Teeth Anatomy and Oral Structures

Teeth and Structures

• Enamel is the hard, outer layer of a tooth.
• Dentin is the tissue layer beneath the enamel that makes up the bulk of the tooth.
• Pulp is the soft tissue inside a tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.
• Root Canal is the space within the root of a tooth, containing the pulp.
• Crown refers to the visible part of a tooth above the gum line.
• Root is the part of a tooth that is embedded in the jawbone.
• Caries is another term for tooth decay or cavities.
• Cusp is the pointed or rounded part of a tooth's biting surface.
• Bicuspid is a tooth with two cusps, also known as a premolar.
• Molar refers to a tooth located at the back of the mouth used for grinding food.
• Incisor is a sharp-edged tooth at the front of the mouth, used for biting.
• Canine is a pointed tooth located between the incisors and premolars.

Gums and Oral Tissue

• Gingiva is the soft, pink tissue surrounding the teeth, also known as gums.
• Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums and an early stage of gum disease.
• Periodontal Disease is a condition affecting the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth.
• Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth and contains bacteria.
• Calculus is hardened plaque, also known as tartar.
• Gum Recession is the loss of gum tissue, exposing the root surface.

Dental Procedures and Treatments

• Extraction is the removal of a tooth.
• Filling is a material used to fill a cavity or restore tooth structure.
• Crown is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape and function.
• Bridge is a prosthetic replacement for one or more missing teeth, attached to adjacent teeth.
• Implant is a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth.
• Root Canal Therapy is a treatment to remove the pulp from a tooth's root canal.
• Scaling is the removal of plaque and calculus from teeth.
• Root Planing is a procedure to smooth the tooth root and remove debris.
• Sealant is a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent decay.
• Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the alignment of teeth.
• Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the replacement of missing teeth.
• Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the pulp and root canal of teeth.
• Periodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth.
• Sedation involves the use of medication to help a patient relax during dental procedures.
• Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.
• Radiograph refers to an X-ray image of the teeth and surrounding tissues.