bonding: adhesive dental restoration technique; a tooth-colored
composite resin to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth
bridge: stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth
adjacent to a space; replaces one or more missing teeth, cemented or
bonded to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the space
crown: (1) the portion of a tooth above the gum line; (2) dental
restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth
denture: removable (partial or complete) set of artificial teeth
gingivitis: inflammation of gum tissue
inlay: indirect - filling made by a dental laboratory that is
cemented or bonded into place, direct - placement of dental composite
resin restoration at chairside
implant: artificial device replacing tooth root; may anchor an
artificial tooth, bridge or denture
local anesthesia: partial or complete elimination of pain
sensation, in the immediate vicinity of its application or injection
night guard: acrylic appliance used to prevent wear and
temporomandibular damage caused by grinding or gnashing of the teeth
during sleep
onlay: laboratory produced restoration covering one or more cusps
of a tooth
partial denture: removable dental prosthesis (appliance)
replacing one or more natural teeth
porcelain veneers: a thin layer of porcelain, fabricated by a
laboratory) bonded to a natural tooth to replace lost tooth structure,
close spaces, straighten teeth or change color and/or shape
root canal therapy: process of removing pulp of a tooth and
filling it with an inert material
scaling and root planing: meticulous removal of plaque and
calculus from tooth surfaces
sealants: thin resin material bonded in the pits and fissures of
back teeth for the prevention of decay
tooth whitening: a chemical or laser process to lighten the color
of teeth
