Glossary of Terms [I-N]Listed below are terms and definitions to help you better understand dental terminology when visiting Regents Dental Group. Impaction
Partial or completely unexposed tooth that is wedged against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue, precluding the eruption process. Implant
A fixed dental appliance used for the replacement of a tooth. An artificial device replacing tooth root; may anchor an artificial tooth, bridge, or denture. Impression
Mold made of the teeth and soft tissues. Incision and Drainage
Surgical incision of an abscess to drain suppuration (pus). Incisors
Four upper and four lower front teeth, excluding the cuspids (canine teeth). Infiltration
Local anesthetic procedure effective for upper teeth and soft tissue; placement of anesthetic under the gum, allowing it to seep into bone. Inlay
A porcelain or resin filling bonded in place to restore a decayed or broken tooth. - Indirect - filling made by a dental laboratory that is cemented or bonded into place,
- Direct - placement of dental composite resin restoration at chairside.
Interproximal
Surfaces of adjoining teeth. Interocclusal
Space between upper and lower teeth. Intraoral Camera
a smal video camera used to view and magnify oral conditions; images may be printed. Jacket
Crown for a front tooth, usually made of porcelain. Laminate
Thin plastic or porcelain veneer produced in a dental laboratory and then bonded to a tooth. Laminate Veneer
A very thin porcelain resin shell bonded to the enamel of your front teeth. Laminating
A procedure for the application of a thin porcelain or composite resin veneer to a tooth. Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide; odorless inhalation agent that produces relative analgesic (sedation); reduces anxiety and creates a state of relaxation. Lesion
Injury of bodily tissue due to infection, trauma or neoplasm. Local Anesthesia
Partial or complete elimination of pain sensation, in the immediate vicinity of its application or injection. Low Lipline
A Low Lipline is when the widest smile hardly reveals the bottom edges of your upper front teeth. Malocclusion
A "bad bite" problem caused by incorrect positions or misalignment of the upper and lower teeth. Managed Care
Program whereby patient-dentist assignment and dentist reimbursement is administered by a separate, external organization. Mandible
The lower jaw. Margin
Interface between a restoration and tooth structure. MAGD
Masters, Academy of General Dentistry. Maryland Bridge
A bridge that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth; requires minimum tooth reduction. Mastication
Process of chewing food. Maxilla
The upper jaw. Meniscus
Capsular cushion between temporomandibluar joint and glenoid fossa. Milk Teeth
Deciduous (baby) teeth. Molars
Three back teeth in each dental quadrant used for grinding food. Moniliasis (thrush)
Opportunistic fungal infection after administration of antibiotic; not uncommon in the mouth. Mucogingival Junction (MGJ)
Meeting of thick, protective gingival tissue around the teeth and the friable mucous lining of the cheeks and lips. NSAID
Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often used as a dental analgesic. Nerve
Tissue that conveys sensation, temperature, position information to the brain. Nerve (root) Canal
Dental pulp; the internal chamber of a tooth. Night Guard
Acrylic appliance used to prevent wear and temporomandibular damage caused by grinding or gnashing of the teeth during sleep. Nitrous Oxide
A gas used to reduce patient anxiety. Novocaine
Older brand name for a local anesthetic, currently replaced by safer, more effective agents.
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