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Patient reference

Dental terms, defined.

Every term you'll hear during a consultation — explained in plain language, alphabetized, and searchable. Written by the AQUA medical team.

Imaging & Radiology

3D printing in dentistry

Printing surgical guides, treatment models, night guards, and temporary crowns from CBCT or iTero data. Reduces treatment time and increases fit accuracy.

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Imaging & Radiology

3D treatment planning software

Software (Straumann coDiagnostiX, NobelClinician) that analyzes the CBCT scan and designs the implant position with sub-millimeter accuracy before surgery. Outputs a printed surgical guide.

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Endodontics

Accessory canal

Tiny side branches off the main canal. Hard to find without a microscope — a major cause of failed treatments.

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Dental Implants

All-on-4 / All-on-X

A technique replacing a full arch with only 4 to 6 implants supporting a fixed bridge. Allows a same-day temporary prosthesis and avoids bone grafts in most cases.

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Endodontics

Apexification

A specialized treatment for immature permanent teeth (in children) aimed at inducing a calcified barrier at the open root apex. A precursor to conventional root canal therapy.

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Endodontics

Apicoectomy

Minor surgery to remove the inflamed root tip from outside when it can't be reached through the crown. A last resort before extraction.

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Imaging & Radiology

Bitewing X-ray

A view of the crowns of upper and lower teeth together. Best for early detection of decay between teeth before it reaches the pulp.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Black triangle

A triangular gap between the bases of two front teeth caused by recession of the interdental papilla. Treated with gum graft, composite reshaping, or veneers with modified margins.

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Periodontics

Bleeding on probing (BOP)

Bleeding from the gum on probe insertion — the earliest reliable sign of gum inflammation. Present at 20%+ of sites indicates active inflammation requiring deep cleaning.

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Dental Implants

Bone density (D1–D4)

Misch classification of jawbone density. D1 (densest) in the anterior mandible, D4 (least dense) in the posterior maxilla. Determines implant protocol and integration time.

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Dental Implants

Bone graft

Adding bone at an implant site when native bone is insufficient. 4–6 months of healing before implant placement.

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Preventive Care

Bruxism (grinding)

Clenching or grinding teeth during sleep. Causes enamel wear, morning headaches, and fractures. A night guard solves it.

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Endodontics

Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)

A medical paste placed inside the canal between sessions to eliminate bacteria. Also used for pulp capping and apexification in immature teeth.

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Preventive Care

Caries risk assessment (CAMBRA)

A scientific protocol (Caries Management By Risk Assessment) classifying patients as low / moderate / high risk and guiding a personalized prevention plan instead of one-size-fits-all care.

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Imaging & Radiology

CBCT — Cone Beam Computed Tomography

3D high-resolution scan at 1/10th the radiation dose of medical CT. Essential for implant planning, complex endo, and nerve evaluation.

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Imaging & Radiology

Cephalometric (lateral) X-ray

A lateral skull view used in ortho planning to measure angles and the relationships between jaws and the cranial base.

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Orthodontics

Ceramic braces

Same mechanics as metal braces but with tooth-colored ceramic brackets. An aesthetic option when Invisalign isn't suitable.

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Orthodontics

Cleft lip and palate

A congenital malformation in the formation of the lip and/or palate. Care requires a multidisciplinary team (oral-maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, prosthodontics) from birth through adolescence.

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Orthodontics

ClinCheck treatment simulation

A 3D simulation software from Align Technology showing the patient every tooth movement step-by-step before signing. The foundation of Invisalign plan approval.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Composite bonding

Multi-layered composite resin shaped directly onto the tooth to repair a chip, cover staining, or close a small gap. Polished every 6–12 months.

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Periodontics

Connective tissue graft (CTG)

The gold-standard procedure for covering gum recession. Connective tissue is harvested from the palate and grafted beneath the gum at the recession site. 90%+ success rate with full root coverage.

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Endodontics

Cracked tooth syndrome

A microscopic crack invisible on X-rays, causing pain on biting or release. Diagnosed with stain + bite test. Treatment: a crown before the crack reaches the root.

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Periodontics

Crown lengthening

Reshaping the gum line to expose the teeth's full natural length. Dr. Assaggaf's signature procedure — solves "gummy smile".

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Endodontics

Dental pulp

The living tissue inside a tooth — nerves and blood vessels. Inflammation or infection causes pain, and that's when root canal treatment is needed.

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Imaging & Radiology

DICOM (scan export)

The medical-standard format for CBCT scans. Accepted by every clinic worldwide. We export a DICOM copy free, delivered by email.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Digital Smile Design (DSD)

A 3D simulation of the final smile before any preparation. A temporary mock-up is tried in the mouth for approval before the procedure begins.

