Glossary of Dental Terms

A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
abscess	acute or chronic, localized inflammation, with a collection of pus, associated with tissue destruction and, frequently, swelling, usually secondary to infection Related terms: periapical abscess, periradicular abscess, periodontal abscess
abutment	a tooth or implant used to support a prosthesis
abutment crown	artificial crown serving for the retention or support of a dental prosthesic Related terms: crown
accession	addition of a test specimen, previously collected by a health care provider, to a laboratory specimen collection; recording of essential specimen identification date in a laboratory-maintained file in chronological order of laboratory specimen acquisition; assignment to the specimen of an identification mode
acid etching	use of an acidic chemical substance to prepare the tooth enamel and or dentin surface to provide retention for bonding
adhesive	any substance that joins or creates close adherence of two or more surfaces
alalolithotomy	surgical procedure by which a stone within a salivary gland or its duct is removed, either intraorally or extraorally.
aliogenic	See graft
alioplastic	refers to synthetic material often used for tissue augmentation
allogenic graft	having cell types that are antigenetically distinct from patient's cell type (usually freeze dried and/or irradicated
alveolar	referring to the bone to which a tooth is attached
alveoloplasty	surgical procedure for recontouring alveolar structures, usually in preparation for a prosthesis
amalgam	an alloy used in direct dental restorations
analgesia	loss of pain sensations without loss of consciousness
anatomical crown	See crown
anesthesia	a controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of protective reflexes, including loss of ability to independently maintain airway and response purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command, produced by a pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic method or combination thereof intravenous sedation/analgesia ? a medically controlled state of depressed consciousness while maintaining the patient's airway, protective reflexes and the ability to respond to stimulation or verbal commands. It includes intravenous administration of sedative and/or analgesic agent(2) and appropriate monitoring Related terms: local anesthesia, non-intravenous conscious sedation, regional anesthesia
anterior	refers to the teeth and tissues located towards the front of the mouth; maxillary and mandibular incisors and canines
anxiolysis	reduction of anxiety utilizing a pharmacologic agent such as benzodiazipine or nitrous oxide
apex	the tip or end of the root end of the tooth
apicoectomy	amputation of the apex of a tooth
arch, dental	the curved composite structure of the natural dentition and the residual ridge or the mains thereof, after the loss of some or all of the natural teeth
artificial crown	restoration covering or replacing the major part, or the whole of the clinical crown of a tooth Related terms: crown, abutment crown, clinical crown, crown lengthening
autogenous	See graft
autogenous graft	taken from one part of a patient's body and transferred to another
avulsion	separation of tooth from its socket due to trauma (evulsion)
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
benign	the mild character of an illness or the non-malignant character of a neoplasm
bicuspid	a premolar tooth; a tooth with two cusps
bilateral	occurring on, or pertaining to, both right and left sides
biopsy	process or removing tissue for histologic evaluation
bitewing radiograph	interproximal view radiograph of the coronal portion of the tooth
bonding	process by which two or more components are made integral by mechanical and/or chemical adhesion at their interface
bridge	see fixed partial denture and/or removable partial denture" "fixed partial denture, removable partial denture
bruxism	the parafunctional grinding of the tooth
buccal	pertaining to or around the cheek (as in the buccal surface of a posterior tooth)
by report	a narrative description used to report a service that does not have a procedure code or is specified in a code as "by report"; may be requested by a third-party payer to provide additional information for claims processing
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
calculus	hard deposit of mineralized material adhering to crowns and/or roots of teeth
canal	a relatively narrow tubular passage or channel Related terms: mandibular canal, root canal
cantilever extension	part of a faxed prosthesis that is supported at only one end
carles	commonly used term for tooth decay
cast	see diagnostic cast or study model" "diagnostic cast, study model
cavity	decay in tooth caused by caries; also referred to as carious lesion
cement base	material used under a filling to replace lost tooth structure
cementum	hard connective tissue covering the tooth root
cephalometric radiograph	a radiographi head film utilized in the scientific study of the measurements of the head with relation to specific reference points
cleft palate	congenital deformity resulting in lack of fusion of the soft and/or hard palate, either partial or complete
clenching	the clamping and pressing of the jaws and teeth together in centric occlusion, frequently associate with psychological stress of physical effort
clinical crown	that portion of a tooth not covered by supporting tissues Related terms: crown, abutment crown, artificial crown, crown lengthening
closed reduction	the re-approximation of segments of a fractured bone without open surgery
composite	a dental restorative material made up of disparate or separate parts (e.g. resin and quarty particles)
comprehensive oral evaluation	typically used by a general dentist and/or specialist when evaluating a patient comprehensively. It is a thorough evaluation and recording of the extraoral hard and soft tissues. It may require interpretation of information acquired through additional diagnostic procedures. this would include the evaluation and recording of the patient's dental and medical history and a general health assessment. It may typically include the evaluation and recording of dental caries, missing or unerupted teeth, restorations, occlusal relationships, periodontal conditions (including periodontal charting), hard and soft tissue anomalies, etc. Related terms: evaluation
comprehensive periodontal evaluation	typically includes evaluation of periodontal condition, probing and charting, evaluation and recording of the patient's dental and medical history and general health assessment. It may include the evaluation and recording of dental caries, missing or unerupted teeth, restorations, occlusal relationships and oral cancer screening.
