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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 you’ll 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

Read This Before Whitening Your Teeth at Home

Whitening your teeth has never been more convenient – especially since it can be done at home. Before starting, read our dos and don’ts for at-home teeth whitening. We want your teeth to shine while making sure it’s still healthy and strong. Do: Ask Your Dentist | Don’t: Expect Instant Results Before beginning any whitening…

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Will My Cavity Spread?

Wondering if a cavity can spread to another tooth? It’s important to understand this dental issue so read on to learn about the risks associated with cavities and tooth decay. About Cavities Did you know you have naturally occurring bacteria that live in your mouth? This bacteria creates a sticky film called plaque. Unfortunately, when…

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Use Up Your Dental Benefits!

As the end of the year approaches, we want to make sure you get the most out of your dental insurance benefits. Did you know most benefits expire on December 31st? This is why you should check on your remaining dental benefits and see if you should use them! Here are some practical tips to…

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