Dentistry Cheat Sheet

The core ideas of Dentistry distilled into a single, scannable reference — perfect for review or quick lookup.

PiqCue — piqcue.com/dentistry/cheatsheet

Quick Reference

Dental Caries

A multifactorial, biofilm-mediated disease characterized by the demineralization and destruction of tooth hard tissues (enamel, dentin, cementum) caused by acid produced by bacterial fermentation of dietary carbohydrates. It is the most prevalent chronic disease worldwide.

Periodontal Disease

A group of inflammatory conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth (gingiva, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and cementum). It ranges from reversible gingivitis to irreversible periodontitis, which involves progressive bone loss and can lead to tooth loss.

Endodontics (Root Canal Therapy)

The dental specialty concerned with the study and treatment of the dental pulp and periapical tissues. Root canal treatment involves removing infected or necrotic pulp tissue, disinfecting the root canal system, and sealing it with biocompatible material to save a tooth that would otherwise require extraction.

Orthodontics

The dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting malocclusion (misalignment of teeth and jaws). Treatment may involve fixed appliances (braces), removable aligners, functional appliances, or orthognathic surgery to achieve proper occlusion, function, and aesthetics.

Dental Implants

Titanium or zirconia posts surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as artificial tooth roots. Through osseointegration, the implant fuses with the surrounding bone, providing a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Implants have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth.

Oral Pathology

The specialty that identifies and studies the causes and effects of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. Oral pathologists examine biopsied tissue microscopically to diagnose conditions ranging from benign lesions to oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Preventive Dentistry

The practice of maintaining oral health through education, regular professional care, and evidence-based interventions aimed at preventing disease before it starts. Key strategies include fluoride therapy, dental sealants, proper brushing and flossing technique, dietary counseling, and routine examinations.

Prosthodontics

The dental specialty concerned with the design, fabrication, and fitting of artificial replacements for missing teeth and associated oral structures. This includes crowns, bridges, complete and partial dentures, and implant-supported prostheses.

Occlusion and Temporomandibular Disorders

Occlusion refers to how the upper and lower teeth contact during function. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a group of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and associated structures, causing pain, clicking, limited mouth opening, and headaches.

Digital Dentistry and CAD/CAM

The integration of digital technologies into dental practice, including intraoral scanners, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), computer-aided design/manufacturing of restorations, 3D printing, and digital treatment planning. These technologies improve precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

Key Terms at a Glance

Alveolar Bone:The part of the maxilla and mandible that forms the sockets (alveoli) for the teeth and provides structural support.

Amalgam:A dental restorative material composed of a mixture of mercury with an alloy of silver, tin, copper, and sometimes zinc.

Bruxism:Involuntary habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, typically during sleep or periods of stress.

Calculus (Tartar):Mineralized dental plaque (biofilm) that forms a hard deposit on tooth surfaces above and below the gumline.

Caries:The disease process that results in the demineralization and destruction of tooth structure by bacterial acid production.

Cementum:A thin layer of calcified tissue covering the root surface of a tooth, providing attachment for the periodontal ligament fibers.

Composite Resin:A tooth-colored restorative material consisting of a resin matrix, filler particles, and a coupling agent, bonded directly to tooth structure.

Crown:A fixed prosthetic restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Deciduous Teeth:The first set of 20 teeth (primary or 'baby' teeth) that erupt in childhood and are eventually replaced by 32 permanent teeth.

Edentulous:The condition of being without natural teeth, either partially or completely.

Endodontics:The dental specialty concerned with the biology and pathology of the dental pulp and periapical tissues, and with root canal treatment.

Fluorosis:A developmental condition of tooth enamel caused by excessive fluoride intake during tooth formation, resulting in white spots to brown staining and pitting.

Gingiva:The mucosal tissue (gums) that surrounds and supports the teeth, forming a protective collar around each tooth.

Hydroxyapatite:The crystalline calcium phosphate mineral that constitutes approximately 96% of tooth enamel and 70% of dentin.

Impaction:A condition in which a tooth is unable to fully erupt into its normal position, most commonly affecting third molars (wisdom teeth).

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