Dentistry Terms

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Date:

Instructions: Open wide for this quiz about the specialized vocabulary used by dental professionals.

1.
What is 'occlusion' in dentistry?
A
The way the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth closes
B
Gum inflammation
C
A type of cavity
D
A dental X-ray technique
2.
What does 'periodontal' refer to?
A
The enamel coating
B
A type of dental filling
C
The inner part of a tooth
D
Relating to the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, such as gums and bone
3.
What is a 'crown' in dental terminology?
A
The root of a tooth
B
A gold tooth
C
A type of toothbrush
D
A cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape and function
4.
What does 'prophylaxis' mean in dentistry?
A
A professional cleaning procedure to prevent disease
B
A type of dental anesthesia
C
A tooth extraction
D
An emergency dental treatment
5.
What is 'bruxism'?
A
A type of dental cement
B
A method of teeth whitening
C
The habitual grinding or clenching of teeth
D
A gum disease
6.
What does 'endodontic' treatment involve?
A
Cosmetic dental veneers
B
Extracting wisdom teeth
C
Treatment of the interior of the tooth, including root canals
D
Straightening teeth
7.
What is a 'dental bridge'?
A
A prosthetic device anchored to adjacent teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth
B
A type of dental floss
C
A walkway in a dental office
D
A connection between two fillings
8.
What is 'calculus' in dental terms?
A
Hardened dental plaque that forms on teeth, also called tartar
B
A dental instrument
C
A type of cavity
D
A mathematical formula for billing
9.
What does 'malocclusion' mean?
A
A type of tooth decay
B
A dental infection
C
An improper alignment of the teeth when the jaw is closed
D
A perfect bite
10.
What is 'gingivitis'?
A
A type of dental adhesive
B
A dental whitening procedure
C
A tooth fracture
D
Inflammation of the gums, often an early stage of gum disease
11.
What is the 'pulp' of a tooth?
A
The cement that holds a filling in place
B
The visible part of the tooth above the gum line
C
The hard outer layer
D
The soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels
12.
What does 'impacted' mean when referring to a tooth?
A
A cracked tooth
B
A tooth that is blocked from fully emerging through the gum
C
A tooth that has been knocked out
D
A tooth with a very large filling
13.
What is an 'amalgam' in dentistry?
A
A type of mouth rinse
B
A silver-colored filling material made from a mixture of metals including mercury
C
A dental X-ray machine
D
A type of toothpaste
14.
What does 'prosthodontics' focus on?
A
Children's dental care
B
Preventive dental care
C
Dental surgery
D
The design and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth
15.
What is a 'veneer' in dentistry?
A
A type of dental drill
B
A sealant applied to children's teeth
C
A thin shell of porcelain or composite bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance
D
A protective mouthguard

Answer Key

Question 1

A. The way the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth closes

Question 2

D. Relating to the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, such as gums and bone

Question 3

D. A cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape and function

Question 4

A. A professional cleaning procedure to prevent disease

Question 5

C. The habitual grinding or clenching of teeth

Question 6

C. Treatment of the interior of the tooth, including root canals

Question 7

A. A prosthetic device anchored to adjacent teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth

Question 8

A. Hardened dental plaque that forms on teeth, also called tartar

Question 9

C. An improper alignment of the teeth when the jaw is closed

Question 10

D. Inflammation of the gums, often an early stage of gum disease

Question 11

D. The soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels

Question 12

B. A tooth that is blocked from fully emerging through the gum

Question 13

B. A silver-colored filling material made from a mixture of metals including mercury

Question 14

D. The design and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth

Question 15

C. A thin shell of porcelain or composite bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance

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