Dental Glossary

Glossary of terms
Many words and phrases have been used throughout the text whose meanings may not be clear to
all, or which have pertinent meanings in the manner in which they have been used. To clarify each
and hopefully give a clearer understanding to readers, this glossary of terms has been compiled in
alphabetical order for easy reference. The descriptions given are correct for the context in which
they have been used here.
Abfraction a type of non-carious tooth tissue loss caused by the functional overloading of singlestanding premolar teeth, producing characteristic fracturing away of the neck enamel and the
appearance of a class V cavity
Abrasion a type of non-carious tooth tissue loss caused by forceful tooth brushing in a sawing
action, producing characteristic enamel loss in the neck region of several adjacent teeth and the
appearance of class V cavities
Abscess a collection of pus and dead micro-organisms which forms in tissues, following infection
of the tissues with the micro-organism
Abuse morally or physically improper use or maltreatment of someone, often involving a breach
of trust
Acid reflux the medical condition where the acidic contents of the stomach flow back into the
oesophagus and the oral cavity, often due to an underlying cause such as a hiatus hernia
Aerosol spray a spray of fine debris suspended in water that is ejected into the surrounding
atmosphere, and produced when dental handpieces and ultrasonic scalers are in use. The fine
debris in these cases will be particles of tooth tissue and calculus from the patients mouth
Aesthetics relating to a pleasing appearance, as in the aesthetics of a crown or other prosthesis
AIDS acquired immune deficiency syndrome, the disease process produced following infection
with human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV
Alastik a loop of elastic material used in fixed orthodontic appliances, to tie the archwire into the
bracket
Allergen a substance which produces an allergic reaction in the patient, such as pollen in hayfever
sufferers or penicillin in medicine
Alloy a mixture of two or more metals. In dentistry, four metals are mixed together to form the
alloy powder which is then mixed with liquid mercury to produce dental amalgam
Alzheimers disease a progressive disease involving the blood vessels of the brain and causing
premature senile dementia
Levisons Textbook for Dental Nurses, Eleventh Edition. By Carole Hollins.

2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Published 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Companion website: www.levisonstextbookfordentalnurses.com
Ameloblasts the cells responsible for the formation and laying down of enamel during tooth
formation in the embryo
Amelodentinal junction the point within the tooth where the coronal dentine and the overlying
enamel are in contact with each other
Analgesic a drug which has the action of relieving pain
Anatomy the branch of biology that studies the structure of an organism, in relation to bones,
muscles and so on
Antibody a naturally occurring, or artificially introduced, substance in the blood which acts to
destroy infectious micro-organisms in the body. They are artificially introduced by the process of
immunisation
Anticoagulant a drug used to prevent the blood from clotting, thereby reducing the risk of stroke
and myocardial infarction. Examples include aspirin and warfarin
Antidepressant a drug used to reduce or prevent the occurrence of depressive thoughts or the
mind state of depression
Antihistamine a drug used to counteract the effects of the chemical histamine, which is released
by the bodys immune system in response to attack by allergens, such as latex, pollen and penicillin
Anti-inflammatory a drug which acts to reduce the effects of inflammation in the tissues
Apex locator an electronic device used in endodontics, which is used to determine the position of
the root apex of a tooth, so that a diagnostic working length can be determined during root canal
therapy
Apical foramen the hole at the end of the tooth root through which the blood vessels and nerve
tissue enter and leave
Asepsis the absence of all living pathogenic micro-organisms
Aspiration (injection) the technique used to draw back during the administration of a local
anaesthetic, to ensure that a blood vessel has not been penetrated. It is a safety technique carried
out to prevent intravascular injection of local anaesthetic solution
Aspiration (suction) the use of high- and low-speed suction equipment during dental procedures,
to remove fluid and small solid debris from the oral cavity
Asymptomatic without symptoms, so used in dentistry as a description of a tooth with which the
patient is experiencing no pain nor sensitivity problems
Attrition a type of non-carious tooth tissue loss, caused by the chronic grinding together of the
jaws so that the occlusal and incisal surfaces of the teeth are physically worn away
Autoclave an electrical device used to sterilise dental instruments, by the application of heat
under pressure to produce steam, which kills all micro-organisms and spores
Autoimmune disease one which acts to destroy body tissue, by the action of antibodies produced
by the patients body itself
Automatic external defibrillator a medical device for use during an emergency situation to revert
a fibrillating heart (having rapid, ineffectual and chaotic beats) to a normal rhythm, so that blood is
pumped around the circulatory system to maintain life. The device works by passing an electric
shock across the pacemaker of the heart muscle so that the fibrillation is stopped, and the heart
then begins its usual lub dub rhythm again
Avulsion of a tooth, occurs when the whole tooth is lost from its socket following accidental
trauma, such as a blow to the jaw. If handled quickly and correctly, it can often be reinserted into
the socket and retained for life, following root canal therapy
Bacteraemia the condition of having bacteria in the bloodstream, as often occurs after dental
treatment, such as scaling, extractions and endodontic procedures
Bactericidal a chemical capable of killing bacteria
Bacteristatic a chemical capable of stopping the growth and spread of a bacterial colony
Bearings (of a handpiece) the inner metal parts which rotate inside the handpiece during use to
drive the bur, and which must be oiled to lubricate them and prevent the metal parts from grating
against each other
Bells palsy a condition of temporary paralysis affecting the facial nerve (V cranial nerve) on one
side, resulting in a slackening of the affected facial muscles and the patient appearing to have
suffered a stroke
Best practice a term used to describe the ideal standard to be achieved when referring to levels
of good infection control, for example
Bone resorption the natural action of osteoclast cells to eat away and reduce the alveolar bone,
especially after extractions, to produce shape changes and reduction to the alveolar ridge
Bronchoscope a medical device used to enter and view the bronchi of the respiratory system,
often to take tissue for biopsies or to remove inhaled foreign bodies
Buccal the surface of a posterior tooth (premolar or molar) which is against the cheek, or
buccinator muscle

