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Abrasion: 
Loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique, or Bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth).

Abscess: 
A local infection resulting in the collection of pus under pressure. A dental abscess may be caused by severe decay, trauma, or gum disease and will be characterized by swelling and pain. If an abscess ruptures, it will be accompanied by sudden relief from pain and a foul taste in the mouth.

Abutment:
Tooth or teeth that support a fixed or removable bridge.

Adhesive dentistry:
Contemporary term for dental restorations that involve "bonding" of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth.

Air abrasion:
Removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive, a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for anesthetic.

Allergy:
Unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug.

Alveolar bone:
The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth.

Amalgam:
A type of tooth filling made of silver and mercury.  The metalic mixture is initially soft so that it can be molded to fit the tooth and gradually hardens. See alternatives:  Gold, composites and porcelain.

Analgesia:
A state of pain relief; an agent lessening pain.

Anesthesia:
Substances used to remove the effects of pain. General one of 4 types: Topical Anesthesia, Local Anesthesia, General Anesthesia, and Neuroleptic Anesthesia.

Anterior teeth: 
The six upper or six lower front teeth.

Antibiotic:
A drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria.

ANUG:
An acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent's disease, aggravated by stress and/or smoking.

Apex:
The tip of the root of a tooth.

Apicoectomy:
Surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth.

Arch:
Describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth.

Attrition:
Loss of structure due to natural wear.

Autoclave:
Equipment used to clean dental instruments that uses super heated high pressure steam.

 

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Base: 
Cement placed under a dental restoration to insulate the pulp (nerve chamber).

Bicuspid
Transitional teeth behind the cuspids; the premolars.

Bifurcation (trifurcation): 
Juncture of two (three) roots in posterior teeth.

Biopsy: 
The removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination.

Bite wings:
Caries (decay) detection x-rays.

Bite:
The relationship of the upper and lower teeth on closure (occlusion). Bitewing X-rays Similar to periapical X-rays except that only the crowns and part of the roots are seen for 2 or 3 adjacent teeth.  So called Bitewing because the X-ray film holder provides a surface to bite down on and hold the X-ray securely in place.

Black hairy tongue:
Elongated papillae on the tongue, promoting the growth of microorganisms.

Bleaching (tooth whitening):
The process of brightening or whitening stained, discolored, or dull teeth with an in-office power bleaching method, or dentist-supervised, at-home whitening systems; chemical or laser treatment of natural teeth for whitening effect.

Block injection:
Anesthesia of a nerve trunk that covers a large area of the jaw; a mandibular block injection produce numbness of the lower jaw, teeth, half the tongue.

Board Certified: 
A Dentist that has been approved by the American Dental Society to practice a particular specialty. Board certified dentists have demonstrated at least two years of residency within a particular dental specialty and have been certified to be competent in that specialty. Any dentist may claim specific knowledge of any specialty, but a board certified dentist has passed an exam demonstrating education and experience within a certain field of dentistry.

Bonding (composite resin bonding):
The process by which enamel-like resin is bonded to a tooth's surface, sculpted to an ideal shape, hardened, and polished.

Bone resorption:
The decrease in bone supporting the roots of teeth; a common result of periodontal (gum disease).

Braces: 
Devices used by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth to a more favorable alignment.

Bridge: 
Stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth adjacent to a space; replaces one or more missing teeth, cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the space.

Bruxism:
The rubbing or grinding of teeth usually during sleep.

Bruxomania:
The persistent "nervous" grinding of the teeth while the patient is awake.

 

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Calcium:
The chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves.

Calculus:
The same as tartar. Occurs when plaque is left on the teeth untreated. A hard substance that acts an irritant by wedging between the tooth and gum. Left untreated calculus can eventually lead to periodontal disease.

Canines:
The teeth located just to the left and right of the lateral incisors, 4 in total.  Also referred to as cuspids.

Canker Sore:
An ulcer appearing in the mouth or lips usually caused by viral infection.  Also referred to as a cold sore.

Cantilever bridge: 
The fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth only on one end.

