Dental Glossary of
Common Terms
Plain-language definitions for every dental term you will encounter. Organized by procedure so you understand your treatment before you sit in the chair.
Table of Contents
Jump to any procedure category to find the terms you need.
Why a Dental Glossary?
Dental visits come with a lot of terminology. Your dentist might mention a "crown prep," an "occlusal adjustment," or "periapical pathology" and expect you to follow along. Most patients nod, smile, and quietly wonder what any of it means. That confusion creates anxiety, and anxiety keeps people from getting the care they need.
This glossary exists to fix that. Every term is written in plain English, organized by the procedure it relates to, and linked directly to the relevant service page at Best Dental in Richmond, TX. Whether you are researching a treatment Dr. Sonny Naderi or Dr. Jasmine Naderi recommended, preparing for an upcoming appointment, or simply curious about a term you saw on your insurance statement, you will find a clear answer here.
General Dentistry Terms
Foundational dental vocabulary. These terms come up in nearly every dental visit regardless of the procedure.
Bicuspid (Premolar)
The teeth located between your canines and molars. You have eight total (four upper, four lower). They have two pointed cusps and are used for crushing and tearing food.
Bitewing X-Ray
A type of dental X-ray where you bite down on a small tab while the image is taken. Bitewings show the upper and lower back teeth in a single view and are primarily used to detect cavities between teeth and bone loss from gum disease.
Calculus (Tartar)
Hardened plaque that has mineralized on your teeth. Unlike plaque, calculus cannot be removed with brushing alone. It requires professional scaling by a dental hygienist or dentist. Calculus buildup above and below the gumline contributes directly to gum disease.
Canine (Cuspid)
The pointed teeth located at the corners of your dental arch. You have four canines. They are designed for gripping and tearing food and are typically the longest-rooted teeth in your mouth.
Cavity (Dental Caries)
A permanently damaged area in the hard surface of a tooth that develops into a tiny hole. Cavities are caused by bacteria, frequent snacking, sugary drinks, and inadequate cleaning. Left untreated, cavities grow larger and can reach the nerve, causing pain and infection. Cavities are treated with dental fillings.
Dentin
The layer of tooth structure beneath the enamel. Dentin is softer and more yellowish than enamel. When enamel erodes or a cavity penetrates through it, exposed dentin often causes sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods.
Enamel
The outermost layer of your teeth and the hardest substance in the human body. Enamel protects the softer dentin underneath from decay, temperature sensitivity, and daily wear. Once enamel is lost, it does not regenerate.
Gingiva (Gums)
The soft pink tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth. Healthy gingiva is firm, pink, and does not bleed during brushing. Red, swollen, or bleeding gums are an early sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Malocclusion
A misalignment of the teeth or an incorrect relationship between the upper and lower dental arches. Malocclusion includes overbites, underbites, crossbites, and crowding. It can affect chewing, speech, and oral health. Orthodontic treatment corrects most forms of malocclusion.
Occlusion
The way your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. Proper occlusion means your teeth meet evenly, distributing bite forces across all teeth. Poor occlusion can cause uneven wear, jaw pain, and headaches.
Panoramic X-Ray (Panorex)
A single X-ray image that captures your entire mouth in one shot, including all teeth, upper and lower jaws, sinuses, and temporomandibular joints. Panoramic X-rays are used for treatment planning, wisdom tooth evaluation, and detecting jaw abnormalities.
Periapical X-Ray
An X-ray that shows the entire tooth from crown to root tip, including the surrounding bone. Periapical X-rays are commonly used to evaluate root health, detect abscesses, and plan root canal treatment.
Plaque
A soft, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. Plaque feeds on sugars in food and produces acids that attack enamel. Daily brushing and flossing remove plaque before it hardens into calculus.
Pulp
The innermost part of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp is what makes a tooth "alive." When decay or trauma reaches the pulp, it often causes intense pain and may require root canal treatment.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
The hinge joint connecting your lower jaw to your skull, located just in front of each ear. TMJ disorders can cause jaw pain, clicking, locking, and headaches. Treatment ranges from night guards and physical therapy to bite adjustments.
Preventive & Hygiene Terms
Terms related to routine cleanings, exams, and keeping your teeth healthy before problems start.
Dental Prophylaxis (Prophy)
A professional teeth cleaning performed by a hygienist. A prophy removes plaque, calculus, and stains from tooth surfaces above the gumline. Recommended every six months for patients with healthy gums.
