FAQs

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Dental glossary

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-A-
Abscess-infection caused by severe decay, gum disease or trauma.
Amalgam-a mixture of silver and mercury that is used for fillings.
Anesthetic-a drug that is administered to you by a doctor, that puts you or a particular part of your body to sleep so that you do not feel pain during medical procedures.
Anterior Teeth-the teeth in the front of your mouth (centrals, laterals, and cuspids).
Antiseptic-a chemical agent which can be applied to living tissues to destroy germs.
Apex-the very bottom of the root of your tooth.
Aspirator-a suction tube/straw that the dentist uses to remove all the saliva from your mouth.

-B-

Bleaching-acid based gel used to condition teeth and make them whiter.
Bonding-the covering of a tooth surface to correct stained or damaged teeth, by painting a layer of plastic on the tooth.
Bridge-one or more artificial teeth attached, usually on both sides, by crowns to adjacent teeth. It is used to maintain space and function for missing teeth. May be made of gold or porcelain on gold.
Bruxism-unconscious clenching or grinding of your teeth, done most often at night.

-C-

Calculus-also known as tartar, calculus is hardened plaque that forms when you do not brush your teeth.
Canine-another name for cuspids, canine teeth are the pointy teeth just behind the laterals.
Caries-also known as cavities, caries are decayed teeth.
Cavity-a small hole in one of your teeth caused by tooth decay, also known as caries.
Central-the two upper and two lower teeth in the center of your mouth.
Crown-an artificial tooth, or an artificial cover for a tooth made of porcelain or metal used to repair a decayed or damaged tooth.
Cuspid-pointy teeth just behind the laterals, also known as canines.

-D-

Decalcification-the loss of calcium from your teeth which makes them more susceptible to decay.
Deciduous Teeth-your primary or "baby teeth".
Dental Implants-used to replace missing teeth. Implants are different than bridges in that the implant is permanently attached directly to the jawbone.
Denture-an artificial set of teeth that is removable.

-E-

Enamel-a natural, hard substance that protects the portion of your teeth above the gum-line.
Endodontist-a dentist who specializes in root canals and the treatment of diseases and infections that affect the nerve and blood vessels in the inner tooth.
Extraction-the removal of teeth (may be simple or require surgery).

-F-

Fillings-restoring of lost tooth structure by using materials such as: metal, alloy, cement, porcelain or synthetics.
Fluoride-a chemical solution that you put on your teeth to harden them and prevent tooth decay.

-G-

Gingivitis-inflammation of gum tissue caused by plaque or tartar build up.
Gums-pink areas around your teeth.

-I-

Impacted Tooth-usually associated with a wisdom tooth, it is a tooth that has somehow gotten stuck so that complete eruption is unlikely.
Implant-see dental implant.
Incisal-the biting edge of your front teeth (centrals and laterals).
Incisor-another name for the centrals and laterals.
Inlays-a custom-made filling cemented into a tooth that has lost its health structure.

-L-

Lateral-the teeth adjacent to the centrals.

-N-

Night Guard-a plastic mouthpiece to prevent damage from grinding teeth at night.

-P-

Pedontist-also known as a pediatric dentist, a dentist that specializes in the treatment of children's teeth.
Periodontist-a dentist that specializes in the treatment of gum disease.
Plaque-a sticky substance that causes tooth decay, and consists of acids and bacteria or salivary substance.
Posterior Teeth-the teeth in the back of your mouth (bicuspids and molars).
Primary Teeth-the first set of teeth that come in, also known as "baby teeth" or deciduous teeth.
Prosthodontist-a dentist who specializes in the restoration of teeth, and replacement of missing teeth.

-R-

Root-the portion of your tooth that can not be seen, and is below your gum-line.
Root Canal-cleaning out the inside nerve of a tooth that is heavily decayed, and replacing it with a filling material.

-S-

Sealant-plastic coating applied to grooves of teeth to prevent decay.
Secondary Teeth-your permanent teeth, the ones that come to replace your "baby teeth".
Six Year Molar-also known as your first molar.
Sleep Apnea-a disorder which is potentially fatal in which a person who is asleep may stop breathing multiple times for more than 10 seconds.

