GLOSSARY OF DENTAL TERMS

Adjunctive Services
Supplementary and additional therapeutic procedures including treatment for relief or/and prevention of pain.

Amalgam
Also known as silver filling. Up to five different surfaces or areas of a tooth can be filled. This type of filling is used primarily in posterior (back ) teeth.

Bridgework
A bridge is a fixed prosthesis that can replace one or more missing teeth. A fixed bridge is not designed to be removed by the patient. A bridge can be worn on both the upper and lower arches. The abutment teeth are prepared in the same fashion as a crown and replacement teeth called pontics are used to replace the missing teeth.

Composite
A synthetic resin which is tooth coloured. this type of filling is used primarily in anterior (front) teeth.

Crowns
An artificial restoration which covers the entire surface of the tooth above the gum line where a filling is not possible.

Denture Repair
This may become necessary due to dropping or normal wear and tear. Simple repairs are maid by the dentist in the office, but often, more complex repairs are sent to a laboratory.

Dentures
A removable prosthesis replacing some or all missing teeth in a dental arch.

Diagnostic Services
Diagnostic services are those procedures necessary to recognize and identify any condition (and its cause) that may be a departure from normal. These procedures include examinations, x-rays, clinical and laboratory tests.

Endodontic Services
The diagnosis and treatment of diseases within the pulp and tissues surrounding the tooth root. Some of the common procedures include root canal therapy and periapical surgery.

Examinations

Initial Examination - An initial examination of a new patient when a medical and personal history is taken and recorded. A full diagnostic examination of the gums, hard and soft tissue and teeth is performed.

Recall Examination - A regular re-examination to maintain a constant stardard of dental care.

Orthodontics
The detection, prevention and correction of abnormalities in the positioning of the teeth in their relationship to the jaws.

Periodontal Services
Diagnosis and treatment of the supporting tissue and bone surrounding the teeth.

Pit and Fissure Sealant
A clear plastic material used to coat and seal the pits and/or fissures in the biting surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from agents, which may cause tooth decay.

Preventative Services
Preventative services are those procedures that help you avoid, intercept or minmize adverse conditions which may cause diseases of the oral cavity. Preventative services include scaling, fluoride treatments, home care instructions, sealants and polishing.

Rebase
Refitting the denture by replacing the denture's base material.

Reline
Resurfacing, usually with a plastic material, the side of the denture that fits next to the gum with new base material to allow it to fit more accurately.

Restorations
The process of replacing the lost part or the diseased portion of the tooth by artificial means.

Root Planning
The smoothing of roughened root surfaces by the use of scalers and curettes.

Scaling
To remove calculus (tartar) and stains from the teeth with special instruments. This can be performed on the teeth on the teeth above and below the gumline.

Space Maintainers
A fixed or removable appliance designed to keep open the space created by the early loss of a primary tooth.

Surgical Services
The diagnosis and surgical management of or diseases, injuries and defects of the jaws and associated structures. Surgical services include the extraction of teeth.

Ivon T. Hughes, The Hughes Trustco Group Ltd.

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Tel: (514) 842-9001 Email: info@trustco.ca

Website: http://www.hughestrustco.com

Articles from July 2007
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