Abscess:
A localized infection in the bone or soft gum tissues. The
origin may be from a tooth that had a root canal in the past,
a tooth that in need of a root canal treatment, from the gums
due to periodontal disease or combination of the above.
Abutment:
The natural tooth that holds in place a fixed or removable
bridge.
Air Abrasion:
Tiny particles of aluminum oxide blasted at the tooth to
remove the decayed debris and create space for small fillings.
In most of the cases there is no need for anesthetics for that
procedure.
All ceramic crown:
Crowns which are made from porcelain only, without any metal
support. New technologies and new materials made this type of
crowns very popular among dentists and patients. The esthetic
results are supreme - there is no dark line in the margins of
the crowns and the crown resembles a natural tooth.
Amalgam:
The most common filling material used for fillings, also
referred to as mercury or silver. There is a big controversy
in the dental literature regarding the use of this material.
However this material serves the dental professionals for more
than a hundred years with great success. It is still one of
the strongest materials for fillings in the posterior teeth.
Today, there are many other materials with close physical
properties that can replace the amalgam for better esthetics.
Anesthesia:
Relieves the sensation of pain. This is done by injection of
the anesthetic solution in the soft tissue and close to the
bone near the required areas. There are different materials
for different uses: for short time anesthesia, long time
anesthesia, for people with allergy to one kind or another,
some contain Epinephrine. See also General Anesthesia, IV
Sedation and Local Anesthesia.
Autoclave: A device
that has a chamber where instruments are placed, and steam
under pressure is injected, in order to complete
sterilization.
Bite:
The way the mouth closes, or the way in which the upper and
lower teeth meet.
Bonding:
The covering of a tooth surface with a composite resin. This
procedure can correct gaps in between the teeth, correct small
misalignment of teeth, correct chips and cracks and hide
stains and discoloration. This is not a permanent solution due
to the fact that these materials change color and stained with
the years.
Braces:
Devices used by Orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth.
The braces are bonded on the teeth and connected with wires or
rubber bands to create the necessary moving forces on the
teeth.
Bridge:
Prosthetic (false) tooth or row of teeth that spans between
two natural teeth. The natural teeth that hold the bridge are
the abutments. This is a very common way to restore missing
teeth. The bridge is made of different materials such as gold,
gold and ceramic, ceramic only, etc. Sometimes, when too many
teeth are missing it is necessary to replace them with
implants or partial dentures.
Bruxism:
Involuntary, "nervous" grinding of the teeth while the patient
is asleep. Most patients are not aware of this destructive
habit, which may cause severe damage to the teeth and require
complicated reconstruction procedures. To prevent the damage,
a night guard is recommended.
Cementum: A thin layer
of calcified tissue that has the hardness of bone and covers
the root surface of the tooth, connecting the root to the bone
of the jaw.
Composite Filling:
a tooth colored restoration made of composite resin. This is a
tooth colored plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon
dioxide) introduced in the 1960's dental composites were
confined to the front teeth because they were not strong
enough to withstand the pressure and wear generated by the
back teeth. Since then, composites have been significantly
improved and can be successfully placed in the back teeth as
well. Composites are not only used for restoring decay, but
are also used for cosmetic purposes such as changing color and
shape of teeth. Most of the composites in use today are in a
consistency of a paste or putty and after they are placed,
they are cured with a special light and sealed to the tooth.
Crown:
A cover for a decayed, damaged, brittle or discolored tooth.
Crowns are made from different materials - gold, porcelain,
composites or combination of these. They are custom made in
the lab after the dentist prepare the tooth and takes
impressions.
Dentin:
The main portion of the tooth structure covered by enamel and
surrounded by a layer of cementum along the root. The dentin
is composed of 70% calcium, and it is a live tissue. When this
layer of the tooth is exposed, as in decayed tooth, there is
pain and sensitivity.
