Dental Terms

Abfraction:  Notching in the enamel at the level of the gum tissue, generally a sign of a history of excessive forces on the tooth in question.

Abrasion:  Wear to the tooth structure causing a shortened appearance to the teeth.

Abutment:  A precision designed support structure that attaches to the dental implant.  The functional portion of the tooth that is displayed is supported by the abutment.

American College of Prosthodontists:  the professional association of dentists with advanced specialty training who are the experts in creating optimal oral health, both in function and appearance including dental implants, dentures, veneers, crowns and teeth whitening. Go to prosthodontics.org

American Dental Association:  The professional association of dentists committed to the public’s oral health, ethics, science, and professional advancement. The American Dental Association recognizes a prosthodontist as one of the nine official dental specialties. Go to ada.org

Attachment:  A custom designed mechanical feature that provides retention and resistance to dislodgement of a prosthesis. An example is a nylon piece incorporated into the restoration used to create a ‘snap-like’ fit of an implant retained denture to the implant abutment.

Bridge:  A dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth that is cemented to the supporting teeth.

Bruxism:  The condition of unconsciously grinding the teeth together either while asleep or awake. There is no way to ‘turn off’ the switch that causes the destructive forces involved with bruxism. Treatment is palliative – construction of an occlusal guard.

Caries:  Dental decay also known as a cavity.

Cone-Beam:  Imaging technology that produces a 3-D image of the head, neck and oral cavity and is used to analyze a patient’s anatomy during the dental treatment planning process.

Crown:  Also known as a “Cap”, a crown is a dental restoration that fits over a single tooth restoring health, function and appearance.

Denture:  A removable appliance used to replace all of the teeth in a dental arch can be supported by dental implants or the gum tissue.

Dental Implant:  A titanium replica of a tooth root  that is placed into the jaw bone providing support for a dental restoration.

Endodontist:  A dentist who specializes in root canal therapy.

Erosion:  Wearing of the enamel caused by chemical irritants or acidic substances.  

Extraction:  The surgical removal of a tooth.

Fixed Restoration:  A dental restoration which cannot be taken in and out of the mouth, but is permanently cemented or “fixed” into place.

Impression:  A mold of the teeth taken to aid in the construction of a dental restoration or appliance.

Occlusion:  Also known as your bite. Relates to how a person’s teeth come together when biting down.

Occlusal Guard:  A removable dental appliance constructed as a palliative measure for patients with a history of clenching and grinding habits with the goal being to minimize the resulting tooth wear.

Occlusal Trauma:  Trauma caused to the teeth as a result of an unsatisfactory bite.  Teeth may present with excessive wear, mobility, bone loss, or other periodontal concerns.  

Oral Obturator:  A removable appliance used to treat patients who present with anatomical anomalies such as cleft palate. The obturator is a removable prosthesis designed specifically to fill in the missing structures allowing the patient to eat and speak more comfortably.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon:  A dentist who specializes in surgery of the mouth and facial structures.

Orthodontist:  A dentist who specializes in the alignment of teeth through movement within the supporting structures with braces or custom designed retainers.

Osseo-integration:  The process where the surrounding jaw bone heals and connects or “integrates” with the dental implant. This process generally takes about 3 months although it could be shorter or longer depending on the area in the mouth and the patient’s healing potential.

Periodontal Disease:  The bacterial attack of the supporting structures of the teeth resulting in the deterioration of the gum tissues as well as the supporting bone and can contribute to the loss of teeth.

Periodontist:  A dentist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease and surgical procedures involving the gum tissues and the bone.

Prosthesis:  An appliance used to replace missing teeth or anatomy.  An example of a prosthesis in our office takes the form of one tooth or multiple teeth made to fit in with the surrounding teeth and can be fixed in position or removable.

Prosthodontist:  A dentist who specializes in the restoration of teeth as well as the design and construction of prostheses for areas of missing teeth.

Sleep Apnea:  A condition that causes the cessation of breathing followed by awakening several times during the course of a person’s sleep cycle.

TMJ Syndrome:  A condition involving inflammation in and around the temporo-mandibular joint, or the jaw joint.  This conidition often leads to pain in the joint and/or facial muscles and may cause difficulty with opening and closing as well as chewing.

Veneers:  A dental restoration that is placed over the front of a tooth and can be used to improve the shape and the color of a tooth or several teeth.

Vital Tooth Whitening:  Also known as bleaching.  During this process, custom trays are made for the patient to wear with a special whitening solution resulting in a brighter, whiter smile!