A chamfer finish is a smooth, sloped edge placed at the margin (border) of a tooth preparation. It creates a gradual transition between natural tooth structure and a restoration. Dentists commonly use a chamfer finish to help restorative materials blend and seal more predictably. It may be used in direct fillings/repairs and in preparations for certain indirect restorations, depending on the case.

A butt joint margin is a restoration edge design where the restorative material meets the tooth at a near 90-degree angle without a bevel. In plain terms, it is a “straight-cut” margin rather than a tapered or sloped one. It is commonly discussed in bonded restorations such as composite fillings, veneer preparations, and some ceramic restorations. The goal is a clean, well-defined margin that can be finished and checked clinically.

An enamel bevel is a small, sloped shaping of the outer enamel at the edge of a tooth preparation. It creates an angled margin rather than a sharp, 90-degree edge. It is commonly used with bonded restorations such as composite fillings, tooth-colored repairs, and some veneer or bonding cases. Its main role is to improve how a restoration blends and seals at the enamel edge.

A bevel is a small, angled surface cut along the edge of a tooth or restorative margin. In dentistry, it is commonly used when preparing teeth for bonded fillings, repairs, veneers, or certain crown margins. The angle changes how a restoration meets tooth structure at the edge. It is often discussed in the context of enamel bonding and aesthetic blending.

tunnel preparation is a conservative cavity design used to treat certain cavities between teeth while keeping much of the chewing surface intact. It creates a small “tunnel” access from the biting surface into the area of decay near the contact point. It is most commonly discussed for back teeth (premolars and molars) with early or moderate proximal caries. The goal is to repair decay while preserving the marginal ridge (the tooth structure at the edge of the chewing surface).

slot preparation is a conservative cavity design used to access and restore decay or defects on the side (proximal surface) of a tooth. It is commonly used for small to moderate lesions between posterior teeth (premolars and molars). The preparation is shaped like a “slot” or box to reach the affected area while preserving as much healthy tooth as possible. It is typically restored with tooth-colored materials such as resin composite, sometimes with a liner or base depending on the case.

enameloplasty is a dental procedure that reshapes small areas of tooth enamel. It involves removing tiny amounts of enamel to smooth, refine, or adjust tooth contours. It is commonly used for minor cosmetic recontouring and for functional bite adjustments. It may also be performed as a preparatory step before sealants, bonding, or other conservative restorations.

An access cavity is an opening a dentist creates in a tooth to reach the inner pulp space. It is most commonly used during root canal treatment and related endodontic procedures. The opening allows instruments and irrigation to enter the pulp chamber and root canals. Afterward, the access cavity is sealed with a temporary or permanent restoration.

A non-carious cervical lesion is a loss of tooth structure near the gumline that is not caused by tooth decay (caries). It typically appears on the outer surface of a tooth at the “cervical” area, where the crown meets the root. Dentists use this term to describe and track these defects during exams, charting, and treatment planning. Patients may notice sensitivity, a notch, or a worn area at the neck of a tooth.

A cervical lesion is a defect or area of damage located near the gumline of a tooth (the “cervical” area). It may be caused by tooth decay (caries) or by non-decay processes such as wear and acid exposure. Dentists use the term to describe what they see clinically and on imaging when evaluating sensitivity, discoloration, or tooth structure loss. The term is commonly used in exams, treatment planning, and discussions about gumline fillings and root-surface problems.