Cap:
The common term for dental crown.

Caries:
The medical term for dental decay.

Cast or model:
The reproduction of structures made by pouring plaster or stone into a mold.

Cavitron: 
A dental tool that uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to clean teeth.

Cellulitis: 
A soft tissue infection causing extensive, hard swelling, a potentially dangerous condition requiring immediate attention.

Cementum: 
Hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth.

Central Incisors:
The first four front teeth, two located on the top and two on the bottom of the mouth.

Ceramist: The Ceramist is the laboratory technician that makes the caps or crowns.  The creation of lustrous and natural restorations requires the technician to have great artistic talent.

Chart: 
A log of dental or medical records.

Clasp:
Device that retains a removable partial denture to stationary teeth.

Cleaning (oral prophylaxis):
Cleaning is a preventative procedure that is important to have done at least every 6 months, sometimes more often for some individuals; removal of plaque and calculus (tarter) from teeth, generally above the gum line.

Composite Fillings:
An alternative to Silver Amalgam fillings. Composite fillings are made from a resin and particles that are mixed together and then given time to "cure" and harden. The advantages of composite fillings is that they are naturally white, can easily be colored to match the surrounding teeth, and are relatively easy to install.  Composite fillings are however less biocompatiable than silver or gold and are generally not as strong as metal fillings.   Composite fillings are used more often on front teeth.

Composite resin:
Material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles; usually cured with filtered light or chemical catalyst.

Cosmetic (aesthetic) dentistry:
Treatments performed to enhance appearance; not a recognized specialty.

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation):
Artificial procedures employed by a rescuer after cessation of breathing or heart stoppage.

Cross bite:
Reverse biting relationship of upper and lower teeth; aka "under bite," as in Class III malocclusuion (prognathic jaw).

Crowns: 
An artificial "top" made of porcelain, composite, or metal that is cemented on top of damaged teeth.

Currettage:
A peridontal procedure which involves scraping off plaque to the bottom of the damaged gum tissue and removing the damaged gum tissue.

Cusp: 
The mound on posterior teeth.

Cuspid or canine:
The four "eye teeth".

Cusps:
The peaks on the chewing surface of the back teeth.

Cyst:
A soft or hard tissue sac, hard or filled with fluid.

 

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Decay: 
Destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.

Deciduous teeth:
Commonly called "baby teeth," the first set of (usually) twenty teeth.

Dentin: 
The Inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel.

Dentition:
The arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth.

Dentures:
A removable (partial or complete) set of artificial teeth; when too many teeth are missing to be restored by bridgework, dentures offer a good solution.

Denturism:
The production of dentures dispensed directly by laboratory technicians

Diastema:
The space between two teeth.

DMD:
Doctor of Medical Dentistry - equivalent to DDS.

 

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Enamel:
The hard, white outer layer of the tooth that covers and protects the dentin; above the gum line.

Endentulous:
Without any teeth.

Endodontist:
Board Certified Dentists who specialize on teeth and diseases of the tooth pulp.

Endodontist:
A specialist who treats injuries, diseases and infections of the tooth pulp (nerve chamber).

Epidemiology: 
The study of the incidence of disease in a population.

Eruption:
The process of teeth protruding through the gums.

Exfoliate:
The process of shedding deciduous (baby) teeth.

Exodontia:
The practice of dental extractions.

Explorer:
A sharp instrument used to detect decay on the surface of teeth.

Extraction:
The removal of a tooth.

Eyeteeth:
The four upper and lower canine (cuspid) teeth.

 

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Facing:
Tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown; may be acrylic, composite or porcelain.

FAGD:
Fellowship Academy of General Dentistry

Fillings:
The restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain or resin materials. Minor cavities can be restored with either silver or white (tooth-colored) fillings. This type of treatment is a good way of correcting a small problem before it becomes a bigger and more expensive problem.

Fistula:
An abnormal passage formed in the gum tissue through which an abscessed tooth can drain.

Fistula:
A channel emanating pus from an infection site; a gum boil.

