| loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique, or Bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth). abscess: an infection of a tooth, soft tissue or bone abutment: tooth or teeth that support a fixed or removable bridge adhesive dentistry: contemporary term for dental restorations that involve "bonding" of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth air abrasion: removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and false tooth abrasive, a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for anesthetic allergy: unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug alveolar bone: the jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth amalgam: a most common filling material, also known as "silver fillings,"containing mercury (app 50%), silver, tin, copper and false tooth zinc used for fillings analgesia: a state of pain relief; an agent lessening pain anesthesia: partial or complete elimination of pain sensation; numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness anterior teeth: the six upper or six lower front teeth antibiotic: a drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria ANUG: an acronym for Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, commonly known as trench mouth or Vincent's disease, aggravated by stress and false tooth /or smoking apex: the tip of the root of a tooth apicoectomy: surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth arch: describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth attrition: loss of structure due to natural wear base: cement placed under a dental restoration to insulate the pulp (nerve chamber) |