SLMC ERPDS key terms

The hardest, most highly mineralized tissue of the body, forming the outer protective layer of the tooth crown. It is acellular, cannot regenerate, and consists mainly of hydroxyapatite crystals.

The yellowish, mineralized tissue beneath enamel and cementum that forms the bulk of the tooth. It contains microscopic tubules and is sensitive because fluid movement within tubules stimulates nerve endings.

The soft connective tissue occupying the tooth's central chamber and root canals, containing nerves, blood vessels, and odontoblasts. It provides nutrition, sensation, and reparative dentin formation.

A thin, bone-like mineralized tissue covering the tooth root surface. It anchors periodontal ligament fibers and remodels continuously throughout life, unlike enamel.

The fibrous connective tissue between the tooth root and alveolar bone. It suspends the tooth, absorbs chewing forces, and contains proprioceptive receptors that sense bite pressure.

The portion of jaw bone that forms and supports the tooth sockets. It responds to mechanical loading and resorbs after tooth loss or in advanced periodontal disease.

The process by which ameloblasts secrete and mineralize enamel during tooth development. It occurs before eruption and produces a tissue that cannot be renewed after damage.

The formation of dentin by odontoblasts lining the pulp. It continues throughout life, producing primary, secondary, and tertiary dentin in response to wear or injury.

The movement of a developing tooth from its position in the jaw into functional occlusion in the mouth. It follows a predictable sequence and timing used to assess dental development.

The first set of twenty teeth that erupt in childhood. These teeth are smaller, whiter, and have thinner enamel than permanent teeth, and are later replaced.

The second set of teeth, numbering up to thirty-two including third molars, that replaces primary teeth and serves for life. It includes incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.

The contact relationship between the upper and lower teeth when the jaws close. It influences chewing efficiency, jaw joint health, and tooth wear patterns.

An abnormal alignment of teeth or relationship between the dental arches. It includes crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, and crossbite, and often requires orthodontic treatment.

A multifactorial infectious disease causing localized destruction of tooth hard tissues by acids produced by bacteria fermenting dietary sugars. It progresses from enamel into dentin and eventually pulp.

A structured biofilm of bacteria, salivary proteins, and extracellular polysaccharides adhering to tooth surfaces. It is the primary etiologic agent of caries and periodontal disease.

Mineralized dental plaque that hardens on tooth surfaces and cannot be removed by brushing. Its rough surface harbors more plaque and contributes to periodontal inflammation.

Reversible inflammation of the gingiva caused by plaque accumulation, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding on probing. It does not involve loss of attachment.

Inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth, causing progressive destruction of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. It leads to pocket formation, mobility, and eventual tooth loss.

A pathologically deepened space between the gingiva and tooth root caused by loss of attachment. Its depth and bleeding are key clinical indicators of periodontal disease severity.

Inflammation of the dental pulp, usually caused by caries or trauma. It may be reversible with mild symptoms or irreversible with severe, spontaneous, or lingering pain.

A procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp, cleans and shapes the root canal system, and seals it with filling material to retain the tooth.

A pathological change in bone around the root apex, typically a radiolucency resulting from pulp necrosis and infection. It may present as an abscess, granuloma, or cyst.

A localized collection of pus caused by bacterial infection, arising from a necrotic pulp or periodontal pocket. It causes pain, swelling, and possible systemic symptoms.

A mineral that strengthens enamel, promotes remineralization, and inhibits bacterial acid production. It is delivered through toothpaste, water, varnish, and professional applications to prevent caries.

A developmental disturbance of enamel caused by excessive fluoride intake during tooth formation. It ranges from faint white lines to brown mottling and pitting in severe cases.

Sharp, short-lived pain from exposed dentin in response to thermal, chemical, or tactile stimuli. It is explained by fluid movement within dentinal tubules stimulating pulp nerves.

Loss of tooth substance from tooth-to-tooth contact during chewing or grinding. It produces flattened wear facets and is distinct from erosion or abrasion.

Chemical dissolution of tooth hard tissue by acids not produced by oral bacteria, such as dietary acids or gastric reflux. It produces smooth, cupped, or thinned enamel surfaces.

Involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, occurring during sleep or wakefulness. It can cause tooth wear, muscle pain, and temporomandibular joint symptoms.

A group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles, causing pain, limited jaw movement, and joint sounds. Causes are multifactorial.

Reversible loss of sensation in a specific region produced by drugs that block nerve conduction. In dentistry it enables painless restorative, surgical, and endodontic procedures.

A regional anesthesia technique that deposits local anesthetic near the mandibular foramen to numb the inferior alveolar nerve. It anesthetizes mandibular teeth on one side and related soft tissues.

A two-dimensional image produced by X-rays passing through tissues onto a receptor. In dentistry it reveals caries, bone loss, root anatomy, and impacted teeth.

A surgically placed titanium fixture that fuses with bone and supports a crown, bridge, or denture. Success depends on bone volume, hygiene, and absence of infection.

The direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant. It is the biological basis for dental implant stability and long-term success.

Practices that prevent transmission of pathogens in dental settings, including hand hygiene, sterilization, barriers, and safe sharps handling. Standard precautions apply to all patients regardless of diagnosis.

A process that destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, on instruments and equipment. Autoclaving with steam under pressure is the standard method in dentistry.

A malignant neoplasm arising in the mouth or oropharynx, most commonly squamous cell carcinoma. Risk factors include tobacco, alcohol, and human papillomavirus; early lesions may appear as non-healing ulcers.

The moist lining of the oral cavity, consisting of epithelium and underlying connective tissue. It varies from keratinized to non-keratinized and is a site for many local and systemic diseases.