Fixed Bridge:
A fixed dental appliance (used to replace a missing tooth/teeth) cemented or bonded to adjacent teeth which have been prepared to provide anchor supports.

Flap Surgery:
The lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures.

Fluoride:
A chemical substance known to strengthen teeth enamel making teeth less susceptable to decay.  There are two ways fluoride makes its way to teeth:   ingestion through food or water; and topical application made directly to the surface of the teeth by the dentist.

Forceps:
An instrument used for removal of teeth.

Fossa:
The valley found on the sutrpface of posterior teeth.

Freeway Space:
The distance between the upper and lower teeth with the lower jaw in rest position.

Frenectomy:
The removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

Full denture:
The removable dental prosthesis (appliance) replacing all upper or lower teeth.

Full mouth reconstruction:
Extensive restorations of natural teeth with crowns and or fixed bridges to manage bite problems.

 

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General anesthesia:
A controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of pain sensation, protective reflexes, and the ability to respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command.

General Anethesia:
A class of Anethesia substance or substances that are inhaled as gases.  General anethesia eliminates pain by rendering patients completely unconscious.  General anethesia must be administered by medical or dental anesthesiologist, and oral surgeons with special training in a hospital or office operating room.  General anethesia is general used with oral surgery or more complicated procedures where the patient must be relaxed and painfree for an extended period of time.  Complete recovery from general anethesia often takes at least several hours.

Geographic tongue:
Benign changes in the usual color and texture of tongue; does not require treatment.
Gingiva gum tissue.

Gingivectomy:
The removal of the soft tissue surrounding the tooth. Typically used in treatment of periodontal disease and cosmetic dentistry.

Gingivitis:
Inflamed and swollen gum tissue most commonly caused by plaque. Results in swollen, reddish gum tissue which may bleed easily when touched or brushed.   Untreated, gingivitis can lead to chronic periodontal disease and the stability of your teeth.

Gingivoplasty:
A procedure performed by periodontists to reshaping the gum.

Gold Fillings:
An alternative to Silver Amalgam fillings.   Gold is longer lasting however they are generally much more complicated, expensive and require multiple visits.  Gold is generally used as totally cast fillings which are cemented into the mouth.

Gum Boil:
See Fistula.

Gum Recession:
Exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion, periodontal disease or surgery.

 

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Halitosis:
The same as bad breath.  Halitosis has several potential causes including dentures, tooth decay or periodontal disease.

Hematoma:
The swelling of effused blood beneath tissue surface.

HMO or DMO:
health (dental) maintenance organization which specifies a health care (dental) provider a patient may see. Profitability depends on minimization of treatment.

Home Whitening:
Home whitening is achieved through the use of custom made clear acrylic arch forms "trays". The patient is provided with two  trays.  One to fit each of the upper or lower teeth.   The patient places a special whitening gel into each tray and places the tray over the teeth.  These trays are then worn for several hours to allow the gel to whiten the teeth.

Hydrogen Peroxide:
The disinfecting solution used in dental irrigation procedures or as mouth rinse.

Hygienist:
A dental auxiliary who cleans teeth and provides patient education; administers local anesthetic, nitrous oxide and performs periodontal scaling.

Hyperemia:
The increased blood flow; may cause dental sensitivity to temperature and sweets; may precede an abscess.

 

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Impacted Tooth: 
A tooth that is either partially emerged, or submerged under the gum tissue which is blocked from fully emerging by an adjacent tooth. An impacted tooth may push other teeth together or damage the bony structures supporting the adjacent tooth.  Often times, impacted teeth must be surgically removed.

Implant:
An artificial device replacing tooth root; Surgically placed into the site where teeth are missing, they are can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple missing teeth.

Impression:
A mold made of the teeth and soft tissues>

Incision and Drainage:
The surgical incision of an abscess to drain suppuration (pus).

Incisors:
The four upper and four lower front teeth, excluding the cuspids (canine teeth)

Infiltration:
The local anesthetic procedure effective for upper teeth and soft tissue; placement of anesthetic under the gum, allowing it to seep into bone.

