Unit 10 Vocabulary: Dentistry

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Noun (thing)
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Braces
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a set of wires worn on teeth to push them into the correct position
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"I noticed gaps between my son's teeth and I think he might need braces."
Noun (thing)
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Bridge
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a fixed dental appliance, anchored to the surrounding teeth, used to replace one or more missing teeth
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"A prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth is called a bridge."
Noun (thing)
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Cavity
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a hole in a tooth caused by decay
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"I went to the dentist for a check-up and he noticed two cavities that have to be filled."
Noun (thing)
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Crown
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a type of tooth restoration that covers all or most of the natural tooth
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"A crown is often a recommended solution if a tooth has been broken or is at high risk of breaking due to large fillings or cracks."
Noun (thing)
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Decay
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a bacterial infection which causes demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth
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"Brush your teeth after each meal to prevent tooth decay."
Noun (person)
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Dental hygienist
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a member of the dental team whose job involves cleaning people’s teeth and giving advice on how to care for them
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"Ask your hygienist to show you the best way to brush and floss your teeth."
Noun (person)
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Dental surgeon
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a medical professional that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the oral cavity
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"The profession of a dentist can also be referred to as 'a dental surgeon', but this name is rarely used."
Noun (person)
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Dental technician
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a member of the dental team who constructs custom made crowns, bridges and implants
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"To construct the crown, the dental technician will need a dental model."
Noun (thing)
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Dentures
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a removable dental appliance, used to replace multiple missing teeth
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"It is suggested to use dentures if there are insufficient teeth to support a bridge."
Noun (thing)
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Enamel
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the hard white outer layer of teeth
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"Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and contains the highest percentage of minerals."
Noun (person)
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Endodontist
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a dental professional who specializes in the treatment of root canals
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"The dentist told me that the nerve had to be removed and the root would have to be filled, so I made an appointment with an endodontist."
Verb (infinitive)
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Extract
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to remove a tooth
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"The cavity was so large and decay so widespread that the tooth had to be extracted."
Noun (thing)
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Filling
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a mass of metal or plastic used to replace a hole in a tooth
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"I have to make an appointment with my dentist because one of my fillings has fallen out."
Noun (thing)
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Gingivitis
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inflammation of the soft gum tissue and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth
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"At an early stage, gingivitis is non-destructive, but in the absence of treatment it will progress to periodontitis, which is a destructive disease."
Noun (thing)
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Gums
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the soft tissue inside the oral cavity in which teeth are fixed
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"Improper oral hygiene may lead to gum disease."
Noun (thing)
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Implant
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a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth
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"An implant is placed in the jaw bone and serves as an anchor for a replacement tooth."
Noun (thing)
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Jaw
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the lower part of the face which includes the bottom teeth
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"Disorders of the jaw joint can cause pain similar to toothache."
Adjective
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Oral
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connected or related to the mouth
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"The interface between medicine and dentistry is called oral medicine."
Noun (person)
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Orthodontist
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a dentistry professional who straightens teeth
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"Consult an orthodontist if your teeth are crooked or there are gaps between them."
Noun (thing)
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Root canal
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a hollow thin space inside the root of a tooth that can become infected
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"Treating the nerve of a tooth is referred to as root canal treatment."
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