Glossary

• ABRASION - The abnormal wearing of teeth. This can be caused by grinding of teeth (bruxing), poor dental restorations or other habits.
• ABSCESS - An infection associated with the teeth or the surrounding gum or tissues. This is usually associated with swelling and pain. The need for antibiotic therapy and other manipulative treatments is often required.
• AMALGAM - A metal alloy containing silver, zinc, mercury, and other metals used to restore teeth.
• BITEWING X-RAYS - A radiograph (x-ray) which shows interproximal (between) and the coronal aspects of the upper and lower teeth simultaneously.
• BRIDGE - FIXED PARTIAL DENTURE - A prosthesis replacing one or more missing teeth. This restoration is cemented into place. It may be ceramic or full gold, or of semi- precious metals.
• BRUXISM - Involuntary grinding of the teeth. This can cause restorations to break, teeth to become loose and sever pain in the Tempromandibular joint.
• CALCULUS - Hard mineralized deposits of dental plaque that build up on natural tooth surfaces or restorations.
• CARIES - A cavity in the tooth structure. This is caused from a bacterial infection that eats away the tooth enamel, dentin and other soft tissues of the tooth.
• COMPOSITE - "White fillings" This is a tooth - colored restoration that can be used to cosmetically enhance a persons smile. Many times it can be used instead of the traditional amalgam fillings. It is a composite of polymers with a filler of silica, quartz or ceramic particles. The polymer is usually cured with visible light or may be chemically cured.
• COSMETIC DENTISTRY - A dental service primarily performed to improve appearance.
• CROWN - A fixed restoration that is used to replace missing tooth structure with either metal, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal.
• CURETTAGE - Deep cleaning of a gingival pocket. This is usually associated with periodontal disease.
• DEBRIDEMENT, FULL MOUTH - This is a procedure to remove calculus and plaque above and below the gum line. This is usually a preliminary procedure and does not preclude other more extensive periodontal procedures. Rarely covered by insurance.
• DEDUCTIBLE - The deductible is a specific dollar deduction set up by your employer and the dental plan that you have. This is a portion of your bill that your insurance company will not pay. Often there is a deductible for specific services and the amount varies from one individual plan to another. The insurance companies subtract this amount from their payment. Your plan booklet should describe this in detail. If not, call your insurance provider for a more extensive explanation.
• DEFECTIVE MARGINS - Edges of restorations ( fillings) that have become uneven through wear or chipping of the tooth or the filling material.
• DENTAL IMPLANT - Numerous devices that can replace from one to multiple teeth. These are surgically placed in the bone and become integrated with your bone over a period of time. There are also numerous types of restorations, fixed or removable, to replace your teeth.
• DENTAL PLAQUE - Substance which forms on the teeth that has a bacterial matrix. This forms daily and should be removed by brushing and flossing. If this is not removed with regular home care, it will turn into calculus. The bacteria will then migrate down the tooth and cause periodontal disease.
• DENTURES - A removable set of artificial teeth.
• EROSION - The loss of tooth structure from chemical ( acid ) action: this will cause parts of the tooth's surfaces may be dissolved and lost.
• EXCLUSIONS - Dental services not covered by your dental plan.
• FILLINGS - Restoring lost tooth structure with metal, alloy, porcelain, or resin.
• FISSURE SEALANT - A resin material applied to teeth to seal the pits and fissures preventing tooth decay.
• GINGIVITIS - Inflammation of the gums.
• IMMEDIATE DENTURE - Placement of denture immediately after removal of teeth.
• OVERDENTURE - A denture constructed to be placed over existing teeth or implants.
• PARTIAL DENTURE - A replacement of teeth with a removable prosthesis that can be made of soft flexible materials or metal infrastructures. This is meant to replace from one to multiple teeth.
• PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE - Therapy to prevent reoccurrence of periodontal disease; usually performed at six month intervals.
• PERIODONTAL SCALING /ROOT PLANING - The removal of calculus from the sulcus of the gum and surrounding tooth structures. This procedure allows healing to begin and reduction of pocket depth that has occurred because of bone loss.
• PERIODONTAL SURGERY - Surgery of the gum tissue and treatment of the surrounding teeth and bone.
• PLAQUE - A soft, sticky substance that builds up on teeth. Left untouched, it will develop into calculus and cause gingivitis and periodontal disease.
• PREVENTIVE - Procedures done to prevent disease or pathosis.
• PROPHYLAXIS - Procedures that preserve dental health and prevent infection.
• RELINE - A resurfacing of the tissue side of a denture or partial denture
• ROOT CANAL THERAPY (R.C.T) - The nerve of the tooth is removed and then filled with a biocompatible substance.
• SCALING - The removal of the hard build up (calculus) from teeth.
• XEROSTOMIA - Decreased production of saliva caused by medications or autoimmune diseases.