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odontology

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is the study of the anatomy, growth, and diseases of the teeth.

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dentitions

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sets of teeth: a primary,or deciduous, dentition, and permanet, or succedaneous, dentition.

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crown

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this is the section of the tooth that is visible in the mouth. It is protected on the outside by the tissue called enamel.

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root

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This is the section of the tooth below the gingiva, or gums. It is covered on the outside by the tissue called cementum. It is not usually visible in the mouth. It helps anchor or hold the tooth in the bony socket of the jaw.

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cervix

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The area where the enamal covering the crown meets the cementum covering the root.It is the narrow section where the crown meets the root.

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apex

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This is the tip of the root of the tooth. It contains an opening through which nerves and blood vessels enter the tooth.

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apical foreman

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An opening in the apex through which nerves and blood vessels enter the tooth.

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enamel

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This is the hardest tissue in the body and covers the outside of the crown. It is made up mainly of calcium and phosphorus, and forms a protective layer for the tooth. Once the tooth is fully developed, the enamel cannot grow or repair itself.

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cementum

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Bone like structure covering the root of the tooth.

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dentin

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bone like substance which makes up the bulk of the tooth and surrounds the pulp.

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pulp

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structure inside central cavity of tooth that contains connective tissue, blood vessels and nerve fibers.

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periodontium

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All of the supporting structures both hard and soft of a tooth. Includes: Periodontal Ligament, Cementum, Gingiva, and Alveolar bone.

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alveolar process

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This is the name for the portion of the two maxillary bones and the mandible that contain the alveoli for the teeth.

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periodontal ligament

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surrounding the teeth that supports and attaches the teeth to the bony surface of the alveoli.

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gingiva

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the specialized mucous membrane that surrounds the teeth, covers the bone of the dental arches, and lines the cheeks.

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incisors

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Biting teeth in the very front of the mouth that function to cut food into smaller pieces.

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cuspids

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Canines, have sharp points to tear food and have the longest root than any other teeth.

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bicuspids

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aka premolars. have two cusps (grinding surfaces), and the upper sometimes have two roots, but the bottom teeth have a single root. are not present in primary dentition.

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molars

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Large somewhat flat-topped back teeth. Function to grind food. largest and stongest teeth.

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primary

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consists of 20 teeth that are normally lost during childhood and are replaced by the permanent teeth. these include: 8 incisors, 4 canines, and 8 molars

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quadrants

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four sections: maxillary right, maxillary left, mandibular right, and mandibular left.

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maxillary

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pertaining to the upper jaw and teeth.

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mandibular

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Pertaining to the lower jaw bone and teeth.

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permanent

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Sixteen maxillary (upper) 2 central incisors, 2 -2nd molars, 2 lateral incisors, 2 -3rd molars,2 cuspids, 2- 1st bicuspids, 2 -2nd bicuspids, 2 -1st molars.

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universal/national numbering system

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is an abbreviated form for indentifying the teeth. Each tooth has a number or letter by which it is identified.

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means "toward the front." The teeth in the front of the mouth: incisors and cuspids

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posterior

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means "toward the back." The teeth in the back of the mouth: bicuspids and molars.

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labial

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crown surface next to the lips.

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lingual

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crown surface next to the tongue.

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incisal

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cutting or bitting edge of the tooth

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mesial

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side surface closest to or facing toward the midline.

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distal

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side surface away from the midline.

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buccal

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crown surface next to face or cheek.

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lingual

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crown surface next to the tongue.

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occlusal

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chewing or grinding surface of the tooth.

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line angles

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form where two crown surfaces meet.

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point angles

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form where three crown surfaces meet.

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dental lights

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are mounted on the ceiling of the dental unit or attached to the dental chair. used to illuminate the oral cavity, or mouth, while the doctor works.

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dental chair

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is designed to postion the patient comfortably while providing the doctor and the dental assistant with easy access to the oral cavity.

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air compressor

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provides air pressure to operate the handpiece and the air syringes on the dental units.