Buffering agents chemical substances in solution which can neutralise both acids and alkalis, so
that a neutral pH is maintained. An example of their use is in local anaesthetic solutions, so that the
injection is non-irritant to the body tissues
Cancellous bone that which forms the open, sponge-like interior of bone, such as in the alveolar
bone of the jaws, and through which blood vessels and nerves run
Care Quality Commission the independent regulator in England charged with ensuring that
adequate standards of health and social care are delivered to all service users in hospitals, clinics,
nursing and care homes, and dental workplaces
Cariogenic a food or drink substance which is capable of producing caries in a tooth, and therefore
is either acidic or containing a non-milk extrinsic sugar
Carrier a person who is infected with a disease and may pass it on to others, but shows no signs of
having the disease themselves
Cell mutation a significant and permanent change in a cells genetic material (DNA) which allows it
to behave in a different way than originally, often in an unwanted manner
Cellulitis infection and inflammation of the soft tissue layers beneath the skin or mucous
membrane, often spreading in nature
Cementoblasts the cells which layer down and form cementum over the tooth root
Cermet a dental material used for restorations, which contains glass ionomer cement with metal
particles incorporated into it, for added strength. They are especially used in the build-up of cores
before a tooth is restored with a crown
Chaperone a responsible third person who is present when a patient receives dental treatment, to
ensure that propriety is maintained and who acts as a witness to all proceedings. In the dental
workplace, it is an important duty of the chairside dental nurse
Chromosome a microscopic constituent of the nucleus of a cell, which contains the genetic
material of the organism
Clinical audit the systematic critical analysis of the quality of care in the clinical environment, such
that techniques and procedures are constantly scrutinised, evaluated and improved upon where
necessary, for the benefit of the patients
Clinical hand hygiene the level of hand hygiene required to avoid cross-infection during clinical
procedures, and achieved using approved hand-washing techniques and antibacterial cleansers
Clinical governance the NHS-based quality assurance process that ensures standardisation of the
level of clinical services provided by all NHS organisations, with a minimum set standard that must
be achieved for each type of workplace

Collimator the tube structure aiming device found on the x-ray machine head, which is lined up
with the film packet before exposing the patient to x-rays
Compact bone the solid outer layer of bone that surrounds the inner open structure, and that
appears as a white line on radiographs
Coned image of a radiograph, a partial image appearing cut off on the film, due to the incorrect
positioning of the collimator
Conscious sedation a technique of producing a state of reduced awareness and anxiety in a
patient, without rendering them unconscious
Contact dermatitis an itchy, inflammatory condition of the skin brought about by coming into
regular direct contact with an irritant such as soap, detergent and other similar products
Contemporaneous notes clinical notes which have been written on the date specified, and which
are unalterable so that they represent a true account of events. All clinical records should therefore
be contemporaneous, to avoid medico-legal challenges as to their accuracy and truthful content
Contingency plan the written plan of action to follow in the event of an x-ray machine failure, and
which must legally be included in the Local Rules displayed at each x-ray machine
Controlled area the 1.5 m exclusion zone around the x-ray machine head where scattered
radiation from the primary beam may occur during exposure, and which must therefore not be
breached by anyone except the patient during the use of the x-ray machine
Controlled drug one that is subject to statutory control and that can only be obtained legally with
a doctors prescription, such as midazolam and methadone
Cross-bite a description especially used in orthodontic diagnosis, whereby the upper posterior
teeth occlude (bite together) inside the lower teeth, rather than outside them, as they do in normal
class I occlusion
Cyst an unnatural, fluid-filled sac within the tissues of the body. They sometimes develop on the
apex of a tooth due to a chronic infection of that tooth
Debility to be in a state of poor or weakened health
Decontamination the four-stage process of removing contaminants from reusable instruments so
that they can be safely used again on another patient
Decontamination room the room set aside from the clinical area where the full decontamination
process of reusable items is carried out
Deglutition the medical term for the act or process of swallowing