coping	a thin covering of the coronal portion of the tooth usually without anatomic conformity. can be used as a definitive restoration or as part of a transfer procedure
coronal	refers to the clinical crown of a tooth
crown	anatomical crown ? that portion of tooth normallt covered by, and including, enamel Related terms: abutment crown, artificial crown, clinical crown, crown lengthening
crown lengthening	a surgical procedure exposing more tooth for restorative purposes by apically positioning the gingival margin and/or removing supporting bone Related terms: crown, abutment crown, artificial crown, clinical crown
curettage	scraping and cleaning the walls of a cavity or gingival pocket
cusp	pointed or rounded eminence on or near the masticating surface of a tooth
cyst	pathological cavity, usually lined with epithelium , containing fluid or soft matter Related terms: odontogenic cyst, periapical cyst
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
debridement	removal of subgingival and/or supragingival plaque and calculus which obstructs the ability to perform an evaluation; removal of contused and devitalized tissue from a wound surface
decay	the lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure
deciduous	having the property of falling off or shedding; a name used the primary teeth
deciduous dentition	refers to the deciduous or primary teeth in the dental arch Related terms: dentition, permanent dentition
definitive prosthesis	a prosthesis to be used over an extended period of time
dental implant	device specially designed to be placed surgically within or on the mandibular or maxillary bone as a means of providing for dental replacement; endosteal (endosseous); aposteal (subperiosteal); transosteal (transosseous)
dental prophylaxis	scaling an polishing procedure performed to remove coronal plaque, calculus, and stains
dental prosthesis	any device or appliance replacing one or more missing teeth and/or, if required, associated structures. (This is a broad term which includes abutment crowns and abutment inlays/onlays, bridges, dentures, obturators, gingival prosthesis)
dentin	that part of the tooth that is beneath enamel and cementum
dentition	the teeth in the dental arch Related terms: permanent dentition, deciduous dentition
denture	an artificial substitute for natural teeth and adjacent tissues Related terms: denture base
denture base	that part of a denture that makes contact with soft tissue and retains the artificial teeth Related terms: denture
detailed and extensive	See evaluation
detailed and extensive oral evaluation	problem-focused, by report ? a detailed and extensive problem-focused evaluation entails extensive diagnostic and cognitive modalities based on the findings of a comprehensive oral evaluation. Integration of more extensive diagnostic modalities to develop a treatment plan for a specific problem is required. the condition requiring this type of evaluation should be described and documented. examples of conditions requiring this type of evaluation may include dentofacial anomalies, complicated perio-prosthetic conditions, complex temporomandibular dysfunction, facial pain of unknown origin, severe systemic diseases requiring multidisciplinary consultation, etc.
