About Us
Dental
Dictionary
Abscess:
A localized infection in the bone or soft gum
tissues, usually at the end of the root tip. Treated with antibiotics
and possibly a root canal, performed
by an endodontist.
Abutment:
The natural teeth that holds a fixed or removable bridge in
place.
Air Abrasion: A device
that uses tiny particles of aluminum oxide blasted in a stream
of air at the tooth to remove the decayed debris and ruined
enamel of cavities. This procedure usually eliminates the
need for anesthesia, though it is not usable for all procedures
where a drill has normally been used.
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Amalgam:
The most common filling material used for fillings, also referred
to as mercury or silver, which are often contained in the
mixture. Alternatives are composite resins, and gold or porcelain
inlays.
Anesthesia:
Drugs and procedures that relieve the sensation
of pain. Various types include
general anesthesia, IV sedation,
needle-less anesthesia
and local anesthesia.
Apicoectomy: Surgery to
the root section of the tooth through the side of the gums
where the root is severed at the base of the tooth and the
tooth is then filled. Usually done when a root
canal has failed to eliminate pain or infection, and is
generally performed by an endodontist.
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Apnea or Sleep Apnea:
A disorder which is potentially fatal in which a person who
is asleep may stop breathing multiple times for more than
10 seconds. A general Dentist or an oral
and maxillofacial surgeontreats this disorder.
Autoclave:
A device that has a chamber where instruments are placed and
steam under pressure is injected in order to complete sterilization.
OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) standards
require all Dental Offices to have sterilization
procedures for instruments that include the use of an autoclave.
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Bite:
The way the mouth closes, or the way in which the upper and
lower teeth meet. Refer to dictionary entries for malocclusion,
TMD, orthodontics.
Bleaching:
A process of whitening teeth that
uses special compounds usually containing hydrogen peroxide.
Sometimes lasers are used in conjunction
with these compounds. The over-the-counter whitening products
are not the prescription strength that Dentists use and are
therefore less effective.
Bonding: The covering of
a tooth surface with a composite resin
to correct stained or damaged teeth. Done normally if there
is enough healthy natural tooth material, otherwise porcelain
veneers or crowns would be used.
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Braces: Devices
used by orthodontists to gradually
reposition teeth. There are several varieties of braces, from
invisible, i.e., placed on the interior of the teeth rather
than the exterior, to plastic to metal appliances.
Bridge:
Prosthetic (false) tooth or row of teeth that spans between
two natural teeth to replace missing or lost teeth. An alternative
to a bridge would be a Dental implant.
Bruxism:
Involuntary, "nervous" grinding of the teeth while the patient
is asleep. Can eventually cause headaches, TMD,
loss of tooth surface and cracking. Treatment includes a nightguard
custom-made by a Dentist from impressions made of the
patient's teeth.
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Calculus:
(Also called tartar.) Calcified plaque
that forms from mineral salts in the saliva and deposits on
the teeth. Removed in the course of a prophylaxis,
or Dental cleaning. Some toothpastes claim to reduce tartar
accumulation, but only regular Dental checkups and professional
cleanings can prevent this accumulation from causing gum disease
and tooth loss.
Cap: (Also called a crown.)
A porcelain or gold cover for a decayed, damaged, brittle,
or discolored tooth.
Caries:
The medical term for Dental cavities.
Cavity:
A decay lesion or hole in a tooth, usually caused by a diet
which includes sugar, which allows bacteria to grow and secrete
acid onto the enamel of the tooth.
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Cementum: A thin layer
of calcified tissue that has the hardness of bone and covers
the root surface of the tooth, connecting the root to the
bone of the jaw.
Composite Filling:
A tooth-colored filling composed of a polymer material that
looks like a natural tooth. Used instead of metal amalgam.
Alternatives are gold or porecelain inlays.
Crown:
A porcelain or gold cover for a decayed, damaged, brittle
or discolored tooth.
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Cuspids:
The large single-cusped (pointed) teeth at the corners of
the mouth, located between the incisorsand
bicuspids. Also known as canine teeth.
