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!
Amalgam
A most common filling material, also known as silver fillings, containing mercury (approximately 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc.
Alveolar Bone
The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth.
Allergy
Unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug.
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.
Adhesive Dentistry
Contemporary term for dental restorations that involve ‘bonding’ of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth.
Abutment
A tooth or teeth that supports a fixed or removable bridge.
Abscess
An infection of a tooth, soft tissue or bone.
Resources
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Give Back and Save on Your Next Visit. Donate $20, and we’ll give you $100 off your next dental treatment*
As you check off your back-to-school to-do list, don’t forget to schedule your family’s dental visit. And while you’re caring for the smiles at home, consider supporting the Smiles for Everyone Foundation to help bring essential dental care to underserved communities. During the month of August, when you donate $20 to the Foundation, you’ll receive…
