ENAMEL—the white, compact, and very hard substance that covers and protects the dentin of the crown of a tooth
EUGENOL—a colorless or pale yellow, oily liquid, obtained from oil of clove and other natural sources; used as a topical analgesic and antiseptic; and used in combination with zinc oxide as a sedative dressing in a tooth
GINGIVAE—the gums: the mucous membrane, with the supporting fibrous tissue, which overlies the alveolar bone and encircles the necks of the teeth
GINGIVAL SULCUS—a furrow surrounding a tooth, bounded internally by the tooth surface and externally by the epitheliums lining the free gingivae
INTERDENTAL PAPILLA—the triangular pad of gingival tissue filling the space between the proximal surfaces of two adjacent teeth
MESIAL-nearer the center line of the dental arch
NECROTIZING ULCERATIVE GINGIVITIS—trench mouth; an acute or chronic gingival infection characterized by redness and swelling, by necrosis extending from their interdental papillae along the gingival margins, and by pain, hemorrhage, and a necrotic ordor
OCCLUSAL—a term applied to the chewing surface of premolars and molars
PERICORONITIS—inflammation of the gingiva surrounding the crown of a partially erupted or unerupted molar P
ERIODONTAL LIGAMENT—a modified periosteum consisting of collagenous connective tissue fibers that connect the tooth to the alveolar bone
PERIODONTOTIS—an inflammatory reaction of the periodontium, usually resulting from the extension of gingival inflammation into the periodontium
PERIODONTIUM—the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth
SCALING—the removal of calculus from the exposed tooth surfaces
VARNISH—a solution of rosin, of resin, or of several resins in a suitable solvent or solvents, applied to protect the pulp
DENTAL ANATOMY
When you refer a patient to a dentist, it will help if you can describe the specific location of the problem. To do that you must use the proper terms to describe the location, identification, and surfaces of the teeth. Since this does not occur frequently, we will not take space here to cover it. This information is available in detail in Dental Assistant, Basic, NAVEDTRA 10677.
DENTAL HISTOLOGY
Dental anatomy deals with the external form and appearance of the teeth. Dental histology studies the tissues and internal structure of the teeth, along with the tissues that surround and support them. A knowledge of dental histology will be helpful when you provide emergency dental treatment.
Figure 2-5.—The periodontium.
Tissues of the Teeth
Structurally, the teeth are composed of four different tissues: enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. They are shown in figure 2-5 and are discussed below.
Enamel is the calcified substance that covers the entire crown of the tooth. It is thickest
