We want to make sure our patients understand as much as possible about the dentist. That's why we created this easy to understand explanation of terms we use.
That's the average number of teeth for a human adult. Dogs have 42.
100 Years
That's how long the modern version of toothpaste as we know it today has existed.
75%
That's roughly the percentage of children in school with a dental cavity right now.
Learn about the Dentist before you come in.
Pain in your teeth is bad!
If you feel any discomfort with a tooth or multiple teeth, get it looked it before it gets worse!
Sensitivity is normal
Sometimes when you switch between hot and cold foods your teeth can feel sensitive, if it happens often you should come in.
Keep a routine
The best way to ensure your long term dental health is to ensure you brush at least twice a day, floss, and get a professional cleaning every 6 months.
Typical Terms Used in Dentistry
Cavity
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, sugar, and improper cleaning.
Filling
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay (aka cavities) back to its normal function and shape. When a dentist gives you a filling, he or she first removes the decayed tooth material, cleans the affected area, and then fills the cleaned out cavity with a filling material.
Bridge
A bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth definitively to adjacent teeth or dental implants.
Root Canal
Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth. When one undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed.
Extraction
A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth or several teeth to prevent further infection or damage to an individual.
Crown
A crown, sometimes known as dental cap, is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth.
