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!
Partial Denture
A removable dental prosthesis (appliance) that replaces one or more natural teeth.
Post
A thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy. A post provides retention for a ‘coping’ which replaces lost tooth structure and retains crowns.
Porcelain Veneers
A thin layer of porcelain, fabricated by a laboratory and bonded to a natural tooth to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth, or change color and/or shape.
Porcelain Inlay or Onlay
A tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain and cemented or bonded in place.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crown
A restoration containing metal coping for strength covered by porcelain for appearance.
Porcelain Crown
An all-porcelain restoration that covers the coronal portion of tooth (above the gum line).
Pontic
A replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance.
Plaque
A soft, sticky substance that accumulates on teeth and is composed of bacteria and food debris due to inadequate dental hygiene.
Pit
A small defect in the tooth enamel, or the junction of four formative lobes of a developing tooth.
Permanent Teeth
Thirty-two adult teeth (approximately) in a complete dentition.
Resources
From Wooden Teeth to High-Tech Care: 250 Years of American Dental Innovation
Celebrating a healthy smile is a great way to honor our nation’s 250th birthday. We’ve come a long way since early American dentistry, when many people believed George Washington wore wooden teeth. Today, advanced dental technology makes your office visits comfortable and easy, while smart tools at home help you care for your smile every…
Why Straight Teeth are Healthier
Most people think of straight teeth as just a way to look better in photos. But having a straight smile is actually a big part of your health. When your teeth line up right, it does more than look good. It helps your whole mouth work better and stay cleaner. Easier Cleaning for a Healthier…
Eat the Foods You Love Again with Dental Implants
Missing a tooth is more than just a gap in your smile. It can change how you chew your favorite meals and how you feel when you talk to friends. If you have been hiding your smile or avoiding certain foods, dental implants could be the answer. They are designed to look, feel, and work…
