown — a crown in which the outer visible surface is made of resin and the rest is metal
Frequently asked questions
What is caries?
Caries is a defect (a hole in the tooth) accompanied by a change in colour and softening of the tooth tissues.
What is the difference between periodontitis and periapical periodontitis?
Periodontitis is inflammation of the tissues around the teeth – mucosa and bone – leading to the formation of bone pockets and loosening of the teeth. Periapical periodontitis is acute or chronic inflammation of the periodontal ligament in the area of the root tip.
What are the pulp and pulpitis?
The pulp is richly supplied connective tissue made up of blood vessels and nerve fibres, located in the tooth roots (the nerve of the tooth). Pulpitis is inflammation of the dental pulp.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is involuntary grinding (clenching) of the teeth at night, resulting in pathological wear of the tooth surfaces.
What does endodontic treatment involve?
Endodontic treatment is root canal treatment – cleaning and shaping of the root canals (mechanical, chemical and medicinal) and filling them.