Dental Sealant
A thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars and premolars). Sealants fill in the deep grooves where food and bacteria collect, reducing cavity risk by up to 80% in treated teeth. Most commonly applied to children's permanent molars.
Fluoride Treatment
A concentrated fluoride application (gel, foam, or varnish) applied to teeth after a cleaning. Fluoride strengthens enamel, reverses early-stage cavities (demineralization), and provides extra protection between visits. Especially beneficial for patients prone to decay.
Gingivitis
The earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed during brushing or flossing. It is caused by plaque buildup and is completely reversible with improved oral hygiene and professional cleaning. If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.
Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
An infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) destroys the bone supporting your teeth, leading to loosening and tooth loss. It is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions.
Periodontal Probing
A measurement taken during dental exams using a small probe placed between the tooth and gum. The probe measures pocket depth in millimeters. Healthy pockets are 1 to 3 mm. Depths of 4 mm or greater indicate gum disease requiring treatment.
Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
A non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and calculus from above and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the root surfaces so gums can reattach to the tooth. Usually performed under local anesthesia in two visits (one side at a time).
Night Guard (Occlusal Guard)
A custom-fitted mouthguard worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding (bruxism) and clenching. Night guards prevent enamel wear, reduce jaw pain, and protect existing dental work like crowns and veneers from fracture.
Restorative Dentistry Terms
Terms for treatments that repair damaged, decayed, or missing teeth and restore full function.
Amalgam Filling
A silver-colored filling made from a mixture of metals (silver, tin, copper, mercury). Amalgam fillings are extremely durable and cost-effective for back teeth. While safe according to the FDA and ADA, many patients now prefer tooth-colored composite fillings for aesthetic reasons.
Composite Filling
A tooth-colored resin material used to fill cavities. Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, require less drilling than amalgam, and are virtually invisible. They are the standard choice for front teeth and increasingly popular for back teeth.
Crown (Cap)
A custom-made restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth. Crowns restore strength, shape, and appearance to teeth that are too damaged for a filling. They can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination. Crowns typically require two visits.
Crown Prep
The process of reshaping a tooth to receive a crown. The dentist reduces the tooth on all sides to create space for the crown to fit over it. Impressions are taken, a temporary crown is placed, and the permanent crown is fabricated by a dental lab.
Dental Bridge
A fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the adjacent natural teeth (abutments). The false tooth (pontic) spans the gap. Bridges restore chewing function and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space.
Inlay
A custom-made filling fabricated in a dental lab and bonded into the chewing surface of a back tooth. Inlays fit within the cusps (points) of the tooth. They are stronger than standard fillings and are used when the cavity is too large for a filling but does not require a full crown.
Onlay
Similar to an inlay but extends over one or more cusps of the tooth. Onlays are sometimes called "partial crowns" because they cover more tooth structure than an inlay but less than a full crown. They preserve more natural tooth than a crown while restoring strength.
Post and Core
A two-part restoration used to rebuild a tooth after root canal treatment when most of the natural tooth structure is missing. A post is inserted into the root canal for support, and a core of filling material is built up around it. The post and core serve as the foundation for a crown.
Temporary Crown
A short-term crown made from acrylic or resin placed over a prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated. Temporary crowns protect the tooth and maintain spacing for approximately two weeks until the permanent crown is cemented.
Cosmetic Dentistry Terms
Terms for treatments focused on improving the appearance of your smile, from whitening to complete smile makeovers.
Bonding (Dental Bonding)
A cosmetic procedure where tooth-colored composite resin is applied and sculpted directly onto a tooth. Dental bonding repairs chips, closes small gaps, and reshapes uneven teeth in a single visit. It is the most affordable cosmetic dental procedure.
Porcelain Veneer
A thin, custom-made shell of porcelain bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Porcelain veneers correct chips, cracks, severe discoloration, gaps, and minor alignment issues. They provide a natural appearance and are highly stain-resistant. Veneers typically require two visits and minimal tooth preparation.
Composite Veneer
A veneer made from composite resin rather than porcelain. Composite veneers are applied directly to the tooth in a single visit. They are more affordable than porcelain veneers but less durable and more prone to staining over time.
Teeth Whitening (Bleaching)
A cosmetic procedure that lightens the color of your teeth using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel. Professional in-office whitening produces dramatic results in one visit. Take-home whitening kits provide gradual results over one to two weeks.