Cusps:
The raised round parts on the chewing surface of the teeth.
Deciduous Teeth:
(Also known as primary or baby teeth.) A child's first set
of twenty teeth that are eventually replaced by permanent
teeth.
Dental Floss: A waxed or
unwaxed piece of nylon string that is inserted between the
teeth and moved in an up/down fashion for the removal of plaque
or other food deposits. Essential care for healthy teeth and
gums, at least once a day.
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Dentin: The main portion
of the tooth structure covered by enamel and surrounded by
a layer of cementum along the root.
DentiPatch:
An adhesive strip applied by the Dentist to the gum to prevent
pain of the local anesthetic injection. A type of needleless
anesthesia.
Denture:
A removable set of artificial teeth. Dentures may be partial,
that is, replacing only a section of teeth, or full, which
would replace the entire upper or lower sections of teeth.
Dentures are most often created by a prosthodontist.
An alternative to dentures is Dental implants.
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Diastema: The space between
teeth, most often referring to the top two center teeth.
Digital
Radiography: The use of computer imaging
rather than traditional x-ray film to
create and store images of teeth.
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Electronic Anesthesia: Anesthesia
that sends electrical impulses blocking pain signals to the
brain through electrodes placed near the teeth. Used as an
alternative to injected anesthesia, and not effective for
all patients and procedures. Often referred to as H-Wave.
Enamel: The highly calcified
covering over the outside of the tooth. It is the hardest
substance in the body.
Endodontics: The branch
of Dentistry concerned with the treatment of the Dental pulp
or nerve of the tooth. The most common procedure is a root
canal.
Endodontist:
A specialist who treats injuries, diseases, and infections
of the tooth pulp (nerve tissue).
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Extraction: The removal
of a tooth that is severely decayed, broken, loose, or causing
crowding.
Filling:
Restoring lost tooth structure with amalgam,
metal, porcelain, or composite resin.
Used as part of the treatment of cavities.
Fluoride: A chemical that
is used to strengthen the tooth enamel. Added to many public
water supplies and toothpastes.
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General
Anesthesia: A controlled state of unconsciousness
or "deep sleep," accompanied by a partial or complete loss
of pain sensation, as well as protective reflexes, and including
a loss of ability to independently maintain a breathing airway
and respond purposefully to verbal or physical stimulation.
Must be administered by a licensed anesthesiologist.
Gingivitis:
Inflammation of the gums. Early stage of gum disease. Treated
by a general Dentist or periodontist.
Halimeter: An
instrument used in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic
halitosis.
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Halitosis:
Bad breath. Many Dentists offer treatment programs for halitosis
that are more effective than over-the-counter remedies.
Heat Sterilization:
A procedure that involves a chamber into which instruments
are placed and which raises the temperature for a period of
time to kill all microorganisms. OSHA (Occupational Safety
& Health Administration) standards require all Dentists
to use heat sterilizationfor
Dental instruments.
H-Wave:
A device for electronic anesthesia
that sends electrical impulses blocking pain signals to the
brain through electrodes placed near the teeth. Used as an
alternative to injected anesthesia, and not effective for
all patients and procedures.
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Hygienist:
A Dental professional qualified to clean and scale teeth.
They also educate patients on proper Dental care. Certification
is required.
Imaging:
(Also called Video Imaging.) A photograph of teeth stored
in a computer and then displayed on a television monitor.
The Dentist is able to show you an image of your smile and
modify that image to show how your smile would look with new,
repaired, or whitened teeth.
Impacted Tooth:
A tooth that fails to erupt properly and remains fully or
partially embedded and covered over by bone or gum tissue.
This most often occurs with wisdom
teeth. If not removed, impacted teeth can cause pain,
headaches, infection and malocclusion.
Most often treated by an oral surgeon.
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Implant:
A fixed replacement for a missing tooth. The procedure involves
the implanting of a metal shaft, usually titanium, implanted
in the jawbone. A prosthetic (artificial) tooth is then affixed
to this shaft, providing a strong permanent replacement for
a lost tooth. Implants also prevent the gradual loss of bone
material in the jaw that occurs over time with the use of
dentures.
