We’ve put together this handy reference guide of terms you might hear when speaking with your dentist or support staff.
Please don’t hesitate to ask your dental care provider for clarification. We’re here to help make your experience as pleasant as possible!
Surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth.
Describes the alignment of the upper or lower teeth.
Loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique or bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth).
Loss of structure due to natural wear.
An infection of a tooth, soft tissue or bone.
A tooth or teeth that supports a fixed or removable bridge.
Contemporary term for dental restorations that involve ‘bonding’ of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth.
Removal of tooth structure by blasting a tooth with air and abrasive, a relatively new technology that may avoid the need for anesthetic.
Unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug.
The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth.
A straight, healthy smile is more than just your best feature—it may also be your most important. Proper alignment, or occlusion, of your teeth and jaws is critical to the long-term functioning of your teeth, jaws, and mouth, as well as to your overall health. Misaligned teeth and jaws can lead to problems like uneven…
Read MoreIn a study published in the online Journal of Clinical Periodontology, researchers found that COVID patients with gum disease were more likely to suffer serious medical complications, including being: 3.5 times more likely to be admitted to intensive care 4.5 times more likely to need a ventilator Nearly nine times more likely to die compared…
Read MoreIs smoking marijuana ruining your smile? Now that marijuana is legal in many states for recreational or medicinal purposes (or both) we will soon be able to conduct more comprehensive studies on the true oral health effects of cannabis use. What we understand so far about the oral health effects of smoking cannabis is based…
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Orthodontics may be provided by general dentists.
