The Auslander Dental Patient Dictionary: A Glossary of Common Terms

At Auslander Dental, we believe that an informed patient is a healthy patient. Dental terminology can sometimes sound like a foreign language, but understanding your diagnosis and treatment options is key to making confident decisions about your oral health.

We have compiled this glossary to help our patients in Gambrills, Crofton, and Odenton better understand the words we use every day.

A

Abscess: An acute infection caused by tooth decay, trauma, or gum disease that results in a collection of pus. It often causes severe pain and requires immediate attention (often a root canal or extraction).

Abutment: A connector piece used in dental implants. It attaches the titanium implant post (in the jaw) to the visible dental crown (the tooth you see).

Amalgam: A silver-colored filling material used to repair cavities. While durable, many patients today prefer Composite Resin (tooth-colored) fillings for better aesthetics.

Anesthesia (Local): Medication injected into the gum to numb the area being treated, blocking pain signals so you remain comfortable during procedures.

Apex: The very tip of the root of a tooth.

B

Bite (Occlusion): The way your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. A “bad bite” (Malocclusion) can cause jaw pain or uneven wear.

Bitewing: A specific type of X-ray that shows the crowns of the upper and lower teeth simultaneously. These are essential for detecting cavities between teeth.

Bonding: A cosmetic procedure where tooth-colored resin is applied to a tooth and hardened with a special light to repair chips, close gaps, or change the shape of a tooth.

Bone Graft: A procedure used to build up the bone in the jaw, often required before placing a dental implant if the natural bone is too thin.

Bridge: A fixed (non-removable) restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It uses the healthy neighboring teeth as anchors to hold an artificial tooth in the gap.

Bruxism: The clinical term for grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep. Left untreated, it can wear down enamel and cause TMJ pain. (See Night Guard).

C

Calculus: Also known as Tartar. A hard, mineralized deposit that forms on teeth when plaque is not removed. Unlike plaque, calculus cannot be brushed off; it must be removed by a hygienist.

Caries: The technical term for Cavities or tooth decay.

Cavity: A hole in the tooth caused by decay. Bacteria produce acids that eat away the tooth’s enamel.

CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography): A high-tech, 3D imaging machine we use at Auslander Dental. It captures a 3D model of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone in a single scan—crucial for precise implant planning.

Composite Resin: A white, tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. It blends in naturally with your smile.

Crown: Also called a “cap.” A cover that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

D

Deciduous Teeth: The clinical term for “baby teeth” or primary teeth.

Dental Implant: A permanent solution for missing teeth. It consists of a titanium post placed in the jawbone (acting as a root) topped with a crown.

Dentin: The layer of the tooth located just under the enamel. It is softer than enamel and protects the nerve. When enamel wears down and dentin is exposed, you may feel sensitivity.

Dentures: A removable appliance used to replace missing teeth. They can be complete (replacing all teeth) or partial (replacing some).

Digital Impressions: A modern, goop-free way to take a mold of your teeth using a handheld scanner wand instead of messy putty trays.

Dry Socket: A painful condition that can occur after a tooth extraction if the blood clot at the site is dislodged prematurely.

E

Enamel: The hard, white outer layer of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in the human body but cannot regenerate once lost.

Endodontist: A dentist who specializes in treating the inside of the tooth (the pulp), specifically performing root canals.

Erosion: The wearing away of tooth enamel by acid (from sodas, citrus, or acid reflux), not by bacteria.

Extraction: The removal of a tooth.

F

Filling: A restoration used to repair a tooth damaged by decay.

Fluoride: A mineral that helps strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. We often apply professional-grade fluoride treatments after cleanings for children and high-risk adults.

Full Mouth Reconstruction: A combination of restorative procedures (crowns, implants, bridges) used to fix a smile that has widespread damage or wear.

G

Gingiva: The clinical term for gums.

Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. It is reversible with good hygiene and professional cleaning.

Gum Recession: When the gums pull away from the tooth, exposing the root. This can be caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, or grinding.

H

Halitosis: The clinical term for chronic bad breath.

Hygienist: A licensed dental professional who specializes in cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and educating patients on oral health.

I

Impacted Tooth: A tooth that is blocked from coming in (erupting) properly, usually because there isn’t enough room. This is common with Wisdom Teeth.

Invisalign: A popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable plastic aligners to straighten teeth instead of metal braces.

Intraoral Camera: A pen-sized camera we use to take high-resolution photos of the inside of your mouth, helping you see cracks or decay exactly as we see them.

M

Malocclusion: “Bad bite.” Misalignment of the teeth or jaws.

Mandible: The lower jaw bone.

Maxilla: The upper jaw bone.

Mouthguard (Sports Guard): A flexible appliance worn during sports to protect teeth from trauma/injury.

N

Night Guard: A custom-made acrylic appliance worn during sleep to protect teeth from the damage caused by grinding (Bruxism) and to relieve jaw tension.

Nitrous Oxide: Also known as “laughing gas.” A mild form of sedation inhaled through a mask to help anxious patients relax during treatment.

O

Occlusal Guard: Another term for a Night Guard.

Oral Surgeon: A dental specialist who performs surgeries such as complex extractions, jaw surgery, and sometimes implant placement.

Osseointegration: The biological process where the jawbone fuses to the surface of a dental implant, locking it in place. This is what makes implants so stable.

P

Periodontal Disease (Periodontitis): Advanced gum disease. It involves infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. Unlike gingivitis, it is not fully reversible but can be managed.

Plaque: A soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth constantly. If not brushed away, it hardens into tartar.

Pontic: The artificial tooth suspended between two crowns in a dental bridge.

Prophylaxis: The clinical term for a routine dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.

Pulp: The soft inner core of the tooth containing the nerve and blood vessels.

R

Radiograph: The clinical term for an X-ray image.

Root Canal Therapy: A procedure to save a tooth that is infected or badly decayed. The nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

S

Scaling and Root Planing: Also known as a “deep cleaning.” A procedure to remove tartar from below the gum line to treat gum disease.

Sealant: A thin plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) to prevent decay. Commonly used for children.

Sedation Dentistry: The use of medication (like nitrous oxide or oral pills) to help patients relax during dental procedures.

Sleep Apnea: A sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Dentists can sometimes treat mild cases with specialized oral appliances.

T

Tartar: Hardened plaque that has calcified on the teeth. It can only be removed by a dental professional. (See Calculus).

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The hinge joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull. Problems here are often referred to as TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders).

Titanium: A biocompatible metal used for dental implants because the body rarely rejects it and bone adheres to it well.

V

Veneers: Thin, custom-made shells (usually porcelain) designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve appearance (color, shape, or size).

W

Wisdom Teeth: The third molars in the very back of the mouth. They are the last to erupt (usually in late teens) and are often removed if impacted or causing crowding.

Whitening: A cosmetic process that uses peroxide-based gels to remove stains and lighten the color of tooth enamel.

X

Xerostomia: The clinical term for Dry Mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities because there is less saliva to wash away bacteria.

Have a question about a term not listed here? Ask Dr. Auslander or any member of our team during your next visit to our Gambrills office! We are always happy to explain.