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oral-evacuation system

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uses water to provide the dental units with suction action. It aids in removing particals, debris, and liquids from the oral cavity.

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assistant's carts

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vary from office to office, but most contain the same basic equipment.

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air-water syringe

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This is also called a three-way syringe. It provides air, water, or a combination of air and water fro various dental procedures.

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saliva ejector

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This provides constant, low-volume suction to remove saliva and other fluids from the mouth.

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cuspidor

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this is a bowl or cup that can be used to allow the patient to expectorate (spit out) particals and water.

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doctors' carts

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also vary from office to office. many contain air-water syringes in addition to a variety of handpieces.

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rheostats

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or foot controls used to operate the handpieces.

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contra angles

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This is used fro cutting and polishing during various dental procedures.

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burs

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instruments that are inserted into the contra angle. Used to cut , shape, finish, and polish teeth, restoration and dental appliances.

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prophylaxis angle

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This attachment holds polishing cups, disks, and brushes that are used to clean the teeth or to polish restorations.

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High-speed handpiece

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This is used to do most of the cutting and preparation of the tooth during dental procedures.

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carious lesions (caries)

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prevention of decay.

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plaque

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is a thin, tenacious, flimlike deposit that adheres to the tooth and can lead to decay; it contains microorganisms and protien substance.

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halitosis

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bad breath.

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impression

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is a negative reproduction of a tooth, or dental arch. it is taken to form a model of the area foor restorative treatment that will take place outside of the mouth.

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model

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is a positive reproduction of the arches or teeth that is created from the negative impression.

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alginate

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is an irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. It cannot be retured from a gel to its original state.

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rubber base (polysulfide)

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is an elastomeric impression material that is elastic and rubbery in nature.

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silicone

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final impression material that is odor free and easy to work with.

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plaster

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it is used mainly where strength is not a critical factor, such as for study modelsand perliminary models.

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stone

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it produces a stronger, more regular and uniform model.

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custom trays

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are impression trays made to fit a particular patient's mouth.

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anesthesia

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which means "absence of feeling" is the term used to describe the condition that exist when the sensation of feeling pain has been decreased or eliminated.

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anesthetic carpules

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are glass cylinders that contain premeasured amounts of anesthetic solutions.

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aspirating syringe

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are commonly used to inject local anesthetic.

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liner

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material used to cover, line, or seal exposed tooth tissue, such as dentin. it is usually in the form of a varnish.

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base

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protective material that is placed over the pulpal area of the tooth to reduce irritation and thermal (heat) shock. used under lsrge restoration.

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cement

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material used to permanently seal inlays, orthodontic appliance, crowns, and bridges in place.

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temporary

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material used as a restorative material for a short time and only until permanent restoration can be done.

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restoration

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is defined as "the process of replacing a diseased portion of a tooth or a lost tooth by artificial means."

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cavity

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when the enamel, dentin, and/or cementum are destroyed, a hollow space is created in the tooth called.....????

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amalgam

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is a restorative material used primarily on posterior teeth.

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composite

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is the restorative material used most frequently in the repair of anterior teeth, but it can also be used to restore posterior teeth.

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radiographs

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are negatives taken of the teeth, similar to the negatives received when photograph are taken. x-ray beams are passed through the teeth and tissues. A series of shadows are then produced on film.

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radiolucent

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these areas appear dark on radiographs . This means that the X-ray penetrates through the structure.

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Radiopaque

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these areas appear light or white on radiographs. this means that the structures stop the X-rays, or that the X-rays are unable to penetrate the structures.

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bite-wings

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these show only the crowns of the maxillary and mandibular teeth. They are called cavity-detecting radiographs because they are primarily used to detect interproximal decay and recurring decay under restorations.

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occlusal films

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these films, size 4, are approximately twice the size of a number 2 film. They are used to view the occlusal planes of the maxilla oe mandible.

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panoramic

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This is a special type of film that shows the entire dental arch, or all of the teeth, on one film.

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