Dental Law Terminology- (In Alphabetical Order)

 

Please note that these are commonly used dental phrases that I often come across in legal practice.  I am not a dentist, so if you are unsure of any procedures or dental terminology, do not be afraid to ask for clarification from your own dentist who can clarify any of the terms mentioned below for you.

 

Abfraction Cavities

Grooves formed in the neck of the tooth as a result of heavy tooth brushing, erosion and gum recession.

 

Abscess

A swollen area within the tissues contains an accumulation of pus.

 

Acid etch

A way that dentist’s use to stick or bond restorations using special chemicals.

 

Abutment

The abutment to a bridge is the bridge support either side of the pontic or “false” tooth.

 

Acrylic

Plastic

 

Adhesive bridge

A way dentist’s replace teeth by way of a bridge when the false tooth is supported by wings glued to each tooth either side

 

Alvogel

An antibacterial gel used by a dentist to treat a dry socket usually after extraction.

 

Amalgam filling

An alloy of mercury and silver plus other metals to give a set material.  Not tooth coloured.

 

Anaesthesia

The absence of any pain

 

Anaesthetic

A local anaesthetic usually lignocaine and adrenaline

 

Analgesia

In the absence of pain

 

Angles Classification III Malocclusion

Where the lower incisor edges lie in front of the upper incisors

 

Apicectomy

A surgical procedure usually carried out by an oral maxillo facial surgeon which is used when root canal treatment has failed.  The procedure involves the dentist drilling away a section from the bottom (apex) of the tooth through the gum line.  Is often used as a last resort prior to extraction.

 

Apical

Root tip (apex) of a tooth

 

Apical area

An area of infection around the bottom of the tooth where it lies in the jawbone.  Often can be seen as a dark area on any x-rays (radiographs).

 

Apexit

Brand name of a root canal sealant material.

 

Articulator (includes semi adjustable articulator)

A mechanical device that reproduces the way teeth bite together, often used in orthodontic treatment.

 

Articulating Paper

A special type of dental “paper” that is placed between the teeth to show high spots when the patient bites down

 

Articulator Disc

A disc of fibres between the head of the TMJ and the base of the temporal bone of the head

 

Aquacem

Brand name for type of dental cement.

 

Atypical Facial Pain

A painful syndrome with dull aching or throbbing pain.

 

Attrition

The physical wear caused by the movement of the tooth against another.

 

Augmentation

The addition of bone from elsewhere on the body used to increase the depth of bone prior to dental implants being placed to give them more support.

 

Avulsed

The removal of a tooth as the result usually of a knock or other trauma

 

Bitewing

Small x-ray/radiograph usually of a single tooth. Often used to assess individual or problem teeth.

 

Biteguard

A soft plastic gumshield used to protect teeth usually from grinding and alike.

 

Bleaching (tooth)

The use of a chemical agent to lighten the shade of a tooth

 

BPE Charting (CPITN)

Often critical in periodontal disease negligence claims, The  Basic Periodontal Examination. The BPE score is a measurement used by a dentist on a small probe to test the healthiness of the tissues around the teeth. A score of 0 indicates good oral hygiene, with no bleeding on probing, whilst a high score of 4 (the maximum) is an indication of severe problems.

 

Bite raising appliance

This is an mechanical appliance that covers the biting surfaces of the teeth and separates them, lifting them apart.  Often used in TMJ disorder cases.

 

Bone Graft

Bone can be added to  the jawbone from other parts of the body

 

Bonded Crown (Porcelain)

A dental crown consisting of a gold crown overlaid with porcelain to give a nice white tooth colored appearance

 

Brace

Orthodontic appliance used to straighten teeth.

 

Bridge

Dentist use bridges to replace missing teeth by way of fixing a false tooth to crowns fixed to adjacent teeth.

 

Buccal

Dental terminology for the outer side of the tooth facing toward the cheek.

 

Bruxism

An abnormal tooth grinding habit

 

Calcification

The pulp chamber inside the tooth can sometimes close up due to trauma reaction.

 

Calculus

Hard deposits which form on the surfaces of the teeth and cannot be removed by brushing alone.

 

Caries

Dental decay usually caused by a build up of plaque and tartar.

 

Cantilever Bridge

A type of bridge where only one abutment supports the false tooth.

