Dentistry list of topics covering preferred fields of dental knowledge to help your understanding on procedures and materials. Just click on the treatment of your choice to read it.
If after reading it you are still looking for an answer about dental treatments or dental techniques you may read Frequently Asked Questions or contact us here; we then forward your specific question to one of our dentists who will answer it.

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Dental examination
>Dental x-radiographs
>Initial dental consultation

Cosmetic Dentistry
> Tooth Whitening
> Aesthetic fillings
> Porcelain Veneers
> Gum Contouring

Restorative Dentistry
> Broken Teeth
> Crown&Bridgework
> Dentures
> Dental Implant supported dentures
> Root Canal Treatment

Preventive Dentistry
> Dental Hygiene
> Bad Breath
> Gum Disease
> Decay detection
> Mouth cancer screening

Oral Surgery
> Wisdom Tooth extraction
> Other extractions
> Dental implantology
> Sinus lift

Endodontics
Gnathology
Orthodontics

Dental Dictionary

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DENTAL EXAMINATION

>Dental x-radiographs
Dental radiographs are pictures taken of the teeth, bones, and surrounding soft tissues always before and after dental treatment. They are commonly referred to as x-rays or x-ray films and are used to screen for and help accurately identify problems with the teeth and the jaw. The two most commonly used methods are small or dental x-ray and panoramic x-rays.

Dental x-ray, small

Dental or small x-ray pictures can show cavities, hidden dental structures (such as wisdom teeth), and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual examination. Dental X-rays may also be done as follow-up after dental treatments.

 

Panoramic dental x-ray

An orthopantomogram (OPG), also known as
panoramic x-ray, besides having the advantages of small dental x-rays shows two-dimensional view of a half circle of the head from ear to ear. It can help identify any hidden structure, cavities or bone loss invisible for the eyes from a wider perspective.

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COSMETIC DENTISTRY

 

> Tooth whitening
All of your teeth do not share the same natural colour. Usually your eye teeth tend to be darker than the others, your front teeth are usually the whitest, and molars tend to shade between the other two. When applying whitening, the aim for everyone is to achieve their individual optimum whiteness while still looking natural. During your first consultation, your dentist at Premiere Dental will examine what you personally can expect for your specific smile. The whiteness of the teeth after a given procedure usually varies from person to person. The structure of your teeth and the type of procedure implemented will affect the outcome.

What causes teeth discoloration?
Discoloration of teeth enamel can be caused by many factors, including staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Some of the most common causes of teeth discoloration are medications, coffee, tea or cigarettes, but drinking significant amounts of cola soft drinks can result in similar staining.
Aside from staining, there are other factors that can affect the colour of an individual's teeth. Genetic features of individuals can also play a role. Some people have naturally brighter enamel than others. Disease can also be a factor and certain medications can cause a discoloration of the teeth.

What is the procedure of teeth whitening?
Before any whitening procedure our dentist or a special hygienist will thoroughly clean the teeth in order to remove any surface stains and tartar. This is often referred to as scale and polish. As a next step the dentist will make a record of your actual teeth colour so in the end you can have a clear view of what results had been achieved.
The bleaching compound usually contains a high concentration of peroxide (10-40%, depending on the whitening system used). Peroxide might cause irritation on your gums, therefore the dentist usually places some form of protection around the gums so that only the teeth are exposed to the compound. A common form of protections is using a special gel that hardens once applied to the gums.
As a result of the latest technologies, our dentists are able to provide you with a gentle working teeth whitening system which does not require protection for the gums.

How much whiter my teeth will look?
There is no ultimate rule: the whiteness of teeth after the procedure varies from individual to individual and it is also dependent on the type of whitening system used. Some people respond very well to teeth whitening due to their genetics and have dramatic whitening results whereas others will notice very little difference in shades. Our cosmetic dentist will be able to advise you on the likely results expected.

