OMSB Dentist key terms

Localized destruction of tooth hard tissue caused by acids produced when cariogenic bacteria ferment dietary sugars. It progresses from enamel to dentin and, if untreated, to pulp, and is managed by prevention, restoration, or extraction.

An early, non-cavitated caries lesion appearing as a chalky opaque area on enamel. The surface looks intact but subsurface mineral has been lost. It can be arrested or remineralized with fluoride, plaque control, and dietary change.

Loss of the outer enamel surface creating a physical hole or break in the tooth. It marks irreversible caries that no longer responds to remineralization alone and generally needs operative restoration to prevent further breakdown.

The return of calcium and phosphate minerals into demineralized tooth structure, restoring hardness and arresting early lesions. It is promoted by fluoride, adequate saliva, and reduced sugar exposure, and is the basis of non-invasive caries management.

Loss of mineral from tooth structure when plaque acids lower pH below the critical level for enamel or dentin. Repeated episodes without recovery create caries lesions and weaken the tooth surface.

The pH at which saliva and plaque fluid become undersaturated with tooth mineral, causing net demineralization. It is roughly 5.5 for enamel and higher, around 6.2 to 6.5, for dentin and cementum.

A structured biofilm of bacteria and their products adhering to tooth surfaces and restorations. Fermentable sugars in plaque produce acids that drive caries, and undisturbed plaque near the gingiva causes gingival inflammation.

A concentrated fluoride coating painted onto teeth to prevent caries and arrest early lesions. It adheres to enamel and releases fluoride slowly, and is applied to high-risk patients or sensitive root surfaces.

A structured evaluation of factors that predict future caries, including diet, plaque, fluoride exposure, saliva, past lesions, and medical conditions. Its result guides prevention intensity and recall interval for each patient.

A philosophy that preserves tooth structure by preventing disease first, then restoring only when necessary using the smallest effective preparation. It combines caries risk assessment, remineralization, and conservative adhesive restorations.

Inflammation of the dental pulp, usually from caries or trauma. Reversible pulpitis causes sharp pain to cold that resolves after the stimulus; irreversible pulpitis causes spontaneous or lingering pain and requires root canal treatment or extraction.

Mild pulp inflammation that still recovers once the irritant is removed. Pain is provoked by cold or sweet and stops quickly after removal of the stimulus, and the tooth remains vital and responsive to testing.

Death of the pulp tissue, leaving no vital response. The tooth may be asymptomatic or painful if periapical inflammation develops, and it requires root canal treatment or extraction to prevent or resolve infection.

Inflammation of tissues around the root apex, usually caused by infection spreading from a necrotic pulp. It may be acute with pain on biting or chronic with a periapical radiolucency, and is treated by root canal treatment or extraction.

A dark area on a radiograph around the root apex indicating bone loss, commonly from chronic periapical infection, cyst, or granuloma. It is a radiographic sign, not a diagnosis, and needs clinical correlation.

Clinical tests such as cold, heat, or electric pulp testing used to judge whether pulp tissue is alive and responsive. Results help distinguish reversible pulpitis, irreversible pulpitis, and necrosis before treatment planning.

Tapping a tooth to assess tenderness of the periodontal ligament and periapical tissues. A positive response suggests periapical inflammation or acute apical periodontitis and helps localize the offending tooth.

Removal of infected or inflamed pulp, cleaning and shaping the canal system, and sealing it with filling material to retain a tooth that would otherwise be lost. Success depends on infection control and a good coronal seal.

The distance from a reference point on the tooth to the apical constriction where canal preparation and obturation should end. It is determined by radiographs and apex locators to avoid under- or over-instrumentation.

An electronic device that measures electrical impedance to locate the apical constriction of a root canal. It reduces reliance on radiographs and helps determine working length during root canal treatment.

Flushing the root canal with antimicrobial solutions such as sodium hypochlorite to dissolve tissue and kill bacteria. It reaches areas instruments cannot, and must be carefully controlled to avoid extrusion into surrounding tissues.

A channel through bone and soft tissue that drains pus from a chronic infection to a surface opening. It may appear as a gumboil on the gingiva or skin and usually resolves after the source is treated.

Reversible inflammation of the gingiva caused by plaque accumulation, producing redness, swelling, and bleeding on probing without loss of attachment. It resolves with professional cleaning and effective oral hygiene.

Inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth that causes attachment loss and bone destruction. It is diagnosed by probing depths, clinical attachment level, and radiographs, and is managed by hygiene therapy and risk control.

The distance from the cementoenamel junction to the base of the gingival sulcus, measured clinically. It reflects destruction of periodontal support and is a key diagnostic criterion for periodontitis.

A pathologically deepened gingival sulcus between the tooth and gingiva, caused by attachment loss and inflammation. Depth is measured by probing and guides nonsurgical and surgical periodontal treatment.

Bleeding elicited when a periodontal probe is gently run along the sulcus. It indicates active gingival inflammation and is used to monitor periodontal disease and the response to treatment.

Nonsurgical periodontal treatment that removes plaque, calculus, and contaminated cementum from tooth surfaces and root surfaces. It reduces inflammation and pocket depth and is the foundation of periodontal therapy.

Daily removal of dental biofilm by brushing, flossing, and other aids, plus professional cleaning. It prevents caries and gingivitis and is essential for maintaining periodontal health after treatment.

A localized collection of pus in the tooth, periodontium, or surrounding tissues caused by bacterial infection. It presents with pain, swelling, and sometimes fever, and requires drainage plus treatment of the source.

A metallic restorative material made by mixing silver alloy powder with mercury. It is strong and durable for posterior load-bearing teeth but is being replaced by tooth-coloured materials for aesthetic and environmental reasons.

A tooth-coloured restorative material of resin matrix and filler particles, bonded to enamel and dentin after etching and adhesive application. It is used for anterior and posterior restorations and needs moisture control during placement.

A restorative and luting material that releases fluoride and bonds chemically to tooth structure. It is useful in high-caries-risk patients and paediatric dentistry, though it is weaker and less aesthetic than composite resin.

Application of acid, usually phosphoric acid, to enamel or dentin to create microporosity for adhesive bonding. Proper etching improves retention of composite resin and sealants.

A resin coating placed in the pits and fissures of caries-prone teeth to block plaque retention and prevent caries. It is most effective when applied soon after eruption on sound or early non-cavitated surfaces.

The use of adhesives to attach restorative material, sealants, or orthodontic brackets to tooth structure. Modern bonding preserves tooth structure and enables conservative, adhesive dentistry.

Removal of the coronal pulp while preserving the vital radicular pulp, usually in primary or young permanent teeth. It relieves pain and maintains the tooth until normal exfoliation or further treatment.

Complete removal of the pulp from the crown and roots, followed by filling the canal space. It is performed in primary teeth with irreversible pulpitis or necrosis to retain the tooth without infection.

Removal of a tooth from its socket when it cannot be restored or maintained. The procedure requires assessment of medical history, anaesthesia, and nearby anatomy, and is followed by instructions for healing and replacement planning.

Painful complication after extraction in which the blood clot is lost or dissolves, exposing bone. It causes severe throbbing pain a few days after surgery and is managed by cleaning and placing a medicated dressing.

A tooth that cannot erupt into its normal position because of obstruction, crowding, or abnormal angulation. Third molars and canines are common examples, and management ranges from monitoring to surgical removal.