Dental glossary — terms beginning with D

Overdenture, a partial denture whose form and extent correspond to a full denture but which is still attached to a few remaining teeth.

Defect prosthesis, a prosthesis that not only replaces teeth but can also cover defects in the jaw and facial region.

Dentine, the hard tissue beneath the enamel teeth

Dentition, the eruption of the teeth. The first dentition (milk teeth) is usually complete by the end of the second year of life. The second (permanent) dentition takes place between the ages of six and twelve, with the exception of the wisdom teeth, which can erupt from the age of sixteen onwards.

Disinfection, killing the pathogens (germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi) of transmissible diseases.

Diabetes, a metabolic disease caused by weakness of the pancreas (a lack of insulin). It leads to raised blood sugar, sugar in the urine, thirst, large volumes of urine, weight loss despite increased food intake, fatigue and weakness, and a tendency to skin conditions and itching.

Diagnosis, recognising, naming and distinguishing one clinical picture from another.

Dysfunction, a functional disorder.

Dysgnathia, umbrella term for all faulty development of the chewing apparatus, such as misaligned teeth and jaw anomalies.