How long does teeth whitening last?
Unfortunately, teeth whitening do not provide a permanent solution. Results can last from one to more years, depending upon your personal habits such as foods you eat, smoking, coffee, cola type soft drinks. In 98 % of cases, the whitening procedure is very effective and provides a very pleasing result for our patients.

Does teeth whitening hurt or have any side effects?
You do not have to worry; whitening procedure does not cause any pain. Some people experience no sensitivity at all. However, the majority of people might experience some kind of sensitivity either during and / or after the whitening procedure. This should settle down the latest in 48-72 hours. Our cosmetic dentist may give you a special gel to apply to your teeth to help with the sensitivity. We suggest avoiding hot or cold food or drinks within the first 48 hours of your whitening treatment.

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> Aesthetic fillings
White fillings or so-called called composite fillings are highly aesthetic fillings made of tooth coloured materials. Composite fillings can be used for bonding in order to improve your smile by changing the colour, shape and size of a tooth, to fix a broken tooth invisibly. They are good solution in many cosmetic procedures including: filling dental cavities, repairing chipped or broken teeth, closing gaps between teeth, reshaping teeth or for smile makeovers in form of composite veneers.

Can this material be used for all types of cavities?
Bonding is not suitable if you have large cavities in your teeth as the material does not have a strong structure over large areas. It is rather ideal for smaller fillings that are not exposed to great forces.

What is bonding?
Bonding is the procedure when the tooth coloured material hardens for a special light.

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> Porcelain veneers
Dental veneers are custom-made ceramic shells of tooth-like colour that, when “cemented” to the front surface of the teeth, can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing and chips or cracks. Dental veneers create a bright, white smile with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth.
In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, dental veneers can also serve a functional purpose by protecting the surface of a damaged tooth. Depending on the case, veneers can replace the need for a dental crown, eliminating the need for more invasive tooth preparation.
Dental veneers are quite thin, therefore they might require only a little reshaping of your teeth before bonding. Once veneers are bonded they provide an aesthetic look just as they protect the surface. Since veneers are very thin, your dentist may advise you against certain uses or dietary tendencies (such as eating carrots). Dentists sometimes advise wearing a protective appliance while sleeping, especially for those who are bruxer (bruxism: grinding of the teeth).

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> Gum contouring
Healthy gum tissue compliments and frames the teeth. If your gums are well contoured, your teeth and smile will look healthier. A gummy smile though with swollen gum tissue can make your teeth and smile look unhealthy and unattractive for those who see it. Consequently, the owner of such smile might loses self-confidence due responses received after smiling. If your teeth look too small or too short due to disproportionate size relationship between your teeth and gums, you may consider laser gum contouring. This procedure can make your teeth look like they are out of line or give them a flat appearance. Laser gum contouring can remove the excess gum tissue around your teeth in order to expose more of the crown of your tooth. Gum contouring can also be used if your gums are uneven around your teeth.

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RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

>Broken Teeth
If you have a broken or chipped tooth it is best to have that tooth evaluated by your dentist immediately since it can lead to further problems and an immediate minor treatment can save you the bill of a necessarily more extensive series of treatments in the future.

Types of treamtents for restoring a broken tooth may vary according to the amount of tooth chipped or broken. A very small chip may be corrected immediately by shaping the enamel. If the chip is a little larger, the best options may include bonding with composite material or a veneer. In case the chip is on a molar, an onlay may be appropriate.
Dental crown is generally suggested when the chip is large or the tooth is fractured. When the fracture involves the nerve as well, root canal therapy may be necessary before the tooth is crowned. It is important to have a broken tooth crowned before it becomes infected! In extreme cases where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction is the necessary solution. A missing tooth can be replaced with placing a bridge over it or placing a single tooth fixed on an implant in its place. Please note, that only a dentist can properly diagnose and suggest the best course of treatment for your particular problem.

