a local infection resulting in the collection of pus under pressure. A dental abscess may be caused by severe decay, trauma,
or gum disease and will be characterized by swelling and pain. If an abscess ruptures, it will be accompanied by sudden relief
from pain and a foul taste in the mouth.
Abutment
The teeth on either side of a missing tooth. Abutments are the part of the bridge used to support the
replacement of the missing teeth (pontics).
Amalgam
Silver filling. Amalgams are usually placed on the back teeth (posterior teeth).
The sticky film on your teeth (plaque) that has hardened (calcified). Also known as tartar.
Canal
The narrow chamber inside the root of the tooth that contains the nerve and blood vessels.
Canine Teeth
The third tooth from the centre of the mouth to the back of the mouth. Also known as the 'eye tooth'; These are the front
teeth that have one rounded or pointed edge used for biting.
A removable appliance (prosthesis) that replaces all of the missing teeth in either the upper or lower
jaw. Usually made of plastic or metal.
DFSCA
also known as the PRSI scheme. Department of Social, Community & Family Affairs scheme enabling
certain categories of qualifying PRSI contributors to obtain routine dental care from contracting private dental practitioners
at subsidised rates.
DTSS
Dental Treatment Services Scheme. Department of Health & Children scheme enabling G.M.S. (Medical
Card) patients obtain free routine dental care from contracting private dental practitioners or Health Board Clinics.
An unerupted or partially erupted tooth that will not fully erupt because it is obstructed by another
tooth, bone, or soft tissue.
Implant
A post that is implanted in the bone. A crown, bridge or denture is then placed over the implant
Incisors
The central and lateral incisor, those are the first and second teeth from the centre of the mouth to the back of the mouth.
These are the front teeth with the flat edges for biting.
Inlay
A laboratory processed restoration made of metal, acrylic or porcelain. This filling does not involve
the high points of the tooth (cusps).
The first, second and third molars, those are the sixth, seventh and eighth teeth from the centre of the mouth to the back
of the mouth. The back teeth with the large chewing surface on top. They have 4 points (cusps).
A removable acrylic appliance to minimize the effects of grinding the teeth (bruxism) or joint problems
(T.M.J.). Usually worn at night to prevent the grinding of teeth or relieve joint pain.
A laboratory processed restoration made of metal, porcelain or acrylic that replaces one or more of
the highest points of the tooth (cusps).
Oral Surgery
Surgery of the mouth.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is one of the specialised fields of dentistry. It is concerned with the growth and development of the dentition
and the treatment of irregularities which can occur.
Common dental language for a periapical radiograph (X-ray).
Paedodontics
The treatment of children's teeth.
Palate
Roof of the mouth.
Panorex (OPG)
An x-ray taken outside of the mouth that shows all the teeth on one film.
Partial Denture (RPD)
A removable appliance (prosthesis) that replaces some of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
Periapical
An x-ray that shows the whole tooth (above and below the gumline). Also known as a single film or P.A.
Periodontal Charting
Measures the depth that the gums have detached from the side of the tooth forming a pocket (perio pocket).
Periodontology
The treatment of diseases of the gum or bone (supporting structure).
Periodontal Pocketing
The pocket that forms when the gums detach from the side of the tooth.
Permanent First & Second Molars
The adult first and second molars, they are the sixth and seventh teeth from the centre of the mouth
to the back of the mouth. Does not include the third molar (wisdom tooth).
Permanent Teeth
The adult teeth.
Plaque
A sticky, bacteria laden film on the teeth. If it is not removed by brushing it can harden into calculus.
Pontic
The part of a bridge that replaces the missing tooth or teeth.
Posterior Teeth
The back teeth (Bicuspids and molars).
Premolars
The first and second bicuspids, those are the fourth and fifth teeth from the centre of the mouth to
the back of the mouth. These are the back teeth that are used for chewing, they only have two points (cusps).
Preventive
Procedures performed to prevent decay and gum disease.
Primary Teeth
The baby teeth. Also known as the primary dentition. The baby teeth are replaced by the adult teeth
(permanent teeth).
Prophylaxis
Cleaning the teeth. Also known as a prophy.
Prosthetics
A fixed or removable appliance to replace missing teeth. Example: bridges, dentures and partials. Sometimes single crowns
are considered prosthetics.
Clear or coloured application of acrylic placed over the biting surface of the tooth to prevent decay.
Most insurance companies only allow these on permanent teeth.
The third molar, this is the eighth tooth from the centre of mouth to the back of the mouth. Wisdom
teeth are often impacted (obstructed from erupting) and have to be extracted.
a local infection resulting in the collection of pus under pressure. A dental abscess may be caused by severe decay, trauma,
or gum disease and will be characterized by swelling and pain. If an abscess ruptures, it will be accompanied by sudden relief
from pain and a foul taste in the mouth.
Silver filling. Amalgams are usually placed on the back teeth (posterior teeth). 
The front teeth.
X-ray that shows the upper and lower teeth's biting surfaces on the same film. This x-ray shows the portion of the teeth above
the gumline. 
A fixed appliance (prosthesis) that replaces missing teeth. A bridge is a series of crowns (abutments and pontics). 
The sticky film on your teeth (plaque) that has hardened (calcified). Also known as tartar. 
The narrow chamber inside the root of the tooth that contains the nerve and blood vessels. 
The third tooth from the centre of the mouth to the back of the mouth. Also known as the 'eye tooth'; These are the front
teeth that have one rounded or pointed edge used for biting.
Dental decay. 
a porcelain, or gold cover for a decayed, damaged, brittle, or discolored tooth that has a strong base and roots.
Inflammation of the gums characterised by redness, bleeding and swelling. In certain instances, the condition may also cause
pain (e.g. ANUG)
The central and lateral incisor, those are the first and second teeth from the centre of the mouth to the back of the mouth.
These are the front teeth with the flat edges for biting.
The first, second and third molars, those are the sixth, seventh and eighth teeth from the centre of the mouth to the back
of the mouth. The back teeth with the large chewing surface on top. They have 4 points (cusps). 
Orthodontics is one of the specialised fields of dentistry. It is concerned with the growth and development of the dentition
and the treatment of irregularities which can occur. 
Common dental language for a periapical radiograph (X-ray). 
Roof of the mouth.
An x-ray taken outside of the mouth that shows all the teeth on one film. 
An x-ray that shows the whole tooth (above and below the gumline). Also known as a single film or P.A. 
A sticky, bacteria laden film on the teeth. If it is not removed by brushing it can harden into calculus.
The part of a bridge that replaces the missing tooth or teeth. 
A fixed or removable appliance to replace missing teeth. Example: bridges, dentures and partials. Sometimes single crowns
are considered prosthetics. 
A porcelain facing placed on an anterior tooth.