Dental terms A–Z

A localised collection of pus caused by bacterial infection, usually at the root of a tooth or in the gum. Requires prompt dental treatment (drainage, root canal or extraction) and often antibiotics.

The connector piece that joins a dental implant fixture to the crown, or the natural teeth on either side of a dental bridge.

A clear removable orthodontic tray (as used with Invisalign) that moves teeth gradually. Worn 22 hours a day and changed every 1–2 weeks.

A silver-coloured dental filling material made from a mix of metals. Rarely used in modern UAE practice; composite fillings are preferred.

Chemical whitening of tooth enamel using hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, performed in-clinic or with take-home trays.

Direct application of tooth-coloured composite to repair chips, close gaps or reshape teeth in one visit.

A fixed prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth or implants.

Involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep. Treated with a custom night guard.

The clinical term for tooth decay caused by bacterial acids breaking down enamel and dentine.

A hole in a tooth caused by decay. Repaired with a filling, inlay, onlay or crown depending on size.

A tooth-coloured resin used for fillings, veneers and bonding. Bonded chairside and cured with a UV light.

A full-coverage cap that restores a broken or heavily filled tooth. Made from porcelain, zirconia or metal alloys.

A titanium or zirconia post surgically placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root, later restored with a crown.

Radiographic image used to diagnose decay, bone loss, root problems and jaw pathology. Modern digital sensors use very low radiation.

The layer of tooth structure beneath the enamel; contains microscopic tubules that transmit sensation to the pulp.

Removable prostheses that replace multiple missing teeth. May be full (all teeth) or partial.

Painful post-extraction complication where the blood clot fails to form or is dislodged, exposing bone. Treated with medicated dressing.

The hard, mineralised outer layer of the tooth crown — the hardest substance in the human body.

The dental specialty dealing with the tooth pulp and root canals — root canal treatment is the most common procedure.

Removal of a tooth, usually because it is unrestorable, impacted, or for orthodontic reasons.

Restorative material used to rebuild a tooth after decay is removed. Most UAE clinics use composite (tooth-coloured) fillings.

A mineral that strengthens enamel and prevents decay. Applied topically in-clinic and delivered daily via toothpaste.

Early stage of gum disease — inflamed, bleeding gums caused by plaque. Reversible with cleaning and good oral hygiene.

Surgical procedure that adds tissue to areas of gum recession to protect roots and improve aesthetics.

Persistent bad breath, usually caused by oral bacteria, gum disease or dry mouth.

A tooth (commonly a wisdom tooth) unable to erupt into its normal position. May require surgical removal.

A lab-made restoration bonded into a prepared cavity, more conservative than a crown but stronger than a filling.

A brand of clear aligner orthodontic system used worldwide, including many DHA and DoH-licensed UAE clinics.

Misalignment of the bite when the upper and lower teeth do not fit together correctly.

Custom or stock plastic guard worn during sports or sleep to protect teeth from trauma or grinding.

Custom-made splint worn during sleep to protect teeth from grinding (bruxism) and reduce TMJ strain.

The way the upper and lower teeth meet when biting. Ideal occlusion distributes forces evenly.

A larger inlay that also covers one or more tooth cusps, restoring extensive damage without a full crown.

Surgical procedures on the mouth and jaw — extractions, implants, biopsies, corrective jaw surgery.

The dental specialty focused on aligning teeth and correcting bites using braces, aligners and functional appliances.

A vertical overlap where upper front teeth extend too far over the lowers.

The dental specialty focused on children from infancy through adolescence.

Advanced gum disease that damages the tissues and bone supporting the teeth; may cause tooth loss if untreated.

The dental specialty focused on the gums and supporting bone.

A sticky bacterial film that forms on teeth. Hardens into tartar (calculus) if not removed daily.

A thin ceramic shell bonded to the front of a tooth to improve shape, colour or alignment.

Professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar above the gum line.

The dental specialty focused on replacement and restoration of teeth with crowns, bridges, implants and dentures.

The soft inner tissue of a tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.

Loss of gum tissue that exposes tooth roots. Causes sensitivity and higher decay risk.

A treatment that removes infected pulp from the tooth and seals the canals, saving the natural tooth.

Removal of hardened tartar from the tooth surfaces using ultrasonic or hand instruments.

Use of medication (oral, IV or nitrous oxide) to relax anxious patients during dental treatment.

Sharp pain in response to hot, cold, sweet or acidic stimuli, usually due to exposed dentine or gum recession.

Comprehensive cosmetic plan combining whitening, veneers, gum contouring and orthodontics to reshape the smile.

A dental appliance that stabilises loose teeth or unloads the bite in TMJ therapy.

Hardened plaque (calculus) that only a dental professional can remove.

Cosmetic bleaching of enamel using peroxide gels — offered in-clinic or as take-home trays across UAE clinics.

The temporomandibular joint that connects the jaw to the skull. Disorders cause pain, clicking and restricted movement.

The process by which teeth emerge through the gums, typically starting at 6 months of age for primary teeth.

A malocclusion where the lower front teeth sit in front of the uppers when biting.

A thin cosmetic facing (composite or porcelain) bonded to the front of a tooth.

The third molar, usually erupting between ages 17–25. Often extracted when impacted or misaligned.

Persistent dry mouth caused by reduced saliva, often linked to medication or systemic disease.

A biocompatible ceramic used for strong, tooth-coloured crowns, bridges and implants.