Dental Terms, in Plain English

A

Abscess

A pocket of infection at the root of a tooth or in the gums. It usually shows up as swelling, throbbing pain, and sometimes a bad taste. An abscess needs prompt attention — see our tooth abscess guide.

Abutment

The connecting piece on a dental implant that links the implant post (in the bone) to the visible crown. You won't see the abutment once your crown is on.

Anaesthetic (local)

The numbing medication injected near the tooth being treated, so you don't feel the procedure. Wears off within a few hours.

B

Bicuspid (premolar)

The teeth between your canines (the pointy ones) and molars. Each adult mouth has eight bicuspids.

Biocompatible

Materials that the body accepts well without irritation or reaction. At Redwater Dental we use biocompatible, mercury-free materials by default.

Bonding

A tooth-coloured composite material used to repair small chips, close gaps, or improve appearance. Less invasive than veneers or crowns.

Bridge

A fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the natural teeth on either side. See our dental bridges page.

Bruxism

The clinical name for clenching or grinding your teeth, often at night without realizing it. Long-term bruxism wears teeth down and can cause jaw pain. See teeth grinding.

C

Calculus (tartar)

Hardened plaque that brushing can't remove. Only a hygienist can scrape it off. Builds up below the gumline if not cleaned out regularly.

Cavity (caries)

A hole in a tooth caused by decay. If caught early, a small filling fixes it; left too long, it may need a root canal or extraction. See tooth decay.

CDCP (Canadian Dental Care Plan)

A federal program that helps cover dental costs for eligible Canadian residents. We accept CDCP at Redwater Dental Clinic.

CEREC / Same-day crown

Technology that lets us design, mill, and place a permanent crown in a single appointment using digital scanning and in-office ceramic milling. See same-day crowns.

Composite

A tooth-coloured filling material made of resin and fine glass particles. Bonds directly to the tooth and looks natural.

Crown

A cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Often needed after a root canal or with a large filling.

D

Decay

The process by which acid (from bacteria feeding on sugars) eats through tooth enamel and creates a cavity.

Dentin

The layer of the tooth just under the enamel. Softer than enamel and more sensitive. When decay reaches the dentin, the tooth can start to feel hot/cold sensitivity.

Dentures

Removable replacements for missing teeth. Available as full dentures (replacing all teeth in a jaw) or partial (replacing some teeth).

E

Enamel

The hard outer layer of the tooth. It's the hardest substance in the body but it doesn't grow back — once it's gone (from decay or erosion), it stays gone.

Endodontics

The branch of dentistry dealing with the inside of the tooth (the pulp and root canals). Root canal treatment is the most common endodontic procedure.

Extraction

Removal of a tooth. Done when a tooth can't be saved (severe decay, fracture, infection) or to make room for orthodontic treatment.

F

Filling

A material (usually composite at our clinic) used to fill in the space left after a cavity is removed.

Fluoride

A mineral that strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. Applied as a varnish or rinse during cleanings, especially for children.

G

Gingivitis

Inflammation of the gums — the early, reversible stage of gum disease. Symptoms include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Reversible with good hygiene and a cleaning.

Gum disease (periodontitis)

An advanced infection of the gums and supporting bone. Untreated, it leads to loose teeth and tooth loss. The most common cause of adult tooth loss. See gum disease treatment.

I

Impacted tooth

A tooth that can't fully erupt because it's blocked — usually a wisdom tooth stuck under the gum or against another tooth. Often needs extraction.

Implant (dental implant)

A titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth, topped with a custom crown. See dental implants.

Invisalign

A clear, removable orthodontic system that uses a series of custom aligners to gradually straighten teeth. See Invisalign.

M

Malocclusion

When the upper and lower teeth don't meet properly when biting. Can be corrected with orthodontics (Invisalign or braces).

Mercury-free

Modern composite (white) fillings contain no mercury, unlike older silver amalgam fillings. We use mercury-free, biocompatible materials by default.

Molar

The large flat teeth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food. Adults have 12 molars (including wisdom teeth, when present).

N

Night guard (occlusal splint)

A custom-fitted appliance worn at night to protect teeth from grinding or clenching damage. See night guards.

O

Occlusion

The way your upper and lower teeth meet when you bite together. A balanced occlusion distributes chewing forces evenly. A bad bite (malocclusion) can cause jaw pain, wear, and headaches.

Oral sedation

A pill taken before an appointment to help anxious patients feel calm and drowsy during treatment. You stay conscious but relaxed. See oral sedation.

Orthodontics

The branch of dentistry that moves teeth into better alignment — with braces, Invisalign, or other appliances.

P

Periodontal

Anything to do with the gums and supporting tissues around the teeth.

Plaque

The sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth every day. Removed by brushing and flossing. If not removed, it hardens into tartar.

Prophylaxis (cleaning)

The clinical name for a routine teeth cleaning. See teeth cleanings.

Pulp

The soft tissue inside a tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp gets infected, you need a root canal.

R

Root canal

The procedure of cleaning out infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth, then sealing it — saves the tooth from extraction. See root canal treatment.

S

Scaling and root planing

A deeper cleaning that removes tartar from below the gumline. Sometimes called a "deep cleaning." Used to treat gum disease.

Sealants (dental sealants)

A thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of children's molars to prevent cavities. See dental sealants.

Sedation dentistry

Using medication (oral or IV) to help anxious patients relax during treatment. See dental anxiety options.

Sensitivity

Sharp pain in response to hot, cold, or sweet foods. Can mean a small problem (exposed dentin) or a bigger one (cracked tooth, deep cavity). See sensitive teeth.

T

Tartar (calculus)

See Calculus.

TMJ (temporomandibular joint)

The hinge joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, just in front of each ear. Problems with this joint cause jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. See TMJ therapy.

V

Veneer

A thin shell of porcelain or composite bonded to the front of a tooth to improve appearance. Used to cover chips, gaps, stains, or shape issues. See dental veneers.

W

Wisdom teeth (third molars)

The last set of molars to come in, usually in the late teens or early twenties. Often need removal because there isn't enough space. See wisdom teeth removal.

X

Xerostomia (dry mouth)

Reduced saliva production. Often a side effect of medications. Increases cavity risk because saliva normally washes away food and neutralises acid. See dry mouth.

X-ray (radiograph)

An imaging tool that lets us see what's happening inside teeth and below the gum line. At Redwater Dental we use digital x-rays, which use up to 90% less radiation than traditional film. See digital x-rays.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask us at your next appointment, or call 780-942-4691 — we're happy to explain anything in plain language.