Demineralisation the action of weak organic acids on the enamel of the tooth, to produce areas
where the mineral content is reduced and therefore more prone to attack by caries
Dental implant a titanium screw post that is grafted into the alveolar ridge of the jaw to form the
solid substructure on which a crown, bridge or denture can be attached
Dentate the condition of having some natural teeth present in the mouth
Dentinocemental junction the point on a tooth where the root dentine and the overlying
cementum are in contact with each other
Deoxygenated blood that which contains few oxygen molecules, and appears as dark red or
purple
Detergent any man-made chemical product which mixes with water to produce a cleansing agent
similar to, but chemically different from, soap products
Diagnostic radiograph the radiograph taken during root canal therapy from which the length of
the root is accurately determined so that canal preparation can be carried out to this established
working length. In this way, underinstrumentation or apical perforation are avoided
Diastema a natural space present between erupted teeth. When occurring between the upper
central incisors, it is called a median diastema
Direct cross-infection the cross-infection that occurs when a contaminated person passes microorganisms directly to another, by touching their skin or bleeding onto them, for example
Direct restoration a restoration made at the chair side by the dentist, rather than one which is
produced in a laboratory by a technician, using models of the patients teeth
Disclosing tablet a chewable tablet of vegetable dye, which stains plaque to make it easily visible
to the naked eye. They are used as an important oral health motivator, especially with children and
young people
Discrimination the prejudicial treatment of someone because of their difference to another
person in matters of race, ethnicity, gender, ability and so on
Disinfection a method of reducing the risk of cross-infection which involves the destruction of
bacteria and fungi, but not spores nor some viruses, often by the use of a chemical agent
Distal the surface of a tooth which is furthest away from the midline of the dental arch; in other
words, the back of the tooth
Distilled water water produced by heating tap water to boiling point so that it evaporates into
steam, then cooling the steam and collecting the purified, cooled water for use in dental
equipment such as autoclaves

Diuretic a drug prescribed specifically to increase urine output, thereby helping to relieve the fluid
retention that occurs with heart failure
Downward displacement autoclave an autoclave which sterilises its contents by drawing the
steam produced during the cycle downwards through the whole chamber, so that all the
atmospheric air is displaced out, and all items come into contact with the steam under pressure.
Narrow hollow tube items may not be fully sterilised, as the steam may not penetrate them fully
Drug phial (vial) a small closed vessel, usually made of glass and containing a liquid medicine
Dysfunction implying poor or unnatural function of a body part, as in the impaired function of the
temporomandibular joint in patients who clench and grind their teeth
Dysphagia the medical condition of having difficulty in swallowing
Edentulous the condition of having no natural teeth
Electromagnetic radiation the range of energy waves produced by the interaction of electricity on
a magnetic field, and collectively known as the electromagnetic spectrum. The energy types
produced range from the shortest rays (gamma rays), through x-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light,
infrared light and microwaves, to the longest waves (radio waves)
Elongated image on a radiograph, an abnormally long and extended image which often runs off
the film, due to the incorrect angulation of the collimator
Endocrine gland a type of secretory gland which passes its chemical contents directly into the
surrounding capillaries and into the blood circulation. Examples include various digestive glands of
the intestines and the pancreas
Endorphin a natural painkiller secreted by the brain which acts in a similar way to opiate
derivates, such as heroin and morphine. Their release is stimulated by pain control techniques such
as acupuncture
Enzymes complex proteins produced by many body cells which activate specific biochemical
reactions to occur in the tissues and organs, but without the enzyme being chemically changed itself
Epithelium the thin layer of cellular tissue that covers the inner and outer surfaces of the body. In
the oral cavity (and other areas of the body) it is specialised into a mucous membrane
Erosion a type of non-carious tooth tissue loss caused by the action of acidic foods and drinks on
enamel, producing characteristic tooth wear
Eruption the movement of the teeth through the alveolar bone and mucosa into the oral cavity
Erythroplakia a premalignant oral condition which appears as thickened red patches on the
mucous membrane, especially of smokers