 

Cast restorations

Metal or porcelain bonded to metal placed onto the tooth in the form of onlays or crowns

 

Cavit

Brand name for a temporary filling material.

 

Cervical

Neck

 

Chemfil

A dental material used for providing aesthetic fillings.

 

Chronic gingivitis

A severe inflammation of the gums.  Chronic gingivitis gives dentists an indication that periodontal disease could develop if not controlled.

 

Chrome cobalt denture

This is a denture made of chrome cobalt and is a lot stronger than the traditional plastic denture.

 

Chronic adult periodontitis (gum disease)

This is a severe breakdown of the tissues surrounding the teeth which holds them into the jawbone, and often also results in loss of jawbone.  It is caused by the body’s reaction to the bacteria around the teeth.  Chronic adult periodontal disease can cause tooth mobility, is very serious, but can often be difficult for dentists to detect due to no pain being felt by the patient.  Treatment is basically good oral hygiene from your dentist and a hygienist at regular intervals of 3 months or less.

 

CPITN

Short for the community Periodontal index of treatment needs.  This indicates the need for periodontal (gum) treatment.

 

Class I Occlusion

A normal bite

 

Clearance

To extract all remaining natural teeth

 

Click

A short sharp sound usually emanating from the TMJ.

 

Composite

White filling material used instead of amalgam

 

Congenital

A defect present from birth

 

Contraindication

Where a certain course of treatment or drug should not be given in a certain situation

 

Crepitus

A grating sound commonly associated with osteoarthritis

 

Core 

Used to build up a broken down tooth usually to receive a crown.

 

Coronal

Simply means towards the crown of a tooth.

 

Corsodyl

Brand name for an over the counter antiseptic mouthwash.

 

Cresophene

A chemical cleaner less often now used in root canal treatments for disinfection purposes.

 

Crown

A false tooth often called a cap

 

Cyst

A collection of abnormal substances

 

Deciduous teeth

baby teeth or teeth found in children

 

Dental Abscess

A collection of pus at the tip of a tooth

 

Dental Caries/Tooth decay

A disease dependant upon sugar causing demineralization over time.

 

Dental Implants

Titanium screws placed in the jawbone which become integrated with the bone.  Gives a stable support for the placement of prosthesis (artificial teeth)

 

Dental plaque

Soft bacterial deposit left on teeth, can be removed by good  brushing.

 

Dental Pulp

Blood vessels and nerve tissues deep inside the tooth

 

Dentatus post

A post often used for supporting temporary crowns.

 

Dentine

The substance underneath your hard outer tooth enamel.

 

Diagnostic study models

Study models made from plastic casts of teeth.  Sometimes mounted on a hinged articulator.

 

Diagnostic wax up

A wax model of the proposed final result of restorative dentistry

 

Diastema

A small gap usually found between the front teeth.

 

Difflam

A brand name antiseptic and anti inflammatory mouth rinse.

 

Distal

The way dentists describe an area of tooth facing towards the back of the mouth.

 

D.O

Dental shorthand for “distal occlusal” meaning a filling extending across the top and back of a tooth.

 

Draining Sinus

Describes when pus drains to the surface of the gumline

 

Dry Socket

This is an infection of the tissues in the socket, which usually occurs after an extraction.

 

Duraphat

A fluoride varnish painted on teeth to stop them being sensitive.

 

Durelon

A brand name for a permanent dental cement.

 

Dycal

A brand name for a sedative cement lining material usually used under a filling.

 

Dyract

Band name for a temporary filling material

 

Elevator

Dental instrument used to remove teeth.

 

Endodontics

Is the study of root canal treatment

 

External resorbtion

The root of the tooth is eaten away

 

Extract

To remove a tooth

 

Face Bow

A procedure which enables study models to be mounted in the correct position to the condylar axis

 

Fissure sealing

The filling of the small cracks in the surface of larger back teeth to help prevent decay starting.

 

Fixed Bridge

A prosthesis to replace missing teeth which is supported by implants

 

Flagyl

Brand name antibiotic specifically used in gum infections.

 

Furcation

The area where the roots divide in a tooth.

 

Fuji

A brand name dental cement often used for permanently cementing crowns and bridges.

 

Gingivae

The gums

 

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria

 

Gingivectomy

The surgical removal of gum pockets

 

Glass Ionomer

A type of dental cement.

