The congenital (meaning from birth) absence of teeth. The teeth never developed in the womb.

Indicates direction. Anterior indicates toward the front of the mouth. Your incisors are anterior to you canines. Your canines are anterior to your pre-molars (aka bicuspids). Your pre-molars are anterior to your molars.

The front teeth of the upper or lower jaw. They are made up of the incisors and canines.  

The tip of the root. It is the highest point of the root of the tooth in the jawbone.  

Literally means the apex or tip of the root of a tooth. It is also used to indicate direction towards the apex or tip of the root of a tooth.

A tear or sore of the oral soft tissues. They can be related to trauma, acids in the diet or auto-immune disorders. They can be painful but usually resolve within one week. Any mouth sore which lasts for two weeks should be evaluated by a dentist.

A term used to describe the upper or lower jaw because the shape of the jaw looks like an arch. The upper arch is the upper jaw.

A locally delivered antibiotic used to treat gum infection (aka periodontitis, pyorrhea). It is presently the easiest most widely use product of this type. It is a powder which is inserted into the infected area and dissolves over a month. It is made by Orapharma a division of Johnson and Johnson. It is minocycline suspended in a time release powder …

Any blood vessel which carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the peripheral parts of the body.

A brand of dental implant known for its ability to maintain stable bone levels and a strong implant to abutment connection.