Ethics the set of moral principles and values that govern a persons conduct and behaviour
Exfoliation the natural shedding of the deciduous teeth during childhood
Exocrine gland a type of secretory gland which discharges its chemical components into tube-like
structures called ducts, and then into body cavities such as the mouth and stomach. Examples
include the major salivary glands
Extended duties those beyond the basic duties of a qualified dental nurse that may be carried out
unsupervised after suitable recorded training, but without having to undergo a formal assessment
event, such as an examination
False pocket in gingivitis, the inflamed appearance of the gingivae gives the false impression that
a periodontal pocket has formed, when actually the tissues have just swollen
Fluorapatite a crystal structure of the enamel of teeth, whereby fluoride has been incorporated
into normal enamel to produce this hardened structure, which is more resistant to attack by acid
and therefore less likely to allow cavities to develop
Fluoride a chemical compound formed from fluorine gas, usually as a salt compound, and added
to oral health products to help prevent caries
Foramen (pl. foramina) a natural anatomical opening, especially in bone, through which blood
vessels and nerves can pass
Foreshortened image on a radiograph, an abnormally small image that appears squashed up due
to the incorrect angulation of the collimator
Furcation the natural point at which the roots of a multi-rooted tooth separate. It is therefore the
point at which the tooth is usually held during extraction
General anaesthetic an anaesthetic that causes loss of consciousness and lack of sensation of the
whole body
General Dental Council the governing body of the dental profession, with the power to ensure
that professional standards are maintained, and to suspend or remove a dentist from the Register
of dental practitioners if they are found guilty of misconduct. It is currently in the process of
introducing compulsory registration for professionals complementary to dentistry
Gingival crevice a 2 mm deep crevice around the necks of all healthy teeth, where plaque can
accumulate when oral hygiene standards are poor
Glossitis the medical term for inflammation of the tongue
Grand mal a serious type of epileptic fit, where the patient undergoes the convulsions of tonicclonic seizures

