What is the glossary of dental terms?
Gingiva: The gum, tissues which immediately surround the teeth and are contiguous with the periodontal membrane and the mucosal tissue of the mouth. Gingivectomy: The excision of the gum tissue to eliminate periodontal pockets. Gingivitis: The first stage of periodontal disease. The gums usually become red, swollen and bleed easily.
What does a general dentist do?
orthodontist: the oral health provider who specializes in diagnosis, prevention, interception, and treatment of malocclusions, or "bad bites," of the teeth and surrounding structures.
What are common dental&periodontal terms?
An endodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats tooth pain, especially those requiring root canal treatment. Extraction: The removal of the tooth from its socket in the bone. Back to top; F; Filling: Also called a dental restoration, a filling is used to restore the function and integrity of a tooth.
What is the meaning of Dentistry?
• Dental hygienist: A dental professional specializing in cleaning the teeth by remov ing plaque, calculus, and diseased gum tissue. He/She acts as the patients guide in
What is a specialist in gums called?
You might know that a periodontist is a specialist who performs procedures specific to gum disease and dental implants.
What is the difference between an endodontist and a periodontist?
Periodontists are concerned with the health of gums and treating gum disease and inflammation. On the other hand, Endodontists specialize in tooth roots and oral pain. Patients are most commonly referred to them for a complicated root canal. That was a quick summary of the periodontist vs endodontist discussion.Jan 8, 2020
What is the difference between a periodontist and a dentist?
In the simplest terms, a dentist treats the teeth, gums, and other areas of the mouth while a periodontist only treats the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. The periodontist typically sees severe, complex cases that require a specialist rather than having the patient see a general dentist.
What is the difference between a prosthodontist and a periodontist?
Two dental specialties are periodontics and prosthodontics, which sound similar but are quite different. In a nutshell, periodontists deal with the tissues surrounding the teeth and prosthodontists make and fit dentures, bridges and similar appliances for people who have missing teeth.
Do periodontist do fillings?
Not all periodontists offer routine care, but we do. In addition to providing periodontal treatment and dental implants, our team can help you maintain your smile and oral health through routine exams, cleanings, x-rays, and fillings.Jun 7, 2021
What is dental Prostho?
A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating complex dental and facial matters, including the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth with artificial devices. They are highly trained in dental implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, jaw disorders, and more.Jun 23, 2021
Is a periodontist higher than a dentist?
A periodontist is a dentist with specialized training and education in periodontics. They are experts in the bone and tissue that surround your teeth and offer the highest level of services for treating diseases, like gum disease.Dec 23, 2019
Who can diagnose periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination. This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up. A periodontal probe (small dental instrument) is gently used to measure the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and the gums.Nov 29, 2017
What procedures does a periodontist perform?
Common Periodontic Procedures and TreatmentsNon-surgical Periodontal Treatment. Not all periodontal treatment involves a surgery of some sort. ... Scaling and Root Planing. ... Periodontics' Tray Delivery Systems. ... Dental Implants. ... Regeneration. ... Soft Tissue Grafting. ... Gingivectomy.
What is the difference between prosthodontics and prosthetics?
There are many differences between a prosthodontist and general dentist, but the biggest difference is that the former deals with replacing or extracting teeth—essentially anything that needs to be replaced in your mouth. Prosthetic replacement of maxillofacial structures (head and neck) are also offered.
What is the difference between orthodontist and prosthodontist?
Prosthodontists and orthodontists are sometimes seen as two sides of the same dental coin. It's been said that orthodontists treat problem teeth that are there, while prosthodontists treat problem teeth that aren't there anymore.
Do periodontists do veneers?
Many dental professionals offer veneers treatment, including general dentists, cosmetic dentists and some orthodontists. Endodontists, periodontists and oral surgeons do not typically offer veneers.
What is the procedure to reshape gum tissue?
gingivoplasty: a procedure performed by periodontists to reshape the gum tissue. gold fillings: an alternative to silver amalgam fillings. gum recession: exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion, erosion, periodontal disease, or surgery.
What is the field of dentistry that deals with the pathology of the pulp and root tissues of the tooth?
endodontics : a field of dentistry concerned with the biology and pathology of the dental pulp and root tissues of the tooth and with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of these tissues. Root canal therapy is a commonly performed endodontic procedure.
What is dental abrasion?
Medically Reviewed by Michael Friedman, DDS on October 10, 2019. Abrasion: Tooth wear caused by improper brushing or excessively forceful use of toothpicks or floss. Holding objects between the teeth or frequently placing and removing a dental appliance may also cause abrasion.
What is a bridge in dentistry?
bridge: stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth adjacent to a space; replaces one or more missing teeth, cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or implants adjacent to the space. Also called a fixed partial denture. bruxism: grinding or gnashing of the teeth, most commonly during sleep.
