Definitions

Adaptation: the proper positioning of a dental instrument’s working-end against the tooth surface during dental procedures, ensuring effective contact and safety.

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Anatomic features: natural structures of teeth and surrounding tissues, such as cusps, ridges, and grooves, as well as the gum tissue, bone, and other oral structures.

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Anterior: the front teeth in the mouth, including the incisors and canines, typically located in the upper and lower jaws.

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Assessment stroke: a light stroke made with a dental instrument, typically to explore the tooth surface, assess the condition of the tissue, and check for any abnormalities such as calculus or irregularities.

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Buccal: the surface of a tooth that faces the inside of the cheek or lips, typically used to describe the outer surfaces of the posterior teeth.

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Calculus deposit: hardened plaque that forms on the teeth and gums. It is caused by the mineralization of plaque over time and can lead to gum disease if not removed.

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Carious lesion (decay): a damaged area of a tooth caused by bacterial activity, leading to the breakdown of the tooth's hard tissue, also known as a cavity.

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Cervical-third of the root: the portion of a tooth’s root near the gumline, often involved in conditions like gum recession and periodontal disease.

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Contact area: the area where two adjacent teeth touch, helping to maintain proper alignment and preventing food from getting stuck between them.

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Coronal: the crown or top portion of a tooth, above the gumline, where the tooth is visible.

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Cross section: a view of a tooth or dental structure that has been cut perpendicular to its long axis, providing a detailed internal view.

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Curette: a dental instrument used to remove calculus from the tooth surface and clean out periodontal pockets.

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Deficient margin: the part of a dental restoration that does not properly meet the tooth structure, creating a gap that can lead to further decay or problems.

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Dental anomalies: abnormalities in the development of teeth, such as malformed teeth, missing teeth, or extra teeth.

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Dental explorer: a small, handheld instrument used by dentists and hygienists to examine teeth for signs of decay, plaque, and calculus.

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Dental mirror: a tool used by dental professionals to provide a reflective surface, allowing them to view hard-to-see areas in the mouth.

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Dental prostheses: artificial dental devices, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants, that replace missing or damaged teeth.

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Dental restorations: materials used to restore a damaged or decayed tooth to its normal function, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers.

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Dental sealants: thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities, particularly in the molars.

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Distal: the surface of a tooth that is farthest from the midline of the mouth, typically on the back side of the tooth.

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Facial: the surface of a tooth that faces the outside of the mouth, towards the lips or cheeks.

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Fluid strokes: smooth, gentle strokes used during scaling or cleaning, which help remove plaque and calculus without damaging the tissue.

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Functional shank: the portion of a dental instrument that connects the handle to the working-end and provides leverage for the dental professional during procedures.

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Gingival recession: the process by which the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or recedes, exposing the tooth's root surface.

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Gingival sulcus: the natural space or groove between the gum tissue and the tooth, typically about 1-3mm in depth.

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Interproximal: the space between two adjacent teeth, often a site where plaque and food debris can accumulate.

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Junctional epithelium: the tissue that attaches the gingiva to the tooth, forming a seal around the tooth and protecting the underlying structures from bacterial invasion.

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Lateral pressure: pressure applied to the sides of a dental instrument's working-end, typically used in scaling and probing procedures.

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Ledge: a ridge of calculus that forms on a tooth surface, typically due to improper scaling or a lack of thorough cleaning.

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Lingual: the surface of the tooth that faces the tongue, on the lower and upper teeth.

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Lower shank: the part of a dental instrument that is closest to the handle, providing leverage for use of the working-end.

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Mandibular: the lower jaw or teeth in the lower jaw.

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Maxillary: the upper jaw or teeth in the upper jaw.

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Mesial: the surface of a tooth that is closest to the midline of the mouth.

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Multidirectional stroke: a technique used in scaling or cleaning where strokes are made in multiple directions to ensure thorough cleaning.

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Nodule: a small, hard bump or lump that may form on the gum tissue or tooth surface, often related to inflammation or infection.

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Overhanging margin: a restoration margin that extends beyond the tooth structure, which can trap food and plaque, leading to decay and gum problems.

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Palatal: the surface of a tooth that faces the roof of the mouth, specifically in the upper arch.

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Periodontal disease: a condition affecting the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth, often caused by bacterial infection, leading to inflammation, tooth loss, and other complications.

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Periodontal pockets: spaces that develop between the teeth and gums as a result of periodontal disease, where bacteria can accumulate and cause further damage.

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Periodontal probe: a dental instrument used to measure the depth of periodontal pockets and assess the health of the gums and surrounding tissue.

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Plaque biofilm: a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth, contributing to the development of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

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Posterior: the back teeth, including the premolars and molars, located towards the rear of the mouth.

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Residual: any remaining material or tissue, such as residual calculus or debris after a dental cleaning or procedure.

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Ring: the circular area at the base of a dental instrument's handle, or it can refer to a tool used in orthodontics or other specialized procedures.

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Scaler: a dental instrument used to remove calculus and plaque from tooth surfaces, especially above the gumline.

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Spicule: a small, sharp point of calculus that can be difficult to remove with standard scaling tools.

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Sulci: plural of sulcus, referring to the spaces or grooves between the teeth and the gum tissue, often the location where plaque and debris accumulate.

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Subgingival: refers to the area beneath the gumline, often associated with the accumulation of plaque, calculus, and the presence of periodontal disease.

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Supragingival: refers to the area above the gumline, where plaque and calculus can accumulate on the crown of the tooth.

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Tartar: hardened dental plaque that has mineralized over time, also known as calculus, and can only be removed by a dental professional.

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Tenacious: describes something that is tough or resistant to being removed, often used to describe stubborn calculus or plaque.

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Tooth surface irregularities: any imperfections or abnormalities in the surface of a tooth, such as grooves, pits, or wear, which can contribute to plaque accumulation and decay.

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Veneer: a thin shell of material, often porcelain or composite resin, that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance or protect it from damage.

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Working-end: the part of a dental instrument that is used to perform a procedure, such as a scaler, probe, or curette.

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