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Dentistry Glossary

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

Rubber Base Impression

Basic Colloquial

A dental impression made using elastomeric materials such as polyvinyl siloxane or polyether to produce an accurate negative replica of oral structures.

Showing 73–96 of 105

Operculum

Intermediate Technical IVT

The flap of gingival tissue covering the crown of a partially erupted tooth, which may become inflamed, traumatised, or...

Technical Term Full entry →

OPG

Basic Technical IVT

Abbreviation for orthopantomogram, a panoramic dental radiograph providing a two-dimensional view of the entire dentitio...

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Osseointegration

Advanced Technical IVT

The direct structural and functional bond between living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant.

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Overbite

Intermediate Technical IVT

The vertical overlap of the upper central incisors over the lower central incisors, measured in millimetres or as a perc...

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Overjet

Intermediate Technical IVT

The horizontal distance between the labial surface of the upper central incisors and the labial surface of the lower cen...

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Palmer Notation

Intermediate Technical IVT

A tooth numbering system using a quadrant grid symbol and a number (or letter for primary teeth) to identify individual...

Style Convention Full entry →

Peri-implantitis

Advanced Technical IVT

An inflammatory condition affecting both the soft and hard tissues surrounding an osseointegrated dental implant, result...

Technical Term Full entry →

Periapical

Intermediate Technical IVT

Relating to the tissues and bone immediately surrounding the apex (tip) of a tooth root.

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Pericoronitis

Intermediate Technical IVT

Inflammation of the soft tissue overlying a partially erupted tooth, most commonly affecting mandibular third molars, ca...

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Periodontal Ligament

Intermediate Technical IVT

The fibrous connective tissue that suspends the tooth root within the alveolar socket, absorbing occlusal forces and mai...

Technical Term Full entry →

Periodontium

Intermediate Technical IVT

The collective term for the supporting tissues of the tooth, comprising the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and...

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Pontic

Intermediate Technical IVT

The artificial tooth component of a fixed dental bridge that spans the edentulous space and is supported by retainer cro...

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Pontic Design

Advanced Technical IVT

The specification of the shape and tissue-contact form of the artificial tooth (pontic) that replaces a missing tooth in...

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Probing Depth

Intermediate Technical IVT

The distance in millimetres from the gingival margin to the base of the periodontal pocket, measured with a calibrated p...

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Provisionalization

Intermediate Technical IVT

The fabrication and placement of a temporary restoration to protect the prepared tooth and soft tissues while a definiti...

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Pulpitis

Intermediate Technical IVT

Inflammation of the dental pulp, classified as reversible or irreversible based on symptom severity and pulpal vitality.

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Radiolucency

Intermediate Technical IVT

A dark area on a dental radiograph representing structures that allow X-rays to pass through, typically indicating low-d...

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Radiopacity

Intermediate Technical IVT

A bright white area on a dental radiograph representing structures that absorb or block X-rays, such as enamel, metallic...

Technical Term Full entry →

Retromolar Pad

Intermediate Technical IVT

The pear-shaped fibrous pad of soft tissue located distal to the last molar in the lower arch, used as a landmark for de...

Technical Term Full entry →

Rubber Base Impression

Basic Colloquial

A dental impression made using elastomeric materials such as polyvinyl siloxane or polyether to produce an accurate nega...

Technical Term Full entry →

Rubber Dam

Basic Technical IVT

A thin sheet of latex or non-latex material used to isolate one or more teeth from the oral environment during dental pr...

Technical Term Full entry →

Sialolith

Advanced Technical IVT

A calcified concretion (salivary stone) forming within a salivary gland or its duct, commonly causing obstruction and sw...

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Silver Diamine Fluoride

Intermediate Technical IVT

A topical antimicrobial liquid containing silver ions and fluoride, applied to carious lesions to arrest decay and desen...

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Sinus Lift

Advanced Technical IVT

A surgical procedure that augments bone volume in the posterior maxilla by elevating the Schneiderian membrane and placi...

Technical Term Full entry →
Showing 73–96 of 105

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