There are several terms in dentistry that few people know, but which I believe are very important to know.
Amalgam
noun
an alloy of mercury with another metal, especially one used for dental fillings.
Example: The dentist filled the cavity with a silver amalgam
en: Amalgame
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Apex
noun
the tip of a tooth's root
Example: sommet dentaire
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apex locator
noun
electronic dental device used in endodontics (root canal treatment) to accurately determine the length of the root canal by finding the tip (apex), helping dentists avoid over-instrumentation and ensure proper cleaning and sealing.
Example: To avoid over-instrumentation, the clinician relied on the apex locator to guide the file to the correct working length
en: localisateur d'apex
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biomimetic dentistry
noun
a conservative, modern approach that restores teeth by mimicking their natural structure, function, and biomechanics using advanced bonding and materials
Example: The dentist recommended biomimetic dentistry to restore the tooth, emphasizing its goal to preserve natural tooth structure and vitality.
en: dentisterie biomimétique
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Bruxism
noun
the involuntary clenching, grinding, or gnashing of teeth, often happening during sleep (sleep bruxism) but also while awake (awake bruxism), typically linked to stress, anxiety, or other factors like sleep apnea
Example: My dentist diagnosed me with nocturnal bruxism after noticing my teeth were severely worn down from nighttime grinding.
en: bruxisme
Calculus
noun
hardened dental plaque—a crusty, mineralized deposit of bacteria that forms when soft plaque isn't removed by daily brushing and flossing
Example: Regular brushing and flossing prevent soft plaque from hardening into rough dental calculus, which traps bacteria and requires professional cleaning to avoid gum disease.
en: Tartre
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Cusp
noun
a pointed end where two curves meet.
Example: During the restoration, the dentist carefully shaped the filling to match the natural cusp of the molar.
en: cuspine
dental prophylaxis
noun
a professional, preventive dental cleaning that removes plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains from teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas, to prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, ensuring optimal oral health beyond what regular brushing and flossing achieve, and is a cornerstone of routine dental care.
Example: Regular dental prophylaxis, or professional cleaning, is crucial for removing plaque and tartar to prevent gum disease and keep your smile healthy
en: prophylaxie dentaire
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Dentin
noun
hard dense bony tissue forming the bulk of a tooth, beneath the enamel.
Example: When decay erodes the outer enamel, bacteria can reach the softer dentin, leading to significant tooth sensitivity to hot and cold.
en: dentine
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gingival sulcus
noun
the shallow, V-shaped groove or potential space between the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue
Example: A healthy gingival sulcus is typically 3 millimeters deep or less and doesn't bleed when probed
en: Sillon gingival
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gum line
noun
the specific boundary where the pink gum tissue meets the white, exposed part of the tooth, acting as the transition point between the two structures.
Example: Brushing up to the gum line with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque, preventing cavities and gum disease
en: ligne de gencive
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Halitosis
noun
technical term for bad breath.
Example: The dentist explained that gum disease was the primary cause of his patient's halitosis.
en: Halitose
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ligature ties
noun
small elastic or metal bands or wires used in orthodontics to fasten the archwire to the brackets on teeth
Example: The orthodontist used small ligature ties to secure the archwire to each bracket, ensuring consistent pressure for tooth movement
en: liens de ligature
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malocclusion
noun
a "bad bite," where your upper and lower teeth don't fit together properly, causing misalignment like crowding, spacing, overbite (top teeth jut out), or underbite (lower jaw protrudes
Example: The dentist diagnosed the patient with a severe malocclusion that required braces to correct the misalignment of his upper and lower teeth, preventing further issues like difficulty chewing and jaw pain.
en: malocclusion
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pariodontal ligament
noun
is a specialized connective tissue that attaches the tooth's cementum to the surrounding alveolar bone, acting as a shock absorber and providing support, sensory feedback, and nutrition for tooth stability, bone remodeling, and eruption. It's a complex, dynamic structure of collagen fibers, cells, blood vessels, and nerves, crucial for oral health.
Example: The periodontal ligament contains nerve endings that make teeth sensitive to pressure and temperature.
en: ligament paradontal
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pulpitis
noun
the inflammation of the dental pulp
Example: His persistent sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures indicated he had pulpitis, which needed prompt treatment to avoid tooth loss
en: pulpite
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Temporomandibular disorders
noun
pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint (TMJ) and surrounding muscles, affecting your ability to chew, talk, and yawn, often causing headaches, earaches, and jaw stiffness
Example: Her chronic headaches and jaw pain were eventually diagnosed as temporomandibular disorders.
en: Troubles temporomandibulaires
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Thrush
noun
a common yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida
Example: The dentist identified the white patches on the patient's tongue as oral thrush, a yeast infection that often appears in people with weakened immune systems or those using certain medications."
en: muguet
ultrasonic scaler
noun
a high-frequency dental tool that uses rapid vibrations and a water spray to efficiently remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains from teeth
Example: The dentist used the ultrasonic scaler to get under the gumline, targeting bacteria that manual tools often miss, and then followed up with a hand scaler for a final polish
en: détartreur ultrasonique
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Xerosomia
noun
the subjective feeling or clinical condition of reduced saliva flow, causing a sticky mouth, difficulty speaking/swallowing, altered taste, and significantly increasing the risk of dental issues like decay, infection, and gum disease, often triggered by medications, radiation, or conditions like Sjögren's syndrome
Example: The dentist recommended sugar-free candies and frequent water sips to alleviate the discomfort of her ongoing xerostomia.