Dental Practices Glossary

The most coronal portion of the alveolar bone that forms the crest of the interdental septum between adjacent teeth.

The serum-like fluid that seeps into the gingival sulcus from the surrounding connective tissue, used as a diagnostic ma...

A fixed prosthetic restoration that encases the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline, restoring its shape...

The scraping or debridement of the soft tissue lining of a periodontal pocket or other pathological cavity using a curet...

The mechanical or ultrasonic removal of plaque, calculus, and necrotic tissue from tooth surfaces or a wound site.

Referring to the primary (baby) teeth that erupt in infancy and are shed to make way for the permanent dentition.

The systematic recording of a patient's dental status using standardised notation, numbering systems, and symbols on a c...

A tooth numbering system using a grid of quadrant symbols and numbers 1–8 (or letters A–E for primary teeth) to identify...

A titanium or zirconia fixture surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root onto which a pros...

A wide-field extraoral radiograph showing all teeth, the jaws, and surrounding structures in a single flattened image; t...

The NHS dental prescription form (FP17DC) used in England to prescribe dental appliances and medications to patients.

The calcified tissue forming the bulk of a tooth beneath the enamel and cementum, surrounding the pulp.

A removable prosthetic appliance replacing some or all of a patient's natural teeth and surrounding tissue.

A gap or space between two adjacent teeth, most commonly referring to the midline gap between the upper central incisors...

Directed away from the midline of the dental arch; the tooth surface farthest from the dental midline.

Describing a jaw, arch, or patient that has lost all natural teeth.

Relating to the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of a tooth; pertaining to the specialty concerned with...

The clinical procedure of removing a tooth or tooth root from its socket in the alveolar bone.

The internationally standardised two-digit tooth numbering system developed by the Fédération Dentaire Internationale, u...

A preventive resin or glass ionomer material applied to the occlusal pits and fissures of posterior teeth to reduce the...

A high-concentration fluoride preparation painted onto tooth surfaces to prevent or arrest dental caries, recommended at...

Abbreviation for 'Full Mouth X-ray (series)', a comprehensive set of intraoral radiographs covering all teeth in both ar...

The NHS dental claim form submitted by dental contractors in England to claim payment for completed courses of treatment...

The NHS prior approval form submitted by a dental practitioner to obtain authorisation before commencing a course of tre...