A B C D E F G H I L M N O P Q R S T U V W X

R

Radiograph

An x-ray film.

Restoration

Pertaining to the material and/or components used to restore the normal function of a tooth or structure in the mouth (filling bridge/inlay/crown/veneer).

Retainer

Pertaining to a prosthesis/appliance used to maintain the position of teeth in the jaw.

Root Canal Therapy (R.C.T.)

A dental treatment involving the removal of the nerve tissue from within the tooth and tooth roots. The void remaining is then filled with an inert material.

Root Planing

A dental procedure which involves the scraping clean of the teeth and their root surfaces. It aims to aid the re-attachment of the gums to the roots and stabilise the teeth.

Root Resection

A procedure involving the removal of one or more roots (leaving at least one patent root) of a multi-rooted tooth while retaining the crown.

S

Sagittal plane

Pertaining to a longitudinal vertical plane that divides the mouth along the midline into two halves.

Saliva

The secretions from the salivary glands that lubricate the oral environment.

Salivary Glands

Glands that are responsible for producing saliva prior to secretion into the mouth.

Scaling

Pertaining to a tooth-cleaning procedure used to remove plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.

Sealant

(see fissure sealant).

Secondary Dentine

The dentine produced as a reaction to pathological irritation. It acts as a protective mechanism to insulate the pulp.

Secondary Teeth

(see permanent dentition).

Sedation

The use of medication (tablets/intravenous/inhalation) to relax a patient.

Sleep Apnoea

A potentially fatal disorder where a patient may stop breathing repeatedly for more than 10 seconds, whilst asleep.

Space Maintainer Pertaining to a dental prosthesis/appliance that prevents teeth from moving into the space created through the premature loss of baby teeth.

Splint

Pertaining to a dental prosthesis/appliance used to connect two or more teeth together . It is also used as a synonym for an occlusal appliance.

Sterilisation

Pertaining to the process of eliminating bacteria and viruses from surfaces and dental equipment.

Subgingival Scaling

The removal of calculus and plaque from the surfaces of teeth below the gum line.

Sulcus

The normal space between the gum tissue and the tooth or the space between the tongue and the tissue forming the floor of the mouth.

Supernumerary Tooth

An extra tooth.

Supra Gingival Scaling

The removal of calculus and plaque from teeth above the gum line.

T

Tartar

(see calculus).

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD)

A term to used to describe a condition of the temporomandibular joint. It can be characterised by facial pain and restricted ability to open or move the jaw. Symptoms can also manifest themselves as clicking noises or pain in the joint.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The joint that connects the the base of the skull and lower jaw.

Third Molar (wisdom tooth)

There are usually four third molars, one in each quadrant. These teeth can be absent or impacted.

Tooth Whitening

A treatment to lighten the colour of the teeth.

Torus

A common bony growth that is a protuberance of normal bone. It is usually seen on the upper palate behind the front teeth or under the tongue inside the lower jaw.

Trench Mouth

(see ANUG)

U

Ultrasonic Scaler

Pertaining to devices that utilise high-frequency sound waves to clean teeth.

Unerupted Tooth

A tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct occlusal position.

V

Veneer

(see facing).

Vincent's Disease