Any artificial appliance used to replace a body part. Can be a single crown, a bridge, a partial denture, a full denture, or a facial prosthetic including: eyes, ears, cheeks, noses, and palates.

The field of dentistry that deals with the creation and function of artificial dental appliances and teeth.

A dentist who has completed a specialty residency of two to three years learning how to restore complex cases and how the teeth should fit together so that they can function in health and comfort. Additionally they learn more information about the different types of materials which are available to restore teeth.

Any tooth replacement which is designed to be used while the permanent or final teeth are being made. They are a temporary appliance.

The tissue which fills the inside center of a tooth. It consists of a nerve, an artery and a vein. This is the tissue which must be removed during a root canal.

Having to do with the pulp.

Also known as exudate. It is the material which drains from an infection. It is made mostly of immune system cells which are fighting the infection, dead cells and bacteria.

A dated/ colloquial term for periodontitis.

A descriptive term to describe the four corners of the mouth. The upper right, upper left, lower left and lower right. Each quadrant describes the area from the central incisor on that side of the mouth to the wisdom tooth on the same side of the mouth, regardless of whether the teeth are present or not.

A guide made from a diagnostic model which is worn during an x-ray in order to relate the desired final tooth position to the underlying anatomical structures. It aids in the diagnosis and treatment planning of complex implant restorative cases.