Dentures:
A removable set of artificial teeth. Dentures can be full or
partials. Dentures are usually used when many teeth are
missing and/or when a fixed bridge cannot be used. Dentures
are made of acrylic materials (some has metal frame for
enforcement) with teeth that are either hard plastic or
porcelain. The upper denture is held by a suction that created
with the palate and it is easy to become accustomed to. The
lower denture rest on the dental ridge of bone and gums, and
the retention depends on the condition and shape of the lower
ridge. The tongue, in conjunction with the jaw muscles will
tend to dislodge the lower denture. Therefore, it require more
effort to get used to the lower dentures. Recent technological
advancements made it possible for dentures to appear as if
they were the person's natural teeth. In addition, dental
implants can serve as anchors to the dentures and prevent them
from moving or falling, thus enhancing the esthetics and
improving quality of life for denture wearers. If you are
wearing dentures, see the information for denture patients on
this site. See also partial dentures.
Enamel:
The highly calcified covering over the outside of the tooth.
It is the hardest substance in the body and composed of more
then 95% calcium and minerals. This layer has no living cells
in it and is not sensitive to pain (pain is felt only when the
decay process has reached the dentin layer).
Endodontics:
The branch of dentistry concerned with the treatment of the
dental pulp or nerve of the tooth. The most common procedure
is a root canal.
Endodontist:
a dental specialist with advanced training in diagnosis and
treating diseases of the pulp of the tooth and frequently
performs root canals.
Filling:
Restoring lost tooth structure with metal, alloy, porcelain or
resin. See also Amalgam and Composite filling.
Fluoride:
A chemical that is used to strengthen the teeth. The Fluoride
connects with the calcium on the surface of the tooth. This
connection is not stable, therefore, multiple applications are
required. Fluoride is found in most of the tooth pastes in the
market. There are special gels with higher concentrations of
Fluoride for special use - for children and adults. In many
places around the world Fluoride is added to the drinking
water to help children grow with stronger teeth.
Gingivitis:
Inflammation of the gums. Early stage of gum disease. If the
disease is not treated in this initial stage, it spreads
deeper into the tissues surrounding the teeth and cause loss
of bone and loose teeth. Gingivitis can be prevented by
regular brushing and flossing, and by regular hygiene visits
at the office.
Halimeter:
An instrument used in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic
halitosis.
Halitosis: Bad breath.
Heat Sterilization:
A procedure that involves a chamber into which instruments are
placed and which raises the temperature for a period of time
to kill all microorganisms.
Hygienist:
A dental professional qualified to clean and scale teeth. They
also educate patients on proper dental care.
Imaging:
A photograph of teeth stored in a computer and then displayed
on a television monitor. The dentist is able to show you an
image of your smile with new, repaired or whitened teeth.
Impacted Tooth:
A tooth that fails to erupt properly and remains fully or
partially embedded and covered over by bone or gum tissue.
Implant:
If you avoid smiling or eating in public because your denture
may slip or a space left by a missing tooth may show, dental
implants may be an option to you. Dental implants can provide
a sense of security and well-being that can't be matched.
Dental implants are artificial substitute for natural tooth
roots. They act as an anchor for a false tooth or a set of
false teeth. There are different types of implants. They are
placed directly into the bone, and after a healing period of 3
to 6 months, they may be used for restorative purposes. Stable
dental implants and their replacement teeth can enhance the
quality of life. Implants can help the patient who has lost
teeth and desire a crown or bridge rather than an insecure
removable replacement. For most patients, their appearance,
comfort, speech and ability to chew and enjoy food are greatly
improved. Implants can be used in different ways: For a single
tooth Restoration, or several missing teeth in any area of the
mouth; For a fixed full arch Restoration; to replace a
denture, and to help in support and retention of existing
dentures.