Gum Contouring (Gingivectomy)
A cosmetic procedure that reshapes the gumline to improve smile appearance. Gum contouring removes excess gum tissue to expose more tooth surface, correcting a "gummy smile." The procedure is performed with a laser or scalpel under local anesthesia.
Smile Makeover
A comprehensive treatment plan combining multiple cosmetic procedures to transform the appearance of your smile. A smile makeover may include veneers, whitening, bonding, crowns, gum contouring, and orthodontics. The plan is customized to your face shape, skin tone, and aesthetic goals.
Tooth Contouring (Enameloplasty)
A quick cosmetic procedure that reshapes teeth by removing small amounts of enamel. Contouring smooths rough edges, adjusts slightly uneven teeth, and improves overall tooth symmetry. It is painless, requires no anesthesia, and is often done in a single visit alongside bonding.
Dental Implant Terms
Terms for the gold standard in tooth replacement. Understanding implant terminology helps you navigate the treatment process with confidence.
Dental Implant
A small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. The implant fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a permanent, stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
Osseointegration
The biological process where living bone grows directly onto the surface of a titanium dental implant. Osseointegration takes approximately 3 to 6 months and is what gives implants their exceptional stability and longevity. It is the reason dental implants can last a lifetime.
Abutment
A small connector piece that attaches to the top of a dental implant after osseointegration is complete. The abutment protrudes above the gumline and serves as the attachment point for the final crown, bridge, or denture.
Implant Crown
The visible, tooth-shaped portion of a dental implant restoration. The implant crown is custom-made to match your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. It screws or cements onto the abutment and functions identically to a natural tooth.
All-on-4 (Full Arch Implants)
A technique that replaces an entire arch of teeth (upper or lower) using only four strategically placed dental implants. The implants support a fixed, non-removable prosthesis. All-on-4 is designed for patients who are missing all teeth or need all teeth extracted.
Bone Graft
A procedure that adds bone material to the jaw to rebuild bone volume lost after tooth extraction, gum disease, or prolonged tooth loss. Bone grafting creates adequate bone density and height for successful dental implant placement. Healing typically takes 3 to 6 months before an implant can be placed.
Sinus Lift
A surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars by lifting the sinus membrane and placing bone graft material beneath it. A sinus lift is sometimes necessary before placing upper jaw implants when the natural bone has deteriorated or the sinus is too close to the jaw.
Immediate Load Implant (Teeth in a Day)
A dental implant technique where a temporary crown or prosthesis is attached to the implant on the same day as surgery. Not all cases qualify for immediate loading. It depends on bone quality, implant stability, and the specific location in the mouth.
Implant-Supported Denture
A denture that snaps onto or is screwed onto dental implants rather than resting on the gums. Implant-supported dentures eliminate the slipping, clicking, and adhesive issues of traditional dentures. They can be removable (snap-on) or fixed (permanently attached).
Mini Implant
A narrower dental implant (less than 3 mm in diameter) used to stabilize lower dentures or replace small teeth in limited spaces. Mini implants require less bone volume, less invasive surgery, and shorter healing times than standard implants. However, they are not as strong and are not suitable for all cases.
Orthodontic Terms
Terms related to braces, Invisalign, and treatments that straighten teeth and correct bite problems.
Bracket
A small metal or ceramic attachment bonded to the front of each tooth during braces treatment. Brackets hold the archwire in place, which provides the force that gradually moves teeth into proper alignment.
Archwire
The thin metal wire that connects all the brackets on your braces. The archwire applies continuous gentle pressure to guide teeth into their target positions. Wires are changed during adjustment appointments as teeth move and stronger forces are needed.
Clear Aligner (Invisalign)
A custom-molded, transparent plastic tray worn over the teeth to gradually shift them into alignment. Aligners are removable for eating and cleaning and are changed every one to two weeks. Invisalign is the most widely known brand of clear aligners.
Retainer
A custom-made device worn after braces or Invisalign to hold teeth in their new positions. Retainers prevent relapse (teeth shifting back). They may be removable or fixed (a wire bonded behind the front teeth). Retainers are an essential final step of orthodontic treatment.
Overbite
A condition where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth vertically by too much. A mild overbite (2 to 3 mm) is normal. A deep overbite can cause the lower teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth, leading to wear and discomfort.
