Glossary of Terms [R-T]
Listed below are terms and definitions to help you better understand dental terminology when visiting Regents Dental Group.
Reimplantation
Insertion and temporary fixation of partially or completely avulsed tooth or teeth, resulting from traumatic injury. Reline
Acrylic restoration of denture base to compensate for bone loss; direct: done at chairside; indirect: in conjunction with a dental laboratory. Resin-Bonded Bridge
A metal or glass fiber-reinforced bridge requiring a minimal change to anchor teeth. Restoration
Replacement of portion of a damaged tooth. Retained Root
Partial root structure remaining in jaw after extraction or fracture of a natural tooth. Root
Tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw. Root Canal
Common term for root canal therapy, also the interior space of the tooth root. A Root Canal procedure must be performed when the pulp within a tooth dies or becomes infected. The pulp is comprised of the tooth's nerve and blood supply, and other soft tissues. Unfortunately, an infection in the pulp chamber or root canal will not heal, it will only progress, destroying the pulp. Root Canal Therapy
Process of removing pulp of a tooth and filling it with an inert material. Root Resection
Removal of a portion of diseased root structure, retaining the remaining natural tooth. Rubber Dam
Soft latex sheet used to establish isolation of one or more teeth from contamination by oral fluids and to keep materials from falling to the back of the throat. Saliva
Clear lubricating fluid in the mouth containing water, enzymes, bacteria, mucus, viruses, blood cells and undigested food particles. Saliva Ejector
Suction tube placed in the mouth to remove saliva. Salivary Glands
Located under tongue and in cheeks, produce saliva. 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. Sealants are used almost exclusively on the biting surfaces of posterior, or back, teeth. These areas are especially vulnerable to cavities because these teeth see the bulk of chewing duty, and their surfaces are so irregular. They are usually covered with pits, fissures, indentations, and small cracks which tend to retain food and conceal plaque deposits. Secondary Dentin
Reparative tooth structure produced by the pulp in response to tooth irritation. Sequstrum
Loosened spicule of bone pushed to the surface. Sinusitis
Infammation of the sinus that may mimc dental pain. Sleep Apnea
The periodic interruption or delay in breathing during sleep. Space Maintainer
Dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth. Splint
Connection of two or more teeth so they function as a stronger single structure. Supernumerary Tooth
Extra tooth. Suppuration
Bacterial contamination of tissue exudate; pus. Tartar
Common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth; produces rough surface that attracts plaque. TMD (or TMJ disorder)
Temperomandibular Disorder; term given to condition characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open or move the jaw. TMJ
The Temporomandibular Joint, the point where the lower jaw attaches to the skull. Third-party Provider
Insurance company, union, government agency that pays all or a part of cost of dental treatment. Tooth Bud
Early embryonic structure that becomes a tooth. Tooth Whitening
A chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth. Topical Anesthetic
ointment that produces mild anesthesia when applied to tissue surface. Torus
Common bony protuberance on the palate or lower jaw. Transplant
Placing a natural tooth in the empty socket of another tooth. Trauma
Injury caused by external force, chemical, temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment. Trench Mouth
Gum disease characterized by severe mouth sores and loss of tissue. See ANUG.
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