Incisor

Gigivitis

Molar

MOD

Palate

Periodontal treatment

Root Canal Treatment

Calculus

Tartar

Pulp

TMD

Wisdom Teeth

Xerostomia

ABSCESS

An infection caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease, or trauma. It is characterized by swelling and pain. If an abscess ruptures, it will be accompanied by sudden relief from pain due to a reduction in pressure. A foul taste may also be noticed. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek dental care immediately.

AMALGAM

Dental amalgam is an alloy of metals (mixture). The two most known of these is Silver and Mercury. There is a lot of controversy surrounding amalgam, which I wont get into here. However due to the fact that this material is silver colored, people are choosing tooth colored restorations more and more.

BRIDGE

A bridge is a fixed restorative (doesn't come out). It can replace missing teeth, however it relies upon the "abutment" teeth (anchor teeth) for it's stability.

BICUSPID

A bicuspid is a two "cusped" tooth. Located in the middle of the dental arch.

BRUXISM

A Bruxer is someone who grinds their teeth at night while they're sleeping. This grinding can wear teeth severely, crack teeth and cause notching at the neck of the teeth (abfraction). The usual treatment of Bruxism is to wear a night guard.

CAVITY

A cavity is also known as dental carries. Is a softening of the mineral component of a tooth. As the tooth softens is errodes and a hole slowly results. A cavity is usualy caused by bacteria, and so it is an infection.

Cuspid

A Cuspid is also know as an "eye" or "stomach" tooth. It is a single cusped tooth, and it's located at the corner of the dental arch. Usually it's the first pointed tooth towards the back of the mouth.

COMPOSITE

A composite is a type of restorative material. It is made of resin (plastic). Usually it's tooth colored, however it can be other colors (blue, glitter...)

DENTURES

A Denture is a prothesis that replaces all the teeth in one arch (upper, or lower). It uses surface tension and suction to hold it in place. A poorly fitting denture can cause many problems, from gum overgrowth, fungal infection, and boneloss.

DIASTEMA

A Diastema is a space between two teeth. Usually an issue when it's between front teeth. Sometimes we close that space with composites or porcelain veneers.

Errosion

Errosions can be caused by lots of different things: acidic foods, stomach reflux, bullemia. Areas that have erroded can be sensitive, and unesthetic. They can be repaired with fillings, veneers, or crowns.

Dental Dictionary