Glossary

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | K | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | X | Z

A [top]

ABLATION
The removal of tissue, a part of the body, or an abnormal growth, usually by cutting.

ABUTMENT
A component of a dental bridge or implant.

ADENOIDS
The collection of lymphatic tissue at the rear of the nose. Enlargement of the adenoids can cause obstruction to breathing through the nose.

ADENOTONSILLECTOMY [see Adenoids]
Surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids.

AETIOLOGY
The cause of a specific disease.

ALENDRONATE
Drug belonging to the biphosphonate group which has been successful in the treatment of osteoporosis by preventing bone loss and increasing bone density.

ALVEOLAR BONE
The bone that surrounds and supports the roots of the teeth.

AMELOBLASTOMAS
A locally malignant tumour in the jaw.

AMELOGENESIS
The formation of enamel by ameloblasts, a process that is completed before tooth eruption.

AMELOGENINS
Proteins that induce the formation of the periodontal attachment during tooth formation.

ANALGESIC
A drug that relieves pain.

ANAPHYLAXIS
An abnormal reaction to a particular antigen in which histamine is released from tissues and causes either local or widespread symptoms.

ANKYLOSIS
Fusion of the bones across a joint space, either by bony tissue or by shortening of connecting fibrous tissue. Ankylosis is a complication of prolonged joint inflammation, as may occur in chronic infection or rheumatic disease.

ANODONTIA
Absence of the teeth because they have failed to develop.

ANTIGEN
Any substance that the body regards as foreign or potentially dangerous and against which it produces an antibody.

ANTIGENIC (adjective for ANTIGEN) [see Antigen]

ANTIMYCOTIC - ANTIFUNGAL
Describing a drug that kills or inactivates fungi and is used to treat fungal (including yeast) infections.

ANTIPYRETIC
A drug that reduces fever.

APEX [see Periapical]
The apex of a tooth is the tip of the root, where there is a small hole (the apical foramen) through which vessels and nerves pass from the pulp to the periapical tissues.

APHTHA
A small ulcer, occurring singly or in groups in the mouth as white or red spots.

APHTHOUS (adjective for APHTHA) [see Aphtha]

APICECTOMY
The surgical removal of the apex of the root of a tooth.

APNOEA
Temporary cessation of breathing from any cause.

ASEPSIS
The complete absence of bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other microorganisms that could cause disease. Asepsis is the ideal state for the performance of surgical operations.

ASSAY
A test or trial to determine the strength of a solution, the proportion of a compound in a mixture, the potency of a drug, or the purity of a preparation.

ATROPHY
The wasting away of a normally developed organ or tissue due to degeneration of cells. This may occur through undernourishment, disues, or ageing.

AUSCULTATION
The process of listening usually with the aid of a stethoscope to sounds produced by movements of gas or liquid within the body.

AVULSION
The knocking out of a tooth by trauma. The tooth may be replanted.

AXON
A nerve fibre: a single process extending from the cell body of a neurone and carrying nerve impulses away from it.

B [top]

BACTERAEMIA
The presence of bacteria in the blood and a sign of infection.

BACTERIAL ENDOCARDITIS [see Endocarditis]
Infective endocarditis caused by bacteria.

BAND
The component of a fixed orthodontic appliance that is bonded to the tooth. Bands, metal rings that go round the teeth, are more commonly used on the back teeth (molars).

BETA CAROTENE [see Carotenoid]
Most important form of the carotenoids. It is an antioxidant and can be converted in the body to retinol (vitamin A). Foods containing beta carotene such as milk and some vegetables are therefore a source of the vitamin.

BI(S)PHOSPHONATES
A group of drugs that inhibit the resorption of bone by blocking the action of osteoclasts.

BONE GRAFT
A healthy bone collected from the patient or from another person and used to fill a defect in a bone or as a stimulus to fracture healing.

BRACES [see Orthodontic Appliances]

BRACKET
The component of a fixed orthodontic appliance that is bonded to the tooth. Brackets are usually attached to the front and side teeth.

