Basic Terms Used in Charting

Restoration – an agent that is effective in replacing the missing tooth structure. Patients may refer to them as fillings. A number of different materials are used in dental restorations, including gold, amalgam, and composite.

Overhang – excessive restorative material normally found interproximally near the gingiva.

Gold foil – a restoration created when several layers of pure gold are placed in the preparation. A gold foil is not a commonly placed restoration today.

Caries (decay) – diseased portion of the tooth. Also referred to as cavities.

Incipient – beginning decay that has not broken through the enamel. Appears as a chalky area on the tooth, it is not yet decay, but the surface has begun to decalcify.

Recurrent – decay that is occurring in the same place again, either under or around a restoration.

Extraction – removal of a tooth or teeth.Drifting – movement of a tooth into a

space created by a missing tooth. Drifting can occur opposite or adjacent to the missing tooth.

Impaction – a tooth that is unable to erupt into its proper position.

Abscess – a localized area of infection. Root canal (endodontic treatment) – when

the pulp is removed and replaced with a filling material.

Apicoectomy – surgical removal of the root tip and cleaning out the infected area around it.

Mobility – When the tooth moves in the socket, normally due to periodontal disease or trauma.

Periodontal pocket - the space in the gingival sulcus created by periodontal disease. It is measured by a periodontal probe in millimeters.

Crown – a restoration that is cemented onto the tooth and completely covers the crown of the tooth. Often called a cap by the patient but not by the dental professional.

Bridge – a prosthetic device placed in the mouth where a tooth is missing, normally attached on each side and covering the space created by the missing tooth.

Abutment – a tooth, root, or implant used for the retention of a fixed or removable prosthesis.

Pontic – portion of a bridge that replaces the missing tooth.

Cantilever bridge – attached on one side only. Maryland bridge – has wings that attach the

pontic to the lingual surface of the abutment teeth.

Denture – removable prosthesis that replaces the complete arch of a patient’s dentition.

Partial denture – removable prosthesis that is constructed when some of the natural teeth are still present. Artificial teeth mounted on a metal framework.