During the surgical procedures required for implant insertion,
the anesthesia blocks any pain or discomfort. Postoperatively,
medications for pain, swelling and to prevent infections are
usually prescribed to ease any discomfort. Implants can be
very esthetically restored and look like natural teeth. In
most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo routine dental
extraction or oral surgery can be considered for an implant
procedure. Patients suffering from uncontrolled chronic
disease or systemic problems and heavy smokers may not be good
candidates for implants. While nothing works as well as a full
set of healthy natural teeth, implants provide the next best
thing. Generally, patients are not aware they even have
implants after the short healing period. The implant
replacement teeth look, feel, and function in a manner that
allow people to forget they have implants.
The only way to determine if implants are the solution for
you, is to talk to a dental specialist with the training and
experience in which you can have confidence.
Inlay:
A custom made filling that is cemented to a previously
prepared cavity in the tooth. Inlays can be made of different
materials: gold, porcelain, composites etc.
Intraoral Camera: A tiny TV camera used to view the inside of
the mouth, with the images projected onto a monitor screen.
Lasers:
Dental lasers are a family of instruments, some used for
surgery, some to cure (harden) restorative tooth materials and
enhance tooth tooth whitening, and others to remove tooth
structure to eliminate disease.
Molars:
The back teeth that are designed for grinding food before
swallowing.
Mouthguard:
A removable appliance used to protect teeth from injury during
athletic activities.
Nightguard:
A removable acrylic appliance used to minimize the effects of
grinding the teeth (bruxism) or joint problems (TMD), usually
worn at night. The nightguard is custom made for each patient
according to impressions taken at the office.
Nitrous Oxide:
Colorless, sweet-tasting gas , also called "laughing gas,"
used to help patients relax during treatment. The gas does not
eliminate the need for local anesthesia.
Onlay:
A gold or porcelain inlay extended to cover the cusps for
protection of the tooth.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon:
A specialist who deals with the diagnosis and surgical
treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities of the mouth
and supporting structures.
Oral Sedation:
Any substance taken orally (i.e., a pill or liquid) to reduce
anxiety and relax the patient.
Orthodontics:
a dental specialist with advanced training in the diagnosing
and treatment irregularities of jaw growth and tooth
alignment, usually by means of braces.
Panorex:
A single x-ray which shows all the teeth and the surrounding
bones.
Partial Denture:
A removable appliance (prosthesis) that replaces some of the
teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures are
used when several teeth are missing or if the nearby teeth
cannot adequately support a fixed bridge. The partial dentures
consists of three basic elements: a framework, made of a
strong, non-corrosive , metal alloy that fits against the gums
and the remaining teeth. An attachment, such as a clasp, holds
the framework in place, and prosthetic teeth are connected to
the framework with acrylic material. The partial dentures can
be made very esthetically, sometimes with the help of dental
implants.
Pediatric Dentist:
a dental specialist with advanced training in diagnosing and
treating dental problems of children.
Periodontal Disease:
periodontium is the name for the supporting structures of the
teeth - the gums and the bone that holds the teeth.
Periodontal disease is the inflammation of these structures.
Usually the initial disease is gingivitis. Periodontal disease
should be treated as soon as possible in order to prevent loss
of teeth.
Periodontist:
A dental specialist with advanced training in diagnosing and
treating dental structures of teeth including the gums and the
bone around them.
Plaque:
A sticky substance that forms on the surface of the teeth and
harbors bacteria growth and acid formation beneath its
surface, causing tooth decay. Plaque buildup can irritate the
gums and cause periodontal disease.
Porcelain Veneers:
these are thin rigid shells made of ceramic material that are
made in the lab and bonded to the teeth, with very esthetic
results. They are used for deeply stained teeth, to close
small gaps between teeth to align teeth together without
orthodontics (in selective cases) and to enhance esthetics.
The veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many
situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to
changing a tooth's color, size or shape. The procedure
requires two office visits. In the first, the dentist will
prepare the teeth surface area to allow space for the thin
shell and to assure exact fit, and will take impressions of
the teeth. These impressions are sent to the lab, the veneers
are prepared and will be bonded in the second visit. Between
the appointments, temporary shells are made. The highly
esthetic result last for many years.