What is bone resorption?
bone resorption: decrease in the amount of bone supporting the roots of teeth; a common result of periodontal (gum) disease. braces: devices (bands, wires, ceramic appliances) put in place by orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth to a more favorable alignment.
What is a partial denture?
denture: a removable or fixed replacement of artificial teeth for missing natural teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of removable dentures are available -- complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is a commonly performed endodontic procedure. endodontist: a dental specialist concerned with the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the human dental pulp or the nerve of the tooth. eruption: the emergence of the tooth from its position in the jaw.
What causes gum disease?
Caused by the toxins created by the bacteria in the plaque along and under the gum line, gum disease is the abnormal loss of bone around the teeth and the inflammation of the soft tissue.
What is the term for the decay of the enamel of the tooth?
Caries: Dental caries is the scientific term for tooth decay. It is an infectious condition that deteriorates the tooth enamel and the layer beneath it (the dentin) by producing an acid. Dental caries are caused by the bacteria that build up in plaque on the teeth.
Why do teeth get cavities?
Cavities happen when the teeth are not properly cared for which creates a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. Cavities are also caused by eating sugary snacks and drinks. The presence of caries always forms cavities.
What is gum recession?
When the gums wear away or pull back, forming pockets or gaps, this is considered gum recession or receding gums/gumline. These pockets make it easy for bacteria to build up, resulting in gum disease.
What is bridge replacement?
An option for replacing a missing tooth (or teeth.) A bridge uses false teeth that are affixed to the teeth or implants on either side of the gap created by the missing tooth/teeth.
How many teeth does a dog have?
Canines: Canines are a tooth type that have a sharp, pointed biting surface for gripping and tearing food. There are four canine permanent teeth, located between the front incisors and back pre-molars on both the top and bottom row of teeth.
What is composite filling?
Dental composite refers to the synthetic resin used to fill a cavity as an alternative to an amalgam filling. Composite fillings are the same color as the tooth being filled.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
The term cosmetic dentistry can be defined the same way cosmetic surgery is defined. The person has elected to alter the appearance of a part of his/her body to resemble the ideal look that is accepted in society today. In this case it is altering the teeth by straightening and cleaning.
What is the study of the mouth?
Dentistry is the study and treatment of diseases of the mouth. Dentistry covers many areas of oral care, including not only dental cavities but also areas such as gum disease and oral surgery.
What is case management in dentistry?
Dental case management is a government funded program which helps low income families receive dental care. This program is to increase the amount of poverty stricken families that actually visit a dentist routinely instead of just when they have a problem.
What is line angle?
In dentistry, a line angle refers to the area at which two surfaces of the crown of the tooth meet. It can also refer to the area at which two surfaces of a tooth cavity meet.
What is anxiolysis in dentistry?
Anxiolysis refers to the state of a patient experiencing mild sedation in the mouth prior to a dental operation. It is achieved either by local anesthetics applied via injection, or administered in gaseous form.
What is the difference between orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics?
An orthodontist is a dentist specialized in the use of applying braces and the movement of jaws. Dentofacial orthopedics is dentistry involved in putting objects into mouths to either fix problems or prevent problems from arising.
What does buccal mean in dentistry?
Buccal means relating to the mouth, or relating to the cheek. For example, the buccal surface of the tooth is the part of the tooth that touches the cheek, as opposed to the palatal surface of the tooth, which would be the side of the tooth that touches the tongue.
What is the fold of soft tissue that connects the lips, to the gums overlying the alveolar
A fold of soft tissue that connects the lips, to the gums overlying the alveolar bone in several points in the mouth. This attachment is mainly seen on the gums close to two upper or lower front teeth.
What is the thin layer of dentin called?
Within the roots of teeth, the dentin is covered by a thin layer called cementum.
What is resin filling?
Resin filling material used in dentistry to restore cavities. Crown: Protective dental restoration that completely covers the visible tooth structure in the mouth. The materials used to fabricate crowns may be metallic, porcelain, or a combination of porcelain fused to metal. Bridge:
How many teeth are in a 6 month old's first set of dentition?
Description of first set of dentition, which appear at about 6 months of age and consists of 20 teeth. These teeth are ultimately shed and replaced by the permanent teeth
How many molars are there in the mouth?
The most posterior teeth in the mouth. Molars are very important in the function of chewing. There are usually 12 molars in the mouth, with 3 in each quadrant, including the wisdom teeth.
How many cupids are there in the human eye?
Also known as cupids, or “eye teeth”. There is two in the upper (maxillary) and two in the lower (mandibular) arch. It is present in both primary/deciduous dentition and permanent dentition.
What is the term for a professional cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or hygienist?