Inlay:
A porcelain, resin, or gold filling (made to fit a prepared cavity) cemented or bonded in place to help restore a decayed or broken tooth.

Interocclusal:
The space between upper and lower teeth.

Interproximal:
The surfaces of adjoining teeth.

 

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Jacket:
A crown for a front tooth, usually made of porcelain.

 

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Laminate Veneer:
A thin porcelain resin shell bonded to enamel of front teeth.

Laser Whitening:
The application of Laser (light) energy to a bleaching solution placed on the tooth, whitens the tooth in a short period of time.  This can usually be achieved in 1-2 hours, however the complete procedure can actually take less time.

Lateral Incisors:
The teeth located just to the left and right of the central incisors, 4 in total.

Laughing Gas:
An odorless inhalation agent that produces relative analgesic (sedation); reduces anxiety and creates a state of relaxation; see  Nitrous Oxide.

Lesion:
An injury of bodily tissue due to infection, trauma or neoplasm.

Local Anethesia:
The partial or complete elimination of pain sensation, in the immediate vicinity of its application or injection to the gums or mouth tissue. Lidocain and prilocaine, and mepivacain are the most widely used.   Dentists often apply local anethesia to reduce the pain associated with general dental procedures.  The advantages are that the patient remains alert during the procedure without the pain.

 

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Malocclusion:
A bad bite caused by incorrect positions of the upper or lower teeth.

Managed Care:
A program whereby patient-dentist assignment and dentist reimbursement is administered by a separate, external organization.

Mandible:
The lower jaw.

Margin:
This is the interface where the restoration meets the natural tooth usually at the gum line.   Margins of "porcelain fused to metal" crowns often appear dark or to have a dark line near the gingiva (due to the absence of light transmission to the root of the tooth).  This problem has been solved by the use of  "All Porcelain Crowns" allowing for the creation of a natural looking restoration.

Maryland bridge:
A bridge that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth; requires minimum tooth reduction.

Mastication:
The process of chewing food.

Maxilla:
The upper jaw.

Meniscus:
The capsular cushion between temporomandibluar joint and glenoid fossa.

Milk Teeth:
The deciduous (baby) teeth.

Molars:
The class of teeth found in the back of the mouth after the canines that are characterized as having multiple biting surfaces.

Moniliasis (thrush):
An opportunistic fungal infection after administration of antibiotic; not uncommon in the mouth.

Mucogingival junction (MGJ):
A meeting of thick, protective gingival tissue around the teeth and the friable mucous lining of the cheeks and lips.

 

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Nerve (root) canal:
The dental pulp; the internal chamber of a tooth.

Nerve:
The tissue that conveys sensation, temperature, position information to the brain.

Neuroleptic Anesthesia: 
A class of Anethesia substance applied intravenously.  The degree of anethesia can be controlled from slight consciousness to totally unconscious.   Fentanyl and droperidol combinations are most commonly used.  Dentists often apply Neuroleptic anethesia to reduce the pain associated with any dental procedures.  The advantages are that the degree of unconsciousness and pain relief can be controlled and generally the recovery time is much less than with general anethesia.

Night guard:
A plastic mouthpiece used to prevent damage caused from bruxism.

Nitrous oxide:
A gas used to reduce patient anxiety.

Novocain:
An older brand name for a local anesthetic, currently replaced by safer, more effective agents.

NSAID:
A non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often used as a dental analgesic.

 

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Occlusal X-rays:
The larger X-rays taken to show the whole bite of the lower and upper jar.

Occlusion:
The closure; relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure.

Onlay:
A large filling when a substantial part of the tooth is replaced; covering the chewing surface.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon:
A dental specialist who manages the diagnosis & surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities of the mouth and supporting structures.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery:
Surgical procedures on the mouth including extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws.

Oral Cavity:
The mouth itself.

Oral Hygiene:
The process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related structures.

Oral Pathologist:
A dentist specializing in the study of oral diseases.

Orthodontics:
The dental specialty that treats misalignment of teeth.

Orthodontist:
A Board Certified Dentist who specializes on correcting abnormally aligned or positioned teeth. See Braces.