BRIDGE [see Resin-Bonded Bridges]
A fixed prosthesis to replace one or more missing teeth, to restore the function, form or aesthetics of the mouth. It is also known as a fixed/non-removable partial denture. Bridges are supported and held in position by attachments to adjacent or remaining teeth.

BRUXISM
A habit where a person grinds their teeth, which can lead to excessive wear.

BUCCAL ROOT TORQUE
A force applied to the teeth to keep them upright whilst they are expanded during orthodontic treatment.

BUR
A cutting drill that fits in a dentist's handpiece.

BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME
A group of painful symptoms associated with a burning or similar sensation.

C [top]

CALCULUS (or TARTAR)
A calcified deposit that forms on the surface of teeth. Cannot be removed by toothbrushing.

CANDIDIASIS
A fungal infection of the mouth characterised by white patches on the tongue or inside the cheeks.

CARISOLV
A chemo-mechanical method that removes infected dentine only, leaving healthy tissues unaffected.

CAROTENOID [see Beta Carotene]
Any one of a group of about 100 naturally occurring yellow to red pigments found mostly in plants. The group include the carotenes.

CAUTERY
To destroy tissues by direct application of a heated instrument.

CEMENTUM
The layer of bone tissue which surrounds the dentine of the root of a tooth.

CLEFT LIP
An opening in the upper lip between the mouth and the nose, it can range from a slight notch in the coloured portion of the lip to complete separation in one or both sides of the kip extending up and into the nose.

CLEFT PALATE
The roof of the mouth is not joined completely, this can range from just an opening at the back of the soft palate to a nearly complete separation of the roof of the mouth (soft and hard palate).

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY
A form of psychotherapy based on the belief that psychological problems are the products of faulty ways of thinking about the world.

COMMINUTION/COMMINUTED FRACTURE
A fracture in which the bone is broken into more than two pieces. A crushing force is usually responsible and there is often extensive injury to surrounding soft tissues.

COMPOSITE RESIN
A tooth coloured filling material for teeth.

CONDYLE
A rounded protuberance that occurs at the ends of some bones and forms an articulation with another bone.

CONGENITAL
Used to describe a condition that is recognised at birth or that it is believed to have been present since birth.

CREPITUS
A crackling sound or grating feeling produced by bone rubbing on bone or roughened cartilage, detected on movement of an arthritic joint.

CREST
A ridge or linear protuberance particularly on a bone.

CROWN
A dental restoration that covers most or all of the natural crown.

CRYOTHERAPY
The use of cold in the treatment of disorders.

CURETTAGE
Scraping of the skin or the internal surface of an organ or body cavity by means of a spoon-shaped instrument to remove diseased tissue.

CUSP
Any of the cone-shaped prominences on teeth, especially the molars and premolars.

CYTOKYNES
Protein molecules, released by cells when activated by antigen, that are involved in cell-to-cell communications, acting as enhancing mediators for immune responses through interaction with specific cell-surface receptors on leucocytes.

CYTOTOXIC
Describing a drug that damages or destroys cells and is used to treat various types of cancer, either with or without the use of radiotherapy.

D [top]

DEBRIDEMENT
The process of cleaning an open wound by removal of foreign material and dead tissue so that healing may occur without hindrance.

DECALCIFICATION
Loss or removal of calcium salts from a bone or tooth.

DEFT/S
Decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth or surfaces.

DEHISCENCE
A splitting open of a wound.

DENTAL CARIES (or DENTAL DECAY)
Softening and disintegration of the hard tissues of the tooth caused by the metabolism of sugars by bacteria in plaque attached to the surface of the tooth.

DENTAL DECAY [see Dental Caries]

DENTAL HYPOPLASIA
The defective formation of parts of the tooth due to illnesses such as measles or starvation while the tooth is being formed. It is marked by transverse lines of brown defective enamel, which define the date of the illness.

DENTIFRICE (or TOOTHPASTE)
A paste or powder for cleaning the teeth.

DENTINE
The calcified organic tissue of the tooth, surrounding the pulp chamber, and covered by enamel (on the crown of the tooth) or cementum (on the root of the tooth).

DENTINE HYPERSENSITIVITY
Pain arising from exposed dentine, typically in response to external stimuli (such as hot or cold foods or drinks or cold air), and which cannot be explained by any other form of dental disease.

