Medical Terms – HACK DENTAL

Medical

Terms & Glossary

Understanding Our Language

At Hack Dental Center, it is essential for us that you understand the words we use when we speak about your health. Medical terms should never feel like a barrier between doctor and patient, but a shared language that helps you make confident decisions about your treatment.

That is why we explain every concept clearly and provide this glossary as a practical guide. If something remains unclear or you feel unsure about any expression, we are here for you – always ready to translate, clarify, and answer your questions.

Modern dentistry uses many technical words that may sound unfamiliar at first. This glossary explains the main medical terms you will find on our website and in your treatment plan, using clear language while keeping the correct clinical meaning. You can use it any time you want to revisit a concept or better understand a recommendation.

The information below is for understanding and education only. It does not replace a consultation, diagnosis, or personalised medical advice from your doctor. For any questions about your own situation, please speak directly with our team.

A – D

Abrasion
Wear of the tooth surface caused by mechanical factors such as incorrect brushing or grinding. In advanced cases, teeth can look shortened or flattened and may require reconstruction.
Alveolotomy
Surgical procedure in which a small part of the bone around a tooth is removed to allow easier extraction or access to a lesion.
Apical resection
Surgical removal of the tip of a tooth root together with the surrounding infected tissue, usually performed after a root canal when infection persists at the root end.
Bicon implant
A specific dental implant system known for its short implants and locking taper connection, used to replace missing teeth while preserving bone.
Bone crest augmentation
Procedure in which bone or bone substitute material is added to increase the height or width of the jawbone crest, often before placing implants.
Bruxism
Involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, usually during sleep, which can lead to tooth wear, fractures, muscle pain, and joint problems. Often treated with splints.
CAD-CAM
“Computer-Aided Design” and “Computer-Aided Manufacturing” – digital technology used to design and mill dental restorations such as crowns and veneers with high precision.
Caries
Tooth decay caused by bacteria that demineralise the hard tissues of the tooth, creating cavities that must be cleaned and filled.
Cementation
The process of permanently fixing a restoration (such as a crown, bridge, or prosthesis) onto a tooth or implant using special dental cement.
CT (Cone Beam CT)
3D radiological investigation that shows teeth, roots, and bone in detail. Used for diagnosis and for planning complex treatments such as implants and surgery.
Cystectomy
Surgical removal of a cyst, usually around the root of a tooth or in the jawbone, together with its lining.
Definitive filling
Final, long-term filling placed in a cavity after all decay has been removed and the tooth has been properly prepared.
Dentinal hypersensitivity
Increased sensitivity of a tooth to cold, heat, or touch, often caused by exposed dentin due to abrasion, recession, or erosion.
E – L

Endodontics
Dental specialty that deals with the inside of the tooth – the pulp and root canals. Includes treatments such as root canal therapy and retreatments.
Extraction – simple
Removal of a tooth that is erupted and accessible, usually without the need for bone removal.
Extraction – complex
Removal of a tooth that requires additional surgical steps, such as sectioning the tooth or removing bone.
Expander
Orthodontic device used to widen the upper jaw or dental arch, creating space and improving bite relationships.
Filling with loupes/microscope
Restorative procedure performed under magnification to increase precision, improve adaptation, and reduce the risk of microleakage.
Fotona laser
Advanced dental laser system (Er:YAG and Nd:YAG) used for cavity preparation, periodontal therapy, soft tissue surgery, whitening, and other procedures with minimally invasive techniques.
Frenectomy
Surgical procedure to cut or reshape a frenulum (a small fold of tissue, for example under the tongue or upper lip) when it restricts movement or causes functional problems.
Gingivectomy
Surgical removal of a portion of the gum tissue, often using laser, to reduce deep pockets or improve access for hygiene and restorative work.
Gingivoplasty
Shaping of the gum tissue, sometimes with addition of connective tissue, to improve gum contour, cover exposed roots, or support aesthetics.
Histopathological analysis
Microscopic examination of tissue removed during surgery in order to establish a precise diagnosis.
Implantology
Field of dentistry that deals with replacing missing teeth using dental implants placed in the bone.
Invisalign
Orthodontic system that uses a series of clear, removable aligners instead of fixed brackets and wires to move teeth gradually.
Intraradicular post (RCR)
Metallic or non-metallic post placed inside a root canal of a previously treated tooth, used to support a core and crown when a large part of the tooth is missing.
M – R

Mesialization
Orthodontic movement that shifts teeth forward, towards the midline of the mouth, used for space closure or alignment.
Mobile prosthesis
Removable dental prosthesis (partial or total) that replaces missing teeth and can be taken out by the patient for cleaning.
Occlusion
The way the upper and lower teeth meet when biting or chewing. A balanced occlusion distributes forces evenly and protects teeth and joints.
Orthodontics
Dental specialty that corrects position of teeth and jaws using fixed or removable appliances, aligners, and other devices.
Panoramic X‑ray
Radiograph that shows all teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures in a single 2D image.
Periodontal pocket
Pathological space that forms between tooth and gum in periodontal disease, where bacteria and tartar accumulate and can lead to bone loss.
Periodontics
Field of dentistry that focuses on the gums, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth, including prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.
Peri‑implantitis
Inflammatory disease affecting the tissues around a dental implant, with bone loss, often caused by plaque and requiring treatment to stabilise the implant.
Permanent tooth
Adult tooth that replaces a temporary (baby) tooth and is designed to remain in the mouth long term.
PRF / PRP (plasma therapy)
Platelet‑rich fibrin (PRF) or platelet‑rich plasma (PRP) obtained from the patient’s own blood and used to support healing and regeneration of tissues.
Prosthetics
Area of dentistry that replaces missing or heavily damaged teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures, or implant‑supported restorations.
Radiology
Use of X‑rays and other imaging techniques (such as CT) to diagnose dental and bone conditions and to plan treatments.
Root canal treatment
Procedure in which infected or inflamed pulp tissue is removed from inside the tooth, the canals are cleaned, shaped, disinfected, and filled to preserve the tooth.
S – Z

Scaling (ultrasonic)
Professional removal of tartar and bacterial deposits from the teeth using ultrasonic instruments and polishing, often combined with brushing instructions.
Sinus lift
Surgical procedure in the upper jaw where the sinus membrane is gently lifted and bone is added to increase bone height for future implants.
Splint (bite splint)
Custom appliance worn over the teeth, often at night, to protect them from grinding or to stabilise the bite and joints.
Temporary tooth (deciduous tooth)
Baby tooth present in children, which will later be replaced by a permanent tooth.
Titanium implant / abutment
Metal component made of titanium that is placed in the bone (implant) or screwed onto the implant (abutment) to support a crown or prosthesis.
Ultrasonic scaler
Device that uses high-frequency vibrations and water spray to gently remove tartar and biofilm from the teeth.
Veneer
Thin ceramic or composite layer bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its shape, colour, or alignment.
Wisdom tooth
Third molar, usually the last tooth to erupt. It often requires monitoring or extraction if there is not enough space or if it causes problems.
Wedge-shaped lesion
Non‑carious loss of tooth substance at the gum line, often with a V‑shaped appearance, typically related to mechanical and chemical factors and treated with specific fillings.
Zirconia
High‑strength ceramic material used for crowns and bridges, offering very good resistance and pleasant aesthetics, especially in visible areas.

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