K

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 K

Here are 10 common dental terms that start with the letter K, explained in plain English by the team at Cornerstone Dentistry in Anderson.

1. K-File: A thin, flexible hand file used to clean and shape the canals inside a tooth during a root canal.
2. Kennedy Classification: A system dentists use to describe patterns of missing teeth in a partially toothless arch, mainly to plan partial dentures.
3. Keratin: A tough protein that forms the outer protective layer of some gum and mouth tissue.
4. Keratinized Gingiva: The firm, pink gum tissue that attaches to the teeth and bone. It holds up better to brushing and chewing than the looser tissue further from the teeth.
5. Keratinocytes: The main cells of the outer layer of the gums and the lining of the mouth.
6. Keratocyst (Odontogenic Keratocyst): A cyst that forms in the jawbone, often near wisdom teeth. It can grow quietly and tends to come back, so it’s removed and monitored.
7. Keratosis (Frictional Keratosis): A white, thickened patch caused by repeated rubbing, such as cheek biting or a rough tooth edge. Any white patch that doesn’t go away should be checked by a dentist.
8. Kilovoltage Peak (kVp): A setting on dental X-ray machines that controls how penetrating the X-ray beam is, which affects image contrast.
9. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsion): A tooth knocked completely out of its socket. Pick it up by the crown, rinse gently, put it back in the socket if you can or keep it in milk, and see a dentist right away. Read how to handle a knocked-out tooth or call our emergency dentist.
10. Koplik Spots: Small white spots on the inside of the cheeks that can be an early sign of measles.

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