Michael E. Fisher, DDS- Glossary

Amalgam –	a stable metallic mixture of mercury, silver, tin, copper and possibly other metallic elements used to fill cavities
Autoclave –	high pressure steam equipment used to clean dental instruments
Bicuspids –	premolars
Bridge –	a dental procedure in which a replacement tooth is supported between two healthy teeth
Central Incisors –	the first four front teeth, two at the top and two at the bottom
Composite Filling –	a resin mixed alternative to traditional amalgam fillings, that is naturally white and can match existing teeth
Crown –	made of composite, porcelain or metal, a crown covers a damaged tooth
Gingivitis –	stage one of early periodontal disease characterized by red, swollen or bleeding gums
Halitosis –	the medical term for bad breath, which can have a variety of causes
Lateral Incisors –	the teeth located adjacent to the central incisors, on both sides
Molars –	the back teeth, characterized by multiple biting surfaces
Onlay –	a large filling for teeth with significant surface loss
Perio Charting –	a charting system in which numbers are assigned to each tooth, determining the depth of space between teeth and adjacent gums
Plaque –	the sticky substance on a tooth's surface formed from bacteria
Planing –	the process of scraping plaque from beneath the gum line
Tartar –	hardened plaque