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. Top of Page
Amalgam Filling
An amalgam filling is silver-colored. It's relatively inexpensive; durable; and resistant to wear. It is a valued treatment option for dentists and patients. Top of Page
Bitewing
A dental x-ray film with a central projection on which the teeth can close, holding it in position for the radiographic examination of several upper and lower teeth simultaneously. Top of Page
Bonding
Your dentist prepares the tooth by etching the tooth's surface so the bonding material has more surface area to bond to. After coating the tooth with a bonding liquid, the dentist places composite resin (putty like) on the tooth and it is molded to the desired shape. One the material is set, the resin is trimmed and polished. Top of Page
Bridge
A bridge is a dental appliance made of metal or porcelain, or a combination of both. The bridge is used to replace one or more teeth. The teeth on both sides of the missing tooth are used to anchor the fixed bridge. Top of Page
Cement
A special type of glue used to hold a crown in place. It also acts as an insulator to protect the tooth's nerve. Top of Page
Composite Filling
Composite fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz filler in a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored filling. They are sometimes referred to as composites or filled resins. Composite fillings provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid size restorations that need to withstand moderate chewing pressure. Less tooth structure is removed when the dentist prepares the tooth, and this may result in a smaller filling than that of an amalgam. Top of Page
Crowns
Crowns, also referred to as "caps", are coverings made of natural looking porcelain, which fit over teeth. If additional strength is needed, the porcelain crown consists of an underlying metal shell. Top of Page
DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery or DMD, Doctor of Dental Medicine. Degrees given to dental school graduates. Both degrees are the same, but particular dental schools identifiy at their discretion their graduates as DMD or DDS. Top of Page
Dental Hygienist
A dental professional specializing in cleaning the teeth by removing plaque, calculus, and diseased gum tissue. The hygienist acts as the patient's guide in establishing a proper oral hygiene program. Top of Page
Dental Implant
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. Dental experts say that implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.
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Dry Socket
A localized inflammation of the tooth socket following an extraction due to infection or loss of a blood clot. Top of Page
Endodontist
A specialist who treats injuries, diseases, and infections of the tooth nerve tissue (pulp). Top of Page
Extraction
The removal of a tooth that is severely decayed, broken, loose, or causing crowding. Top of Page
Fluoride
A chemical compound used to prevent dental decay, utilized in fluoridated water systems and/or applied directly to the teeth.
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Halitosis
Halitosis, or bad breath, may be caused by bacteria in the mouth, however, it sometimes may be an indication of gum disease. Persistent bad breath needs the attention of a dental professional to prevent possible tooth loss. Top of Page
Impacted Tooth
An unerupted or partially erupted tooth that is positioned against another tooth, bone or soft tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely. Top of Page
Local Anesthetic
The injection given in the mouth to numb the areas where a tooth or area needs a dental procedure. Often referred to as novocaine.
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Molars
The back teeth which are designed for grinding food before swallowing. Top of Page
Nitrous Oxide
A controlled mixture of nitrogen and oxygen gases (N2O) that is inhaled by the patient in order to decrease sensitivity to pain. Also referred to as laughing gas. Top of Page
Novocaine
A generic name for the many kinds of anesthetics used in the dental injection, such as Xylocaine, Lidocaine, or Novocaine.
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Periodontal Diseases (Gum Disease)
Gingivitis and periodontitis are serious infections, if left untreated, can lead to the loss of the tooth.
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Top of Page
Prophylaxis
The professional cleaning and removal of plaque, stains, and calculus on the teeth, performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Most dental experts recommend that professional teeth cleaning be done at least every six months. Top of Page
Root Canal
According to the American Dental Association - Here's how your tooth is saved through treatment:
First, an opening is made through the crown of the tooth.
An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.
The pulp is then removed. The root canal(s) is cleaned and shaped to a form that can be filled.
The pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
Medications may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help get rid of germs and prevent infection.
A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits. Your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain. You might also be given medicine to help control infection that may have spread beyond the tooth.
The pulp chamber and root canals are filled and sealed.
The temporary filling is removed and the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned and filled.
In the final step, a gold or porcelain crown is usually placed over the tooth. If an endodontist performs the treatment, he or she will recommend that you return to your family dentist for this final step.
The crown of the tooth is then restored. Top of Page
T.M.J.
The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your lower jaw to your skull. There are two matching joints, one on each side of your head, located just in front of your ears.
The abbreviation "TMJ" refers to the joint but is often used to refer to any disorder or symptom in this area. Some of the symptoms may include - popping sounds in the jaw; the inability to fully open the mouth; jaw pain; headaches; toothaches; earaches and other types of facial pain. Top of Page
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening consists of a mild bleaching of the tooth surface to restore discolored or stained teeth to their natural, healthy color. Many dental experts suggest that over-the-counter whiteners are ineffective and unproven and recommend this procedure be done in a dentist's office. Top of Page
Veneers
Veneers are custom, porcelain facings which are bonded to the surfaces of the teeth to whiten teeth, close spaces and straighten teeth. Veneers are also used to repair chipped or worn teeth. Top of Page
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars are the last teeth to erupt. This occurs usually between the ages of 17 and 25. There remains a great deal of controversy regarding whether or not these teeth need to be removed. It is generally suggested that teeth that remain completely buried or un-erupted in a normal position are unlikely to cause harm. However, if these impacted teeth are in an abnormal position (a dentist can show you this on an x-ray), their potential for harm should be assessed.
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