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Endodontics

Endodontic retreatment

Treating a tooth that had a previous root canal that failed (recurrent abscess, ongoing pain). Requires precise removal of the old filling without breaking the tooth.

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Imaging & Radiology

Field of view (FOV)

The scan area size in CBCT. Small (5×5 cm) for a single tooth, medium (10×10) for one arch, large (15×15) for both jaws. Selecting the right FOV minimizes radiation dose.

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Orthodontics

Fixed lower bonded retainer

A thin wire bonded behind the lower six front teeth post-orthodontics. Invisible, stays for life, and prevents the most common type of relapse.

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Preventive Care

Fluoride therapy

Application of high-concentration fluoride gel or varnish that strengthens enamel and reverses early decay. Safe for children over 6 months.

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Preventive Care

Fluoride varnish (5% NaF)

A high-concentration fluoride varnish applied every 6 months for children and teens. Reduces permanent-tooth decay by 35–45%.

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Orthodontics

Functional appliance (twin block)

A pediatric device that advances the lower jaw forward to correct Class II malocclusion. Worn 14–18 months before fixed braces.

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Periodontics

Furcation involvement

Progression of advanced periodontitis into the area between molar roots. Classified Class I–III. Difficult to treat — requires a tailored plan (bone regeneration or extraction).

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Periodontics

Gingival biotype (thin / thick)

Classification of gum thickness. Thin biotype is recession-prone post-treatment, thick is more stable. Determined before any cosmetic procedure.

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Periodontics

Gingivitis

Red, swollen, bleeding gums — an early, fully reversible stage with professional cleaning and home care.

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Preventive Care

Gingivitis (early gum disease)

Red and swollen gums — fully reversible with treatment. If ignored, it progresses to periodontitis, which causes tooth loss.

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Periodontics

Guided bone/tissue regeneration (GBR/GTR)

A technique to grow new bone or tissue in a damaged site using membranes and grafts. Foundation of implant success in bone-deficient cases.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Gum bleaching (depigmentation)

Removal of natural melanin pigmentation from the gums with a laser to achieve a uniform pink color. Safe but purely cosmetic — pigmentation may return after years.

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Periodontics

Gum graft

Adding gum tissue where recession has occurred. Source: tissue from the palate or a donor. Protects exposed roots.

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Periodontics

Gum recession

Receding gum line exposing tooth roots. Causes: aggressive brushing, gum disease, occlusal pressure, or genetic. Classified Miller Class I–IV to determine treatability.

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Endodontics

Gutta-percha

A natural latex material used to fill the canal after cleaning and disinfection. Flexible, inert, and stable long-term.

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Dental Implants

Healing abutment

A temporary fitting placed on the implant after osseointegration to shape the gum before the final abutment is placed. Worn for 2–6 weeks.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Icon — resin infiltration

A minimally invasive treatment for white-spot enamel lesions (early decay, fluorosis) using optical resin infiltration — no drilling, no anesthesia.

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Dental Implants

Immediate loading

Placing a temporary crown or bridge on the same day as implant surgery, instead of waiting 3–6 months. Possible in select cases with high primary stability.

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Endodontics

Internal bleaching

Whitening a single discolored tooth after root canal — bleaching material placed inside the crown under the filling. Succeeds in 80% of cases without needing a veneer.

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Orthodontics

Invisalign

A series of medical-grade clear aligners. Patient changes the tray every 1–2 weeks; teeth move gradually. Only Invisalign-certified providers can prescribe.

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Orthodontics

IPR (interproximal reduction)

Removing 0.2–0.5 mm of enamel between teeth to create space without extractions. Completely safe and imperceptible.

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Imaging & Radiology

iTero digital scan

A 3D in-mouth scan of teeth without traditional impression trays. More comfortable, more accurate (under 50 microns), and integrates directly with ClinCheck for Invisalign planning.

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Periodontics

Laser periodontal therapy

Using Er:YAG or Nd:YAG lasers to precisely remove bacteria and inflamed tissue while stimulating healing. Less painful than conventional surgery.

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Imaging & Radiology

Lead shielding

A lead apron shields the body from scattered radiation. Mandatory for every image, with an additional thyroid collar protecting the thyroid gland.

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Orthodontics

Lingual braces

Braces fitted to the inner (tongue-side) surface of teeth — completely invisible externally. More specialized and slightly longer treatment time.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Lumineers

A trademarked thin (0.3 mm) ceramic veneer brand from DenMat (USA). Marketed as "no-prep" but realistically requires minor preparation in most cases.

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Orthodontics

Malocclusion (Class I/II/III)

Angle's classification of jaw relationships. Class I: normal relationship with crowding. Class II: lower jaw retruded (overbite). Class III: lower jaw protruded (underbite).