diagnostic cast	plaster or stone model of teeth and adjoining tissues; also referred to as study model
diastema	a space, such as one between two adjacent teeth in the same dental arch
direct pulp cap	procedure in which the exposed pulp is covered with a dressing or cement with the aim of maintaining pulp vitality
direct restoration	a restoration fabricated inside the mouth
discectomy	excision of the intra-articular disc of a joint
displaced tooth	a partial evulsion of a tooth ? may be mesial, distal, facial, lingual or incisal
distal	toward the back of the dental arch (or away from the midline)
dry socket	localized inflammation of the tooth socket following extraction due to infection or loss of blood clot; osteitis
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
edentulous	without teeth
enamel	hard calcified tissue covering dentin of the crown of tooth
endodentist	a dental specialist who limits his/her practice to treating disease and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions
equilibraton	reshaping of the occlusal surfaces of teeth to create harmonious contact relationships between the upper and loser teeth; also known as occlusal adjustment
established patient	patient who has a record of recent care
evaluation	periodic oral evaluation ? an evaluation performed on a patient of record to determine any changes in the patient's dental and medical health status since a previous comprehensive or periodic evaluation. this may require interpretation of information acquired through additional diagnostic procedures. report additional diagnostic procedures separately.
evulsion	complete separation of the tooth from its socket due to trauma (avulsion)
excision	surgical removal of bone or tissue
exostosis	overgrowth of bone (see torus) Related terms: torus
extracoronal	outside the crown of a tooth
extraction	the process or act of removing a tooth or tooth parts
extraoral	outside the oral cavity
exudates	a material usually resulting from inflammation or necrosis that contains fluid, cells, and/or other debris
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
facial	the surface of a tooth directed toward the face (including the buccal and labial surfaces) and opposite the lingual surface; facial surface equals buccal surface in the posterior or the labial in the anterior
fillings	a lay term used for the restoring of lost tooth structure by using materials such as metal, alloy, plastic or porcelain
fixed partial denture	a fixed partial denture is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth cemented or attached to the abutment teeth or implant abutments adjacent to the space
fixed prosthesis	non-removable tooth or implant borne dental prosthesis which is solidly attached to abutment teeth or roots or implants
foramen	natural opening into or through bone
fracture	the breaking of a part, especially of a bony structure; breaking of a tooth
frenum	muscle fibers covered by a mucous membrane that attaches the cheek, lips and/or tongue to associated dental mucosa
furcation	the anatomic area of multirooted tooth where the roots diverge
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
general anesthesia	See anesthesia
gingival	soft tissues overlying the crowns of unerupted teeth and encircling the necks of those that have erupted
gingivectomy	the excision or removal of gingival
gingivitis	inflammation of gingival tissue without loss of connective tissue
gingivoplasty	surgical procedure to reshape gingival
glass ionomer	glass polyalkenoate cement: a material in which the solid powdered phase is a fluoride-containing aluminosilicate glass powder. The material is translucent and can be used as a restoration, a liner and a luting agent.
graft	a piece of tissue or alloplastic material placed in contact with tissue to repair a defect or supplement a deficiency
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
hemisection	surgical separation of a multirooted tooth
heterologous	made up of tissue not normal to the part
high noble	Gold (Au), Palladium (Pd), and/or Platinum (Pt) > 60% (with at least 40% Au) Related terms: metals, classification of, noble, titanium and titanium alloys, predominantly based
histopathology	the study of disease processes at the cellular level
homologous	See graft
homologous graft	a graft transplanted from a donor of the same species
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
imaging, diagnostic	includes, but is not limited to, CAT scans, MRIs, photographs, radiographs, etc.
