Glossary
Amalgam: A dental filling material made of a mixture of metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury. Amalgam fillings are strong and durable but have become less popular due to concerns about mercury exposure.
Biological Dentist: A dentist who takes a holistic approach to oral health, considering the impact of dental treatments on overall health and often using biocompatible materials.
Calculus/Tartar: Hardened dental plaque that forms on the teeth when plaque mineralizes. It can only be removed by a dental professional and, if left untreated, can lead to gum disease.
Cosmetic Bonding: A dental procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and bonded to the tooth’s surface. Cosmetic bonding is used to repair chips, cracks, or discolorations and improve the appearance of teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Dental procedures and treatments aimed at improving the appearance of teeth and enhancing smiles, including procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): A medical device used in the treatment of sleep apnea, which delivers a continuous flow of air to keep the airway open during sleep.
Deep Cleaning: A dental procedure, also known as scaling and root planing, aimed at removing accumulated plaque, calculus, and bacteria from below the gumline. It is often performed to treat gum disease.
Dental Crown: A custom-made, tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often used after root canals or to repair extensively decayed teeth.
Dental Emergency: A sudden, unexpected dental issue or injury that requires immediate attention and treatment to alleviate pain or prevent further damage.
Dental Filling: A restoration material used to fill cavities or repair minor tooth damage caused by decay or trauma. Dental fillings can be made from various materials, including amalgam, composite resin, or ceramic.
Dental Implant: A surgical component inserted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root, providing a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
Dental Scanner: A digital device used by dentists to create precise, 3D images of a patient’s oral structures, including teeth and gums. Dental scanners are commonly used in the design and production of dental restorations like crowns and bridges.
Dentures: Removable prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth and restore oral function and appearance.
Digital Dentistry: The use of advanced computer technology and digital tools, such as 3D imaging, CAD/CAM systems, and digital scanners, to enhance and streamline dental procedures, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
Extractions: The removal of a tooth from the mouth, often necessary due to severe decay, infection, or crowding.
Family Dentistry: Dental practice that provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, often focusing on preventive care and family-friendly services.
Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease, marked by inflammation and bleeding of the gums, typically caused by poor oral hygiene.
Gum Recession: The process of gum tissue gradually pulling away from the teeth, exposing the tooth’s root. Gum recession can lead to tooth sensitivity and other oral health issues.
Halitosis: The medical term for bad breath. Halitosis can result from various causes, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and certain medical conditions.
Implant Supported Denture: A removable or fixed denture that is secured in the mouth with dental implants. Implant-supported dentures offer stability and comfort for individuals with missing teeth.
Invisalign: A brand of clear, removable aligners used in orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth and correct bite issues without traditional braces.
Periodontal Care: Treatment and maintenance of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, including procedures for managing gum disease.
Plaque: A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if not removed through regular brushing and flossing.
Root Canal: A dental procedure involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from the inside of a tooth, followed by sealing and restoration.
Saliva Testing: Diagnostic testing that involves analyzing a patient’s saliva to assess various factors, including hormonal imbalances, drug use, and certain health conditions.
Sealant: A thin, protective coating, typically made of plastic or other dental materials, that is applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent cavities. Sealants are commonly used in pediatric dentistry and can also benefit adults.
Sinsational Tooth Whitening: A teeth-whitening procedure that involves the use of a light-accelerated gel to remove stains and discoloration from teeth, often performed in a dental office.
Sleep Apnea: A sleep disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to daytime fatigue and potentially serious health issues.
Teeth Cleaning: Routine dental procedure involving the removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth, typically performed by a dental hygienist.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder: A condition characterized by pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, often treated by dentists or oral surgeons.
Tooth Grinding: The involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, often occurring during sleep, which can lead to tooth wear, damage, and other oral health problems. It is also known as bruxism.
Tooth Whitening: Various procedures and products used to lighten and remove stains from teeth, enhancing their whiteness and brightness.
Veneer: A thin, custom-made shell typically made of porcelain or composite resin that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth by correcting color, shape, or alignment issues.
Wisdom Teeth: The third set of molars that typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, often requiring removal due to crowding or impaction.
Xerostomia: The medical term for chronic dry mouth, a condition characterized by insufficient saliva production. Xerostomia can lead to oral health issues and discomfort.