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!
An ointment that produces mild anesthesia when applied to the tissue surface.
Common bony protuberance on the palate or lower jaw.
The process of placing a natural tooth in the empty socket of another tooth.
Injury caused by external forces, chemical or temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment.
Gum disease characterized by severe mouth sores and loss of tissue. See definition for ANUG.
A common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth and produces a rough surface that attracts plaque.
An insurance company, union or government agency that pays all or a part of cost of dental treatment.
Temperomandibular disorder, the term given to the condition characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open or move the jaw.
The temporomandibular joint where the lower jaw attaches to the skull.
The early embryonic structure that becomes a tooth.
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…
Read More
Orthodontics may be provided by general dentists.
