Glossary of Dental Terms
A handy reference
Common Dental Terms
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!
Biopsy
Removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic examination.
Bite
Relationship of the upper and lower teeth on closure (occlusion).
Bite Wings
Caries (decay) detection devices used during X-rays.
Black Hairy Tongue
Elongated papillae on the tongue, promoting the growth of microorganisms.
Bleaching
Chemical or laser treatment of natural teeth for whitening effect.
Block Injection
Anesthesia of a nerve trunk that covers a large area of the jaw. A mandibular block injection produces numbness of the lower jaw, teeth and half the tongue.
Bonding
Adhesive dental restoration technique. A tooth-colored composite resin to repair and/or change the color or shape of a tooth.
Bone Resorption
Decrease in bone supporting the roots of teeth, which is a common result of periodontal (gum disease).
Braces
Devices used by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth to a more favorable alignment.
Bridge
Bridges resemble natural teeth, and are designed to take the place of areas where there are gaps between teeth. bridge is a stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth adjacent to a space. It replaces one or more missing teeth, cemented or bonded, to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the space. If you need a crown or bridge youâll be expertly fitted by one of our specialists. No more worrying that the crown or bridge is going to be ill fitting or look unnatural.The world of dentistry is growing by leaps and bounds, and soon crowns and bridges will be much more affordable for anyone who would like to have them. While some are covered by some types of insurance (wholly or partly), it depends on the company and the reason for the crown and/or bridge. Those put in place solely for cosmetic purposes may not always be covered, or may only be covered after a specific deductible has been met. Let us help keep your smile flawless.
Resources
The Best & Worst Halloween Candy for Your Teeth
Halloween treats do not have to be scary for your smile! Halloween is all about fun, costumes, and enjoying a few delicious treats with your family. While no sugary snack is perfect for your mouth, you do not have to skip the fun to keep your smile healthy. Understanding how different treats affect your enamel…
The Secret to Strong Teeth Starts With Healthy Gums
When you think of a great smile, you probably think of your teeth. But there is a quiet hero working behind the scenes: your gums! Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Just like a house needs a strong foundation to stand tall, your teeth need strong gums to keep them safely anchored…
How You Can Make A Difference!
We believe that everyone deserves a reason to smile. Yet, millions of people go without basic dental care because of cost or a lack of nearby dentists. This leads to serious problems. Untreated dental issues not only cause severe pain, make it hard to eat, and can keep people from going to school or work,…