Prophy:
(short for prophylaxis) The professional cleaning and removal
of plaque, stains, and calculus on the teeth.
Prosthodontist:
a dental specialist with advanced training in the diagnosing
and treating of complex situations concerned with the design,
construction and fitting of dental prostheses. These include
dental implants, partial and complete dentures, crowns and
bridges and special cosmetic concerns.
Retainer:
An appliance for maintaining the positions of the teeth and
jaws immediately after the completion of orthodontic
treatment.
Root Canal:
A procedure used to save an abscessed tooth in which the pulp
chamber is cleaned out, disinfected, and filled with a
permanent filling.
Root Planing:
Deep cleaning of the teeth to remove hardened plaque below the
gum line. This periodontal procedure is usually performed one
quadrant at a time.
Scaling: A treatment for gum disease involving removal of
hardened plaque (tartar or calculus) from teeth.
Sealant:
A coating applied to grooves of the teeth to prevent decay.
This procedure was proven to be one of the most effective way
in prevention of decay in children and young adults.
Sterilization: See Autoclave, Heat Sterilization.
Tartar:
Calcified plaque that forms from mineral salts in the saliva
and deposits on the teeth. The tartar irritates the gums and
cause gum disease.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ):
The TMJ is a joint that slides and rotates just in front of
your ear, consisting of the temporal bone (side and base of
the skull) and the mandible (lower jaw). Mastication (chewing)
muscles connect the lower jaw to the skull, allowing you to
move your jaw forward, sideways, and open and close.
Temporo Mandibular Joint disorders (TMD):
Describes a variety of conditions that affect jaw muscles and
nerves and structures within the joint associated with facial
pain. Symptoms may occur on one or both sides of the face,
head or jaw, or develop after an injury. TMD affects more than
twice as many women than men and is the most common non-dental
related chronic orofacial pain. Most experts suggest that
certain tasks, either mental or physical, cause or aggravate
TMD, such as strenuous physical tasks or stressful situations.
Most discomfort is caused from overuse of the muscles,
specifically clenching or grinding teeth (bruxism). These
excessive habits tire the jaw muscles and lead to discomfort,
such as headaches or neck pain. Additionally, abnormal
function can lead to worn or sensitive teeth, traumatized soft
fissues, muscle soreness, jaw discomfort when eating, and
temporal (side) headaches. Most common symptoms are: An
earache without an infection; Jaw pain or soreness that is
more prevalent in the morning or late afternoon; Jaw pain when
you chew, bite or yawn; Clicking when opening and closing your
mouth; Difficulty opening and closing your mouth; Locked or
stiff jaw when you talk, yawn or eat; Sensitive teeth when no
dental problems can be found. The majority of cases can be
treated by unloading (resting) the joint, taking a non-aspirin
pain reliever and practicing stress movement and relaxation
techniques. Most treatment for TMD is simple, often can he
done at home, and does not need surgery. More severe cases may
be treated with physical therapy, ice and hot packs, posture
training and orthopedic appliance therapy (splint). Eating
soft foods and avoiding chewing also help relax the muscles.
Tooth whitening:
stained or dull teeth can benefit from tooth whitening. The
safest and most effective method is dentist supervised. The
most popular procedure involves taking impressions of the
patient's teeth and fabricating a template that would fit
precisely on the teeth. The patient applies small amount of
the tooth whitening gel into the mouthpiece, and can wear it
for few hours every day or can even sleep with it The tooth
whitening gel contains oxygen-releasing chemicals that react
with the stains and discoloration of the teeth. Noticeable
change in shade can occur with a week. Other systems use laser
beam for a rapid tooth whitening in the office. If you would
like to have brighter, whiter teeth and a dazzling smile,
schedule a dental appointment to evaluate your smile and tell
you about the options that are available to you.
Ultrasonic Cleaning:
Cleaning that uses high frequency sound waves to gently remove
deposits, such as tartar and stain, from the teeth.
Veneers:
see porcelain veneers. |
