If you've already scheduled an appointment with your dentist, a dental glossary will help you know your frenum from your gingiva. This glossary will help you understand what your dentist is saying during your appointment so that it is easier for you to understand problems you are experiencing and the available treatment options:
Apicoectomy: This is the surgical removal of a root tip in order to treat a dead tooth
Abrasion: This is damage to your tooth due to brushing too hard or grinding your teeth.
Bitewing: X-ray of your mouth to help detect tooth decay
Bleaching: A whitening technique that helps lighten the color of stained teeth through laser or chemical treatments
Bonding: A filling material that's applied to teeth to change their shape or color
Bruxism: The involuntary habit of clenching or grinding your teeth
Calculus: A hard mineral deposit coated with plaque that builds up on your teeth and causes inflammation of your gums. Also known as tartar
Crown: This is an artificial cover that strengthens and protects severely damaged or decayed teeth
Curretage: Removal of diseased tissues from periodontal pockets
Dentin: The inner layer of your tooth's structure immediately under the surface enamel
Extraction: The process of removing all or part of the tooth
Filling: This is a material used to restore the structure of your damaged tooth. Filling is usually made of metal, porcelain, or plastic
Frenum: A piece of skin that connects your lower jaw to your lower lip. It is also the name of the skin that connects your tongue to your gums
Gingiva: Also called gums. These are soft tissues that hold your teeth and protect them from infections
Gingivitis: Early stages of gum disease. Gingivitis is characterized by inflamed gums that bleed easily. It is caused by buildup of plaque
Gingivectomy: Surgical removal of gum tissues
Malocclusion: This is a condition in which the top and bottom teeth are not lined up well. Malocclusion makes it harder to bite or chew properly
Maxilla: Upper jaw
Mandible: Lower jaw
Nightguard: This is a removable acrylic appliance that you wear at night to reduce the effects of grinding your teeth
Periodontitis: This is a severe inflammation of the gums due to chronic gingivitis. This gum disease can cause your teeth to loosen and fall out
Plaque: A sticky substance that coats your teeth and harbors growth of bacteria. The easiest way to prevent plaque buildup is to brush and floss your teeth
Pulp: Soft tissues inside your teeth where the nerves and blood vessels are
Retainer: An appliance that's placed in your mouth to help maintain the position of your teeth following orthodontic treatment
Root canal: This is a procedure that removes all the pulp and soft tissues from a severely infected tooth and fills the space with a permanent filling.
Scaling: This is a procedure that removes hardened plaque from your teeth
Temporomandibular Joint: This is a joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull
Temporomandibular Joint Disease: Clicking or pain due to problems associated with the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles
Xerostomia: Dry mouth or decrease in saliva production. This condition can cause bad breath and an increase in cavities gum infections
Call (201) 244-7658 to schedule an appointment with DeSalvo Dental in our Englewood dental office.
As a dentist in Englewood, one of the solutions we offer our patients is the ability to learn more about oral health on a regular basis. We educate our patients to help them to have a healthy mouth now and as they age. Adult tooth loss is still all too common, occurring from a lack…
If you have been to our Englewood Dentist office, then you know that we are focused on patient education. We believe that the more educated and informed our patients are, the healthier they will be overall. As such, we take the time to discuss health concerns, dietary restrictions and goals, and general health tips. We…
You should not book a dental check-up only when there is an oral issue that requires treatment. Many people believe that brushing their teeth and flossing should be enough to keep their teeth in good condition. However, simply brushing your teeth is not enough to keep your teeth free of debris that may cause issues…
You might need to have a dental checkup to see if you need a root canal if the pulp gets damaged. The pulp could get hurt because of trauma or an injury, and untreated oral health issues can also cause it. A dental checkup is a tool your dentist uses to determine if you need…
There has been a lot of talk about dental implants in recent years. Dentists recommend them, and patients benefit from the results of the treatment. Implants restore the full function of the mouth and revitalize smiles. People can enjoy newfound self-esteem and the self-image and health they have been looking for. You may wonder whether…
Do you have an appointment for teeth cleaning coming up? Teeth cleanings are necessary for patients of all ages, regardless of oral health status. They help patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums, which is why they are so essential. While most people follow the recommendation to get them done twice a year, there are…