Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is a white oral mucosal patch that may signal dysplasia or malignant transformation. Learn causes, types, and why early biopsy matters.
Category: Dental Conditions
Dental conditions are the diagnoses and pathologies that drive treatment planning. This section of the Rebrief Dental Glossary covers the conditions clinicians identify, document, and manage — from common caries and bruxism to less-frequent presentations like burning mouth syndrome, ankyloglossia, and aphthous stomatitis. We define the wear-and-mechanical lesions (abfraction, abrasion, attrition), the infectious and inflammatory conditions (apical periodontitis, candidiasis, periodontitis), and the structural changes that show up on radiographs (bone resorption, attachment loss, external resorption). Each entry pairs a working clinical definition with diagnostic context: how the condition typically presents, what differentiates it from look-alike conditions, and where to find the related treatment in the procedures section of the glossary. Many entries cross-link to the anatomy entries — so you can read about caries and immediately jump to the enamel and dentin structures it affects, or read about periodontitis and trace it back to the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. The goal: a quick reference for chairside terminology, charting, and patient education that respects how dentistry actually works. Browse alphabetically below or search across the full Rebrief Dental Glossary for anatomy, procedures, and equipment terms that connect to each condition.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is a misalignment of the teeth or jaws that disrupts bite function and oral health. Explore types, causes, and treatment options explained clearly.
Necrotic Pulp
Necrotic pulp is the irreversible death of a tooth’s inner tissue. Learn the causes, signs, and treatment options for this serious dental condition.
Impacted Tooth
An impacted tooth fails to fully erupt into the dental arch, often causing pain, infection, or cyst formation. Learn about types, causes, and treatment.
Hypodontia
Hypodontia is the congenital absence of one to five permanent teeth. Explore its causes, commonly affected teeth, and restorative treatment options.
Hypercementosis
Hypercementosis is the excessive buildup of cementum on tooth roots. Learn its causes, radiographic appearance, and why it complicates extractions.
Dental Fluorosis
Dental fluorosis is an enamel defect caused by excess fluoride during tooth development. Learn its causes, severity levels, and treatment options.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest, most reversible stage of gum disease. Learn its causes, symptoms, and how timely treatment can fully restore gum health.
Fibroma
Fibroma is a benign oral soft-tissue lesion caused by chronic irritation or trauma. Discover its causes, clinical features, biopsy criteria, and treatment.
Dentin Hypersensitivity
Dentin hypersensitivity causes sharp, transient pain from exposed dentin. Learn its causes, how the hydrodynamic theory explains it, and treatment options.