Underbite
A condition where the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth. Underbites can cause chewing difficulties, speech issues, and uneven tooth wear. Treatment may involve braces, aligners, or in severe cases, jaw surgery.
Crossbite
A condition where one or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth (instead of outside). Crossbites can occur in the front or back of the mouth and may cause jaw shifting, uneven wear, and gum recession if untreated.
Palatal Expander
An orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw (palate) in growing children. The expander is cemented to the upper molars and gradually widened over several weeks. It creates more space for crowded teeth and can correct crossbites without extractions.
Elastics (Rubber Bands)
Small rubber bands hooked between upper and lower braces to correct bite alignment. Elastics provide the force needed to move the upper and lower jaws into proper relationship. Patient compliance (wearing them as directed) is critical for treatment success.
Space Maintainer
A device placed in a child's mouth to hold space for a permanent tooth after a baby tooth is lost early. Without a space maintainer, neighboring teeth can drift into the gap, causing crowding and alignment problems when the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.
Oral Surgery & Extraction Terms
Terms for tooth removal, wisdom teeth, and surgical dental procedures.
Simple Extraction
The removal of a tooth that is fully visible above the gumline and can be loosened with an elevator instrument before being removed with forceps. Simple extractions are performed under local anesthesia and typically heal within one to two weeks.
Surgical Extraction
The removal of a tooth that cannot be easily accessed because it is broken below the gumline, has curved roots, or has not fully erupted. Surgical extractions require an incision in the gum tissue and sometimes removal of surrounding bone. Wisdom teeth most commonly require surgical extraction.
Impacted Tooth
A tooth that fails to fully emerge through the gum into its expected position. Impacted teeth are most common with wisdom teeth (third molars) but can occur with canines and other teeth. Impaction can be partial (partially visible) or complete (entirely within the bone).
Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars)
The last set of molars to develop, typically emerging between ages 17 and 25. Many people lack sufficient jaw space for wisdom teeth, causing impaction, crowding, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. All wisdom teeth extractions at Best Dental are $250 flat per tooth.
Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis)
A painful complication that occurs when the blood clot at an extraction site is dislodged or dissolves before the wound has healed, exposing underlying bone and nerves. Dry socket typically develops 2 to 4 days after extraction and is treated with medicated dressings.
Socket Preservation
A bone grafting procedure performed at the time of tooth extraction to maintain the shape and volume of the jawbone. Socket preservation prevents the rapid bone loss that normally occurs after extraction and is especially important when a dental implant is planned for the site.
Alveolar Bone
The thick ridge of bone in the jaw that contains the tooth sockets. The alveolar bone holds your teeth in place. It remodels and shrinks after tooth loss, which is why timely replacement with implants or socket preservation is important.
Local Anesthesia
An injection of numbing medication (typically lidocaine) into the gum tissue near the treatment area. Local anesthesia blocks pain signals from the nerves, allowing dental procedures to be performed without discomfort. You remain fully conscious and alert.
Sedation Dentistry
The use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation (a prescribed pill), and IV sedation. Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or complex procedures requiring extended time in the chair.
Root Canal Therapy Terms
Terms for endodontic treatment that saves teeth from extraction by treating infection inside the tooth.
Root Canal (Endodontic Therapy)
A procedure to save a tooth whose pulp (inner nerve tissue) has become infected or irreversibly inflamed. The dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals, then fills and seals them. A crown is placed afterward to protect the treated tooth.
Endodontist
A dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems inside the tooth, specifically the dental pulp and root canals. Endodontists complete two to three additional years of training beyond dental school and perform root canals and retreatments daily.
Pulpitis
Inflammation of the dental pulp. Reversible pulpitis causes brief sensitivity to cold or sweets and can be treated with a filling. Irreversible pulpitis causes prolonged, spontaneous pain that does not resolve and requires root canal treatment or extraction.
Dental Abscess
A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection at the root tip (periapical abscess) or in the gums (periodontal abscess). Abscesses cause severe throbbing pain, swelling, and fever. They require immediate treatment with antibiotics and either root canal therapy or extraction. See our dental abscess treatment page for more information.
Gutta-Percha
A rubber-like material used to fill and seal root canals after the infected pulp has been removed. Gutta-percha is biocompatible, slightly flexible, and conforms to the shape of the cleaned canals, creating a tight seal that prevents bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
Apicoectomy
A surgical procedure to remove the tip (apex) of a tooth's root along with any surrounding infected tissue. An apicoectomy is performed when a standard root canal has failed to resolve infection or when retreatment through the crown is not feasible.
