Glossary-A-Abscess - infection caused by severe tooth decay, trauma or gum disease Amalgam - a silver and mercury material used for fillings Anesthetic - a drug used by your doctor to eliminate a patient's localized pain during certain dental procedures Anterior - the teeth in the front of your mouth Apex - the very tip of the root of a tooth Aspirator - a suction device your dentist uses to remove saliva from your mouth -B-Bonding - a plastic composite painted on the teeth to correct stains or damage Bridge - one or more artificial teeth attached to your adjacent teeth Bruxism - the clenching or grinding of teeth, most commonly while sleeping -C-Calculus - the hardened plaque that can form on neglected or prone teeth, commonly known as tartar Canine - the pointy teeth just behind the laterals Caries - another name for cavities or decayed teeth Cavity - a tiny hole in the tooth caused by decay Central - the two upper and two lower teeth in the center of the mouth Crown - an artificial tooth or cover made of porcelain or metal Cuspid - the pointy teeth just behind the laterals, also known as canines -D-Decalcification - the loss of calcium from the teeth Dental Implants - an implant is attached to the jawbone to replace a missing tooth or teeth Dentures - a removable set of artificial teeth -E-Enamel - the hard surface of the tooth above the gumline Endodontist - a dentist who specializes in root canals and the treatment of diseases and infections of the dental pulp (inner tooth) Extraction - the removal of a tooth or teeth -F-Filling - a plug made of metal or composite material used to fill a tooth cavity Fluoride - a chemical solution used to harden teeth and prevent decay -G-Gingivitis - inflammation of gums around the roots of the teeth Gums - the firm flesh that surrounds the roots of the teeth -I-Impacted Tooth - often occurring with wisdom teeth, it is a tooth that sits sideways below the gumline, often requiring extraction Incisor - one of the flat, sharp-edged teeth in the front of the mouth Inlay - a custom-made filling cemented into an unhealthy tooth -L-Lateral - these are the teeth adjacent to the centrals -N-Night Guard - a plastic mouthpiece worn at night to prevent grinding of the teeth; also used to treat TMJ -P-Pedodontist - also known as a pediatric dentist, a dentist that specializes in the treatment of children's teeth Periodontist - a dentist specializing in the treatment of gum disease Plaque - a sticky buildup of acids and bacteria that causes tooth decay Posterior Teeth - the teeth in the back of the mouth Primary Teeth - also known as "baby teeth" Prosthodontist - a dentist specializing in the restoration and replacement of missing teeth or severely damaged teeth -R-Root - the portion of the tooth below your gumline Root Canal - cleaning out and filling the inside nerve of a tooth that is heavily decayed -S-Sealant - plastic coating applied to teeth to prevent decay. Used most commonly for children Secondary Teeth - the permanent teeth Sleep Apnea - a potentially serious disorder in which a sleeping person may stop breathing for 10 seconds or more, often continuously throughout the night -T-TMJ Syndrome - a disorder associated with the joint of the jaw, often caused by a misalignment of or a disparity in upper and lower jaw sizes. Tooth Whitening - a process designed to whiten and brighten teeth -V-Veneer - a plastic, porcelain or composite material used to improve the attractiveness of a stained or damaged tooth |
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