A
- abrasion
abrasion loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique, or Bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth).
- abscess
abscess an infection of a tooth, soft tissue or bone
- abutment
abutment tooth or teeth that support a fixed or removable bridge
- adhesive dentistry
adhesive dentistry contemporary term for dental restorations that involve "bonding" of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth
- air abrasion
air abrasion removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive, a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for nesthetic
- allergy
allergy unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug
- alveolar bone
alveolar bone the jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth
- amalgam
amalgam a most common filling material, also known as "silver fillings,"containing mercury (app 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc used for fillings
- analgesia
analgesia a state of pain relief an agent lessening pain
- anesthesia
anesthesia partial or complete elimination of pain sensation numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness
- anterior teeth
anterior teeth the six upper or six lower front teeth
- antibiotic
antibiotic a drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria
- Antimicrobial Therapy in Periodontics
The potential benefits and pitfalls of antimicrobial chemotherapy in treatment of periodontal diseases will be reviewed, along with the scientific basis and recommendations for using local and/or systemic antimicrobial agents in periodontal therapy.
- apex
apex
- apicoectomy
apicoectomy surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth
- arch
arch describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth
- attrition
attrition loss of structure due to natural wear