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!
Implant
An artificial device that replaces the tooth root and may anchor an artificial tooth, bridge or denture.
Impression
A mold made of the teeth and soft tissues.
Incision and Drainage
The surgical incision of an abscess to drain suppuration (pus).
Incisors
The four upper and lower front teeth, excluding the cuspids (canine teeth).
Infiltration
A local anesthetic procedure effective for upper teeth and soft tissue or the placement of anesthetic under the gum, allowing it to seep into bone.
Inlay
An indirect filling made by a dental laboratory that is cemented or bonded into place; or a direct placement of dental composite resin restoration at chairside.
Interocclusal
The space between upper and lower teeth.
Interproximal
The surfaces of adjoining teeth.
Intraoral Camera
A small video camera used to view and magnify oral conditions from which images may be printed.
Impaction
A partial or completely unexposed tooth that is wedged against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue, precluding the eruption process.
Resources
The Secret to Strong Teeth Starts With Healthy Gums
When you think of a great smile, you probably think of your teeth. But there is a quiet hero working behind the scenes: your gums! Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Just like a house needs a strong foundation to stand tall, your teeth need strong gums to keep them safely anchored…
How You Can Make A Difference!
We believe that everyone deserves a reason to smile. Yet, millions of people go without basic dental care because of cost or a lack of nearby dentists. This leads to serious problems. Untreated dental issues not only cause severe pain, make it hard to eat, and can keep people from going to school or work,…
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…