DENTINOGENESIS IMPERFECTA
Hereditary condition in which the dentine formation is disturbed; this may result in loss of underlying enamel and excessive wear of the dentine.

DENTURE
A removable replacement for one or more teeth carried on some form of plate or frame.

DIRECT PULP CAPPING
The medicament, usually calcium hydroxide, is placed in direct contact with the pulp at an exposure site.

D(M)FS/T
Decayed, (missing) and filled permanent surfaces or teeth.

DYSESTHESIA
Impairment of sensation, especially that of touch.

DYSGEUSIA
Taste disturbance.

DYSGNATHIA
An abnormality of the mouth that extends beyond the teeth and includes the maxilla (upper jaw), mandible (lower jaw) or both.

DYSMASESIA
Difficulty in chewing.

DYSPHAGIA
A condition in which the action of swallowing is either difficult to perform and/or painful.

DYSPLASIA
Abnormal development of skin, bone or other tissues.

DYSPHONIA
Difficulty in voice production.

E [top]

EDENTULOUS
Lacking teeth; usually applied to people who have lost some or all of their teeth.

EMBOLISM
The condition in which an embolus (material such as blood clot, fat, air etc) becomes lodged in an artery and obstructs its blood flow.

ENAMEL MATRIX [see Amelogenins]
Composed of a number of proteins, 90% of which are amelogenins.

ENDOCARDITIS [see Endocardium]
Inflammation of the lining of the heart cavity and valves.

ENDOCARDIUM
A delicate membrane, formed of flat endothelial cells, that lines the heart and is continuous with the lining of the arteries and veins.

ENUCLEATION
A surgical operation in which an organ, tumour or cyst is removed.

EPITHELIUM
The tissue that covers the external surfaces of the body and lines hollow structures (except blood and lymphatic vessels).

ERYTHEMA
Flushing of the skin due to dilation of the blood capillaries, it can be a sign of inflammation or infection.

EXTIRPATION
Complete erradication of a part.

F [top]

FENESTRATION
A window defect of the gingival tissue or alveolar bone contiguous to the root surface.

FERRULE
In restorative dentistry, margin of a cast crown that stabilizes root-canal treated teeth.

FISSURE SEALANT (or PIT AND FISSURE SEALANT)
An impermeable material that is bonded to the occlusal (chewing) surface of posterior teeth to seal the fine grooves (fissures) and pits in the enamel surface of the tooth, to prevent dental caries.

FLUOROSIS
The effects of high fluoride intake. Dental fluorosis is characterized by mottled enamel, which is opaque and may be stained.

FRAENOPLASTY [see Pre-Prosthetic Surgery]
The removal of muscle attachments for pre-prosthetic purposes.

G [top]

GAIT DISTURBANCE
Unusual and uncontrollable problems with walking.

GENIOPLASTY
An operation performed to alter the size and shape of the chin. This can be built up with grafted bone, cartilage, or artificial material.

GINGIVECTOMY
The surgical removal of excess gum tissue. It is a specific procedure of periodontal surgery.

GINGIVITIS
An inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial toxins in dental plaque.

GLASS IONOMER
A type of dental cement made up of calcium aluminosilicate glass powder and a liquid polyacrylic acid.

GUIDED TISSUE REGENERATION
A surgical technique designed to encourage regrowth of tissue. In periodontal treatment the manipulation of the cells which repopulate the wound healing site to ensure the inclusion of cells which will lead to regeneration of the periodontal membrane.

H [top]

HALITOSIS
Any disagreeable odour of expired air, regardless of its origin. Bad breath is the generally accepted term for foul smells emanating from the mouth.

HERPANGINA
An acute viral infection, occurring predominantly in children, that causes a fever of sudden onset associated with malaise and acute ulceration of the soft palate and tonsillar area. It usually lasts 2 to 5 days.

HISTOPATHOLOGY
The study of the microscopic anatomical changes in diseased tissue.

HYALURONATE [see Synovial Fluid]
A component of synovial fluid of the joints and plays an important role in lubricating and maintaining the internal environment of the joints.

