Glossary of Dental Terms
A handy reference
Common Dental Terms
We’ve put together this handy reference guide of terms you might hear when speaking with your dentist or support staff.
Please don’t hesitate to ask your dental care provider for clarification. We’re here to help make your experience as pleasant as possible!
Freeway Space
The distance between the upper and lower teeth with the lower jaw in rest position.
Frenectomy
The removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Full Denture
A removable dental prosthesis (appliance) that replaces all upper or lower teeth.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
Extensive restorations of natural teeth with crowns and/or fixed bridges to manage bite problems.
Facing
Tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown that is made of acrylic, composite or porcelain.
FAGD
Fellowship Academy of General Dentistry.
Filling
Restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain or resin materials. We are proud that we use only the latest technologies for fillings. Your smile will remain unflawed if you should need a filling. Let us take care of your cavities with our expert filling processes.
Fistula
The channel that emanates pus from an infection site, which is a gum boil.
Flap Surgery
The lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures.
Forceps
An instrument used for removal of teeth.
Resources
From Wooden Teeth to High-Tech Care: 250 Years of American Dental Innovation
Celebrating a healthy smile is a great way to honor our nation’s 250th birthday. We’ve come a long way since early American dentistry, when many people believed George Washington wore wooden teeth. Today, advanced dental technology makes your office visits comfortable and easy, while smart tools at home help you care for your smile every…
Why Straight Teeth are Healthier
Most people think of straight teeth as just a way to look better in photos. But having a straight smile is actually a big part of your health. When your teeth line up right, it does more than look good. It helps your whole mouth work better and stay cleaner. Easier Cleaning for a Healthier…
Eat the Foods You Love Again with Dental Implants
Missing a tooth is more than just a gap in your smile. It can change how you chew your favorite meals and how you feel when you talk to friends. If you have been hiding your smile or avoiding certain foods, dental implants could be the answer. They are designed to look, feel, and work…
