Abrasion

Loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique, or Bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth)

Abscess

An infection of a tooth, soft tissue or bone

Abutment

Tooth or teeth that support a fixed or removable bridge

Air Abrasion

Contemporary term for dental restorations that involve "bonding" of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth

Allergy

Unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug

Alveolar bone

The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth

Amalgam

A most common filling material, also known as "silver fillings,"containing mercury (app 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc used for fillings

Analgesia

A state of pain relief; an agent lessening pain

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

The six upper or six lower front teeth

Antibiotic

A drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria

ANUG

An acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent's disease, aggravated by stress and/or smoking

Apex

The tip of the root of a tooth

Apicoectomy

Surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth

Arch

Describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth

Attrition

Loss of structure due to natural wear

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