immediate denture	prosthesis constructed for placement immediately after removal of remaining natural teeth
impacted tooth	an unerrupted or partially erupted tooth that is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely
implant	material inserted or grafted into tissue
implantation, tooth	placement of an artificial or natural tooth into an alveolus
incisal	pertaining to the biting edges of the incisor and cuspid teeth
incisal angle	one of the angles formed by the junction of the incisal and the mesial or distal surfaces of an anterior tooth; called the mesioincisal and distoincisal angle respectfully
indirect pulp cap	procedure in which the nearly exposed pulp is covered with a protective dressing to protect the pulp from additional injury and to promote healing and repair via formation of secondary dentin
indirect restoration	a restoration fabricated outside the mouth
inlay	an indirect intracoronal restoration; a dental restoration made outside of the oral cavity to correspond to the form of the prepared cavity, which is then luted into the tooth
intentional reimplantation	the intentional removal, radicular repair and replacement of a tooth into its alveolus
interim prosthesis	a provisional prosthesis designed for use over a limited period of time, after which it is to be replaced by a more definitive restoration
interproximal	between the adjoining surfaces of adjacent teeth in the same arch
intracoronal	referring to "within" the crown of a tooth
intraoral	inside the mouth
intravenous conscious sedation	See anesthesia
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
jaw	a common name for either the maxilla or the mandible
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
keratin	a protein present in all cuticular structures of the body, such as hair, epidermis and horns
keratinized gingival	the oral surface of the gingival extending from the mucogingival junction to the gingival margin. In general health, the coronal portion of the sulcular epithelium may also be keratinized
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
labial	pertaining to or around the lip
lesion	an injury or wound; area of diseased tissue
limited oral evaluation	problem focused ? an evaluation limited to a specific oral health problem. this may require interpretation of information acquired through additional diagnostic procedures. definitive procedures may be required on the same date as the evaluation. typically, patients receiving this type of evaluation have been referred for a specific problem and/or present with dental emergencies, trauma, acute infection, etc. Related terms: evaluation
line angle	an angle formed by the junction of two plains; used to designate the junction of two surfaces of a tooth, or of two walls of a tooth cavity preparation
lingual	pertaining to or around the tongue; surface of the tooth directed toward the tongue; opposite of facial
local anesthesia	the loss of pain sensation over a specific area of the anatomy without loss of consciousness Related terms: anesthesia, non-intravenous conscious sedation, regional anesthesia
locus	a site or location
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
maintenance, periodontal	therapy for preserving the state of health of the periodontium
malar	pertaining to the cheek bone; (see zygomatic bone) Related terms: zygomatic bone
malignant	having the properties of dysplasia, invasion, and metastasis
malocclusion	improper alignment of biting or chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth
mandibular canal	the passage which transmits vessels and nervers through the jaw to branches that distribute them to the teeth Related terms: canal, root canal
maryland bridge	fixed partial denture featuring conservative retainers which are resin bonded to abutments; see code D6545" "code D6545
maxilla	the upper jaw
mesial	toward the midline of the dental arch; opposite of distal
metals, classification of	the nobal metal classification system has been adopted as a more precise method of reporting various alloys used in dentistry. The alloys are defined on the basis of the percentage of metal content, which influence biocompatibility. ?High noble' alloys have the superior biocompatibility. Related terms: noble, high noble, titanium and titanium alloys, predominantly based
molar	teeth posterior to the premolars (bicuspids) on either side of the jaw; grinding teeth, having large crowns and broad chewing surfaces
moulage	a positive reproduction of a body part formed on a cast from a negative impression
mucous membrane	lining of the oral cavity as well as other canals and cavities of the body; also called "mucosa"
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
noble	Gold (Au), Palladium (Pd), and/or Platinum > 25% Related terms: metals, classification of, high noble, titanium and titanium alloys, predominantly based
non-autogenous	a graft from donor other than patient
non-intravenous conscious sedation	a medically controlled state of depressed consciousness while maintaining the patient's airway, protective reflexes and the ability to respond to stimulation or verbal commands. It includes administration of sedative and/or analgesic agent(s) by a route other than iv; (po, pr, intranasal, im) and appropriate monitoring Related terms: anesthesia, local anesthesia, regional anesthesia
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
obturator	a disc or plate which closes an opening; a prosthesis that closes an opening in the palate
occlusal	pertaining to the biting surfaces of the premolar and molar teeth or contacting surfaces of opposing teeth or opposing occlusion rims
occlusal radiograph	an intraoral radiograph made with the film being held between the occluded teeth