Incisors:
The four upper or lower single cuspidfront
teeth designed for incising (cutting) food.
Inlay:
A custom-made cast gold or porcelain alloy that is cemented
to a previously prepared cavity in the
tooth. A stronger and longer-lasting alternative to amalgam
or composite filling.
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Intra-oral Camera: A tiny
video camera used to view the inside of the mouth, with the
images projected onto a monitor screen. The images allow Dentists
and their patients to see the inside of the mouth in magnified
form.
I.V. Sedation:
Anesthesia administered intravenously,
used for people who want to be asleep during Dental procedures.
It is sometimes described as a "light" anesthesia. Special
licensing is required for a Dentist to perform this type of
sedation in their office. Other types of anesthesia include
general anesthesia and local
anesthesia.
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Lasers:
Dental lasers are a family of instruments, some used for oral
surgery, some to cure (harden) restorative tooth materials
and enhance tooth bleaching, and
others to remove tooth structure to eliminate disease. Lasers
are also sometimes used to treat gingivitis
(gum disease). New lasers are constantly being developed and
refined, and can sometimes eliminate the need for drilling.
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Local Anesthesia:
Relieves the sensation of pain in a localized area. Done topically
or by injection. Other forms of pain management include H-wave,
DentiPatch, I.V.
sedation, general anesthesia
and nitrous oxide.
Malocclusion:
Meaning "bad bite." Any condition that that does not conform
to the normal bite of the teeth. Generally treated by an Orthodontist.
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Molars: The back teeth
that are designed for grinding food before swallowing.
Mouthguard: A removable
appliance used to protect teeth from injury during athletic
activities. Most effective when created by a Dentist who takes
exact impressions of the user's teeth to make the guard.
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Needleless
Anesthesia: Anesthesia
that is administered without the use of injections, such as
the H-wave and DentiPatch.
Nightguard:
A removable acrylic appliance used to minimize the effects
of grinding the teeth (bruxism) or
joint problems (TMD), usually worn at night.
The appliance is created by a Dental laboratory using exact
impressions of the patient's teeth taken by a Dentist.
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Nitrous Oxide:
Colorless, sweet-tasting gas with a pleasing smell when inhaled
(also called "laughing gas"), used to help patients relax
during treatment. While not technically a form of anesthesia,the
distraction and relaxation of the patient usually helps to
reduce the discomfort of the procedure.
Onlay:
A gold or porcelain inlay extended to
cover the cusps for protection of the
tooth, leaving more natural tooth than a crown.
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Oral Sedation: Any substance
taken orally (i.e., a pill or liquid) to reduce anxiety and
relax the patient. Used in conjunction with some form of anesthesiaduring
Dental procedures.
Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgeon: A specialist who deals with the
diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and
deformities of the mouth and supporting structures. Often
simply called an Oral Surgeon.
Oral Surgery:
Surgery of the mouth including removal of teeth, particularly
wisdom teeth.
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Orthodontics:
Dental specialty that treats misalignment and malocclusion
of teeth. Treatment usually consists of braces
or a retainer.A variety of procedures
and braces are now available.
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Palate:
The general term that refers to the roof of the mouth.
Panorex:
A single full-mouth x-ray, created by an x-ray camera that
moves around the entire face and provides a single sheet of
film showing the entire mouth.
Partial Denture:
A removable appliance (prosthesis) that replaces some of the
teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, as opposed to a full
denture, which replaces all the upper
or lower teeth. Affixed to a natural tooth (abutment).
An alternative to a partial denture is a Dental implant.
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Pediatric Dentistry: Dental
specialty focusing on treatment of children's teeth.
Pedodontist: A Dentist
who specializes in the treatment of children's teeth. The
more common terminology is Pediatric Dentist.
Periodontal
Disease: The general term for the inflammation
or disease affecting the gums.