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Preventive Care

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)

A custom oral device worn at night that advances the lower jaw by a few millimeters to open the airway — an established treatment for adult snoring and mild-to-moderate sleep apnea (AHI 5–30).

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Orthodontics

Metal braces (brackets)

Conventional brackets-and-wires. Most effective for complex cases and deep bite issues. Treatment duration typically 18–30 months.

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Preventive Care

Mouth breathing

Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose during sleep. Causes dry mouth, decay, gum inflammation, and jaw-development issues in children. Needs ENT evaluation.

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Orthodontics

Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) plate

A custom plastic plate worn by infants with cleft lip and palate during the first weeks to bring the segments closer before surgical repair. Improves long-term occlusal outcome.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

No-prep technique

Ultra-thin (0.2–0.3 mm) ceramic veneers bonded with no enamel removal. An ideal option for carefully selected cases — fully reversible.

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Dental Implants

Nobel Biocare implant

The American-Swedish brand leading in All-on-X and zygomatic implants. Renowned for TiUnite osseointegration surface and Same-day teeth protocols.

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Preventive Care

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Repeated upper-airway obstruction during sleep — causes snoring, oxygen drops, and frequent arousals. Diagnosed via a sleep study. Mild-to-moderate cases may be treated with a mandibular advancement device as an alternative to CPAP.

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Preventive Care

Occlusal splint / night guard

A hard acrylic device worn over the teeth at night or all-day to manage TMD and bruxism. Made in different types (Michigan, Stabilization, Anterior repositioning) based on diagnosis.

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Orthodontics

Open bite

Upper and lower front teeth don't meet when biting. Often caused by habits (thumb-sucking, tongue thrust) or genetic. Requires orthodontic + behavioral treatment.

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Preventive Care

Oral risk assessment

A detailed assessment that predicts your future caries risk based on diet, saliva, and genetics. The basis for a personalized prevention plan.

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Dental Implants

Osseointegration

The biological process by which titanium fuses permanently with bone cells. Foundation of modern implant success since 1952.

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Orthodontics

Palatal expander

A pediatric device that widens the upper jaw before puberty — solves crowding and avoids extractions.

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Imaging & Radiology

Panoramic X-ray

A flat single-image view of the entire upper and lower jaw. Most common for general checkup, ortho planning, and pre-extraction screening.

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Periodontics

Peri-implant mucositis

Soft-tissue inflammation around the implant without bone loss. A reversible stage before progression to peri-implantitis. Detected early via 6-monthly probing.

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Dental Implants

Peri-implantitis

Inflammation of the tissues around an implant. Occurs in 5–10% of cases long-term. Prevention: professional cleaning every 6 months.

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Periodontics

Peri-implantitis

The implant equivalent of periodontitis — inflammation and bone loss around an implant. Occurs in 5–10% of implants long-term.

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Imaging & Radiology

Periapical (PA) X-ray

A single tooth from crown to root tip. Reveals interproximal decay, root abscesses, and early gum disease.

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Imaging & Radiology

Periapical lesion (radiographic)

A dark area around the root tip on X-ray, indicating inflammation or abscess. The basis for diagnosing failed RCT or the need for retreatment.

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Periodontics

Periodontal pocket / probing depth

Measurement with a periodontal probe from the gum margin to the bottom of the gingival pocket. Normal 1–3 mm, 4–5 mm early inflammation, 6+ mm advanced periodontitis requiring urgent treatment.

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Periodontics

Periodontitis

Progression of gingivitis to bone loss around teeth. Not reversible but can be halted. The leading cause of adult tooth loss.

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Orthodontics

Phase I (interceptive) orthodontics

Early orthodontic treatment between ages 7–10 to correct jaw problems before permanent dentition is complete. Reduces the need for later extractions or surgery.

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Preventive Care

Pit and fissure sealants

A clear resin coating placed on the chewing surfaces of children's molars — prevents decay in deep grooves. Lasts 5–10 years.

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Preventive Care

Plaque vs calculus (tartar)

Plaque: a soft bacterial film that forms daily, removed by brushing. Calculus: hardened plaque that only professional instruments can remove.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain veneer

A thin (0.3–0.7 mm) ceramic shell bonded to the front of a tooth to change its shape, shade, or size. Typical lifespan 10–15 years with proper care.

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Orthodontics

Pre-surgical orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment performed before orthognathic jaw surgery for severe malocclusion. Lasts 12–18 months and aligns the teeth to their new positions post-surgery.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Professional whitening

In-office whitening with Zoom or Opalescence Boost (35% peroxide) in a single session, or a take-home tray system with 16% gel worn for 7–14 nights.

