Reline
A technique for tightening a loose denture.

Retention plate
An appliance used to hold teeth in position after orthodontic treatment.

Retrograde (root filling)
The sealing of the root apex of a tooth following an apicectomy.

RDO
Regional dental officer.

Root canal therapy
The removal of the nerve (pulp) from a tooth, and after cleansing and shaping the root canal filling with an inert material.

Root Planing
A deep form of scaling where calculus (tartar) is removed from the root surface

Rubber Dam
Sheet of rubber used to insulate the teeth from oral fluids, specifically used in root canal therapy.

Sedanol
Sedative dressing material.

Selective grinding
A procedure where the biting surfaces of the teeth are reshaped.

Sensodyne
Desensitising toothpaste.

Shimstock
Thin foil used to check contact between opposing teeth.

Sinus
Hollow cavity in the jawbone.

S&P
Abbreviation for scale and polish.

Soft Lining
Used to cushion the gums, it is a flexible material that is bonded to the fitting surface of a denture.

Spoon Denture
Small upper denture held in by suction.

Supragingival
Above the gum margin.

Subgingival
Below the gum margin.

Supernumerary
An extra tooth to the normal complement, usually smaller and malformed.

TTP
Tender to percussion where a tooth is tapped to test if infection or an abscess is present.

Tempbond
Temporary cement.

Temporomandibular joint
The hinge joint between upper and lower jaws.

Transplantation
The removal of a tooth and placement in a different area of the mouth, usually a tooth socket.

Tubiseal
Root canal filling material.

Veneer
Shell of porcelain or plastic placed on teeth to improve the aesthetic appearance. Usually confined to the premolar and anterior teeth.