Periodontics: The treatment
of diseases of the gum or bone (supporting structure).
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Periodontist:
A Dentist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease.
Plaque:
A sticky substance that forms on the surface of the teeth
and harbors bacteria growth and acid formation beneath its
surface, causing tooth decay. Plaque build-up can irritate
the gums and cause periodontal
disease. Treated by regular Dental cleanings, or prophylaxis,performed
by a Dentist or Dental hygienist.
Porcelain
Veneers: Plastic or porcelain facing which
is bonded directly to a tooth to improve its appearance, producing
a very natural appearance.
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Prophy Jet: Air polishing
for stain removal.
Prophylaxis:
(Also called a "prophy" for short.) The professional cleaning
and removal of plaque, stains, and calculus
on the teeth, performed by a Dentist or Dental hygienist.Ideally
performed at least every six months.
Prosthodontics: The replacement
of missing or lost teeth with artificial teeth. Common procedures
are crowns, bridges,
dentures, and implants.
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Prosthodontist:
A Dentist who specializes in restoring teeth
and replacing missing teeth with crowns,
bridges, dentures,
and implants.
Pulp Chamber:
The opening in the center of the crown of a tooth that contains
the pulp (nerve tissue) and stretches to the tip of the root.
Quadrant:
One fourth of the mouth or half of the bottom or top section
of the mouth.
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Retainer:
An appliance for maintaining the positions of the teeth and
jaws immediately after the completion of orthodontic treatment.
Root Canal:
A procedure used to save an abscessed
tooth in which the pulp chamber
is cleaned out, disinfected, and filled with a permanent
filling. Generally performed by an Endodontist.
Root Planing: Deep cleaning
of the teeth to remove hardened plaque
below the gum line. This periodontal procedure is usually
performed one quadrant at a time, usually by a periodontist
or periodontal assistant.
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Root Resection: The removal
of the root of a tooth while retaining the crown. Usually
performed by an Endodontist.
Scaling:
A treatment for gum disease involving removal of hardened
plaque (tartar
or calculus) from teeth. Performed
by a Dental hygienist during a prophylaxis
(Dental cleaning), or in more extreme cases by a
periodontist.
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Sealant: Plastic coating
applied to grooves of the teeth to prevent decay, generally
performed on children who are more prone to Dental
caries, or cavities.
Sleep Apnea: A disorder,
which is potentially fatal, in which a person who is asleep
may stop breathing multiple times for more than 10 seconds.
A general Dentist or an Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgeon treats this disorder.
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Sterilization:
The process of eliminating bacteria and viruses from tools,
surfaces and equipment. OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health
Administration) has specific standards for sterilization in
all Dental Offices. See autoclave
and heat sterilization.
Tartar:
Also called calculus. Calcified plaque
that forms from mineral salts in the saliva and deposits on
the teeth. Removed in the course of a prophylaxis,
or Dental cleaning. Some toothpastes claim to reduce tartar
accumulation, but only regular Dental checkups can prevent
this accumulation from causing gum disease and tooth loss.
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TMD (Temporomandibular
Disorders): Problems associated with the temporomandibular
joint (TMJ) which connects the lower jaw with the skull. Typically
associated with pops and pain in the joint.
Ultrasonic Cleaning:
Tooth cleaning (prophylaxis) that
uses high frequency sound waves to gently remove deposits
such as tartar and stains from the teeth.
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Veneers:
Plastic or porcelain facing which is bonded directly to a
tooth to improve its appearance, producing a very natural
appearance.
Whitening:
A process of whitening teeth that uses special compounds usually
containing hydrogen peroxide. Sometimes lasers
are used in conjunction with these compounds. Over-the-counter
whitening products are not the prescription strength that
Dentists use and are therefore less effective.
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Wisdom Teeth:
The third set of molars, the last teeth to come in. For many
people, wisdom teeth become impacted
and must be removed by oral surgery.
X-ray:
Radiation used for diagnostic purposes to
photograph the bone tissue of the tooth above and below the
gum line. See also digital
radiography and panorex.
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