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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!

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 children’s dentist specializes in the care of a child’s 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

Why Oral Cancer Screening Is Important

In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we are focusing on a simple step that can save lives. When you visit us for a checkup, we look at more than just your teeth. We also screen for oral cancer. This is a quick and easy part of your visit, but it is one of the…

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The Secret Ingredients for a Healthy Smile

In honor of National Nutrition Month, we’re taking a closer look at the relationship between your plate and your smile. While we all know how sugar can compromise our teeth, we rarely discuss the foods that actively protect them. If you want a stronger, brighter smile, it may be time to stock your kitchen with…

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Heart Health & Your Smile: The Connection You Need to Know

February is American Heart Month. It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and cardiovascular wellness. While we often think about diet and exercise as the keys to a healthy heart, your smile is another vital factor in heart health. Research continues to show a strong link between oral health and heart health.…

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