occlusion	any contact between biting or chewing services of maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth
odontogenic cyst	cyst derived from the epithelium of odontogenic tissue (development, primordial) Related terms: cyst, periapical cyst
odontoplasty	adjustment of tooth length, size, and/or shape; includes removal of enamel projections
onlay	an indirect restoration made outside the oral cavity that overlays a cusp or cusps of the tooth, which is then luted to the tooth
open reduction	re-approximation of fractured bony segments accomplished through cutting the adjacent soft tissues and bone to allow direct access
operculectomy	removal of the operculum
operculum	the flap of tissue over an unerupted or partially erupted tooth
oral	pertaining to the mouth
oral and maxillofacial surgeon	a dental specialist whose practice is limited to the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, deformities, defects and aesthetic aspects of the oral and maxillofacial regions
oral pathology	the specialty of dentistry and pathology concerned with recognition, diagnosis, investigation and management of diseases of the oral cavity, jaws, and adjacent structures
orthodontic retainer	appliance to stabilize teeth following orthodontic treatment
orthodontist	a dental specialist whose practice is limited to the interception and treatment of malocclusion of the teeth and their surrounding structures
orthognathic	functional relationship of maxilla and mandible
osteoplasty	surgical procedure that modifies the configuration of bone
osteotomy	surgical cutting of bone
overdenture	a removable prosthetic device that overlies and may be supported by retained tooth roots or implants
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
palate	the hard and soft tissues forming the roof of the mouth that separates the oral and nasal cavities
palliative	action that relieves pain but is not curative
panoramic radiograph	an extraoral radiograph on which the maxilla and mandible are depicted on a single film
parafunctional	other than normal function or use
partial denture	usually refers to a prosthetic device that replaces missing teeth; (see fixed partial denture or removable partial denture) Related terms: partial denture, removable partial denture
patient	an individual who has established a professional relationship with a dentist for the delivery of dental health care. For matters relating to communication of information and consent this term includes the patient's parent, caretaker, guardian, or other individual as appropriate under state law and the circumstances of the case
pediatric dentist	a dental specialist whose practice is limited to treatment of children from birth through adolescence; formerly known as a pedodontist
pedondontist	See pediatric dentist
periapical	the area surrounding the end of the tooth root
periapical abscess	acute or chronic inflammation and pus formation at the end of a tooth root in the alveolar bone, secondary to infection. Related terms: abcess, periradicular abscess, periodontal abscess
periapical cyst	cyst at the apex of a tooth with a non-vital pulp Related terms: cyst, odontogenic cyst
periapical radiograph	a radiograph made by the intraoral placement of film for disclosing the apices of the teeth
pericoronal	around the crown of a tooth
periodic oral evaluation	See evaluation
periodontal	pertaining to the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth
periodontal abscess	abscess of the gingival or periodontal tissue secondary to periodontal infection, as contrasted to periapical abscess or periradicular abscess Related terms: abcess, periapical abscess, periradicular abscess
periodontal disease	inflammatory process of the gingival tissues and/or periodontal membrane of the teeth, resulting in an abnormally deep gingival sulcus, possibly producing periodontal pockets and loss of supporting alveolar bone
periodontal pocket	pathologically deepened gingival sulcus; a feature or periodontal disease
periodontist	a dental specialist whose practice is limited to the treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth
periodontitis	inflammation and loss of the connective tissue of the supporting and surrounding structure of teeth with loss of attachment
periradicular	surrounding a portion of the root of the tooth
periradicular abscess	acute or chronic inflammation around a tooth root in the alveolar bone, secondary to infection Related terms: abcess, periapical abscess, periodontal abscess
permanent dentition	refers to the permanent teeth in the dental arch Related terms: Dentition, deciduous dentition
plaque	a soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives
pontic	the term used for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture (bridge)
post	an elongated projection fitted and cemented within the prepared root canal, serving to strengthen and retain restorative material and/or a crown restoration
posterior	refers to teeth and tissues towards the back of the mouth (distal to the canines) ? maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars
precision attachment	interlocking device, one component of which is fixed to an abutment or abutments and the other is integrated into a fixed or removable prosthesis in order to stabilize and/or retain it
predominantly based	Gold (Au), Palladium (Pd), and/or Platinum (Pt) < 25% Related terms: metals, classification of, noble, high noble, titanium and titanium alloys
premedication	the use of medications prior to dental procedures
premolar	See bicuspid
primary dentition	the first set of teeth; see deciduous Related terms: deciduous
prophylaxix	scaling and polishing procedure performed to remove coronal plaque, calculus and stains
prosthesis	artificial replacement of any part of the body