Haemostasis the arrest of a flow of blood, especially after tooth extraction

Hazardous waste waste that has the potential to harm someone who comes into contact with it,
due to its infectious or chemical nature
Health and Safety Executive a government body concerned with ensuring that all employers
comply with the Health and Safety Act to maintain the health, safety and welfare of employees and
members of the public. It must be notified when serious accidents and dangerous occurrences risk
the safety of others, and will carry out an investigation to determine the cause of the accident or
occurrence
Hydrocolloid a substance that forms a gel when mixed with water. Alginate impression material is
a type of irreversible hydrocolloid
Hydroxyapatite the usual crystal structure of enamel, which can have fluoride incorporated to
produce fluorapatite
Hypodontia the medical term to describe the congenital absence of some of the permanent teeth.
The usual teeth missing include third molars, upper lateral incisors and second premolars
Hypoglycaemia the condition of having an abnormally low amount of sugar in the blood, leading
to confusion and possibly convulsions and coma
Hypoxia the condition of a lack of oxygen to the body tissues, and when occurring to the brain it
usually results in a faint
Iatrogenic factors those which occur inadvertently during the provision of dental treatment and
result in a worsening of a dental disease. An example is a poorly fitting denture which allows plaque
accumulation where none occurred before
Impaction the condition of an unerupted, or partially erupted, tooth whereby its full eruption is
prevented by being lodged against an adjacent tooth or a section of alveolar bone
Indirect cross-infection the cross-infection that occurs when micro-organisms contaminate an
instrument or item of equipment, and which then transfer onto someone else who comes into
contact with that instrument or item later
Indirect restoration a restoration produced by a technician in a laboratory, from models provided
by the dentist of a patients tooth (especially inlays)
Infectious hazardous waste the categories of waste that may cause harm to someone coming into
contact with them due to their potential contamination with micro-organisms or prions from body
fluids or body parts
Information governance - a quality assurance system that has been implemented to ensure the safe
and appropriate use of personal and patient information, thereby ensuring that the confidentiality
of patient records is maintained in the dental workplace
Inoculation the introduction of a micro-organism into the body tissues to cause a mild form of the
disease, with the aim of producing immunity to that disease
Inoculation injury the accidental piercing of the skin with a sharp instrument, causing injury to the
person. When an uncontaminated item is involved, the injury is described as clean but when a
contaminated item is involved, it is described as a dirty inoculation injury. Dirty inoculation injuries
are an occupational hazard for dental staff
Inorganic not having the structure of a living organism, as in the mineral crystals which make up
the non-living structure of enamel
Interproximal the area between the mesial surface of one tooth and the distal surface of the
tooth directly in front of it, as in interproximal caries
Intraligamentary injection in local anaesthesia, a technique using a special syringe to deliver the
anaesthetic solution directly into the periodontal ligament
Intraosseous injection in local anaesthesia, a technique using a special drill bit and needle to
deliver the anaesthetic solution through the cortical plate of the jaw bone and into the cancellous
bone where the nerve fibres are found
Irreversible pulpitis inflammation of the pulp of a tooth which has progressed too close to the
pulp tissue to be reversed by simple restorative treatment alone
Junctional epithelium the specialised tissues present at the point where the soft tissue of the
gingivae attach to the surface of the tooth within the gingival crevice. Loss of attachment of the
junctional epithelium occurs in periodontal disease
Justification the technique of ensuring that every x-ray exposure will benefit the patient by
providing information for diagnosis and treatment, and the risks involved are outweighed by the
benefit of doing so
Lancing of an abscess, whereby the point of the infection is surgically pierced to allow the
enclosed pus to be released, so that the infection can be dissipated and healing can begin
Latent image the invisible image recorded onto the light-sensitive materials of an x-ray film, which
requires the use of processing chemicals to permanently fix the image onto the celluloid sheet to
form the radiograph
Lateral canal a minor canal in the root of a tooth, running off the main pulp chamber usually to
the root surface, the presence of which often causes failure of root canal therapy due to its
inaccessibility to endodontic treatment
Legionnaires disease a serious bacterial infection of the respiratory system that is dentally
relevant due to its potential to contaminate enclosed water supplies, such as those used to run
dental equipment and air conditioning units
Leukaemia a type of cancer affecting the bone marrow, characterised by an abnormal increase of
white blood cells in the circulation. It may be caused by exposure to high levels of x-rays
Leucoplakia a premalignant oral condition which appears as thickened white patches on the
mucous membrane, especially of smokers
Lingual the surface of all lower teeth closest to the tongue
Luting cement a material which adheres to tooth tissue, that is mixed to a smooth and thin
(creamy) consistency and used to cement fixed restorations onto teeth
Luxator an instrument used to extract a tooth by displacing it from its socket. The technique
involves the instrument being pushed around the roots and into the socket, severing the
periodontal ligament and dislocating (luxating) the tooth out of the socket
Lymph node a mass of tissue lying along the lymphatic vessels of the body, which are concerned
with defence against infection and which are often felt as swellings (in the neck) when infection is
present. Their enlargement can also indicate tumours associated with the lymph system, so they are
checked for normality during routine dental examinations
Malaise a general feeling of being unwell or ill
Marginal leakage an unwanted phenomenon which can occur microscopically down the sides of
restorations, such that oral fluids penetrate beneath restorations and either cause caries or dissolve
any cements present so that the restoration is lost
Mastication the correct term for the act of chewing
Maxillary antrum the natural air-filled space within the maxillary bones, where various branches
of the trigeminal nerves run
Meniscus the pad of cartilage which lies between the head of the condyle of the mandible and the
glenoid fossa of the skull in the temporomandibular joint. It acts as a protective cushion between
the two bones
Mental symphysis the joint between the two halves of the mandible, lying in the midline of the
most anterior part of the lower jaw
Mesial the surface of all teeth closest to the midline; in other words, the front of the tooth
Mesiodens a supernumerary tooth which occurs specifically between the roots of the upper
central incisors
Mixed dentition the stage in childhood where both deciduous teeth and permanent teeth are
present in the mouth at the same time. It usually starts around 6 years of age and ends at around 12
years of age
Mucoperiosteum the layer of tissue covering the alveolar bone, which consists of the alveolar
mucosa, tightly attached to the underlying periosteum, which covers the bone surface
Mucous membrane the covering epithelial surface of the soft tissues of the oral cavity
Necrosis a section or area of dead tissue, as in necrosis of the pulp when a tooth has died
Neurovascular bundle in anatomy, a sheathed bundle containing a nerve, an artery and a vein
which run together throughout the body tissues
Non-infectious hazardous waste the categories of waste that may cause harm to someone
coming into contact with them due to their chemical nature, and their potential ability to be toxic
Non-verifiable CPD continuing professional development activities that are carried out on an
informal basis, to improve understanding or gain new knowledge. An example is reading about a
topic in a dental journal with no assessment of the knowledge gained being carried out
Occlusal the surface of all posterior teeth (premolars and molars) which bite together in occlusion
Occupational hazard a hazard that someone may be exposed to by the nature of their work or
their workplace environment. An example in the dental workplace is exposure to mercury vapour
Odontoblasts the cells which lay down dentine within the tooth
Open drainage the procedure whereby access has been gained to a necrotic pulp during
endodontic treatment, and then the access hole has been left open to allow the necrotic contents
(especially pus) to drain out of the tooth
Operculum the flap of mucosa which lies over partially erupted teeth, and which can become
inflamed when third molars erupt. This is called pericoronitis
Opposing arch during fixed restorative procedures, this is the arch which is not to receive the
fixed prosthesis. An impression of the opposing arch will be taken so that the technician can
determine the correct occlusion of the patient, so that the fixed prosthesis does not alter it in any
way
Optimisation the technique of ensuring that the minimum dose of x-radiation required to produce
a diagnostically acceptable image is used at all times
Organic a substance derived from living cells
Organic acids those acids derived from living cells and containing carbon in their structure.
Examples include citric acid and lactic acid, and they can be produced by the action of oral bacteria
on foodstuffs in the process of dental caries
Orthograde root filling a root filling placed conventionally, through the crown of the tooth
Osseo-integration the bony growth that occurs around a dental implant to lock it into the alveolar
bone and make it a solid structure
Osteoblasts the cells which lay down bone tissue
Osteoclasts the cells which eat away and destroy bone tissue. They are responsible for allowing
tooth movement during orthodontic treatment, by remodelling the bone around the tooth roots as
they undergo orthodontic forces
Oxygenated blood that which is rich in oxygen molecules, and appears as cherry red blood
Palatal the surface of upper teeth closest to the hard palate, or roof of the mouth
Paraesthesia the pins and needles sensation experienced as local anaesthetics wear off, and
sensation is returning to the affected area
Parallax a radiographic technique whereby the same object is exposed to x-rays from different
angles, so that the buccal or palatal position of unerupted teeth can be identified
Parkinsons disease a progressive disorder of the brain, characterised by uncontrollable tremors
Pathology the study of the nature of diseases, their causes and the changes that they produce in
the body tissues and in the body as a whole
Peer review the assessment of someones procedures and techniques by those of the same
professional status
Peg lateral an abnormally small upper later incisor tooth, said to be shaped like a peg
Periodontitis inflammation of the periodontal tissues
Personal development plan a written plan to determine someones present work-based status
and position, how they wish to improve or change for the better, and how to achieve the desired
changes and realise their ambitions
Personal protective equipment items of protective gear to be worn by personnel during
potentially hazardous procedures, such as chairside assisting or instrument decontamination. The
equipment includes gloves, aprons, facemasks, visors and safety glasses (tinted or plain)
Petit mal a mild form of epilepsy where the sufferer often just appears to be daydreaming
pH a measure of acidity, expressed as a value from 1 to 14, where 1 is strongly acidic, 7 is neutral
(neither acidic nor alkaline) and 14 is strongly alkaline. The oral cavity is usually pH 7, but falls
during food ingestion so that enamel demineralisation occurs at the critical pH of 5.5

