Here you can find the most common dental terms and their meaning. This way you'll communicate easier with your dentist on better understanding of a treatment plan.

TOOTH DECAY (dental caries) : Destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.
                


GINGIVITIS :  Inflamed, swollen, and reddish gum tissue that may bleed easily when touched or brushed. It is the first step in a series of events that begins with plaque build up in the mouth and may end - if not properly treated - with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth.
                            


PERIODONTITIS : A more advanced stage of periodontal disease in which the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets and alveolar bone is destroyed.
             


ROOT CANAL THERAPY : Procedure used to save an abscessed tooth in which the pulp chamber is cleaned out, disinfected, and filled with a permanent filling.
   


CROWN : Dental restoration covering all or most of the natural tooth; the artificial cap can be made of porcelain, composite, or metal and is cemented on top of the damaged tooth. 
                 


BRIDGE : Stationary dental prosthesis fixed to teeth adjacent to a space; replaces one or more missing teeth, cemented or bonded to supporting teeth adjacent to the space.
                    


DENTURE (partial or complete) : a removable replacement of artificial teeth for missing natural teeth and surrounding tissues. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
     


SEALANTS : A thin, clear or white resin substance that is applied to the biting surfaces of teeth to prevent decay. 
                   


IMPLANT : A metal rod (usually made of titanium) that is surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone where a tooth is missing; it serves as the tooth root and anchor for the crown, bridge, or denture that is placed over it.