Tooth Anatomy
This hardest substance in the human body forms the outer layer of the crown.
What is enamel?
This silver-colored restorative material has been used for over 150 years.
What is dental amalgam?
The universal tooth numbering system assigns #1 to this tooth.
What is the maxillary right third molar?
This type of radiograph shows the entire tooth, including root and apex.
What is a periapical radiograph?
What is a prophylaxis (prophy)?
The process of cleaning plaque and calculus above the gumline.
This living tissue contains nerves and blood vessels.
What is the pulp?
Composite resin is primarily hardened using this type of curing light.
What is a blue LED curing light?
The dental specialty focused on straightening teeth.
What is orthodontics?
This radiographic artifact appears when the patient's chin is too low on a panoramic image.
What is the “joker smile” / exaggerated smile effect?
Removing the infected tooth pulp and filling the canal.
What is root canal therapy (endodontic treatment)?
The area where the crown meets the root.
What is the cementoenamel junction (CEJ)?
This elastic material is commonly used for final impressions in crown and bridge procedures.
What is polyvinyl siloxane (PVS)?
This historical figure is falsely rumored to have wooden teeth.
Who is George Washington?
This term refers to the radiopaque line that outlines the lamina dura.
What is the lamina dura (or periodontal ligament space) — acceptable variations depending on phrasing?
This procedure involves surgically exposing an impacted tooth to help it erupt.
What is tooth exposure and bonding (common in ortho for impacted canines)?
These fibers attach the tooth to the alveolar bone.
What are the periodontal ligament (PDL) fibers?
Glass ionomer releases this ion that helps prevent recurrent decay.
What is fluoride?
This term describes tooth grinding, often during sleep.
What is bruxism?
CBCT stands for this 3-word imaging technology.
What is cone beam computed tomography?
This technique is used to stop bleeding and retract gingiva during crown preparation impressions.
What is gingival retraction (using retraction cord or paste)?
This part of the tooth forms the majority of its internal structure and is less mineralized than enamel.
What is dentin?
This high-strength ceramic material is known for its translucency and is used in esthetic crowns (hint: think zirconium oxide).
What is zirconia (zirconium oxide)?
The first dental college in the world was founded in this U.S. city in 1840.
What is Baltimore, Maryland? (Baltimore College of Dental Surgery)
This radiographic principle states that the X-ray beam should be directed perpendicular to the bisecting angle.
What is the bisecting-angle technique?
This periodontal surgery reshapes the alveolar bone to reduce deep pockets.
What is osseous surgery (or osseous recontouring)?