HYDROXYAPATITE
The crystalline component of bones and teeth, consisting of a complex form of calcium phosphate.

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
A technique for exposing a patient in a special chamber to intermittent, short term 100% oxygen inhalation at a pressure greater than one atmosphere.

HYPERCAPNIA
The presence in the blood of an abnormally high concentration of carbon dioxide.

HYPERGLYCAEMIA
An excess of glucose in the bloodstream. It may occur in a variety of diseases, most notably in diabetes mellitus, due to insufficient insulin in the blood and excessive intake of carbohydrates. Untreated it may progress to diabetic coma.

HYPERPLASIA
The increased production and growth of normal cells in a tissue or organ. The affected part becomes larger but retains its normal form.

HYPODONTIA [see Congenital]
A reduction in the normal number of teeth through congenital absence.

HYPOPLASIA [see Dental Hypoplasia]

HYPOXIA
A deficiency of oxygen in the tissues.

HYRAX APPLIANCE
A brace fixed to four back teeth by metal rings around the individual teeth. These are joined together by a wire framework attached to a screw in the mid-line which can be opened to expand the jaw.

I [top]

IMPLANT (DENTAL OR ORAL)
A rigid structure that is embedded in the jaw bone or under its covering membrane (periosteum) to provide support for replacement teeth.

INCISOR
Any of the four front teeth in each jaw, two on each side of the midline.

INDIRECT PULP CAPPING
A procedure to maintain pulp vitality by stopping the decay process, promoting formation of repair dentine and preventing further pulp injury. Calcium hydroxide is the most commonly used dressing as it stimulates new dentine formation. It is placed on the remaining thin layer of dentine overlying the pulp.

INFRA-BONY DEFECTS
Defects in the bone supporting the tooth caused by the destruction of bone surrounding the root of the tooth as a result of periodontal disease.

K [top]

KERATINIZED
Being hard or callused; horny; composed of or resembling tough fibrous material consisting chiefly of keratin.

M [top]

MACROPHAGE [see Phagocyte]
A large scavenger cell (a phagocyte) present in connective tissue and many major organs and tissues, including the bone marrow, spleen, lymph nodes, liver, and the central nervous system.

MALAISE
A general feeling of being unwell. The feeling may be accompanied by identifiable physical discomfort and may indicate the presence of disease.

MALOCCLUSION

A condition in which there is an abnormal arrangement of the teeth, either within one jaw or in one jaw in relation to the other.

MANDIBLE
The lower jawbone.

MASSETER
A thick muscle in the cheek extending from the zygomatic arch to the outer corner of the mandible (lower jawbone). It is important for mastication and acts by closing the jaws.

MASTICATION
The process of chewing food.

MAXILLA
Loosely, the upper jaw, which bears the upper teeth.

MESIAL DRIFT
The natural tendancy for teeth to drift mesially (towards the midline).

METASTASIS
The distant spread of malignant tumour from its site of origin.

MICRODONTIA
A condition in which the teeth are unusually small.

MICROGNATHIA
Abnormal smallness of one or both jaws.

MUCOSITIS
An inflammation of the mucous membrane.

MYCOLOGICAL
Related to fungi.

N [top]

NEOPLASM
Any new or abnormal growth: any benign or malignant tumour.

NEUTROPENIA [see Neutrophil]
A decrease in the number of neutrophils in the blood.

NEUTROPHIL
A type of white blood cell which provides an important defence against infection.

NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)

Any one of a large group of drugs used for pain relief. NSAIDs act by inhibiting the cyclo-oxygenase enzymes responsible for controlling the formation of prostaglandins, which are important mediators of inflammation. They include ibuprofen, aspirin, azapropazone and others. Adverse effects include gastric bleeding and ulceration.

O [top]

OBTURATION
To fill or cover an orifice.

OBTURATING PLATE
An acrylic appliance placed over the gums of babies upper jaw so that the cleft between the mouth and the nose is covered.

OCCLUSAL [see Occlusion]
Relating to the occlusion of the teeth.

OCCLUSAL ADJUSTMENT
Selective adjustment of the biting surface of the teeth e.g. grinding the enamel so that the natural biting position (RCP) of the jaws and the normal biting position of the jaws (ICP) are the same.

