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Dental Practices Glossary

100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

Inlay

Intermediate Technical IVT

An indirect intracoronal restoration fabricated outside the mouth and cemented into a prepared tooth cavity, restoring its form and function.

Showing 1–24 of 100

Abutment

Intermediate Technical IVT

In dental prosthetics, a tooth, implant, or structure that supports or anchors a crown, bridge, or denture.

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Alveolar Bone

Intermediate Technical IVT

The specialised bone of the jaw that forms and supports the tooth sockets (alveoli), and is subject to resorption follow...

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Amalgam

Basic Technical IVT

A dental restorative material composed of an alloy of mercury with silver, tin, copper, and zinc, historically used to f...

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Apical

Intermediate Technical IVT

Relating to or situated at the apex (tip) of a tooth root.

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Apical Periodontitis

Advanced Technical IVT

Inflammation of the periapical tissues around the root apex of a tooth, typically resulting from bacterial infection of...

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Apicectomy

Advanced Technical IVT

A minor surgical procedure in which the apex (tip) of a tooth root is removed and the root end sealed, used when convent...

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Apicoectomy

Advanced Technical IVT

A surgical procedure in which the root tip (apex) of a tooth is removed and the root canal sealed from the apex end.

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Attrition

Advanced Technical IVT

The physiological or pathological wearing away of tooth structure caused by tooth-to-tooth contact.

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Avulsion

Intermediate Technical IVT

The complete displacement of a tooth from its socket as a result of trauma, with severance of the periodontal ligament.

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Bitewing Radiograph

Basic Technical IVT

A dental X-ray taken with the patient biting on a tab, capturing the crowns and crestal bone of both upper and lower pos...

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BPE

Intermediate Technical IVT

Abbreviation for 'Basic Periodontal Examination', a simple screening tool used to assess the periodontal health of a pat...

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Bridge

Intermediate Semi-formal IVT

A fixed prosthetic appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap and being anchored to adjacen...

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Bruxism

Intermediate Technical IVT

A parafunctional habit characterised by involuntary clenching, grinding, or gnashing of the teeth, occurring during slee...

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Buccal

Basic Technical IVT

Relating to or directed toward the cheek side of a tooth or dental structure.

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Caries

Basic Technical IVT

The progressive bacterial destruction of tooth structure resulting in cavities; commonly known as tooth decay.

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CBCT

Intermediate Technical IVT

Cone Beam Computed Tomography; a three-dimensional dental imaging modality that produces volumetric data of the oral and...

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Cementoenamel Junction

Intermediate Technical IVT

The anatomical boundary on a tooth where the enamel of the crown meets the cementum of the root, used as a fixed referen...

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Cementum

Intermediate Technical IVT

The thin calcified tissue covering the root surface of a tooth, providing attachment for the periodontal ligament.

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Centric Relation

Professional Technical IVT

The maxillomandibular relationship in which the condyles are in their most superior, anterior, and unstrained position w...

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Clinical Attachment Level

Advanced Technical IVT

A periodontal measurement from the cementoenamel junction to the base of the pocket, combining probing depth with any re...

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Compomer

Advanced Technical IVT

A polyacid-modified composite resin that combines limited fluoride release with resin composite handling properties, use...

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Composite Resin

Basic Technical IVT

A tooth-coloured restorative material composed of a resin matrix and inorganic filler particles, used to fill cavities o...

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Conscious Sedation

Intermediate Technical IVT

A medically controlled state of reduced consciousness, typically using inhaled nitrous oxide or intravenous agents, in w...

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Coronal

Basic Technical IVT

Relating to or directed toward the crown of a tooth, as opposed to the root.

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Showing 1–24 of 100

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