Dental Hygiene Beginner Terminology
Exam 2025
Amalgam - Correct Ans-silver filing
Anesthesia - Correct Ans-The loss of sensation, especially loss of tactile sensitivity with
or without loss of consciousness
Anterior Teeth - Correct Ans-Front teeth-there are 6 of either arch
Baseline - Correct Ans-Values at the beginning of a study before any treatment has
begun
Bicuspid - Correct Ans-Premolars or a tooth having two cusps or rounded parts
Bridge - Correct Ans-A fixed replacement for missing teeth comprised of a false tooth or
teeth in between two crowns.
Buccal - Correct Ans-Facial- The outer surfaces of premolars and molars (posterior
teeth) facing towards the cheek; pertaining to the cheeks.
Calculus - Correct Ans-Tartar-hard calcium like deposits which form on the teeth
Canines - Correct Ans-Cuspids-sharp, pointed , tearing teeth
caries - Correct Ans-cavity or cavities-dental disease that refers to tooth decay
carious lesion - Correct Ans-an area of demineralized or decalcifies enamel
cementum - Correct Ans-Thin, calcified bone-like tissue covering the root of the tooth
and providing an attachment for periodontal fibers within the periodontal ligament
central incisors - Correct Ans-two front teeth
composite - Correct Ans-white filling
contact point - Correct Ans-small area where the proximal surfaces of two adjacent
teeth touch each other.
cosmetic restoration - Correct Ans-A composite, crown, veneer, or other treatment that
improves the appearance of a patient's teeth.
crown - Correct Ans-The visible, external portion of the tooth above the gum line that is
either natural or artificial
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crown restoration - Correct Ans-cap or An artificial replacement that restores missing
tooth structure by surrounding part or all of the remaining structure with a material, such
as metal, porcelain, or a combination of materials.
cusps - Correct Ans-The "hills" on the occlusal surface of posterior teeth
deciduous teeth - Correct Ans-primary or baby teeth-there are 20
demineralization - Correct Ans-loss of minerals from the tooth
dentin - Correct Ans-Sensitive, calcified tissue which forms the bulk of tooth structure
and surrounds the pulp.
dentifrice - Correct Ans-toothpaste-paste or powder for teeth containing cleaning and
polishing agents
dentures - Correct Ans-Partial or full dentures consist of artificial teeth attached to a
gum-colored plastic base.
distal - Correct Ans-the tooth surface away from the midline, towards the back of the
mouth
embrasure - Correct Ans-The V-shaped, or triangular, space between two teeth created
by the sloping away of the mesial and distal surfaces
enamel - Correct Ans-The hard, white, compact material that covers the outside of the
crown of the tooth
eruption - Correct Ans-the act of breaking out or appearing
expectorate - Correct Ans-to spit
extrinsic stain - Correct Ans-stain on the surface of the tooth which is removable
facial - Correct Ans-the surface of the tooth nearest the lips and cheeks; pertaining to
the face
fissure - Correct Ans-A groove or trough in the enamel of the tooth that is most
prominent on the occlusal (biting) surfaces of molars.
Fluorapatite - Correct Ans-A type of apatite crystal with a fluoride ion attached to the
calcium phosphate molecule.
Fluoridation - Correct Ans-Adjustment of the level of fluoride in a public water supply so
that the community receives the maximum benefit without side effects.
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