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Preventive Care

Prophylaxis (cleaning)

Routine above-the-gum cleaning — tartar removal, polishing, fluoride application. Every 6 months for a healthy patient.

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Dental Implants

Provisional / temporary bridge

A temporary plastic bridge placed over implants on the day of surgery for 4–6 months during osseointegration, then replaced with the final ceramic bridge.

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Endodontics

Pulp capping

A conservative treatment — placing medication on the pulp instead of full root canal, when decay is near but the pulp is still healthy.

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Endodontics

Pulp vitality test

A test that measures nerve response to thermal (cold, hot) or electric stimuli to determine if the pulp is vital or necrotic. The basis for "RCT or not" decisions.

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Imaging & Radiology

Radiation dose (mSv)

Unit measuring radiation exposure. A digital panoramic ≈ 0.01 mSv (one day of natural background). A focused CBCT ≈ 0.05 mSv (5 days).

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Endodontics

Regenerative endodontics

A modern technique that stimulates pulp healing and regeneration in immature teeth (children and teens). Requires consultant-level skill.

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Orthodontics

Retainer

A device worn after braces — fixed or removable — to prevent teeth shifting back. Worn for life (nightly after the first year).

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Endodontics

Root canal

The space inside the tooth root containing the pulp. Front teeth have 1, premolars 1–2, molars 3–4 canals.

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Preventive Care

Salivary stone (sialolith)

A calcification inside a salivary gland duct causing pain with eating and swelling. Diagnosed via imaging; may need surgical removal.

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Preventive Care

Scaling and root planing (SRP)

Deep below-the-gum cleaning to remove hardened tartar. Performed under local anesthesia on one quadrant of the mouth per session.

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Periodontics

Scaling and root planing (SRP)

Deep below-the-gum cleaning to remove tartar and smooth the root surfaces — first-line treatment for periodontitis. Performed under local anesthesia.

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Orthodontics

Self-ligating brackets (Damon)

Brackets that grip the wire without elastic ligatures — less friction, faster tooth movement, and less frequent visits (every 8–10 weeks instead of 4–6).

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Single-tooth internal bleaching

Whitening a single discolored tooth post-RCT — bleaching agent placed inside the crown under the filling for one week. 80% success rate for post-endodontic discoloration.

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Dental Implants

Sinus lift

A surgical procedure to add bone in the upper-back molar area where the maxillary sinus is too close.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Smile arc

The curve of the upper-tooth incisal edges that parallels the lower lip line in a smile. A core aesthetic principle in smile design — perfectly flat edges look unnatural.

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Dental Implants

Straumann implant

Swiss-leading implant brand. Featuring SLActive surface for fast osseointegration. The reference choice for complex cases.

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Dental Implants

Surgical guide

A 3D-printed plastic guide designed from the patient's CBCT scan. Ensures the implant lands in the planned position and angle with sub-millimeter accuracy.

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Orthodontics

TADs (mini-implants)

Temporary skeletal mini-implants used as anchor points for tooth movement without relying on other teeth. Removed after treatment.

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Dental Implants

The abutment

The connector piece that links the implant fixture to the crown (visible portion). Placed after osseointegration is complete.

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Dental Implants

The implant fixture

A medical-grade titanium screw (the part that integrates with bone) placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Integration takes 3–6 months.

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Preventive Care

TMJ disorders (TMD)

A group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and chewing muscles — includes jaw pain, clicking, restricted opening, and bite-related headaches. Diagnosis starts with a thorough exam by a TMD-trained dentist.

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Preventive Care

Tongue cleaning

Daily tongue scraping removes 70% of bacteria causing bad breath. A simple tool — more effective than mouthwash alone.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Tooth contouring (enameloplasty)

Light shaping and polishing of enamel edges to correct irregularly shaped teeth or rough margins. No anesthesia, 15–30 min session, low cost.

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Orthodontics

Twin Block (mandibular advancement)

A functional orthodontic appliance worn at night that advances the lower jaw. Treats Class II in children (ages 10–14) and is also used to manage adult snoring and mild sleep apnea.

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Endodontics

Ultrasonic irrigant activation

A modern technique using ultrasonic waves to activate the irrigant inside the canal, penetrating accessory canals 3–5× more effectively.

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Preventive Care

Xerostomia (dry mouth)

Reduced saliva flow that significantly increases caries risk. Common causes: blood-pressure / antidepressant medications, radiation therapy, or autoimmune diseases. Treated with saliva substitutes.

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Dental Implants

Zygomatic implants

Long (30–55 mm) implants anchored into the zygomatic (cheek) bone instead of the upper jaw when severe bone loss exists. Enables All-on-X without bone grafting.

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