Category: D

A masticatory unit consisting of a single tooth and its adjacent tissues.  

Surgical creation of a drainage tract with a bur or sharp instrument in the soft tissue or bone overlying a tooth root apex. This is usually done to permit drainage of an apical abscess.  

Any of a variety of treatments of the teeth and adjacent tissues to restore or maintain normal oral health and function.  

Waxed or unwaxed thin tape used for cleaning and removing plaque from between the teeth.  

Any of several types of colloids, plastics, resins, and metal alloys used in dentistry to take impressions, restore teeth, or duplicate dentition.  

An instrument designed to hold the burs used in dentistry to remove tooth structure or to smooth and polish restorative materials. Handpiece rotations are measured in rotations per second. Handpieces may be powered by electric motor or air turbines and are characterized as high speed or low speed depending on their rotational speed. A motor…

The scientific study and treatment of dental conditions of the elderly, including the detection and prevention of caries and the management of periodontal disease and dentures.  

A field of study that includes the manufacture, testing, and use of dental materials, such as cements, metallic alloys, and dental devices.  

An acute condition affecting the teeth, such as inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding teeth or post-treatment complications of dental surgery. It is best treated by a dentist. Nevertheless, the primary care physician and other health care professionals must be familiar with these emergency conditions and their management.  

A consonant pronounced with the tongue at or near the front upper teeth.