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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 T

Here are 12 common dental terms that start with the letter T, explained in plain English by the team at Cornerstone Dentistry in Anderson.

1. Tartar (Calculus): Hardened plaque that sticks to teeth above and below the gumline. Only a dentist or hygienist can remove it during a professional cleaning.
2. Temporary Crown: A short-term crown, usually resin or acrylic, that protects a tooth while the permanent crown is made. Learn why a crown can feel weird when you bite down.
3. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The hinge joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull, in front of each ear. Problems with it are called TMD; see TMD/TMJ treatment.
4. Third Molar: Another name for a wisdom tooth, the last tooth at the back of each side of the jaw. See does wisdom teeth removal change your jaw?
5. Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia): A short or tight band of tissue under the tongue that limits its movement.
6. Tooth Sensitivity: A sharp, short pain from hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods, usually from exposed dentin. See the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
7. Tooth Whitening: Lightening the color of teeth with peroxide-based gels. See professional teeth whitening.
8. Tooth-Colored Filling (Composite): A filling made of resin that matches your natural tooth color. See tooth fillings.
9. Topical Anesthetic: A numbing gel or spray applied to the gums before an injection or minor procedure.
10. Torus (Tori): A harmless bony bump in the mouth. Torus palatinus forms on the roof of the mouth; torus mandibularis forms on the tongue side of the lower jaw.
11. Transitional (Mixed) Dentition: The stage, usually around ages 6 to 12, when a child has both baby teeth and permanent teeth.
12. Trismus: Limited ability to open the mouth, often from jaw muscle spasm. It can happen temporarily after wisdom teeth removal.

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