Unit 10: Vocabulary

Please study the 20 vocabulary terms below. Then press the Mark Complete button to continue.
US
UK
braces
a set of wires worn on teeth to push them into the correct position
US
UK
I noticed gaps between my son's teeth and I think he might need braces.
US
UK
bridge
a set of one or more false teeth
US
UK
A prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth is called a bridge.
US
UK
cavity
a hole in a tooth caused by decay
US
UK
I went to the dentist for a check-up and he noticed two cavities that have to be filled.
US
UK
crown
a type of tooth restoration that covers all or most of the natural tooth
US
UK
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.
US
UK
decay
a bacterial infection which causes demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth
US
UK
Brush your teeth after each meal to prevent tooth decay.
US
UK
dental hygienist
a member of the dental team whose job involves cleaning people’s teeth and giving advice on how to care for them
US
UK
Ask your hygienist to show you the best way to brush and floss your teeth.
US
UK
dental surgeon
a medical professional that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the oral cavity
US
UK
The profession of a dentist can also be referred to as 'a dental surgeon', but this name is rarely used.
US
UK
dental technician
a member of the dental team who constructs custom made crowns, bridges and implants
US
UK
To construct the crown, the dental technician will need a dental model.
US
UK
dentures
a removable replacement for missing teeth
US
UK
It is suggested to use dentures if there are insufficient teeth to support a bridge.
US
UK
enamel
the hard white outer layer of teeth
US
UK
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and contains the highest percentage of minerals.
US
UK
endodontist
a dental professional who specializes in the treatment of root canals
US
UK
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.
US
UK
extract
to remove a tooth
US
UK
The cavity was so large and decay so widespread that the tooth had to be extracted.
US
UK
filling
a mass of metal or plastic used to replace a hole in a tooth
US
UK
I have to make an appointment with my dentist because one of my fillings has fallen out.
US
UK
gingivitis
inflammation of the soft gum tissue and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth
US
UK
At an early stage, gingivitis is non-destructive, but in the absence of treatment it will progress to periodontitis, which is a destructive disease.
US
UK
gums
the soft tissue inside the oral cavity in which teeth are fixed
US
UK
Improper oral hygiene may lead to gum disease.
US
UK
implant
a small titanium fixture that serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth
US
UK
An implant is placed in the jaw bone and serves as an anchor for a replacement tooth.
US
UK
jaw
the lower part of the face which includes the bottom teeth
US
UK
Disorders of the jaw joint can cause pain similar to toothache.
US
UK
oral
connected with the mouth
US
UK
The interface between medicine and dentistry is called oral medicine.
US
UK
orthodontist
a dentistry professional who straightens teeth
US
UK
Consult an orthodontist if your teeth are crooked or there are gaps between them.
US
UK
root canal
a hollow thin space inside the root of a tooth that can become infected
US
UK
Treating the nerve of a tooth is referred to as root canal treatment.
Go to unit menu