### Common Dental Terms and Their Meanings - **Abrasion**: Tooth wear caused by improper brushing or forceful use of toothpicks or floss. - **Abscess**: An infection of a tooth, soft tissue, or bone. - **Amalgam**: A common filling material used to repair cavities, also known as 'silver fillings.' - **Anesthesia**: Medication that eliminates pain sensation; local anesthesia numbs a specific area, while general anesthesia causes unconsciousness. - **Antibiotic**: A drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria. - **Braces**: Devices used by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth. - **Bridge**: A dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth. - **Caries**: Tooth decay or cavities caused by bacteria. - **Crown**: A dental restoration covering all or most of a damaged tooth. - **Dentures**: Removable or fixed replacements for missing teeth. - **Enamel**: The hard, outer surface layer of a tooth. - **Fluoride**: A mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. - **Gingivitis**: Inflammation of the gums, often a precursor to more serious gum disease. - **Implant**: A metal rod placed into the jawbone to serve as a tooth root for a crown, bridge, or denture. - **Orthodontics**: The dental specialty focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. - **Plaque**: A sticky film of bacteria and food particles that forms on teeth. - **Root Canal**: A procedure to save an abscessed tooth by cleaning out the infected pulp and sealing it. - **Sealants**: A thin resin applied to the biting surfaces of teeth to prevent decay. - **X-rays**: Imaging used to diagnose dental issues, including periapical, bite-wing, occlusal, and panoramic X-rays.