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> Dentures

To maintain a healthy smile it is essential to replace missing teeth. The main reason is that when teeth are out of position they can damage tissues in the mouth. Tooth loss can due to many reasons, such as periodontal disease, decay or trauma and can affect every-day lifestyle, self-confidence. When teeth are missing – as they are function to provide structure and support for the cheeks – it can result in the sagging of the cheeks and make you look older than you are. This is the reason why missing teeth should be replaced as soon as possible. Dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for many years. It can be attached to the teeth with clasps or it can be attached to the teeth with crowns with precision attachments (hidden clasps). Both types have a metal framework and plastic or porcelain teeth and gum areas. When all your teeth are missing then a complete denture is used to replace them whereas if only a few teeth need replacing then a partial denture or overdenture is used. Partial dentures can prevent your existing healthy teeth from shifting following tooth loss.

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>Root canal treatment

Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a very important procedure in saving teeth. It is procedure to remove the pulp of the tooth. The pulp can be found in the centre or canal of both the crown and root. The pulp is a living tissue inside the tooth, just as nerves and blood vessels.

The pulp can also become damaged due to a trauma, fracture or extensive restorative work such as placing several fillings over a short period of time. A common dental procedure can also cause the pulp to become inflamed. E.g.: when preparing a tooth for a crown.

Signs of infected teeth:
•    A tooth that hurts significantly when you bite down on it, touch it or push on it
•    Sensitivity to heat
•    Sensitivity to cold that lasts longer than a couple of seconds
•    Swelling near the affected tooth
•    A discolored tooth, with or without pain
•    A broken tooth

The risks of root canal treatment
Just as for other treatments, root canal treatment also have risks. If any of the pulp is left in the canal your tooth can continuously be painful. If the area of the canal is not filled properly you could get infection which might end up in loosing your tooth. But you should consider that if you do not have root canal treatment you will also loose your tooth and you could have pain and infection.

After root canal treatment
To lessen pain or swelling use ice and cover it with a towel. Place it on your jaw for 15-20 minutes every hour. Brush and rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day, especially after meals. Do not forget to brush your gums as well. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
You may feel eating only soft foods for a few days after root canal treatment. Drink water or juices only, limit coffee, tea or soda for a while. Please, possibly avoid smoking.

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> Crown and Bridgework

 

PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

> Dental Hygiene

Teeth are one of the most important things, as their condition can affect lots of things in our bodies. We all want to keep them for life. That is the reason why prevention, to keep our teeth and gums healthy every day is the most important. To visit your dental hygienist is not only important in the case of having scale and polishing done time to time but your hygienist also show you how to remove plaque with a toothbrush and toothpaste, how to use the floss or tape. You will be also informed by the healthy diet – sugar-free eating habits – which can reduce decay. Sugar-free chewing gums can also prevent decay when used after meals.
Brushing Tips
- Toothbrushes which are worn out can't clean your teeth properly and may injure your gums. Replacing them every three months is recommended.
- Brush your teeth gently with very short strokes and just enough pressure so that you feel the bristles against the gums. Do not compress the tips of the bristles, since they do the cleaning.
- A toothbrush with too hard bristles can damage your gums.
- Be sure to brush thoroughly at least twice a day - the more the better. Children should clean their teeth after every meal and at bedtime.
Flossing Tips
- Flossing help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and below the gum lines where its hard to clean with toothbrush. Since tooth decay and periodontal disease often start in these areas, it is important to clean them daily and thoroughly.
- Using a commercial floss holder can prove to be really helpful. Children may find flossing easier if they use a loop. (Tie a piece of floss about ten inches long into a circle. Proceed, holding the floss tightly between thumbs and forefingers. Most children cannot floss their own teeth until age 10.)
- Gums may turn sore and bleed during the first five or six days after you floss - a sign that plaque and bacteria are being removed. If bleeding does not stop in a few days, consult your dentist immediately.
- Improper flossing may injure your gums. Be gentle.