Physiology the branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of an organism, in
relation to the workings and interactions of cells, tissues and organs
Pledget a small manufactured ball of cotton wool that can be picked up with tweezers and used to
dry a cavity
Policy an overall plan of action that is based on sensible procedure, and that is intended to guide
and determine decisions. In the dental workplace, policies are often written down so that they can
be followed in the same way by all staff members; examples include infection control policy, child
protection policy, and so on
Polyp an overgrowth of mucous membrane tissue, which is attached by a stalk to the mass of
tissue from which it originates
Post-dam the most posterior border of a denture, which is raised into a ridge to aid the formation
of the suction film of saliva necessary for good retention
Potentiation the action of one drug increasing the effects of another drug, when both are given to
a patient together. The increased action of anticoagulation drugs caused by antibiotics, for instance,
can have serious consequences for the patient
Prion an infectious particle made up purely of protein (rather than a living micro-organism) and
responsible for diseases such as CreutzfeldJakob disease
Proclined in orthodontics, the angulation of the upper central incisor teeth in class II division 1
whereby they protrude forwards from the mouth. The overjet will be increased
Prophylactic paste a paste of pumice slurry used by dentists and hygienists to remove surface
stains from the teeth, following scaling
Prophylaxis the giving of antibiotics to susceptible patients to prevent disease, as in patients with
a history of heart valve disease who are susceptible to bacterial endocarditis following dental
treatment
Protocol a code of conduct and procedure to be followed when delivering oral healthcare to any
patient, and which acts as a plan or record of that treatment. So an example is the protocol
followed when any patient requests an emergency treatment appointment their need is
determined, a decision is made to see them or not, and an appointment is organised depending on
the urgency of the treatment required
Pulpectomy the endodontic technique of removing all of the pulp tissue from the tooth and
replacing it with root filling material. It is also referred to as root canal therapy
Pulpotomy the endodontic technique of removing the coronal pulp from the tooth and leaving
the radicular pulp in place, so that the tooth remains vital while root growth continues

