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!
Periodontist
A dental specialist who treats the gums and supporting soft and hard tissues in order to retain natural teeth and prepare for surgical placement of dental implants. Heredity, diet and other factors can result in gum disease. We will help you get a treatment plan that aggressively attacks any form of periodontal disease that will soon have your mouth back in top health.
Periodontal Surgery
The recontouring or aesthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue.
Periodontal Chart
A record measuring the depth of gum pockets around the teeth.
Periapical (PA)
The region at the end of the roots of teeth.
Pedodontics or Pediatric Dentistry
As the name implies, pediatric dentistry is the field of medicine that deals with dentists for children. A childrenâs dentist specializes in the care of a childâs small mouth and teeth, normally including braces, invisible braces, crowns, fillings, cleanings, plates, x-rays, and similar tools in everyday work. Caring for the growing mouth of a child is hard work, and requires more education for the specialty of pediatric dentistry.A pediatric dentist can give parents and caregivers special information regarding habits that can cause trouble later, such as thumb sucking, cavity-causing eating habits, and much more. They also understand the process of teeth growing, falling out, and allowing adult teeth to grow. Sometimes, teeth must be pulled for a variety of reasons, even for small children.Dentists for children are not solely concerned with tooth maintenance. They are also a vital part of a healthy smile as an adult, and can help a child grow up with an improved self-image. Learning about things that make a child healthy and happy is an important part of being a good parent, and finding a dentist that specializes in pediatric dentistry can do just that. Our pediatric dental specialists are trained to deal with the unique needs of children. This includes calming their fears, specialized equipment and educating them about good oral health.
Pathology
The study of disease.
Parasthesia
A partial loss of sensation that is temporary or permanent.
Palliative Treatment
The non-invasive relief of irritating conditions.
Palate
Hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth.
Overjet
A horizontal overlap of the front teeth.
Resources
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