Definitions
List of terms used throughout the course.
(in alphabetical order)
Adaptation: the proper positioning of a dental instrument’s working-end against the tooth surface during dental procedures, ensuring effective contact and safety.
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.
Anterior: the front teeth in the mouth, including the incisors and canines, typically located in the upper and lower jaws.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact area: the area where two adjacent teeth touch, helping to maintain proper alignment and preventing food from getting stuck between them.
Coronal: the crown or top portion of a tooth, above the gumline, where the tooth is visible.
Cross section: a view of a tooth or dental structure that has been cut perpendicular to its long axis, providing a detailed internal view.
Curette: a dental instrument used to remove calculus from the tooth surface and clean out periodontal pockets.
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.
Dental anomalies: abnormalities in the development of teeth, such as malformed teeth, missing teeth, or extra teeth.
Dental explorer: a small, handheld instrument used by dentists and hygienists to examine teeth for signs of decay, plaque, and calculus.
Dental mirror: a tool used by dental professionals to provide a reflective surface, allowing them to view hard-to-see areas in the mouth.
Dental prostheses: artificial dental devices, such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants, that replace missing or damaged teeth.
Dental restorations: materials used to restore a damaged or decayed tooth to its normal function, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers.
Dental sealants: thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities, particularly in the molars.
Distal: the surface of a tooth that is farthest from the midline of the mouth, typically on the back side of the tooth.
Facial: the surface of a tooth that faces the outside of the mouth, towards the lips or cheeks.
Fluid strokes: smooth, gentle strokes used during scaling or cleaning, which help remove plaque and calculus without damaging the tissue.
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.
Gingival recession: the process by which the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or recedes, exposing the tooth's root surface.
Gingival sulcus: the natural space or groove between the gum tissue and the tooth, typically about 1-3mm in depth.
Interproximal: the space between two adjacent teeth, often a site where plaque and food debris can accumulate.
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.
Lateral pressure: pressure applied to the sides of a dental instrument's working-end, typically used in scaling and probing procedures.
Ledge: a ridge of calculus that forms on a tooth surface, typically due to improper scaling or a lack of thorough cleaning.
Lingual: the surface of the tooth that faces the tongue, on the lower and upper teeth.
Lower shank: the part of a dental instrument that is closest to the handle, providing leverage for use of the working-end.
Mandibular: the lower jaw or teeth in the lower jaw.
Maxillary: the upper jaw or teeth in the upper jaw.
Mesial: the surface of a tooth that is closest to the midline of the mouth.
Multidirectional stroke: a technique used in scaling or cleaning where strokes are made in multiple directions to ensure thorough cleaning.
Nodule: a small, hard bump or lump that may form on the gum tissue or tooth surface, often related to inflammation or infection.
Overhanging margin: a restoration margin that extends beyond the tooth structure, which can trap food and plaque, leading to decay and gum problems.
Palatal: the surface of a tooth that faces the roof of the mouth, specifically in the upper arch.
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.
Periodontal pockets: spaces that develop between the teeth and gums as a result of periodontal disease, where bacteria can accumulate and cause further damage.
Periodontal probe: a dental instrument used to measure the depth of periodontal pockets and assess the health of the gums and surrounding tissue.
Plaque biofilm: a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth, contributing to the development of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Posterior: the back teeth, including the premolars and molars, located towards the rear of the mouth.
Residual: any remaining material or tissue, such as residual calculus or debris after a dental cleaning or procedure.
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.
Scaler: a dental instrument used to remove calculus and plaque from tooth surfaces, especially above the gumline.
Spicule: a small, sharp point of calculus that can be difficult to remove with standard scaling tools.
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.
Subgingival: refers to the area beneath the gumline, often associated with the accumulation of plaque, calculus, and the presence of periodontal disease.
Supragingival: refers to the area above the gumline, where plaque and calculus can accumulate on the crown of the tooth.
Tartar: hardened dental plaque that has mineralized over time, also known as calculus, and can only be removed by a dental professional.
Tenacious: describes something that is tough or resistant to being removed, often used to describe stubborn calculus or plaque.
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.
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.
Working-end: the part of a dental instrument that is used to perform a procedure, such as a scaler, probe, or curette.