Osseous:
Means boney.

Overbite:
The vertical overlap of the front teeth.

Overdenture:
A denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants.

Overjet:
The horozontal overlap of the front teeth.

 

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Palate: 
A hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth.

Palliative Treatment:
A non-invasive relief of irritating conditions.

Panoramic X-rays:
A complete half circle X-ray view from ear to ear producing a complete two dimensional representation of all the teeth.

Parasthesia:
A partial loss of sensation; may be temporary or permanent.

Partial denture (bridge):
A fixed or removable dental prosthesis that replaces some of the natural teeth.

Pedodontics or Pediatric Dentist:
A Board Certified Dentists who specialize on the treatment of children's teeth.

Periapical (PA):
A region at the end of the roots of teeth.

Periapical X-rays:
X-rays that provide complete side views of the roots to the crowns of the teeth.

Periodontal chart:
A record measuring the depth of gum pockets around the teeth.

Periodontal Disease (Pyorrhea):
Inflammation or degeneration of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. This is the major cause of tooth loss. 

Periodontal Probing:
Probing and diagnosing procedure for Periodontal Diseases. 

Periodontal Surgery:
The recontouring or esthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue around the teeth.

Periodontist:
A dental specialist treating the gums and supporting soft and hard tissues retaining natural teeth and the surgical placement of dental implants.

Periodontitis:
This is the result of advanced gingivitis and a common cause of tooth loss. The pockets between the teeth an gums gradually deepen and progressively loosen the teeth.

Permanent Teeth:
Thirty-two (usually) adult teeth in a complete dentition.

Pit:
A small defect in the tooth enamel; a junction of four formative lobes of a developing tooth.

Plaque:
A sticky fairly transparent film of material that accumulates on teeth; consisting of food particles, bacteria, and dead cells. If left alone, plaque eventually turns in to tartar or calculus.

Pontic: 
A replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance.

Porcelain:
A glass-like or enamel-like ceramic substance. It is used to create various dental restorations such as veneers, crowns, onlays, inlays and bridges.

Porcelain crown:
The porcelain restoration that covers the coronal portion of tooth (above the gum line.)

Porcelain Fillings:
An alternative to Silver Amalgam fillings. Porcelain fillings are similar to composites in that they can be easily colored to match surrounding teeth. Porcelain is much stronger and longer lasting than composite teeth replacement. 

Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown:
A restoration with metal coping (for strength) covered by porcelain (for appearance)

Porcelain inlay or onlay:
A tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain, cemented or bonded in place.

Porcelain veneers:
A thin layer of porcelain bonded to a natural tooth that replaces lost tooth structure. This helps close spaces, straighten, or change the color and/or shape of teeth.

Post: 
A thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy.

Post-core:
A post and buildup to replace lost tooth structure and retain crown.

Post-crown:
A single structure that combines post-core and crown. 

Power Bleaching:
A procedure that involves the application of a much stronger chemical directly to the surface of the teeth. Visible results are much faster -- usually within 2 hours.

PPO or PDO:
Preferred Provider Organization which a healthcare provider may join, offering fee for service treatment at reduced fees.

Prognosis:
The anticipated outcome of treatment.

Prophylaxis:
The procedure of cleaning the teeth for the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Prosthetics:
Dental implants or artificial teeth.

Prosthodontist:
A dental specialist skilled in restoring or replacing teeth with fixed or removable prosthesis (appliance.)

Pulp:
The center of the tooth consisting of blood vessels and nerve tissues.

Pulp cap:
A medicated covering over a small area of exposed pulp tissue.

Pulp chamber:
The center or innermost portion of the tooth containing the pulp.

Pulpectomy:
The complete removal of the pulp (commonly done in children's teeth.)

Pulpitis:
The inflammation of the pulp. This is a common cause of toothache.

Pulpotomy:
The partial removal of the pulp tissue.
 

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Reimplantation: 
The insertion and temporary fixation of partially or completely removed tooth or teeth, resulting from traumatic injury.

