General Dentistry Terms
- Caries: Also known as tooth decay, caries is the breakdown of tooth enamel due to bacterial infection. Regular dental check-ups, cleanings, and good oral hygiene practices can help prevent tooth decay.
- Periodontal Disease: Also known as gum disease, periodontal diseases are infections that affect the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. The early stage, called gingivitis, can progress to the more severe stage, periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Performed by dentists and hygienists, scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces and beneath the gum line, preventing gum disease and maintaining oral health.
Prosthodontic Terminology
- Dental Implants: A dental implant is a titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. It serves as an anchor for a crown, bridge, or denture, restoring function and appearance.
- Dental Bridge: A fixed dental prosthesis used to replace one or more missing teeth by attaching artificial teeth to the adjacent healthy teeth or dental implants.
- Porcelain Veneers: Thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain materials bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance by correcting issues like discoloration, chips, and uneven sizing.
- Dentures: Removable artificial teeth that replace missing teeth and surrounding gum tissue. Dentures can be full or partial, depending on the number of teeth to be replaced.
Endodontic Terminology
- Root Canal: The natural cavity within a tooth that houses the tooth’s nerve and soft tissue, known as the pulp. In root canal therapy, the pulp is removed, and the space is cleaned, filled, and sealed to prevent further infection.
- Pulpotomy: A dental procedure typically performed on children’s primary teeth with extensive decay. The dentist removes part of the diseased pulp tissue, leaving the healthy portion intact to preserve the tooth until it falls out naturally.
Orthodontic Terminology
- Braces: A common orthodontic treatment that consists of brackets, wires, and bands used to correct misaligned teeth and improve their function and appearance.
- Invisalign: A type of clear, removable aligners used as an alternative to braces for teeth straightening.
- Malocclusion: A misalignment of the teeth or bite, which can lead to problems with tooth function, appearance, and oral health. Orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign can correct malocclusion.
Pediatric Dentistry Terms
- Pediatric Dentist: A dental professional who specializes in treating children’s dental needs, from infancy through adolescence, promoting proper oral hygiene and dental care habits for a lifetime.
- Sealants: A plastic coating that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of a child’s permanent molars to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Sealants form a protective barrier against bacteria and plaque accumulation.
Preventive Dentistry Terms
- Fluoride: A naturally occurring mineral used in dentistry to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can be found in dental products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional dental treatments.
- Dental X-Rays: A diagnostic tool that helps dentists visualize the structure of teeth, bones, and soft tissues that are otherwise hidden from the naked eye. Dental X-rays can reveal dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and bone loss, allowing for early treatment and prevention of more severe dental issues.