-T-

Tartar-see calculus.
TMJ disorder-disorder-disease associated with the joint where your lower jaw connects to your skull.
Tooth whitening-a process to lighten the color of teeth.
Twelve year molar-also known as your second molar.

-V-

Veneer-an artificial filling material, usually plastic, composite, or porcelain; used to provide an aesthetic covering over the visible surface of a tooth. Most often used on front teeth.

http://www.dentalworldamerica.com/indexfiles/terminology.htm

 

 

Dental Implants

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Now patients who are missing teeth have a strong, beautiful alternative to bridges, partials, or full dentures. Dental implants will improve your smile and your lifestyle. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth because of a titanium anchor attached to the jawbone. Implants can also anchor bridges, partials, or full dentures to eliminate slipping.

After a thorough evaluation, your dentist can tell you whether you’re a candidate for dental implants. They require adequate bone structure for placement. The first stage of the procedure involves oral surgery in which a titanium post is implanted into the jawbone for each missing tooth or for the new teeth that will anchor a bridge or denture. Nature will take its course, allowing your bone tissue to fuse with the titanium post. This creates a solid foundation.

Once the implants are secured, your dentist will attach a handcrafted, permanent crown to each post. The restorations will match your natural teeth and blend seamlessly with your smile.

By imitating an entire natural tooth, from the root up, dental implants offer a prosthetic that closely mimics nature. The result? Dental implant patients enjoy restored function, which allows a healthy diet of hard-to-chew foods. Speech may also improve. Strong and secure, your new smile will boost your confidence, enhance your appearance, and improve your quality of life.

 

 

Dental X-rays

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Despite concerns, traditional dental X-rays are a safe and important part of a thorough dental evaluation. By viewing the inside of your teeth and accompanying oral structures, we can more effectively care for your smile. Concerns over radiation exposure associated with dental X-rays have no solid basis. In fact, the high-speed film we use minimizes ionizing radiation that is passed along to the patient. The amount of radiation a patient is exposed to is less than that the exposure the natural atmosphere exposes a person to over about eight weeks. Radiograph technicians step out of the room while X-rays are being taken because they see many patients and take many X-rays. Compounded, the exposure could compromise their health over the course of their dental career.

Why X-Rays are Important
Dental radiographs, or X-rays, provide us with valuable information because with them, we can see what's going on beneath, between, and under your teeth and gums. We can also detect problems in existing dental work, as well as receding bone and abscesses. For instance, cavities and gum disease show up as dark places on white teeth and bone images. Not only do X-rays help us diagnose dental problems and develop customized treatment plans, but they document your dental health status, establishing a baseline from which to monitor changes over time. 

If you have questions or concerns about X-rays or other dental procedures, please call us or share your concerns with us at your appointment. As your preferred dental care provider, we want you to be informed and confident in the care you receive in our office.

 

 

Crowns

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If you’re self-conscious about cracked, broken, decayed, or worn teeth, we can bring back your healthy, natural-looking smile with dental crowns, also called caps. A crown can return structure, strength, and function to a tooth with extensive decay or damage. Designed to fit snugly and function as a healthy tooth, a crown will protect your tooth from further damage and preserve the jaw’s correct natural alignment.

We use precious metal, porcelain pressed (or fused) to metal, or all-porcelain crowns. To maintain a fully white smile, we recommend all-ceramic crowns. Our precise color-matching system allows us to find the right shade of porcelain to blend with your natural tooth color. Porcelain crowns are also extremely durable and long lasting, and these benefits make them popular with dentists as well as patients.
 
Typically, we can design, fit, and place your crowns in just a couple of short appointments. Once a crown is placed, you can care for it as you do your natural teeth. Conscientious brushing twice a day and daily flossing will protect the base of your crown from bacterial growth. Be sure to see us at least two times each year for professional cleanings and a preventive exam, too.

 

 

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