A

abrasion
loss of tooth structure caused by tooth grinding, an improper bite, a hard toothbrush, or poor brushing technique

abscess
localized infection of a tooth and/or the gum

abutment
the tooth on either side of a missing tooth that anchors a fixed or removable bridge

alveolar bone
the jawbone around the roots of the teeth

amalgam
an alloy of mercury, silver, tin, copper, and zinc used for "silver fillings"

anesthesia
local anesthesia numbs your tooth so you do not feel any pain during a dental procedure

anterior teeth
the upper and lower front teeth

apex
the tip of the root of a tooth

apicoectomy
amputation of the tip of the root of a tooth (apex) to treat an infection

articulator
a special holder for models of the teeth. It holds the models in the same alignment as your jaw so the orthodontist can carefully examine your bite