Glossary of Terms [C-D]Listed below are terms and definitions to help you better understand dental terminology when visiting Regents Dental Group. Calcium
Chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves. Calculus
Hard residue, commonly known as "tarter," that forms on teeth due to inadequate plaque control, often stained yellow or brown. Canker Sore
Mouth sore appearing whitish, often with a red halo, of ten to fourteen day duration. Cantilever Bridge
Fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth only on one end. Cap
Common term for dental crown. Caries
Tooth decay or "cavities" Cast or Model
Reproduction of structures made by pouring plaster or stone into a mold. Cavitron
Dental tool that uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to clean teeth. Cellulitis
Soft tissue infection causing extensive, hard swelling, a potentially dangerous condition requiring immediate attention. Cementum
Hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth. Chart
Log of dental or medical records. Clasp
Device that retains a removable partial denture to stationary teeth. Cleaning
Removal of plaque and calculus (tarter) from teeth, generally above the gum line. Composite Resin
Material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles; usually cured with filtered light or chemical catalyst. Cosmetic (aesthetic) Dentistry
Treatments performed to enhance appearance; not a recognized specialty. Cosmetic Contouring
A Cosmetic Dentist will sculpt and reshape the natural teeth to make them straighter. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
Artificial procedures employed by a rescuer after cessation of breathing or heart stoppage. Cross Bite
Reverse biting relationship of upper and lower teeth; aka "under bite," as in Class III malocclusuion (prognathic jaw). Crown
(1) The portion of a tooth above the gum line.
(2) Dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth.
Crowns are caps, covers, or restorations to replace the missing portion of a tooth. Sometimes used to correct bite problems or to replace missing teeth. Curettage
Removal of diseased tissue from a periodintal pocket. Cusp
Mound on posterior teeth. Cuspid or Canine
The four "eye teeth". Cyst
A soft or hard tissue sac, hard or filled with fluid. DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery - equivalent to DMD. DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine - equivalent to DDS. Decay
Destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria. Deciduous Teeth
Commonly called "baby teeth," the first set of (usually) twenty teeth. Dentin
Inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel. Dental Implant
A (usually) titanium cylinder surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to provide support for a dental restoration or appliance. Dentition
The arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth. Denture
Removable (partial or complete) set of artificial teeth. Denturism
The production of dentures dispensed directly by laboratory technicians. Diastema
The name for a space between two teeth.
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