A

At Cornerstone Dentistry, we understand that dental jargon can be confusing, leaving patients feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their oral health. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive dental glossary tailored just for you. Our commitment to patient care goes beyond your dental chair experience; we want you to be well-informed and empowered when it comes to your oral health.

With our user-friendly glossary, you can easily access explanations of dental terms, procedures, and treatments, helping you make informed decisions about your dental care. Take charge of your oral health with Cornerstone Dentistry’s Dental Glossary. Explore it today!

Dental Terms That Start With A

Here are 13 common dental terms that start with the letter A, explained in plain English by the team at Cornerstone Dentistry in Anderson.

1. Abfraction: A wedge-shaped notch near the gumline, thought to be caused by stress from biting and grinding flexing the tooth.
2. Abrasion: Tooth wear caused by something rubbing against it, most often brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled brush.
3. Abscess: A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection in a tooth or the gums. It needs prompt treatment; see emergency dentistry.
4. Alveolar Bone: The part of the jawbone that holds the tooth sockets.
5. Amalgam: A silver-colored filling material made of mercury combined with silver, tin and copper.
6. Analgesia: Pain relief, such as from ibuprofen or acetaminophen, without loss of consciousness.
7. Anesthesia: Medicine that blocks pain. Dentistry mostly uses local anesthesia; some procedures use sedation or general anesthesia.
8. Antibiotic Prophylaxis: Taking antibiotics before a dental procedure to prevent infection. It’s recommended only for certain heart and medical conditions.
9. Apex: The tip of a tooth’s root.
10. Apicoectomy: A minor surgery that removes the tip of a tooth’s root and seals it, usually when infection remains after a root canal.
11. Arch: The curved row of teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
12. Attrition: Tooth wear from tooth-to-tooth contact, such as grinding.
13. Avulsion: A tooth knocked completely out of its socket. See how to handle a knocked-out tooth.

Have a question about a term you don’t see here? Ask us at your next visit.