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Dental Terminology

Amalgam:  Silver/mercury alloy used to fill cavities.

 

Bleaching: Cosmetic whitening of teeth using a certain type of peroxide.

 

Caries: Cavities, tooth decay.

 

Carcinogenic: Cancer-causing.

 

Cariogenic: Decay-causing.

 

Composites: Tooth-colored restorative materials. 

 

Cosmetic Dentistry : Aesthetic improvement of the color and shape of teeth performed by a general dentist.

 

Edentulous:  Having lost most or all of the natural teeth.

 

Endodontist: Treats oral conditions that arise as a result of disease or injury of the dental pulp of the tooth, such as a root canal.

 

General Dentist: Primary care provider for patients in all age groups who take responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services to meet patients' oral health needs.

 

Geriatric Gentist: General dentist who primarily treats senior citizens.

 

Gingivitis: Reversible inflammation of gum tissue not including the bone.

 

Malocclusion: Misalignment of teeth and or jaws.

 

Microair Abrasion: Drill-free technique using an instrument resembling a tiny sand blaster that delivers tiny aluminum oxide particles to the surface, where they cut away the decayed area.

 

Mouthguards:  An appliance used to protect teeth from injury.

 

Occlusal Surface: The chewing surface of the tooth.

 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon:  Treats and surgically corrects diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth and jaws.

 

Oral Pathologist:  Examines oral tissues for evidence of suspected abnormalities such as cancer.

 

Orthodontics:   A branch of dentistry dealing with irregularities of the teeth and their correction, as by means of braces and retainer.

 

Orthodontist: Designs and applies corrective and supportive appliances, braces, to realign crooked teeth.

 

Pediatric Dentist: Provides treatment and care for children from birth through adolescence.

 

Periodontal Disease: Inflammation and irritation of the gums which, if left untreated, can cause the jawbone and teeth to deteriorate and fall out. 

 

Periodontist:  Diagnoses and treats diseases of the tissues supporting and surrounding the teeth, especially periodontal disease.

 

Plaque: Bacterial colonies which have mineralized and attack teeth, causing dental decay.

 

Porcelain Veneers: Ultra-thin shells of ceramic material bonded to the front of the tooth.

 

Prophylaxis:  Professional cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or hygienist.

 

Prosthodontist: Constructs artificial appliances designed to restore and maintain oral function by replacing missing teeth and other oral structures such as dentures.

 

Public Health Dentist: Concerned with the dental health needs of entire communities, and can design and administer large-scale prevention and dental care programs by compiling and analyzing statistics.

 

Radiosurgery: Surgery technique that uses radio waves to produce a pressureless, bloodless incision; can also be used to heat bleaching agents.

 

Resin: Plastic material used in bonding, restorative, and replacement procedures.

 

Restorative Dentistry:  Process of restoring missing, damaged or diseased teeth to normal form and function, performed by general dentists.

 

Sealant: Plastic coating used to protect teeth from decay.

 

Special Patient: Person with a disability who requires particular dental care needs.

 

Third Molars: Wisdom teeth .

 

TMD:  Temporomandibular disorder; problems relating to your temporomandibular joint which include locking of the jaw, frequent headaches, sore jaw muscles, and painful clicking of the jaw. 

 

TMJ:  Temporomandibular joint

 

 

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