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Glossary
Amalgam
Typical silver colored filling made of mix of silver, tin, mercury, and
some other trace elements like copper. Advantages- placement easier than
other materials, cost (but not in our office). Disadvantages- expansion/contraction
of metallic substance, color, breaks down in 10-20 years, just plain ugly.
Apicoectomy
The name for a procedure of sealing and shaping the submerged root end
of a tooth. This procedure involves surgical entry through soft tissue
and bone to gain access to the root end.
Composite
Tooth colored filling materials. Many varieties, many uses. Main advantages-
color, adhesives available to strengthen rather than weaken tooth. Disadvantages-
some techniques may have shrinkage and wear problem, very technique sensitive.
Crown
Also called a cap, a crown is a cover for a decayed or damaged tooth made
of porcelain and/or metal.
BPR (Bonded porcelain restoration)
This type of restoration is relatively new in dentistry, and is possible now with advanced bonding materials. It resembles tooth structure so well, that you will completely forget which tooth has been restored. It is very conservative, as it only removes the compromised and defective tooth structure, and lends strength to what remains. It is also a lab-fabricated restoration, so a temporary will be worn during its construction.
Bridge
One or more artificial teeth attached to neighboring teeth, usually joined
by crowns on each side of artificial tooth. It is used to maintain space
and function for missing teeth.
Bonding
The covering of a tooth surface to correct stained or damaged teeth, by
painting a layer of plastic on the tooth.
Extraction
The removal of teeth-not the patient's wallet!
Laminated Veneer
A thin porcelain shell bonded to the tooth to correct imperfections in
shape and color.
Inlay
A gold, porcelain, or composite custom-made filling cemented into the
tooth. If it covers the tips of the teeth or otherwise supports the tips
it is called an onlay.
Nightguard
A plastic mouthpiece to prevent damage from grinding teeth at night.
Orthodontic Treatment
Braces to correct the position of teeth.
Overbite
Refers to the amount of vertical overlap of the anterior teeth. Normal
range is between 0 and 20%.
Overjet
Refers to the amount of distance between the upper and lower incisor teeth
in a horizontal plane front to back. Normal is 0 to 1mm.
Porcelain Onlays
A restorative option done to replace one, more, or all of your posterior
tooth cusps if fractured or lost due to trauma or decay. The final result
is most esthetic and discreet. In comparison to a crown, an onlay is more
conservative in regards to the amount of total tooth structure removal
that is required. We love conserving tooth structure, ask if you are eligible!
Prophy
Simple cleaning of teeth with hand instruments, sometimes a cavitating
and/or baking soda spraying instrument, rubber wheel and dental toothpaste.
Root Canal Therapy
Cleaning out the inside tube of the tooth to preserve the teeth.
Root Planing
The cleaning of the root surface to provide healthy attached gum.
Sealant
Plastic coating applied to grooves of teeth to prevent decay.
If we say you have...
- Abscess
Infection caused by severe decay, trauma, or gum disease. You may have
pain and swelling, angular chelitis, sore areas in the outermost corners
of the upper and lower lip junction.
- Bruxism
Tooth grinding often caused by stress. Most often done unconsciously
at night.
- Crossbite
Misalignment of the teeth when biting. Lower teeth shift to one side.
May affect both sides.
- Papillary Denture Hyperplasia
Raised bumpy red areas on the hard palate under an upper denture.
- Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease; inflammation of gum tissue, which causes bone
loss resulting in tooth loss if untreated.
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