OCCLUSAL SPLINT
A rigid or flexible appliance that overlays the occlusal surfaces of the teeth to treat clenching, grinding and its associated consequences. It can also provide temporary relief from muscle or TMJ Pain [see Temporomandibular Joint].

OCCLUSION
Relating to the contact of the upper and lower teeth in any jaw position.

OEDEMA
Excessive accumulation of fluid in the body tissues.

ORAL LESIONS
A zone of tissue within the oral cavity with impaired function as a result of damage by disease or wounding.

ORAL LEUKOPLAKIA
A predominantly white lesion of the oral mucosa that cannot be characterised as any other definable lesion.

ORAL LICHEN PLANUS
A chronic autoimmune disease of the lining of the mouth. It is not a cancer nor is it infectious.

ORAL PARAESTHESIA [see Paraesthesiae]

ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES
An appliance used to move teeth as part of orthodontic treatment. Examples include:

-Fixed appliances (braces where the components are attached to the teeth for the duration of the treatment)

-Removable appliances (braces that can be removed from the mouth for cleaning during treatment)

-Functional appliances (braces that aim to move the teeth and modify the growth of the jaws. They can either be removable from the mouth or fixed to the teeth during treatment).

ORTHODONTICS
The branch of dentistry concerned with the growth and development of the face and jaws and the treatment of irregularities of the teeth.

ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY
Surgical correction of severe malocclusion, in which development of one or both jaws is abnormal, to improve facial appearance. It needs to be carried out in combination with orthodontic treatment and may involve surgery to one or both jaws.

ORTHOGRADE
Having straight posture. Movement or progress in the forward direction.

OSSEOINTEGRATED IMPLANTS
Consist of a number of special titanium alloy inserts, placed in the jawbone, onto which abutments are fitted after the bone has healed. Later an artificial-tooth superstructure is attached to the abutments.

OSTEOCLAST(S)
A large multinucleate cell that resorbs calcified bone. Osteoclasts are only found when bone is being resorbed and may be seen in small depressions on the bone surface.

OSTEOMYELITIS
Inflammation of bone due to infection.

OSTEOPOROSIS
Loss of bony tissue, resulting in bones that are brittle and liable to fracture.

OSTEOTOMY
A surgical operation to cut a bone into two parts, followed by realignment of the ends to allow healing.

OZONE
A poisonous gas containing three oxygen atoms per molecule. Ozone is a very powerful oxidizing agent and is formed when oxygen or air is subjected to electric discharge.

P [top]

PARAESTHESIAE
Spontaneously occurring abnormal tingling sensation, sometimes described as pins and needles.

PARAFUNCTION

Clenching and grinding of the teeth.

PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
One of the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system. It increases bodily secretions such as tears, gastric juices, mucus and saliva to defend the body and help digestion.

PARASYMPATHOLYTIC [see Parasympathetic Nervous System]
A drug opposing the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system.

PARASYMPATHOMIMETIC [see Parasympathetic Nervous System]
A drug that has the effect of stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system.

PARTIAL DENTURE
A removable artificial or prosthetic substitute for missing natural teeth and adjacent tissues which does not include the replacement of all the teeth in the arch.

PATHOSIS
A state of disease; a diseased condition.

PERIAPICAL [see Apex]
Around the apex of a tooth.

PERICORONITIS
Inflammation of the gum around the crown of a tooth.

PERIMPLANTITIS [see Suppuration]
Advanced marginal bone loss with signs of infection such as suppuration.

PERIMUCOSITIS
The presence of a plaque-induced inflammation that does not cause bone loss around the dental implant.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE
A disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth: the gums, periodontal membrane, cementum and bone around the tooth socket.

PERIODONTAL POCKET
The space between the gum and the tooth as associated with periodontitis. The deepening space is cause by the destruction of the periodontal ligament attachment and supporting tissues.

PERIOSTEUM
A layer of dense connective tissue that covers the surface of a bone.

