DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery, this degree is equivalent to DMD.

debridement

Removal of plaque and calculus that is interfering with proper evaluation.

debanding

Removal of cemented orthodontic bands from teeth.

debonding

Removal of cemented orthodontic brackets from teeth.

decay

The destruction of tooth structure.

deciduous teeth

Also known as “baby” or “primary” teeth, these first teeth generally arrive between the ages of birth and 3 and will fall out later as permanent teeth begin to erupt in their place.

dental implant

Small cylinder, generally titanium, implanted into the upper or lower jawbone to anchor a dental appliance or restoration.

dentin

Hard inner layer of the tooth, just beneath the enamel, forms the bulk of the tooth structure.

dentistry

Medical field characterized by the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth, mouth, gums, jaws, and other oral and maxillofacial areas by a trained and certified professional.

dentition

The arrangement of teeth within the mouth.

denture

Set of one or more prosthetic teeth.

diagnostic cast

Impression used to aid in planning treatment.

diagnostic imaging

Photographs or radiographs taken for the purpose of diagnostic evaluation.

diastema

The space between two adjacent teeth.

discectomy

Removal of intra-articular disc from a joint.

displaced tooth

Tooth that has grown or shifted into an incorrect placement within the mouth.

distal

Part of the tooth furthest from the center of the arch.

DMD

Doctor of Medical Dentistry, this degree is equivalent to DDS.

dressing

Medicines, bandages, or other materials applied to a wound to promote healing.

dry socket

Painful localized inflammation of a tooth socket after extraction, caused by infection or loss of the blood clot needed for proper healing.