 

Grade 1 Mobile

A tooth that moves from side to side by a least 1mm

 

GP

Short for “Gutta Percha”.  An orange, soft material (rather like blue tac!) and shaped like a toothpick and is uses for filling root canals during root canal treatment. 

 

Gum disease

Inflammation of the gums.

 

Gum boil

A swelling found on the gum

 

Hypocal

A substance containing calcium hydroxide and used for sterilizing root canals.

 

Hypoplasia

A defect during development of the teeth. Can be seen as dark or light spots or discolored areas on the teeth.

 

ICP

Short for Inter Cuspal  Position. 

 

Immediate denture

A technique where teeth are removed and a denture immediately fitted in the mouth.

 

Implant 

A titanium screw is inserted into the jawbone surgically, and then given at least 6 months to heal or Osseo-integrate with the jawbone and used to support a crown.

 

Implantologist

A specialist concerned with implants

 

Inferior Dental Nerve
This is the nerve in the lower jaw (mandible) which supplies sensation to the lower lip, lower teeth, and chin area.  Damage to this nerve can last many months with loss of taste ensuing.

 

ID Block

The usual technique of anaesthetizing many teeth.  Aims to deposit local anesthetic around the inferior nerve.

 

Incisal edge
The biting edge of a front tooth.

 

Infiltration

The method of delivering local anesthetic solution.

 

Inflammation

A physical condition in which part of the body becomes red and swollen after infection

 

Inlay
A type of filling which is inlaid into the surface of the tooth.  Usually made of gold.

 

Intra oral radiograph
Small x-ray usually taken of a single tooth.

 

Integration (osseo integration)
This refers to the growing of the bone in the jaw usually around a titanium implant.

 

Intravenous (IV)

Method of administering a drug into a vein

 

Kalzinol
Temporary filling material.

 

Labial

The surface of the tooth facing the lip

 

Ledermix
A brand name used as a sedative dressing material.

 

Legend
A brand name for filling material.

 

Lingual
dental terminology meaning a tooth surface pointing towards the tongue.

 

Local Anaesthetic

Method of numbing up a specific area without the need for general Anaesthetic.

 

Maryland bridge
A bridge which is attached to adjacent teeth by means of “wings” that are glued behind the adjacent teeth.

 

Mesial
dental terminology meaning towards the front part of the mouth.

 

Metronidazole
Brand name antibiotic commonly used to treat dental infections

 

M.O
dental shorthand for “mesial occlusal”.  A type of filling that goes across the top and front of a tooth.

 

Mobility

Describes how wobbly a tooth is

 

MOD
Dental shorthand for “mesial occlusal distal” A filling that goes up one side of the tooth, across the top, and down the other side.

 

Mouthguard
Plastic appliance that fits over the biting surface of the teeth and protects them against trauma or grinding.  Often worn at night by people who grind their teeth.

 

Nayyar Core

A type of filling material to provide a good base upon which to place a crown.

 

Needle Phobia

An irrational fear of injections

 

Nerve

A fibre that conducts nerve impulses

 

Occlusion
The way the upper and lower teeth bite together.  Dentists have 3 classes of type of occlusion, type 1,2 or 3.

 

Occlusal
The biting surfaces of the teeth.

 

Occlusal Equilibration

The changing the shape of the teeth for better fit when biting.

 

Occlusal Splint

A removable appliance affecting the relationship between the lower and upper jaw

 

OPG/OPT
Short for “Orthopantograph”.  A full mouth x-ray showing both the upper and lower teeth and jawbone.

 

Oro antral fistula (OAF)
A dental term meaning a communication between the mouth and the maxillary sinus.

 

Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon

A surgeon of specialist training concerned with the head and neck.

 

Orthodontic appliance or brace
An appliance that is used to straighten teeth.

 

Oral Mucosa

The lining of the mouth

 

Orthodontist

A dental surgeon concerned with the straightening of teeth.

 

Overdenture
Fits over a root or post left in the jawbone.

 

PA
Short for “periapical” Small radiograph taken of a single tooth showing the details around the root area.

 

Parafunctional Habit

Abnormal loads on the teeth due to poor habits

 

Palatal
dental terminology meaning the surface of the tooth pointing towards the centre line of the mouth.

 

Parapost
A metal post used to support a crown in a root filled tooth.

 

Panavia
A brand name for a type of dental cement.