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> Bad Breath

Bad breath can be caused by a number of things. Mainly caused by gum disease and dry mouth can also be a cause for bad breath. To prevent that you have to start changing things at home, before actually taking a trip to your dentist or hygienist. Brush you teeth and tongue for three minutes, twice a day with flouride contained toothpaste. Not only brush, but floss your teeth as well to clean all their surfaces. Use a mouthwash which contains antibacterial agents. Decrease the amount of surgary food and drinks. Visit your dentist regularly and if all these things do not help and still suffer from bad breath visit your dentist or hygienist as it might be caused by a more serious underlying problem. Some people also suffer of bad breath as a cause of wearing dentures. To prevent that clean the dentures twice a day with soap&water, denture-cleaning tablet or denture cream. This way you can prevent the plaque to be built-up on the denture which usually causes bad breath.

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> Gum Disease

Periodontal (gum) diseases when left untreated can easily lead to tooth loss. Periodontal means „around the tooth”. It is a chronic infection that affects the gum and bone. It can be caused by a bacteria in plaque, making the gum inflamed.

Types of periodontal diseases:

1. Gingivitis: the mildest form of periodontal disease. It makes the gum red, swollen and bleed easily. It is usually caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis can be prevented with good oral home care and reversible with professional treatment. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.

2. Periodontitis: When gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis (inflammation around the tooth). As a result of periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that are infected. Gums separate from the teeth and as the disease progresses, the formed pockets deepen and gum tissues and later the bone are destroyed. If untreated, teeth can become loose and have to be removed.

Forms of periodontitis:

Aggressive: Common feauteres include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction
Chronic: most frequent type of periodontitis, resulting in pocket formation, recession of the gingiva. Usually progresses slowly but sometimes rapid progression can occur.
As a manifestation of system diseases: often begins at young age. System conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.
Necrotizing: characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Mainly appears at those who are HIV infected or at malnutrition and immunosuppression patients.

Risk factors of gum diseases:
- smoking
- hormonal changes in girls/women
- diabetes
- stress
- medications (antidepressants, heart medicines)
- illnesses (cancer, AIDS)
- genetic susceptibility

How to prevent gum disease?
- brush your teeth twice a day (with fluoride content toothpaste)
- use teeth floss every day
- visit your dentist regularly for check-up and professional cleaning
- eat healthily
- aviod smoking

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> Decay detection

Teeth can look and feel healthy, but they are likely to be deteriorating. During dental check-up your dentist have to check the actual condition of your teeth, whether there is any decay between your teeth or under the edge of your fillings. Your dentist will examine you with higher magnification and powerful light, than with an X-ray to check whether you have decay under the enamel, any possible infections in the roots or any bone loss around the tooth. Finding out dental problems in an early stage can save both time and money. These dental check-ups should be included into your schedule at least once a year to prevent problems.

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> Mouth cancer screening

Oral cancers begin in the tongue and in the floor of the mouth. It can affect any area of the oral cavity including the lips, gum tissue, check lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate. The symptoms of oral cancer include white or red patches in the mouth, a mouth sore that won't heal, bleeding in mouth, loose teeth, problems or pain of swallowing, a lump in the neck, earache. Anyone can get oral cancer, but most often occurs in those who smoke, drinks alcohol with smoking. Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of lip cancer as well.

Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a dental examination. Dentists look for oral cancer as part of a routine examination. First of all they visually inspect all of the oral and gingival tissues, high-risk areas for the presence of cancer or premalignant changes. Dentists often detect a spot that looks harmless but does not have a clear cause. To ensure that a spot is not dangerous, they perform a simple test, a brush test. If malignant cells are found, these lesions can be surgically removed if necessary. It is important that all positive results from a brush test must be confirmed by biopsy and histology. For mouth screening test you should visit your dentist every half-year's time.