Reline: 
An acrylic restoration of denture base to compensate for bone loss; direct Reline is done at chairside; indirect Reline requires dental laboratory work.

Restorations:
Various ways of replacing tooth structure that is missing due to decay, deterioration of previously placed restorations or fracture.

Retained Root:
The partial root structure remaining in the jaw after extraction or fracture of a natural tooth.

Retainer:
A removable appliance designed to hold teeth in a given position.

Root Canal:
A four step procedure used to save an infected tooth. 
1) The inner pulp of the tooth is cleaned out. 
2) The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. 
3) The tooth is filled with a permanent filling. 
4) An artificial crown is placed on top of the tooth.

Root Planing:
(see Scaling)

Root Resection: 
The removal of a portion of diseased root structure while retaining the remaining natural tooth.

Root:
A tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw.

Rubber Dam:
A thin rubber sheet applied to isolate one or more teeth during dental procedures.
 

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Saliva: 
A clear lubricating fluid in the mouth.

Saliva Ejector:
A suction tube placed in the mouth to remove excess saliva.

Salivary Glands:
Located under tongue and in cheeks producing saliva.

Scaling (Root Planing):
The procedure of scraping plaque or hard deposits off of teeth below the gum line or on the root of the tooth. 

Sealants:
A coating applied to the bitting surface of teeth to protect the teeth from decay.

Secondary Dentin:
A tooth structure produced by the pulp in response to tooth irritation.

Sequstrum:
A loosened piece of bone pushed out to the surface.

Sinusitis:
The infammation of the sinus that may cause dental pain.

Sleep Apnea:
The periodic interruption or delay in breathing during sleep.

Space Maintainer:
A dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth.

Splint:
A connection of two or more teeth so they function as a stronger single structure.

Supernumerary Tooth:
An extra tooth.
 
 

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Tartar: 
A common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth; produces rough surface that attracts plaque.

Third-Party Provider:
An insurance company, union, government agency that pays all or a part of cost of dental treatment.

TMD (or Temperomandibular Disorder):
A condition characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open or move the jaw. Symptoms range from tenderness and swelling to headaches and neck and back aches.  Generally is evidenced by a clicking or popping sound when the jaw is opened or closed.

TMJ (or Temperomandibular Joint):
The joint that connects the lower jaw with the skull.

Tooth Bud:
The early embryonic structure that becomes a tooth.

Tooth Whitening:
A chemical or laser process to lighten/brighten the color of teeth. The are inexpensive home whitening products available but results take longer to achieve. Laser Whitening (see Laser Whitening) is performed by a Dentist and final results are often accomplished within 1-2 hours.

Topical Anesthetic:
An ointment applied directly to the gums or mouth tissue to provide pain relief on the immediate surface of the tissue. Dentists often apply a topical anethetic to reduce the pain associated with needle pricks required for the application of a local anethesia or to reduce pain and discomfort of mild infections or irritations on the gum or in the mouth.

Torus:
The bone protuding on the palate or lower jaw.

Transplant:
The placement of a natural tooth in the empty socket of another tooth.

Trauma:
An injury caused by external force, chemical, temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment.

Trench Mouth:
An acute, non-contagious but painful infection of the gums; painful bleeding of the mouth and gums; often associated with bad breath.

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UCR:
Usual, customary and reasonable fees applied to each dental procedure.

Unerupted Tooth:
A tooth that has not pushed through the gums.

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Veneer: 
A plastic or porcelain facing bonded directly to a tooth to improve its appearance. Veneers are especially useful for repairing chipped, cracked, or worn teeth. These are a conservative alternatives to crowns.

Vertical Dimension:
The arbitrary space between the upper and lower jaws upon closure; may decrease over time due to wear, shifting or damage to the teeth. 

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Walking Bleach:
A method used to lighten a tooth that has darkened after root canal treatment.

Whitening of Teeth:   
See Tooth Whitening.

Wisdom Teeth:
The third (last) molars that usually erupt at age 18-25.

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Xerostomia:
A condition that causes dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva.

X-Rays:
A high frequency light (or radiation) which causes an image of a subtance to be displayed in a film.

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