 

Partial dentures
Dentures replacing some missing teeth as opposed to a full denture.

 

PBC
short for “porcelain bonded crown”. Porcelain covered over a gold full crown

 

Periodontal ligament
The connecting ligament between a tooth and the bony socket.

 

Periapical
(cf: PA) Area around the apex of a tooth-small radiograph showing details of the root and tooth apex.

 

Periapical Abscess

Inflammation and pain at the apex of the tooth.

 

Periapical lesion

Disease around the root tip of a tooth

 

Pericoronitis
Infection causing pain and sore gums around a partially erupted wisdom tooth.

 

PGT
short for “Prolonged gum treatment”.

 

PJC
short for “Porcelain Jacket crown”.

 

Pin
Small metal post placed in a tooth to support a filling.

 

Pocket depth
The amount of space between the gumline and the jawbone. measured in MM.

 

Pocket charting
A guide to the health of the teeth and gums by measurement of bone support around teeth.

 

Poly F
A brand name for a permanent cement for crowns and bridges.

 

Pontic
A false tooth.

 

Porcelain Veneer

An artificial replacement to restore missing tooth structure

 

Post Crown
A crown that is supported by means of a post placed into the root canal of a tooth, and to which a crown can be attached.

 

Precision attachment
An attachment that is used to ensure a precision fit between a crown and a denture.

 

Prosthesis

An artificial replacement of an absent part of the body.

 

Pulp (nerve)
The pulp chamber is deep inside your tooth and is the nerve.

 

Pulpectomy
Partial nerve removal.

 

Pulp Necrosis

Dead pulp

 

Pulpitis
Inflammation of the pulp (nerve) usually is a sign of infection.

 

Pus

Caused by the build up of infected tissue

 

Radiolucency

A dark area on an x-ray

 

Radiopaque

A  light area on an x-ray

 

Relining
A technique for tightening a loose denture.

 

Retention plate
An appliance used to hold teeth in position after orthodontic treatment.

 

Retainer

An appliance used to hold teeth in position after orthodontic treatment to stop them from moving back.

 

Retrograde root filling
The sealing of the root apex of a tooth following an apicectomy.

 

Root canal treatment
The removal of the nerve (pulp) from a tooth with a special instrument called a dental reamer (rather like a small dental file).  The root is removed, irrigated and shaped.  It is then filled with an inert material called Gutta Percha or GP and sealed.

 

Root filling

A filling placed into the root after the nerve has been removed

 

Root Planing
A deep form of scaling where calculus is removed from the root surface of the teeth.  Often used with patients who have periodontal disease.

 

Rubber Dam
Sheet of rubber used to stop particles of teeth and dental instruments from being inhaled or ingested.  Used mostly in root canal therapy.

 

Sedanol
A brand name sedative dressing material.

 

Sensodyne
A brand name toothpaste.

 

Shimstock
Paper thin foil used to check contact between opposing teeth.

 

Sinus
Hollow cavity in the jawbone.

S&P
Short for scale and polish. 

 

Soft Lining
Used to cushion the gums, it is a flexible material that is bonded to a denture.

 

Spoon Denture
Small upper denture held in by suction according to the shape of the upper palate.

 

Supragingival
Above the gum margin.

 

Subgingival
Below the gum margin.

 

Subluxation

Partial displacement of a tooth

 

Supernumerary
An extra tooth.

 

TTP
Short for “Tender to percussion” where a tooth is tapped with a dental instrument to test if infection or an abscess is present.

 

Tempbond
A brand name for a temporary cement.

 

Temporomandibular joint
The hinge joint between upper and lower jaws.

 

Temporary Bridge

Uses a temporary structure to aid treatment planning.

 

TMJ Dysfunction

Often diagnosed in the form of a clicking or grinding of the TMJ. Can be very painful, especially when yawning.

 

Trigeminal Nerve

Provides nerve supply to the head

 

Tubiseal
A brand name for root canal filling material.

 

Veneer
Shell of porcelain or plastic placed on teeth to improve the aesthetic appearance. Works in the same way as a false fingernail.

 

Vitality testing

Testing the tooth with a cold solution to see if the tooth is still alive.

 

Wear Facets

The areas of wear on the cusps of teeth indicating a tooth grinding habit

 

White filling (composite)

A mixture of resin and other materials to give a set material of tooth colour.