Pulse oximeter an item of equipment used during sedation techniques which records the
patients pulse and oxygen saturation levels in the blood
Quality assurance a system to ensure that a consistently high standard of treatment or practice
management is achieved
Radicular pulp that part of the pulp tissue which lies within the root of the tooth, as opposed to
that which lies in the crown of the tooth, in the pulp chamber
Radiolucent a substance which does not absorb x-rays when exposed to them, so that its image
appears dark on the developed radiograph
Radiopaque a substance which absorbs x-rays when exposed to them, so that its image appears
light on the developed radiograph
Recurrent caries dental caries that has been treated and then begins again within a restored
cavity
Reflective practitioner someone who constantly thinks about, and analyses, their own workrelated decisions and performance, in an effort to determine how they can improve themselves in
their future work activities. It is a position that all dental personnel should aspire to achieve
Remineralisation the action where fluoride is taken into areas of enamel which have been
attacked and demineralised by acid, so that the crystal structure of the enamel is reformed and
repaired
Resorbable suture sutures (stitches) which are made from a material that gradually dissolves in
the body tissues, so that they do not have to be removed at a later date
Resorption of bone, the breaking down of the alveolar bone following tooth extraction, and its
incorporation into the surrounding bone tissue with a resultant change in shape of the area. Its
occurrence necessitates the relining or replacement of dentures over time
Retraction the action of holding back soft tissues from a surgical site with special instruments
called retractors, so that good vision and access are possible
Retroclined in orthodontics, the angulation of the upper central incisor teeth in class II division 2
cases, where they slope backwards into the mouth and the overjet is reduced
Retrograde root filling a root filling which is placed from the root end of the tooth, during an
apicectomy, rather than more conventionally from the crown end
Reverse osmosis the technique used to produce pure water for use in dental equipment such as
autoclaves, by the filtration and extraction of impurities as ordinary tap water is passed through the
reverse osmosis device