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ORAL SURGERY

> Wisdom Tooth extraction
> Other extractions

> Implantology

Dental implants are natural looking artificial tooth root canals, which are placed into your jaw by an oral surgeon to hold crown(s) or bridge(s). They are ideal option for those who have good general oral health, lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, injury or any other reasons. Dental implants are the best tooth-saving solutions, better than any bridgework, as they do not rely on neighbouring teeth for support. If you hide your smile because of spaces of missing teeth, have difficulty in chewing or your denture do not feel secure implantation is the solution for you. With dental implants you can feel confident, can comfortably smile, speak and eat in the future!

Dental implants can:
• Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth.
• Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
• Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable

Advantages of Dental Implants:

Dental implants are a better solution to the problem of missing teeth, because they are:
• Tooth-saving: In the case of dental implants neighbouring teeth are not altered to support the implant. This way long-term oral health can be achieved.
• Aesthetic: As dental implants integrate into the structure of the bone, they prevent bone loss and gum recession that often appear at bridgeworks and dentures.
• Confidence: With dental implants you can gain your confidence back. They provide security, freedom from the irksome clicks and wobbles of denture.
• Reliable: The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement.

Treatment types:
• Replacing a Single Tooth: A single tooth can be replaced with one implant and a crown.
• Replacing Several Teeth: Several teeth can be replaced with implant supported bridges.
• Replacing All of Your Teeth: All of your teeth can be replaced with implant-supported full bridge or full denture.
• Sinus Lift: If you are missing more than one tooth or large amount of bone in the posterior maxilla, missing teeth due to a congenital defect or condition or missing most of the maxillary teeth and need multiple implants than sinus lift may be an appropriate oral surgery option for you.
• Ridge Modification: To correct the problem of jaw deformities, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to expose the bony defect. The defect is then filled with bone or bone substitute to build up the ridge.

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> Sinus lift

You can only undertake a successful dental Implant operation if you have sufficient bone in your jaw. In case you have lost your teeth, however, the bone that once supported them becomes weaker and looses substance. Frequently there is not enough sufficient bone left to support an implant. Sinus lift procedure is a safe solution to increase the amount of bone in the upper jaw. This procedure involves placing bone-graft material in the sinus cavity, above the upper jaw to increase the height and width of bone where the implant will be placed. Bone graft material is a special material which is able to unite with natural bone and to strengthen its structure. Sinus lift is a well-established operation carried out under anaesthesia so the patients do not feel direct pain during the intervention. During the initial consultation your bone will be examined to accurately determine whether you require sinus lift treatment to become suitable for implantation.

Sinus lift operation is usually undertaken at the same time with placing the actual implant. The patient is taken under either sedation (plus local anaesthetics) or supervised general anaesthesia to maintain comfort and avoid any pain. First the dentist gently opens the sinus and lifts the wall of the cavity in order to create place for the bone graft material which is then fitted into that space.  In optimal cases where applicable, after closing that space the dentist can place the implants as well in their place. That depends on various conditions which are best to be evaluated individually for each case by the specialist.. Bone graft material usually needs up to 6 months time to unite with the bone which will also accommodate the time needed for the implants to become united and fixed into the jaw.

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ENDODONTICS
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the tooth's pulp. The pulp consists of connective tissues, nerves and blood vessels. When the tooth matures the pulp can be removed safely and tooth can be saved. Removing the pulp is called endodontic treatment or root canal treatment, which is a common treatment.

GNATHOLOGY

 

ORTHODONTICS
This type of procedure takes a series of treatments at your specialist in order to achieve satisfying results: perfect aesthetics and function of your teeth. For that orthodontists use two main types of braces: fix and removable braces. Fixed braces can be made of metal or some sort of aesthetic material, according to the patient's requirements.

First the dentist makes a full assessment of the patient's health condition and history to more or less find out what type of treatment is needed for that particular case. Following that, the dentist involves the patient in a consultation where they discuss the advantages and disadvantages of possible treatments and record the details of the patient. If there is need for an orthodontic treatment further examinations are required in order to provide an accurate treatment plan. During the final consultation previous to the treatment, patients (parents also) and the orthodontist set the final plan and discuss the following procedure and its costs. Proper oral health conditions are essential fundamental of a successful treatment, therefore prior to the series of treatments the patient should visit a general dentist to have all cavities and decay removed and cleaned out.