PERIRADICULAR RADIOLUCENCY
An area of relative darkness on a radiograph adjacent to the roots of the tooth, due to increased absorption of the x-ray beam. It is commonly associated with the loss of bone density as a result of infection or other pathological processes.

PHAGOCYTE [see MACROPHAGE]
A cell that is able to engulf and digest bacteria, protozoa, cells and cell debris, and other small particles. Phagocytes include many white blood cells and macrophages, which play a major role in the body's defence mechanism.

PIERRE ROBIN SYNDROME [see Cleft Palate] [see Congenital]
A congenital disease in which affected infants have a very small lower jawbone (mandible) and a cleft palate.

PLAQUE
The sticky layer, composed of bacteria in an organic matrix that constantly forms on the teeth, principally from the neck and can be removed by effective toothbrushing.

POSTERIOR CROSSBITES
A condition where the biting relationship of opposing back teeth is the reverse of the normal relationship.

PRE-PROSTHETIC SURGERY
Surgical procedures that can be used to modify the oral anatomy to facilitate the construction of retentive conventional dentures.

PROGNOSIS
An assessment of the future course and outcome of a patient's disease, based on knowledge of the course of the disease in other patients together with the general health, age, and sex of the patient.

PROPHYLAXIS
Any means taken to prevent disease.

PROSTAGLANDIN [see NSAID]

One of a group of hormone-like substances present in a wide variety of tissues and body fluids. Prostaglandins have many actions; for example, they cause contraction of smooth muscle, dilation of blood vessels, and are mediators in the process of inflammation (aspirin and other NSAIDs act by blocking their production). They are also involved in the production of mucus in the stomach, which provides protection against acid gastric juice; use of NSAIDs reduces this effect and predisposes to peptic ulceration, the principal side-effect of these drugs.

PROSTHODONTICS
A branch of dentistry which is involved in the restoration and maintenance of oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of the patient by the replacement of missing teeth or tissues by artificial means.

PSEUDARTHROSIS
A 'false' joint, formed around a displaced bone end after dislocation. A pseudarthrosis also forms when a fracture fails to unite and the bone ends are separated by fibrous tissue.

PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychological methods for the treatment of mental disorders and psychological problems.

PULP (DENTAL)
The vascular and connective tissue at the core of the tooth.

PULP CHAMBER
The cavity at the core of a tooth crown, surrounded by dentine and containing dental pulp remnants.

PULPECTOMY IN PRIMARY TEETH
A modification of endodontic procedures employed for permanent teeth. All the pulp and pulp debris are removed from the tooth and the root canals are mechanically cleaned.

PULPOTOMY IN PRIMARY TEETH
(a) The vital pulpotomy technique

After removal of the coronal pulp a medicament/treatment is applied to the pulp stumps to fix or modify the superficial tissue. In some techniques the medicament is left in situ under the final restoration, in others it is removed before restoration placement. This is usually a one-visit procedure.

(b) The devitalising pulpotomy

The medicament fixes the coronal pulp remnants while part of the radicular pulp may remain vital. The medicament is left in the pulp chamber between visits.

(c) The non-vital pulpotomy

Uses medicaments to disinfect the coronal pulp chamber. With an infected pulp, this type of pulpotomy aims to disinfect the radicular pulp.

(d) Medicaments used

Many medicaments are used in pulp treatment techniques including formocresol, glutaraldehyde, calcium hydroxide, paraformaldehyde, Beechwood creosote, zinc oxide and eugenol, electrosurgery, ferric sulphate, enriched collagen solution, laser, iodoform liquid and paste, Ledermix (steroid and antibiotic paste), bone morphogenetic protein, allogenic dentine, mineral trioxide aggregate and growth factors. Several of these materials are still only in the experimental stage and in some cases, the situation is complicated by proprietary brands with different (and occasionally elusive) formulations.

Q [top]

QUADHELIX APPLIANCE
A brace that is attached by metal rings on the top back teeth which are joined by a metal framework consisting of inner and outer arms with a coil at each corner allowing the appliance and hence top teeth and/or jaw to be expanded.

R [top]

RADIOLUCENT
Offering little resistance to X-Rays in radiography; almost transparent.

RELAPSE

The return of the teeth to their initial position after orthodontic treatment with (dental) braces. Unfavourable change from their corrected position.

