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Facing
Pertaining to a prosthesis that is fabricated and then cemented/bonded to the visible portion of a tooth. It can be made of acrylic, metal alloy, composite or porcelain.
Filling
Pertaining to a material that is used to replace part of a tooth that is decayed, fractured or mal-formed. These materials include metal alloys, porcelain and synthetic resins.
Fissures
Pertaining to the morphology (shape) of a tooth surface. The recessed area where the grooves of a tooth lie.
Fissure sealant
A synthetic resin type material that is bonded to the biting surface of teeth to seal the decay prone morphology of the teeth (pits, fissures and grooves).
Fistula
Pertaining to an oro-antral fistula which is an abnormal, epithelial lined communication between the oral cavity and the antral spaces resulting from injury or disease.
Flap Surgery
Surgery involving the cutting/loosening and raising of the gums to expose the underlying tooth structures.
Flipper (spoon denture)
A partial acrylic denture to replace missing front teeth.
Floss
(see dental floss)
Fluoride
A chemical compound which is found to strengthen the surface of the teeth to prevent tooth decay. These compounds can be applied directly to the teeth or are found in household water supplies.
Fluoride Treatment
Treatment of teeth with fluoride agents (varnishes/gels/rinses/tablets).
Forceps
Pertaining to a dental instrument used to extract (pull out) teeth.
Frenectomy
Removal of the frenum (a thin cord of tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth). Frenectomy maybe required when the frenal attachments cause gum recession, interfere with dentures or render a patient tongue-tied causing them to lisp.
Frenum
A thin cord of tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum of the adjacent teeth or the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
G
General Anaesthesia
A drug induced controlled state of unconsciousness resulting in complete loss of pain sensation throughout the whole body. Also results in an inability to independently respond to physical stimulation or verbal command.
Gingiva
Also referred to as the gums and include the soft tissues that cover the jaw bone up to the necks of the teeth.
Gingivectomy
The surgical resection/removal of gingival (gum) tissue.
Gingivitis
The inflammation of the gum tissue. Caused by plaque and/or tartar accumulation due to ineffective oral hygiene.
Gingivoplasty
A minor oral surgical procedure to reshape and repair the gingival (gum) tissue.
Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)
A technique which encourages the formation of bone in areas where bone resorption has previously occurred
Gums
(see Gingiva)
H
Haemorrhage
Bleeding
Halitosis
Bad breath.
Haemeostasis
The process of controlling and stopping unwanted bleeding.
Hydrogen Peroxide
A chemical agent used in dental procedures such as tooth whitening and is found in some mouth rinses.
Hygienist
(see dental hygienist)
I
Impacted Tooth
A tooth that remains fully or partially embedded in the bone or gum tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely.
Implant
(see dental implant)
Impression
Pertaining to a mould taken of the teeth using a material (alginate or silicone) in a preformed dental arch shaped-tray.
Incisal
The biting/cutting edge of the central and lateral incisors.
Incision and Drainage
Pertaining to the draining of infected tissue (puss) out of a dental/gum abscess by incising the associated swelling with a surgical scalpel.
Incisors
The four front teeth in each arch (there are two central incisors and two lateral incisors).
Indirect restoration
A two phase restoration. Phase one involves the preparation and impression of the tooth. Phase two involves the fabrication and fitting of the definitive restoration.
Inlay
A gold, porcelain, or composite restoration that is cemented into the tooth to fill a cavity. It involves a two phase procedure which requires impressions of the prepared cavity, followed by fabrication and fitting of the definitive restoration.
Interproximal
The area/space between two adjacent teeth.
Interproximal Stripping
A procedure that requires removal of enamel tissue from either side of a tooth or adjacent teeth to create space.
Intracoronal
The internal portion within the crown of a tooth.
Intraoral
The inside of the mouth.
L
Labial
Tooth surface adjacent the lips.
Laminate
(see facing)
Lateral Incisors
Two teeth that lie adjacent to the central incisors.
Laughing Gas (inhalation sedation)
Nitrous oxide gas inhaled to relax patients and decrease sensitivity to pain.
Lingual
The tooth surface adjacent the tongue.
Local anaesthetic
A medication with the ability to eliminate the sensation of pain in a localised area. It can be administered topically or via an injection
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