The next step is to start the treatment: the patient is either given a removable appliance or the orthodontist places it onto the teeth and fixes it. The dentist provides the patient with necessary advice and suggestions on wearing and keeping the appliance clean. The dentist usually gives directions for the patient to know what special tooth brushing technique is the best to use. Many people don't know that orthodontics is special field inside dentistry, therefore it's best to visit a specialist with the proper level of knowledge if you have been suggested this treatment by your dentist.

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Dental Dictionary

Abrasion: When tooth structure is removed due to rubbing and scraping (e.g. incorrect brushing method)

Abscess: A collection of pus. Usually appears due to infection.

Abutment: The piece which connects to the implant and allows the replacement tooth to fit on top of the implant.

Amalgam: A silver filling material, it’s been used for filling cavities for decades, lately its usage is being replaced by more aesthetic materials (e.g. different porcelain)

Anaesthetic: An agent that causes temporary loss of feeling pain.

Anterior: The front position.

Apex: The end of the root.

Bitewing: A kind of dental x-ray which is taken with the teeth bite together. Its function is to detect cavity in-between teeth and to accurately measure height of bone support.

Bleaching: Old fashioned name of tooth whitening.

Bridge: A set of crowns, in a chain-like position, in order to replace more than one missing teeth.

Bruxism: Teeth grinding.

Canine: The third tooth from the middle of the jaw. Humans have 4 of them; they are the longest human teeth.

Canker sore: ulceration with yellow base and red border in mouth. It can be caused by trauma or herpes simplex virus.

Caries: Tooth decay.

Cavity: A hole on the tooth.

Cast: A model of teeth.

Cementation: The process of gluing or “cementing” the appliance on the associated area.

Chlorhexidine: An anti-microbial agent. It is available in many forms such as gels and rinses. It is an effective agent in controlling gum diseases.

Clasp: A metal arm extends from a removable partial denture. It helps to hold on to natural tooth structure and thus provide anchorage for the denture.

Cold sore: An ulcer or blister on lip. A form of herpes simplex.

Composite filling: White or tooth coloured filling.

Cross-bite: An abnormal bite relationship of upper and lower jaw. The lower teeth/tooth aligns toward the lip side more than the upper teeth/tooth.

Crown (porcelain/plastic/metal): Dental crowns are actually "caps" covering the whole chewing surface of the teeth.

Decay: The rotten part of the tooth.

Dentition: The position, type, and number of teeth in upper and lower jaw.

Denture: There are many different types of dentures such as immediate, complete, partial, overdenture and temporary denture. Dentures are actually artificial objects to replace missing teeth and their neighbouring structures.

Denturist: The person who specializes in fabricating dentures. After taking impressions of the surrounding oral tissues, the denturist constructs and delivers removable oral prosthesis. They should not be confused with prosthodontist, who are qualified dentists to make fixed or removable appliances for patients.

Desensitization: A procedure to reduce the sensitivity of teeth.

Diastema: The space in-between two adjacent teeth.

Edentulous: Without teeth. Patients are fully edentulous when they are missing all of their teeth. Patients are partially edentulous when they are missing only some of their teeth.

Endodontics: A branch of dentistry involves diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental pulp (where the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth).

Eruption: The process of the tooth appearing in the mouth.

Excision: The action of cutting something off.

Filling: A restoration, usually used to fill cavities.

Floss: A thread/tape used for cleaning the space between two teeth.

Fluoride Treatment: Teeth treatment with fluoride agents like gel or rinse. It helps to prevent tooth decay.

Gingivitis: The mildest form of gum disease: inflammation of gum. The earliest sign is bleeding gum.

Impaction: A condition that a tooth is not able to come in normally or stuck underneath another tooth or bone.

Implant: A titanium screw which is placed into the jawbone to act as a substitute for the root of a natural tooth.

