Hi, my name is Junior Tiburcio Aguilar. I live in Montreal, and I am currently studying Life science program at CEGEP Ahuntsic. I have been in this program for my fourth session. This glossary is meant for students and anyone interested in learning more about dentistry. The topic of this glossary is dental terminology used in clinics and in academic settings. It will contain 15 terms with clear definition to help readers better understand dental vocabulary. I researched the words using an educational website and medical dictionaries. I invite you to explore the glossary to improve your knowledge of oral health terms.
anesthesia
noun
Insensitivity to pain, especially as artificially induced by the administration of gases or the injection of drugs before surgical operations.
Example: The dentist used anesthesia to prevent pain.
en: anesthésie
braces
noun
A device fitted to something, in particular a weak or injured part of the body, to give support.
Example: Braces help straighten teeth over time.
en: broches
cavity
noun
An empty space within a solid object, in particular the human body.
Example: The dentist found a cavity in my molar.
en: cavité
crown
noun
The part of a tooth projecting from the gum.
Example: She received a crown to cover her damaged tooth.
en: couronne
Dentin
noun
Hard dense bony tissue forming the bulk of a tooth, beneath the enamel.
Example: Dentin is located under the enamel.
en: Dentine
Enamel
noun
An opaque or semitransparent glossy substance applied to metallic or other hard surfaces for ornament or as a protective coating.
Example: Enamel protects the inner layers of the tooth.
en: émail
extraction
noun
The action of taking out something, especially using effort or force.
Example: The extraction took only a few minutes.
en: extraction
filling
noun
A material used to fill a cavity in a tooth.
Example: The dentist placed a filling in my tooth.
en: remplissage
gingivitis
noun
Gingivitis is a common, mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) characterized by inflammation, redness, and swelling at the base of the teeth.
Example: Gingivitis can cause red and swollen gums.
en: gingivite
hygienist
noun
A specialist in the promotion of clean conditions for the preservation of health.
Example: The dental hygienist cleaned my teeth and removed the plaque during my appointment.
en: hygiéniste
orthodontist
noun
A dentist who is qualified to treat irregularities in the teeth and jaws.
Example: The orthodontist adjusted my braces.
en: orthodontiste
plaque
noun
A sticky deposit on teeth in which bacteria proliferate.
Example: Plaque can build up if you do not brush regularly.
en: plaque
root canal
noun
the pulp-filled cavity in the root of a tooth.
Example: I needed a root canal to treat the infection.
en: canal radiculaire
tartar
noun
A hard calcified deposit that forms on the teeth and contributes to their decay.
Example: Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional.
en: tartre
x-ray
noun
An X-ray is a fast, non-invasive, and painless medical imaging test that uses a low dose of ionizing radiation to produce images of internal body structures, particularly bones, teeth, and organs.
Example: The X-ray showed a problem inside the tooth.