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Dentistry vocabulary · Dental Conditions

Cavity

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

/ˈkævəti/nounCore term

In dentistry, cavity means: A hole in a tooth caused by decay. In restorative dentistry it also means the space the dentist shapes in the tooth before placing a filling.

In Turkish: çürük, kavite, çürük boşluğu

How it is used

The everyday word that patients and dentists share: 'You have a small cavity.' In technical use, dentists prepare a cavity and talk about cavity preparation and cavity design.

Example sentences

  1. Good news: no new cavities since your last visit.

  2. The cavity was cleaned out and filled with composite.

Common collocations

  • have a cavity
  • fill a cavity
  • cavity preparation
  • small cavity
  • deep cavity
  • cariesDamage to a tooth caused by acids that plaque bacteria make from sugar. It slowly dissolves enamel and dentin and, if untreated, can reach the pulp.
  • tooth decayThe everyday name for the slow destruction of a tooth by acids that bacteria produce. It starts as a white or brown spot and can grow into a cavity.
  • fillingMaterial placed in a tooth to repair the hole left after decay is removed, or to rebuild a broken part, so that the tooth regains its shape and function.
  • compositeA tooth-colored filling material made of resin mixed with fine glass or ceramic particles. It is bonded to the tooth and usually hardened with a blue curing light.

More terms: Dental Conditions

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.