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!
Dentition
The arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth.
Denture
Dentures are removable (partial or complete) set of artificial teeth. Whether you have lost teeth due to decay or an accident, we can help you feel confident and get you smiling again with properly fitting dentures. Let us work with you to determine what method works best for you.
Denturism
The production of dentures dispensed directly by laboratory technicians.
Diastema
A space between teeth.
D.D.S.
Doctor of Dental Surgery, equivalent to D.M.D.
D.M.D.
Doctor of Medical Dentistry, equivalent to D.D.S.
Decay
Destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.
Deciduous Teeth
Commonly called ‘baby teeth,’ the first set of teeth.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is a titanium cylinder surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to provide support for a dental restoration or appliance. Whether you have lost one or more teeth due to decay or an accident, we can help you feel confident and get you smiling again with natural looking dental implants.
Dentin
Inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel.
Resources
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