Prophylaxis. professional cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or hygienist. Prosthodontist. constructs artificial appliances designed to restore and maintain oral function by replacing missing teeth and other oral structures such as dentures. Public health dentist.
What is the occlusal surface?
Occlusal surface. the chewing surface of the tooth. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon. treats and surgically corrects diseases, injuries, and defects of the mouth and jaws. Oral pathologist. examines oral tissues for evidence of suspected abnormalities such as cancer. Orthodontics.
How gingivitis develops
Most people know that brushing and flossing the teeth is important for gum health. Many do not realize they are not doing a good job of brushing and flossing. Other factors, such as a poor diet or pregnancy, can also cause or worsen gingivitis. When treatment at home is not helping to improve symptoms, a trip to the dentist may be necessary.
Taking further steps
Maybe you need more help in treating your gum disease. Taking charge of your oral health can have a positive effect on your overall health. You do not have to live with bleeding gums caused by gingivitis. Check in with your dentist today to see what steps you can take to treat your bleeding gums.
Recent Posts
When people experience bleeding gums while brushing, they might not believe there is much cause for alarm because it is a common problem. However, this bleeding may indicate a growing gumline infection that could lead to serious complications and have a negative impact on oral health. Those who experience this issue can reverse or even…
What is gum disease?
An infection in the gum pocket that can destroy hard and soft tissues. Back to top. Periodontal Disease. Inflammatory process of the gingival tissues and/or periodontal membrane of the teeth, resulting in an abnormally deep gingival sulcus, possibly producing periodontal pockets and loss of supporting alveolar bone.
What is the term for tooth wear?
Here is a comprehensive list of common dental terminology and terms you may hear or read as you learn more about oral health. Abrasion. Tooth wear caused by forces other than chewing such as holding objects between the teeth or improper brushing. Back to top. Abutment.
What is bonding in dentistry?
A composite resin applied to a tooth to change its shape and/or color. Bonding also refers to how a filling, orthodontic appliance or some fixed partial dentures are attached to teeth.
What is root replacement?
A prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth that can be removed by the patient. Back to top. Root. The anatomic portion of the tooth that is covered by cementum and is located in the alveolus (socket) where it is attached by the periodontal apparatus; radicular portion of tooth. Back to top.
What is a dental specialist?
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the interception and treatment of malocclusion of the teeth and their surrounding structures. Back to top. Overdenture. A removable prosthetic device that overlies and may be supported by retained tooth roots or implants.
Where is the anatomic portion of the tooth located?
The anatomic portion of the tooth that is covered by cementum and is located in the alveolus (socket) where it is attached by the periodontal apparatus; radicular portion of tooth.
What is a tooth pontic?
In the construction of crowns or pontics, a layer of tooth-colored material usually, but not limited to, composite, porcelain, ceramic or acrylic resin, attached to the surface by direct fusion, cementation, or mechanical retention; also refers to a restoration that is luted to the facial surface of a tooth.
How do dentists make holes in the gums?
Your dentist makes a tiny hole in the gums with a needle. This hole is placed in the healthy area of gums below the gum line. Then , special instruments carefully loosen the gum tissue beneath the hole. This tissue is carefully pulled upwards to cover the exposed area of tooth.
Why is the band of tissue around the gums thin?
Thin tissue is more likely to erode, tear, and recede. The band of tissue that surrounds the teeth, the attached gingiva, is meant to resist abrasion; this can also be excessively thin. This makes it more difficult to stave off trauma and gum disease.
Why do teeth recede?
Why treat receding gums? Because your mouth is at risk of additional health problems. Your teeth will be more sensitive to hot and cold with their roots exposed. The delicate tooth roots are also more prone to erosion and subsequent decay. The missing gum tissue also alters your smile and makes you seem prematurely aged. Teeth may also feel loose after severe periodontal disease and gum tissue loss.
What happens if you leave your gums bare?
Leaving your tooth roots bare puts them at a heightened risk of decay, and advanced gum recession can put your teeth in danger. Plus, you have to deal with the discomfort of sensitivity and the changing appearance of your smile.
Why do my gums pull away?
But irritation or damage to the gums can cause them to pull away, with the gum line lowering and the tooth root becoming exposed.
Why do teeth pull away from gums?
The soft tissues of the gums surround tooth roots, protecting them and keeping them safe from external stimuli that may cause sensitivity. But irritation or damage to the gums can cause them to pull away, with the gum line lowering and the tooth root becoming exposed. Gum tissue is delicate, and can’t withstand infection or excessive pressure.
What happens when your gums are infected?
Gum disease – When your gums become infected, the soft tissues suffer damage. The gums pull away from the teeth, losing their grip and receding. If you think you may have gingivitis or periodontal disease, contact us right away.