Helpful Dental Terms
Apicoectomy: This is the surgical removal of a root tip in order to treat a dead tooth
Abrasion: This is damage to your tooth due to brushing too hard or grinding your teeth.
Bitewing: X-ray of your mouth to help detect tooth decay
Bleaching: A whitening technique that helps lighten the color of stained teeth through laser or chemical treatments
Bonding: A filling material that’s applied to teeth to change their shape or color
Bruxism: The involuntary habit of clenching or grinding your teeth
Calculus: A hard mineral deposit coated with plaque that builds up on your teeth and causes inflammation of your gums. Also known as tartar
Crown: This is an artificial cover that strengthens and protects severely damaged or decayed teeth
Curretage: Removal of diseased tissues from periodontal pockets
Dentin: The inner layer of your tooth’s structure immediately under the surface enamel
Extraction: The process of removing all or part of the tooth
Filling: This is a material used to restore the structure of your damaged tooth. Filling is usually made of metal, porcelain, or plastic
Frenum: A piece of skin that connects your lower jaw to your lower lip. It is also the name of the skin that connects your tongue to your gums
Gingiva: Also called gums. These are soft tissues that hold your teeth and protect them from infections
Gingivitis: Early stages of gum disease. Gingivitis is characterized by inflamed gums that bleed easily. It is caused by buildup of plaque
Gingivectomy: Surgical removal of gum tissues
Malocclusion: This is a condition in which the top and bottom teeth are not lined up well. Malocclusion makes it harder to bite or chew properly
Maxilla: Upper jaw
Mandible: Lower jaw
Nightguard: This is a removable acrylic appliance that you wear at night to reduce the effects of grinding your teeth
Periodontitis: This is a severe inflammation of the gums due to chronic gingivitis. This gum disease can cause your teeth to loosen and fall out
Plaque: A sticky substance that coats your teeth and harbors growth of bacteria. The easiest way to prevent plaque buildup is to brush and floss your teeth
Pulp: Soft tissues inside your teeth where the nerves and blood vessels are
Retainer: An appliance that’s placed in your mouth to help maintain the position of your teeth following orthodontic treatment
Root canal: This is a procedure that removes all the pulp and soft tissues from a severely infected tooth and fills the space with a permanent filling.
Scaling: This is a procedure that removes hardened plaque from your teeth
Temporomandibular Joint: This is a joint that connects your lower jaw to your skull
Temporomandibular Joint Disease: Clicking or pain due to problems associated with the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles
Xerostomia: Dry mouth or decrease in saliva production. This condition can cause bad breath and an increase in cavities gum infections
Call (801) 546-2439 to schedule an appointment with Kaysville Family Dentistry in our Kaysville dental office.