Root Canal Retreatment
A second root canal procedure performed on a tooth that was previously treated but has developed new infection or persistent symptoms. Retreatment involves removing the old filling material, re-cleaning the canals, and re-sealing them.
Denture & Partial Terms
Terms for removable tooth replacement options that restore your smile and chewing ability.
Complete Denture (Full Denture)
A removable prosthesis that replaces all teeth in the upper or lower arch. Complete dentures sit on the gum ridges and are held in place by suction (upper) or gravity and muscle control (lower). Full dentures at Best Dental are $1,250.
Partial Denture
A removable prosthesis that replaces one or several missing teeth while clasping onto remaining natural teeth for support. Partials prevent remaining teeth from shifting, restore chewing function, and improve appearance.
Immediate Denture
A denture fabricated before teeth are extracted and placed in the mouth immediately after extraction. Immediate dentures allow patients to have teeth throughout the healing period. They typically require relining or replacement after gums and bone have fully healed (6 to 12 months).
Denture Reline
A procedure that resurfaces the tissue-facing side of a denture to improve fit as the jawbone changes shape over time. A reline can be hard (permanent) or soft (cushioned for sore gums). Regular relining extends the life of your dentures and improves comfort.
Denture Repair
Fixing a broken, cracked, or damaged denture. Common repairs include replacing broken teeth, fixing midline fractures, and reattaching clasps on partial dentures. Denture repairs at Best Dental are $450.
Overdenture
A denture that fits over retained natural tooth roots or dental implants. The retained roots or implants provide additional stability, prevent bone loss, and improve chewing efficiency compared to conventional dentures.
Pontic
The artificial tooth in a dental bridge or partial denture that fills the gap left by a missing tooth. The pontic is attached to crowns on adjacent teeth (in a bridge) or the denture base (in a partial). It is designed to look and function like a natural tooth.
Insurance & Financial Terms
Understanding your dental insurance and treatment costs. These terms appear on your insurance card, explanation of benefits, and billing statements.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
A type of dental insurance plan that offers a network of preferred dentists at reduced rates while still allowing patients to see out-of-network providers. PPO plans offer flexibility in choosing your dentist. Best Dental accepts most PPO dental insurance plans.
Deductible
The amount you must pay out of pocket each year before your dental insurance begins covering costs. Deductibles typically range from $50 to $150 per person per year. Preventive services like cleanings and exams are often covered at 100% regardless of whether the deductible has been met.
Annual Maximum
The maximum dollar amount your dental insurance will pay toward covered services within a single plan year. Most dental plans have annual maximums between $1,000 and $2,500. Once the maximum is reached, you are responsible for 100% of remaining costs until the plan year resets.
Copay (Copayment)
A fixed dollar amount you pay for a specific dental service at the time of your visit. For example, you might have a $25 copay for an office visit or a $50 copay for a filling. Copays are separate from your deductible and coinsurance.
Coinsurance
The percentage of a covered dental service that you are responsible for after meeting your deductible. For example, if your plan covers crowns at 50%, your coinsurance is the remaining 50% of the allowed amount.
Pre-Authorization (Pre-Determination)
A request submitted to your insurance company before treatment to confirm coverage and estimate your out-of-pocket cost. Pre-authorizations are commonly required for major services like crowns, bridges, implants, and orthodontics.
Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
A statement from your insurance company that details what was billed, what was covered, what they paid, and what you owe. An EOB is not a bill. It is a summary of how your claim was processed. Compare your EOB to any bills you receive from the dental office to ensure accuracy.
Waiting Period
A period of time after enrolling in a dental insurance plan before certain services are covered. Waiting periods commonly apply to basic (fillings) and major (crowns, implants) services. Preventive care often has no waiting period. Waiting periods typically range from 6 to 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
Serving Richmond and Surrounding Areas
Best Dental proudly serves patients from across Richmond and the surrounding Fort Bend County communities. Click your neighborhood to learn more.
Have Questions About a Dental Procedure?
Dr. Sonny Naderi and Dr. Jasmine Naderi believe informed patients make better decisions. Schedule a consultation to discuss any treatment in detail. We explain everything in plain language before you commit to anything.
