Dental Glossary to Help At Your Next Visit

DentalIf you've already scheduled an appointment with your dentist, a dental glossary will help you know your frenum from your gingiva. This glossary will help you understand what your dentist is saying during your appointment so that it is easier for you to understand problems you are experiencing and the available treatment options:

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 (301) 485-7492 to schedule an appointment with Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS in our Bowie dental office.

Recent Posts

What You Need To Know About Snoring And Oral Health

It is hard to miss the sound of someone snoring next to you, and, surprisingly, it may be caused by a person's oral health. Snoring is bothersome and has adverse effects on relationships. What happens is that during sleep, the muscles in the mouth, tongue and throat collapse, causing partial obstruction of the airway. As…

Bowie Dentist Answers Frequently Asked Questions

As your Bowie dentist, I answer a large number of questions during regular dental checkups and exams. I am happy to answer any questions a patient has since the answers can help fuel the patient's interest in oral health. The more you know about your teeth and gums, the easier it will be to keep…

Answers To Questions About Acid And Erosion From A Bowie Dentist

As a Bowie dentist, we answer a lot of questions about how to keep teeth healthy.  Patients  ask about risk factors and what they need to avoid in order to prevent teeth infection.  One of the common risk factors is acid reflux.  Many patients are unaware that acid reflux can directly impact the health of…

When Your Child Needs A Dental Checkup

Some dental issues start early on, meaning your child might need a dental checkup at an early age. Even if the child is relatively young, there could be tooth decay or white spots. It means you should think about making your child’s dental appointment as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more.If there are…


Recent Posts

The Benefits Of Partnering With A Kids Dentist

The Benefits Of Partnering With A Kids Dentist

Choosing the right kids' dentist is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child's oral and overall health. This dental professional specializes in providing dental care tailored to the unique needs of young patients, fostering a positive experience with dental care from a young age. Working with an experienced pediatric dentist…

How To Care For Your Dental Veneers

How To Care For Your Dental Veneers

A dental veneer is a popular cosmetic dentistry solution designed to enhance the appearance of teeth by improving their shape, color, and alignment. Proper care and maintenance are essential to maintain a dental veneer's longevity and aesthetic appeal. Following a few practical steps, patients can ensure their veneers remain durable and beautiful for years.Good oral…