RESECTION
The surgical removal of a portion of any part of the body.

RESIN-BONDED BRIDGE [see Bridge]
Fills a space in the teeth by using a synthetic (often porcelain) tooth with a backing (usually metal) which extends one or more of the adjacent natural teeth. The backing is bonded to the surface of the adjacent teeth using a modern resin-based adhesive material.

RESORPTION
The act or process of resorbing something (resorption of a tooth root) - To dissolve and assimilate.

RESTORATION
Any type of dental filling or crown, which is aimed at restoring a tooth to its normal form, function and appearance.

RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
A branch of dentistry concerned with the replacement of tooth substance or missing teeth to restore oral function.

RETAINER

An orthodontic appliance that holds the teeth in position at the end of active treatment. Retainers can either be removable or fixed to the teeth.

RETENTION (ORTHODONTIC)
A phase of orthodontic treatment which attempts to keep teeth in the corrected position after treatment with orthodontic (dental) braces.

RETINOID
Any one of a group of drugs derived from vitamin A.

RHINORRHOEA
A persistent watery mucous discharge from the nose, as in the common cold.

S [top]

SEDATION
The production of a restful state of mind, particularly by the use of drugs.

SEPARATORS
Small rubber bands that make the space for metal orthodontic band attachments around the back teeth.

SEPTICAEMIA
The widespread destruction of tissues due to absorption of disease containing bacteria or their toxins from the bloodstream. The term is also used loosely for any form of blood poisoning.

STABILIZATION SPLINT [see Occlusal Splint]
A type of occlusal splint.

STENOSIS
The abnormal narrowing of a passage or opening, such as blood vessel or heart valve e.g. valvular stenosis.

STOMATITIS
Inflammation of the mucous lining of the mouth.

SULCUS
Any of the infoldings of soft tissue in the mouth e.g. ridge and cheeks, lips or tongue.

SUPPURATION
The formation of pus.

SYMPHYSEAL (adjective for SYMPHYSIS) [see Symphysis]

SYMPHYSIS
The union in the median plane of the two halves of the mandible.

SYNOVIAL FLUID
The thick colourless lubricating fluid that surrounds a joint or a bursa and fills a tendon sheath. It is secreted by the synovial membrane.

SYNOVITIS
Inflammation of the membrane (synovium) that lines a joint capsule, resulting in pain and swelling (arthritis). It is caused by injury, infection, or rheumatic disease.

SYSTEMIC
Relating to or affecting the body as a whole, rather than individual parts and organs.

T [top]

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME
A symptom complex consisting of pain, muscle tenderness, clicking in the jaw joint, and limitation or alteration of movement of the lower jaw.

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT (TMJ)
The joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull.

TINNITUS
The sensation of sounds in the ears or head in the absence of an external sound source.

TOPICAL FLUORIDE
The application of fluoride to exposed surfaces of the tooth as a dental caries preventative therapy.

TRANSPALATAL ARCH
A brace which is attached to the back teeth by metal rings around the teeth and connected by a round wire running across the roof of the mouth.

TRISMUS
Spasm of the jaw muscles, keeping the jaws tightly closed.

TWO-POINT EXPANSION APPLIANCE
A brace fixed to two back teeth by metal rings around the individual teeth. These are joined together by a wire framework attached to a screw in the mid-line which can be opened to expand the top jaw.

U [top]

UPPER REMOVABLE EXPANSION PLATE (URA)
A plastic brace covering the roof of the mouth and is attached to the teeth by clips to individual teeth.

UVULA
A small soft extension of the soft palate that hangs from the roof of the mouth above the root of the tongue. It is composed of muscle, connective tissue, and mucous membrane.

V [top]

VENEER
A facing of composite resin or porcelain applied to the surface of a tooth to give improved shape and/or colour.

X [top]

XEROSTOMIA
Subjective sensation of dryness of the mouth. It is usually the result of a decrease in the volume of saliva secreted.

Z [top]

ZYGOMATIC BONE (ZYGOMA)
Either of a pair of bones that form the prominent part of the cheeks and contribute to the orbits.