× Close
Call 1-800-867-6453 Book Now

Glossary of Dental Terms

A handy reference

Common Dental Terms

We’ve put together this handy reference guide of terms you might hear when speaking with your dentist or support staff.

Please don’t hesitate to ask your dental care provider for clarification. We’re here to help make your experience as pleasant as possible!

Abrasion

Loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique or bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth).

Attrition

Loss of structure due to natural wear.

Abscess

An infection of a tooth, soft tissue or bone.

Abutment

A tooth or teeth that supports a fixed or removable bridge.

Adhesive Dentistry

Contemporary term for dental restorations that involve ‘bonding’ of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth.

Air Abrasion

Removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive, a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for anesthetic.

Allergy

Unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug.

Alveolar Bone

The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth.

Amalgam

A most common filling material, also known as silver fillings, containing mercury (approximately 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc.

Analgesia

A state of pain relief or an agent that lessens pain.

Resources

Maximize Your 2023 Dental Benefits

The end of 2023 is fast approaching so now’s the time to maximize your dental insurance benefits if you have not already done so. Most benefits expire on December 31st so we, at Castle Dental, want to make sure you are getting the most out of your benefits! Here are some simple tips you can…

Read More
Back-to-School Dental Tips

Is your child excited to go back to school? Let Castle Dental keep your child smiling all year round. Their oral health may not be on your mind during this season but don’t worry! We came up with a simple checklist to help ensure your child enjoys a healthy grin! Fresh Smile for the New…

Read More
Shark Teeth Facts

Shark week is coming up so here are some fun facts about this impressive toothy predator. Sharks have A LOT of Teeth Humans only have one row of teeth, but sharks can have 15 rows at any given time. Unlike humans, sharks can regrow them and replace any lost or worn-out teeth. Though we don’t…

Read More