A tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue that forms a lump or mass. In dentistry and oral medicine, tumor is used when discussing growths in the mouth, jaws, salivary glands, and nearby structures. A tumor can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). The term is common in clinical notes, imaging reports, biopsy results, and pathology discussions.
OKC is a term some dental notes and learning materials use to refer to a tooth-colored composite resin restoration or composite material. In everyday language, it is a “white filling” material used to repair or rebuild parts of a tooth. OKC is most commonly discussed in restorative dentistry for small to moderate tooth repairs. Meaning and exact product selection can vary by clinician and case.
keratocystic odontogenic tumor is a jaw lesion that develops from tissues involved in tooth formation. It is characterized by a cyst-like space lined by keratinizing (keratin-producing) epithelium. The term is commonly used in oral pathology reports and oral and maxillofacial surgery discussions. It is also used in teaching to describe a lesion known for local growth and recurrence risk.
A radicular cyst is an inflammatory cyst that forms in the jawbone at the tip of a tooth root. It is usually associated with a tooth that has a non-vital (dead) pulp, often after deep decay or trauma. It is commonly identified on dental X-rays during evaluation of a persistent “dark spot” near a root. The term is used in dentistry, endodontics, oral surgery, and oral pathology to describe a specific type of periapical (around-the-root) lesion.
A dentigerous cyst is a jaw cyst that forms around the crown of an unerupted (impacted) tooth. It develops from tissues involved in tooth formation and is most often seen on dental X‑rays. Many people have no symptoms, so it is commonly found during routine imaging. The term is used in dentistry, oral surgery, and oral pathology to describe this specific cyst pattern.
An odontogenic cyst is a fluid-filled (or semi-fluid-filled) cavity that forms in the jawbones or gums and is related to tooth development or tooth tissues. It is lined by epithelium (a thin layer of cells) and typically expands slowly over time. It is most commonly discussed in dental diagnosis, oral radiology, and oral surgery planning. Clinicians use the term when describing certain jaw lesions seen on dental X‑rays and scans.
A cyst is a closed sac-like space in tissue that usually contains fluid, semi-solid material, or air. In dentistry, cyst is commonly used to describe certain jaw lesions seen on dental X-rays (radiographs). Some cysts are related to teeth (odontogenic), while others arise from nearby structures. The term is used in clinical notes, imaging reports, and pathology results to describe a specific type of lesion.
oral cancer screening is a structured check of the mouth, lips, and throat area for signs that could suggest oral cancer or precancerous change. It is commonly performed during routine dental examinations and some medical checkups. The screening typically combines visual inspection (looking) and palpation (gentle feeling of tissues) to identify unusual findings. When something looks abnormal, screening helps guide whether further evaluation is needed.
A malignant lesion is an area of abnormal tissue change caused by cancer. In dentistry, the term is commonly used when discussing oral cancers and suspicious mouth sores, lumps, or color changes. Malignant means the cells can invade nearby tissues and may spread to other parts of the body. It is used in dental exams, oral pathology reports, and head-and-neck cancer care.
oral pathology is the dental and medical specialty focused on diseases of the mouth, jaws, and related tissues. It combines clinical examination with laboratory analysis (such as biopsy interpretation) to reach a diagnosis. It is commonly used when a dentist finds an unusual lesion, sore, lump, color change, or jaw-related abnormality. It also supports treatment planning by clarifying whether a condition is inflammatory, infectious, precancerous, or cancerous.