Dental Exams Terminology

General Exam Terms

• Bruxism: Grinding or clenching your teeth, usually during sleep.
• Caries: The technical term for tooth decay or cavities.
• Cavity: A hole in a tooth caused by decay.
• Dental Charting: The process of recording the condition of your teeth and gums on a chart.
• Occlusion: The way your upper and lower teeth fit together when you bite down.
• Oral Exam: The visual and physical examination of your mouth, teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues.
• Palpation: When the dentist uses their fingers to examine the tissues in your mouth.
• Periodontal Exam: An evaluation of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth to check for gum disease.
• Plaque: A sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth.
• Restoration: A general term for any dental work used to restore the function or appearance of a tooth (e.g., fillings, crowns).
• Tartar (Calculus): Hardened plaque that can build up on teeth and below the gumline.

Oral Cancer Screening Terms

• Biopsy: A small tissue sample taken for examination under a microscope.
• Erythroplakia: Red patches or spots in the mouth that may be precancerous.
• Leukoplakia: White patches or spots in the mouth that may be precancerous.
• Physical exam: The dentist uses their fingers to feel for any lumps, bumps, or irregularities.
• Visual exam: The dentist visually inspects the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities.

Dental X-ray Terms

• Bitewing X-rays: Show the upper and lower teeth in a specific area to check for decay between teeth.
• Dental X-rays: A type of image of the teeth and mouth to help dentists diagnose damage and disease that is not visible during a clinical dental examination.
• Panoramic X-ray: Provides a wide view of the entire mouth, including the teeth, jawbones, and sinuses.
• Periapical X-rays: Show the entire tooth, from crown to root, to assess the tooth’s health and surrounding bone.
• Radiolucent: Areas that appear dark on an X-ray, indicating less dense structures (like decay).
• Radiopaque: Areas that appear white or light gray on an X-ray, indicating denser structures (like fillings or bone).

Teeth Cleaning/Root Scaling Terms

• Calculus: Hardened plaque that can build up on teeth and below the gumline.
• Curettage: A procedure to remove diseased tissue from the periodontal pockets.
• Gingivitis: Early stage of gum disease, characterized by inflammation of the gums.
• Hygienist: A licensed dental professional who provides preventive care, such as cleanings, exams, and patient education.
• Periodontal pockets: Spaces or gaps that form between the gums and teeth due to gum disease.
• Periodontitis: Advanced stage of gum disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth.
• Prophylaxis (Prophy): A professional teeth cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and stains.
• Scaling and Root Planing (SRP): The technical term for a deep cleaning.