Impression: A mold used to take the shape of one or more teeth.

Incisal: The cutting edge of front teeth.

Incisor: The four upper and lower front teeth.

Inlay: A restoration (usually is gold, composite or ceramics) which is fabricated in the lab and cements on tooth exactly fitting its shape.

Lingual: The side of the tooth towards the tongue.

Mesial: The side of the tooth towards the middle of the jaw.

Molar: The last 3 upper and lower teeth on both side of the mouth.

Mouth guard: A device to be worn in the mouth. Depending on its design, it prevents injury on teeth and/or jaw during teeth grinding or sport events.

Night-guard: A mouth guard which is worn at night time.

Occlusal: The biting surface of molars.

Occlusion: The way in which the upper and lower teeth close together.

Onlay: A restoration that covers the entire biting surface of a tooth.

Open bite: The situation that the upper teeth not able to contact the opposing lower teeth.

Orthodontics: A special field in dentistry which involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of bite abnormalities or facial irregularities.

Osseo-integration: The biological process where the surrounding bone unites with the dental implant.

Overbite: The overlap of upper teeth and lower teeth when they close together.

Palate: The roof of the mouth.

Panoramic x-ray, orthopantograph:
An x-ray film to obtain the wide view of upper and lower jaw and their associated structures.

Periapical: The surrounding of the bottom of the root of a tooth.

Periodontics: A branch of dentistry that involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of supporting units of teeth.

Pin: Usually used for better retention of a filling.

Polish: A process where the dentist makes the tooth smooth and glossy.

Pontic: The false tooth in a bridge or denture to replace the missing tooth.

Post: A pin made from different materials such as metal or ceramics. Its function is to support a big restoration on a tooth.

Posterior: Locate at the back.

Pre-medication: Medication to be taken before treatment.

Premolar: The two teeth located in front of the molar

Primary teeth: Baby teeth.

Prophylaxis: The procedure of teeth polishing. It also means the prevention of diseases.

Prosthesis: It consists of more than one artificial teeth in the mouth.

Prosthodontics: A specialty of dentistry involving diagnosis, treatment planning, and fabrication of artificial parts to replace missing teeth and their associated structures.

Pulp: Can be found in the root canal of the teeth. It contains nerves and blood vessels:

Pulpectomy: The removal of the whole pulp inside a tooth.

Pulpotomy: The removal of the top part of the pulp inside a tooth.

Radiograph: An x-ray picture.

Resorption: When teeth are missing, the surrounding bone begins to shrink. This unhealthy bone loss can make your jaw-line recede.

Restoration: An item a dentist uses to restore the normal function of a tooth or an area in the mouth. It can be a filling, crown, bridge, etc.

Restorative Dentist: Refers to the practitioner who fits your replacement teeth. Retainer: A device used for maintaining the position of teeth in the jaw in orthodontic treatment.

Root: The bottom part of tooth. It anchors the tooth to the bone.

Root canal: The canal that runs inside the root of the tooth. The nerves and blood vessels can be found here.

Root canal treatment:
A treatment for the root canal inside the tooth.

Root planning: The action of cleaning the root area of teeth.

Scaling: This refers to the action of cleaning the teeth below the gum-line.

Sealant: A thin layer of plastic-like material covers the grooves and pits on a tooth to prevent cavity.

Sedation: The use of medication to calm down or ease the stress of a patient.

Splint: An appliance or a material to prevent movement of a mobile part.

Surgeon: Refers to the clinician who places the implant into your jawbone.

Torus: An outgrowth on bone. It usually develops on the roof of the mouth or around the premolar area in the lower jaw.

Veneer: Veneers are ultra-thin ceramic shells (can be made of porcelain, composite, or ceramics) attached to the front of the teeth. They are used improve the appearance of the teeth and equalize the differences in the front teeth line.

Wisdom tooth: It is the last tooth in the back of the mouth regarding position and also the last one to appear and grow.

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