Abfraction: Abfraction is the loss of tooth structure from flexural forces. This has not been supported yet by dental research but it is hypothesized that enamel, especially at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), undergo this pattern of destruction by separating the enamel rods.
As teeth flex under pressure, the arrangement of teeth touching each other, known as occlusion, causes tension on one side of the tooth and compression on the other side of the tooth. This is believed to cause V-shaped depressions on the side under tension and C-shaped depressions on the side under compression.
This theory does not fully satisfy many researchers because there are many teeth whose occlusion causes tension and compression on either side. Consequently, it would be expected that many more teeth would show signs of abfraction, but this is not the case. Research is ongoing to identify the role abfraction has on this pattern of tooth destruction.
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Abrasion: Loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique, or Bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth).
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Abscess: A tooth abscess or root abscess is pus enclosed in the tissues of the jaw bone at the tip of an infected tooth. Usually the abscess originates from a bacterial infection that has accumulated in the soft pulp of the tooth. This is usually but not always associated with what is commonly described as a dull throbbing excruciating ache.
A tooth abscess typically originates from dead pulp tissue, usually caused by untreated tooth decay, cracked teeth or extensive periodontal disease. A failed root canal treatment may also create a similar abscess.
There are two types of dental abscess. A periapical abscess starts in the dental pulp and is most common. A periodontal abscess begins in the supporting bone and tissue structures of the teeth.
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Abutment: The natural tooth that holds in place a fixed or removable bridge
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Air Abrasion: Tiny particles of aluminum oxide blasted in a stream of water at the tooth to remove the decayed debris and ruined enamel of cavities
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Allergy: Unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug
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Alveolar Bone: The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth
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Amalgam: The most common filling material used for fillings, also referred to as mercury or silver
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Analgesia: A state of pain relief; an agent to lessen pain
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Anesthesia: Relieves the sensation of pain. See General Anesthesia, IV Sedation and Local Anesthesia
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Anodontia: Anodontia, also called anodontia vera, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the congenital absence of all primary or permanent teeth. It is associated with the group of skin and nerve syndromes called the ectodermal dysplasias. Anodontia is usually part of a syndrome and seldom occurs as an isolated entity.
Partial anodontia, known as hypodontia or oligodontia, is the congenital absence of one or more teeth. Congenital absence of all wisdom teeth, or third molars, is relatively common.
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Anterior Teeth: The six upper or six lower front teeth
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Antibiotic: A drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria
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Apex: The tip of the root of a tooth
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Apicoectomy: Surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth
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Arch: Describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth
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Attrition: Loss of structure due to natural wear
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Autoclave: A device that has a chamber where instruments are placed and steam under pressure is injected, in order to complete sterilization
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