• adult teeth
  • child teeth

Word Meaning
Sarcoma A cancerous tumour. 
Scaling The removal of calculus and plaque, as part of a scale and polish procedure (prophylaxis). 
Sealant A tooth coloured plastic material placed into the grooves of newly erupted permanent back teeth, to prevent decay. 
Sedation The use of a drug to reduce anxiety, fear and the level of consciousness. 
Sensitive/Sensitivity A sensitive tooth: A tooth that is or can be slightly painful.
Sensitivity in a tooth: A tooth that is painful in response to hot and cold foods and drinks, or on chewing. 
Sinuses Spaces in the bone of the upper jaw above the back teeth. 
Sinusitis An infection of the sinuses of the upper jaw, above the teeth.
It can accompany a cold. 
Smile Analysis An assessment of a smile that is made for cosmetic dentistry. 
Socket The space in the jawbone occupied by the root of the tooth. 
Soft Tissues The gums, lips and cheeks which are covered by a soft membrane lining. The soft lining covers the entire mouth except the teeth. 
Space Maintainer A fixed or removable appliance that maintains an existing space between teeth after a tooth has been lost. 
Splint A fixed support to prevent movement of injured or loose teeth. A rigid appliance used to connect and support teeth or bones 
Splinting The provision of a fixed support to prevent movement of injured or loose teeth. 
Stomatitis An inflammation of the soft tissues of the mouth. 
Subgingival Below the line where gum meets tooth (gum line or margin). 
Subgingival Scaling The removal of calculus and food debris from below the gum margin. 
Supernumerary Teeth Teeth in excess of the normal number. They are often malformed or erupting abnormally. 
Symptom Evidence or indication of a condition or disease. 
Syndrome A group of symptoms and/or deformities that occur together in a recognizable pattern, defining a specific disease or condition.