Reversible pulpitis inflammation of the pulp which can be resolved by the removal of caries and
the restoration of the tooth, without the need for endodontic treatment
Rheumatic fever an acute infectious disease causing a sore throat, pain and fever, joint swelling
and damage to the heart valves
Risk assessment a method of measuring the potential risks of injury that may occur during a
procedure, or when using chemicals, so that a safe method can be developed to minimise those
risks of injury to all
Safety zone a designated 2 m area around the x-ray machine head which will safely exclude all
personnel from the controlled area during patient exposure, but outside of which staff may safely
stand to reassure and support the patient during the exposure
Serial extraction in orthodontics, the technique of extracting certain deciduous teeth in a set
order, to allow the eruption of the permanent successor into an acceptable position in the dental
arch, to relieve crowding. Sometimes, the permanent teeth are extracted too, to allow eruption of
other permanent teeth
Shellac in removable prosthetics, a resinous material used warm and moulded into special trays
over a patients initial models
Silane agent in fixed prosthetics, a coupling agent which allows resins to chemically attach to
ceramics and metals, so that better adhesion is gained during the cementation of the prosthesis
Sinus tract a suppurating connection from an infected area to the oral cavity, especially from a
chronic periapical abscess
Sjgrens syndrome an autoimmune disorder in which the patient experiences reduced salivary
flow, reduced tear flow and rheumatoid arthritis
Social cleanliness clean to a socially acceptable standard, but not disinfected nor sterilised
Sphygmomanometer a medical device used to measure a patients arterial blood pressure
Stagnation area any area of the mouth or of a prosthesis which prevents self-cleansing, so that
plaque accumulates
Standard precautions those precautions taken when treating all patients in the dental workplace
as an infection control measure, by assuming that any patient is a potential source of infection to
others
Stensons duct the salivary gland channel connecting the parotid gland to the oral cavity. It opens
against the buccal surfaces of the upper first and second molar teeth
Sterilisation the process of reducing the risk of cross-infection by killing all micro-organisms and
spores to produce asepsis, by the use of steam under pressure in a specialised container
Stomatitis the medical term for inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the oral cavity
Subgingival beneath the gingival margin of the teeth, as in subgingival calculus
Subluxation in relation to the temporomandibular joint, its partial dislocation leaving the joint
misaligned, but with the two bony points of the skull and mandible still in contact with each other.
Subluxation of a tooth occurs when trauma displaces it within the socket, often so that the
occlusion is deranged
Supernumerary tooth an additional tooth-like structure, often found on a radiograph lying
between the roots of the upper central incisors. It can sometimes prevent their eruption
Supragingival above the gingival margin of the teeth, as in supragingival calculus
Surgical hand hygiene the specific hand-washing technique used with sterile cleaning agents to
render the hands free of all micro-organisms, so that surgical procedures can be safely carried out
Suture a surgical stitch, used to close the edges of wounds following surgery or trauma, and can
be made of various materials including silk
SWOT analysis an analysis carried out during the formation of a personal development plan to
determine if identified obstacles to future development are of a personal or external nature
Systemic fluoride oral health fluoride products which are ingested and then have their fluoride
component laid down within the tooth structure to strengthen it, and help prevent caries
Tetracycline an antibiotic which used to be given to alleviate the symptoms of acne, but which
was found to be taken into the tooth structure of permanent teeth, producing unsightly staining
Thalidomide a sedative drug causing life-changing physical abnormalities of the foetus when
taken by pregnant women
Topical fluoride oral health fluoride products which are applied to the external surface of the
tooth to strengthen the enamel against acid attack
Transillumination the technique of shining the blue curing lamp through anterior teeth, to detect
interproximal cavities
Trigeminal neuralgia a condition involving sudden sharp pain in the face along the sensory
branches of the trigeminal nerve (Vth cranial nerve)
Trismus the inability to fully open the mouth, due to swelling or inflammation of the surrounding
muscles and soft tissues. This is often seen in patients suffering from pericoronitis
True pocket in periodontal disease, the loss of attachment between the junctional epithelium and
the tooth so that a pocket forms down the side of the root, with deepening of the gingival crevice
Tumour an unnatural swelling of a body tissue which is not due to inflammation, and which serves
no purpose to the body. They can be benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous)
Ultrasonic bath cleaning device that removes debris from instruments, by vibrating at an
ultrasonic frequency and transmitting that vibration onto the instruments loaded into the bath on
the tray, so that contaminated debris is shaken off
Undercut cavity one produced by the dentist during restorative procedures, whereby the inner
surface is wider than that at the opening of the cavity. It is deliberately produced to aid the
retention of non-adhesive filling materials, such as amalgam
Vaccine a preparation of dead or harmless micro-organisms injected into the body to produce an
immune response, and thus protect the patient from suffering from the disease at a later date
Vacuum autoclave an autoclave which sterilises its contents by having the air sucked out of the
chamber during the cycle, so that a vacuum is produced. Micro-organisms cannot survive in a
vacuum so all of the items within the chamber become sterilised, including the inside of narrow
hollow tubes such as triple syringe tips
Valid consent the voluntary permission given by an able patient or their legal guardian for
treatment to be received, once they have been suitably informed of all the necessary aspects of
that treatment
Vasoconstrictor a substance added to local anaesthetic cartridges, which acts to close the
localised blood vessels to prolong the anaesthetic, and also to reduce bleeding in the immediate
area
Verifiable CPD continuing professional development activities that are carried out on a formal
basis, with aims and objectives set out and learning outcomes to be achieved by participating in the
activity. An example is attending an organised training event
Vicarious liability the situation of one person being held responsible for the actions of another by
the authorities. In the dental workplace, it describes the position of a dentist being held personally
liable (legally responsible) for the actions and omissions of all their staff
Viricidal a chemical agent capable of killing viruses
Wartons duct the channel connecting the submandibular salivary gland to the oral cavity. It
opens beneath the tongue, at the front of the mouth
Washer-disinfector a specialised decontamination unit for instruments which both washes debris
from items and then disinfects them during each cycle, by holding the washed contents at a preset
temperature for a timed period
Xerostomia the medical term for dry mouth syndrome

Zoning the technique of separating clinical areas in the dental surgery into dirty and clean
zones, so that dirty instruments are not inadvertently placed where clean ones are, to prevent
cross-infection and contamination. The term also applies to the same technique in the
decontamination room


Dental Glossary

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Glossary of terms

Levisons Textbook for Dental Nurses, Eleventh Edition. By Carole Hollins.

Levisons Textbook for Dental Nurses, Eleventh Edition. By Carole Hollins.

Levisons Textbook for Dental Nurses, Eleventh Edition. By Carole Hollins.

Levisons Textbook for Dental Nurses, Eleventh Edition. By Carole Hollins.

Levisons Textbook for Dental Nurses, Eleventh Edition. By Carole Hollins.

Levisons Textbook for Dental Nurses, Eleventh Edition. By Carole Hollins.

Levisons Textbook for Dental Nurses, Eleventh Edition. By Carole Hollins.

Haemostasis the arrest of a flow of blood, especially after tooth extraction

Levisons Textbook for Dental Nurses, Eleventh Edition. By Carole Hollins.

Levisons Textbook for Dental Nurses, Eleventh Edition. By Carole Hollins.

Levisons Textbook for Dental Nurses, Eleventh Edition. By Carole Hollins.

Levisons Textbook for Dental Nurses, Eleventh Edition. By Carole Hollins.

Levisons Textbook for Dental Nurses, Eleventh Edition. By Carole Hollins.

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