Dental Terms
Bridge:
A stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth adjacent to a space; replaces one or more missing teeth, cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the space.
Crown:
A dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth; the artificial cap can be made of porcelain, composite or metal and is cemented on top of the damaged tooth.
Denture and Partials:
A removable replacement of artificial teeth for missing natural teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available - complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
Endodontics:
A field of dentistry concerned with the biology and pathology of the dental pulp and root tissues of the tooth and with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of these tissues. Root Canal Therapy or Root Canal Treatment is a dental procedure to fix a tooth by removing the pulp chamber of the tooth and filling it with a suitable filling material. A root canal is usually performed when the tooth cannot be filled or restored any other way because the decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected.
Fluoride:
Fluoride is one of the most effective minerals we have today for preventing tooth decay. By making the tooth enamel stronger, fluoride makes the tooth less susceptible to acid attacks. The most efficient and economical way of providing the public with fluoride is through the fluoridation of community water supplies. Fluoridation involves the adjustment of the fluoride content of the water to an optimal level (one part fluoride per one million parts water) to protect teeth against decay without causing harmful effects.
In addition to water fluoridation, the following uses of fluoride have proved helpful in preventing caries:
- An accepted fluoride toothpaste used at home for tooth brushing. Those toothpastes that carry the seal of the American Dental Association on the carton or tube have been proven safe and effective in helping prevent dental caries;
- Fluoride periodically applied directly on children's teeth in a gel or solution by a dentist or dental hygienist during regular dental checkups;
- Chewable fluoride tablets prescribed by a family dentist or physician;
- Prescription and over-the-counter fluoride mouth rinses used in school or at home.
Implant:
A metal rod (usually made of titanium) that is surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone where a tooth is missing; it serves as the tooth root and anchor for the crown, bridge, or denture that is placed over it.
Periodontal disease:
Periodontal disease is a disease of the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth. It is the greatest single cause of tooth loss in adults. Early signs of periodontal disease, such as bleeding of the gingiva (gum) during brushing, can be observed even in children as young as five or six years old. Although the severe stages of this disease are found less often in children than in adults, it is believed that a large percentage of periodontal problems in later life are due to oral neglect or improper oral care during childhood and adolescence. The disease usually progresses over a long period of time with little or no pain. Unless measures are taken to prevent it, periodontal disease can, in time, destroy the gums, bone and other structures that support the teeth.
Prophylaxis:
Also called a prophy. This is the basic cleaning of the teeth and gums usually done by the hygienist. It is to help protect the patient from progressing into periodontal disease and getting cavities.
Sealants:
A thin, clear resin substance that the dentist applies to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth - the premolars and molars - to prevent decay. The sealant forms a barrier that protects teeth from plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth.
