Dental glossary — terms beginning with A

Aesthetic dentistry, umbrella term for all dental measures that improve the visual appearance of the teeth, for example: bleaching veneers

Alveolar process, the bony foundation for the tooth roots and part of the jawbone. It forms as a tooth develops and recedes again after a tooth is lost.

Alveolar ridge, the raised ridge of the edentulous jaw.

Alveolar ridge atrophy, breakdown of the jawbone after tooth loss.

Alveolus, the socket of the tooth root (Latin for a small hollow or trough) teeth

Amalgam, alloys of mercury with other metals used to fill teeth. Long a proven filling material because of its unique properties, it has come in for criticism on account of its mercury content. Scientific studies have so far not clearly demonstrated that amalgam damages health. Many dentists have nevertheless moved to alternatives such as composite fillings or gold and ceramic inlays. composite fillings inlay

Outpatient, examination and treatment during surgery hours without admission to hospital, as opposed to inpatient treatment. inpatient treatment

Non-allergenic, showing no allergy.

Anamnesis, the patient's medical history: the nature, onset and course of the complaint, which the dentist establishes in conversation with the patient.

Anatomy, the science and study of the structure of the body and its organs.

Antibiotics, metabolic products of various bacteria, fungi and plants. An antibiotic kills bacterial pathogens or inhibits their growth.

Anaemia, a lack of haemoglobin and/or red blood cells in the blood.

Anaesthesia, insensitivity to pain, temperature and touch, either as a result of a disorder of the nervous system or as the intended effect of a general or local anaesthetic. Usually it refers to switching off the sensation of pain with anaesthetic agents during operations or painful examinations. anaesthetic general anaesthesia

Artery, a pulsating blood vessel carrying blood away from the heart. blood pressure

Articulation, movements of the lower jaw while the teeth are in contact (opening, closing, forward and lateral movement, especially while chewing); also the forming of words.

Asepsis, freedom from germs. All measures taken to prevent infection with micro-organisms, for example during surgery through hand disinfection, disinfection of the operating field and wearing a mask.