abscess: an infection of a tooth, soft tissue, or bone.
abutment: tooth or teeth on either side of a missing tooth that support a fixed or removable bridge.
acrylic resin: the plastic widely used in dentistry.
ADA Seal of Acceptance: a designation awarded to products that have met American Dental Association’s criteria for safety and effectiveness and whose packaging and advertising claims are scientifically supported.
adjustment: a modification made upon a dental prosthesis after it has been completed and inserted into the mouth.
air abrasion/micro abrasion: a drill-free technique that blasts the tooth surface with air and an abrasive. This is a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for an anesthetic and can be used to remove tooth decay, old composite restorations and superficial stains and discolorations, and prepare a tooth surface for bonding or sealants.
alveolar bone: the bone surrounding the root of the tooth, anchoring it in place; loss of this bone is typically associated with severe periodontal (gum) disease.
amalgam: a common filling material used to repair cavities. The material, also known as “silver fillings,” contains mercury in combination with silver, tin, copper, and sometimes zinc.
anaerobic bacteria: bacteria that do not need oxygen to grow; they are generally associated with periodontal disease (see below).
analgesia: a state of pain relief; an agent for lessening pain.
anesthesia: a type of medication that results in partial or complete elimination of pain sensation; numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness.
antibiotic: a drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria.
antiseptic: a chemical agent that can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs.
apex: the tip of the root of a tooth.
appliance: any removable dental restoration or orthodontic device.
arch: a description of the alignment of the upper or lower teeth.
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