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The teeth on either side of a missing tooth. Amalgam A silver/mercury mixture which is used for fillings. Anatomy 1)The arrangement of the bones in your skeleton 2) The study of the arrangement of the bones in your skeleton. Antiseptic A chemical agent which can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs. Anesthetic A drug which a doctor or dentist uses to put you, your mouth, or some other part of your body asleep so you do not feel any pain during dental or medical procedures. Anterior An adjective used to describe things pertaining to your your Centrals, laterals and cuspids (your front teeth). Arch Collectively, either the teeth or the arch-shaped bone of either jaw. Articulator A special holder for models of your teeth. The articulator holds the models in the same alignment as your jaw so the orthodontist can look carefully at your bite. See a picture of one here. Aspirator A tube like a straw which the dentist puts in your mouth to suck up all the saliva. Aspiration Removal of fluids from your mouth with an aspirator. Bruxism Clenching or grinding of your teeth especially at night. Calculus A hard deposit that forms when you do not brush your teeth so the plaque hardens. Calculus is also known as tartar. Caries Another name for a cavities (tooth decay) Cavity A small hole in one of your teeth caused by tooth decay. Cross contamination Passing bacteria or viruses indirectly from one patient to another through the use of improper sterilization procedures, unclean instruments, or "recycling" of orthodontic products. Crown 1) An artifacial tooth, 2) an artificial replacement for the covering on a tooth. Decalcification The loss of calcium from your teeth. This weakens your teeth and makes them more succeptable to decay Denture A synthetic replacment for all of your teeth in either your upper or your lower jaw. Distal Behind towards the back of the mouth. For example you might say that the first bicuspid is distal to the cuspid.
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