enamel:
hard tissue covering the portion of tooth above the gum line

endodontist:
specialist who treats injuries, diseases and infections of the tooth pulp (nerve chamber)

epidemiology:
study of the incidence of disease in a population

eruption:
process of teeth protruding through the gums

exfoliate:
process of shedding deciduous (baby) teeth

exodontia:
practice of dental extractions

explorer:
sharp instrument used to detect decay on the surface of teeth

extraction:
removal of a tooth

eyeteeth:
the four upper and lower canine (cuspid) teeth

facing:
tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown; may be acrylic, composite or porcelain

FAGD:
Fellowship Academy of General Dentistry

filling:
restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain or resin materials

fistula:
channel emanating pus from an infection site; a gum boil

flap surgery:
lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures

freeway space:
distance between the upper and lower teeth with the lower jaw in rest position

forceps:
instrument used for removal of teeth

forensic dentistry:
practice of gathering legal evidence for body identification or judicial issues

fossa:
valley found on the sutrpface of posterior teeth

full denture:
removable dental prosthesis (appliance) replacing all upper or lower teeth

full mouth reconstruction:
extensive restorations of natural teeth with crowns and or fixed bridges to manage bite problems.

frenectomy:
removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth

GTR:
(guided tissue regeneration) a new technique for replacing bone tissue

general anesthesia:
controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of pain sensation, protective reflexes, and the ability to respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command

geographic tongue:
benign changes in the usual color and texture of tongue; does not require treatment

gingiva:
gum tissue

gingivectomy:
surgical removal of gum tissue

gingivitis:
inflammation of gum tissue

gum boil:
See fistula.

gum recession:
exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion,
periodontal disease or surgery

halitosis:
bad breath of oral or gastrointestinal origin

Heimlich Maneuver:
techinque employed by rescuer for obstruction of victim's airway

hematoma:
swelling of effused blood beneath tissue surface

HMO or DMO:
health (dental) maintenance organization which specifies a health care (dental) provider a patient may see. Profitability depends on minimization of treatment.

hydrogen peroxide:
disinfecting solution used in dental irrigation procedures or as mouth rinse

hygienist:
dental auxiliary who cleans teeth and provides patient education; administers local anesthetic, nitrous oxide and performs periodontal scaling

hyperemia:
increased blood flow; may cause dental sensitivity to temperature and sweets;
may precede an abscess