prosthodontic retainer	a part of a fixed partial denture that attaches a pontic to the abutment tooth, implant abutment, or implant
prosthodontist	a dental specialist whose practice is limited to the restoration of the natural teeth and/or the replacement of missing teeth with artificial substitutes
provisional	formed or preformed for temporary purposes or used over a limited period; a temporary or interim solution; usually refers to a prosthesis or individual tooth restoration
pulp	connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue which occupies the pulp cavity of a tooth
pulp cavity	the space within a tooth which contains the pulp
pulpectomy	complete removal of vital and non vital pulp tissue from the root canal space
pulpitis	inflammation of the dental pulp
pulpotomy	surgical removal of a portion of the pulp with the aim of maintaining the vitality of the remaining portion by means of an adequate dressing; pulp amputation
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
quadrant	one of the four equal sections into which the dental arches can be divided; begins at the midline of the arch and extends distally to the last tooth
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
radicular	pertaining to the root
rebase	process of refitting a denture by replacing the base material
reevaluation	limited, problem focused (established patient; not postoperative visit). this includes assessing the status of a previously existing condition. examples of conditions requiring this type of evaluation may include: a traumatic injury where no treatment was rendered but the patient needs follow-up monitoring; evaluation for undiagnosed continuing plan; a soft tissue lesion requiring follow-up evaluation
regional anesthesia	a term used for local anesthesia; see local anesthesia Related terms: anesthesia, local anesthesia, non-intravenous conscious sedation
regional block anesthesia	See anesthesia
reimplantation, tooth	the return of a tooth to its alveolus
reline	process of resurfacing the tissue side of a denture with new base material
removable partial denture	a removable partial denture (removable bridge) is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth that can be removed by the patient
removable prosthesis	dental prosthesis designed to be removed and reinserted by the patient
residual root	remaining root structure following the loss of the major portion (over 75%) of the crown
resin-based composite	See composite
retainer	See orthodontic retainer, prosthodontic retainer
retrograde filling	a method of sealing the root canal by preparing and filling it from the root apex
root	the anatomic portion of the tooth that is covered by cementum and is located in the alveolus (socket) where it is attached by the periodontal apparatus; radicular portion of tooth
root canal	the portion of the pulp cavity inside the root of a tooth; the chamber within the root of the tooth that contains the pulp Related terms: canal, mandibular canal
root canal therapy	the treatment of disease and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions
root planning	a procedure designed to remove microbial flora, bacterial toxins, calculus, and diseased cementum or dentin on the root surfaces and in the pocket
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
scaling	removal of plaque, calculus, and stain from teeth
sextant	one of the six relatively equal sections into which a dental arch can be divided, for example: tooth numbers 1-5; 6-11; 12-16; 17-21; 22-27; 28-32. Sometimes used for recording periodontal charting.
site	a term used to describe a single area, position, or locus. A single site is an area of communication that may involve adjacent teeth. All non-communicating areas are single sites.
slalodochoplasty	surgical procedure for the repair of a defect and/or restoration of portion of a salivary gland duct
slalography	inspection of the alivary ducts and glands by radiography after the injection of a radiopaque medium
splint	a device used to support, protect, or immobilize oral structures that have been loosened, replanted, fractured or traumatized. Also refers to devices used in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.
stomatitis	inflammation of the membranes of the mouth
stress breaker	that part of a tooth-borne and/or tissue-borne prosthesis designed to relieve the abutment teeth and their supporting tissues from harmful stresses
study model	plaster or stone model of teeth and adjoining tissues; also referred to as diagnostic cast
suture	stitch used to repair incision or wound
A B C D E F G H I J K L N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
temporary removable denture	an interim prosthesis designed for use over limited period of time
temporomandibular (TMJ)	the connecting hinge mechanism between the base of the skull (temporal bone) and the lower jaw (mandible)
temporomandibular joint dysfunction	abnormal functioning of temporomandibular joint; also refers to symptoms arising in other areas secondary to the dysfunction
tissue conditioning	material intended to be placed in contact with tissues, for a limited period, with the aim of assisting the return to a healthy condition
titanium and titanium alloys	Titanium (ti) > 85% Related terms: metals, classification of, noble, high noble, titanium and titanium alloys
torus	a bony elevation or protuberance of bone; see exostosis Related terms: exostosis
transitional	relating to a passage or change from one position, state, phase or concept to another
transplantation of tooth	transfer of a tooth from one socket to another, either in the same or a different person
transseptal	through or across a septum
trismus	restricted ability to open the mouth, usually due to inflammation or fibrosis of the muscles of mastication
A B C D E F G