Apex
The terminal end, or tip of a root.
Buccal
Next to, or toward the cheek
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry includes a variety of dental treatments aimed at improving the appearance of the teeth. The purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of the teeth using bleaching, bonding, veneers, reshaping, orthodontics, or implants.
Crown
The replacement of that portion of the tooth which lies above the gumline by a prosthetic device which closely matches the original tooth surfaces.
Deciduous Arch
Upper or lower set of primary teeth. Commonly called "baby teeth."
Dental Sealants
A sealant is a uniform coating of composite resin that fills in the small grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Sealants are made of the same white materials that we use to fill cavities after they occur!
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Denture
A denture is a prosthesis used to replace one full arch or both arches upon extraction of existing dentition. A partial denture is a prosthetic device meant to replace one or more teeth in a given arch, but not the entire arch.
Filling
The placement of restorative material (i.e., amalgam, composite) into an area that has been drilled clean of decay.
Impacted Tooth
A delay in the eruption of a tooth. The most common example is the third molar, or "wisdom tooth." The 3rd molar usually has an inability to complete eruption, either because it's path is blocked by the 2nd molar, or because of it's location on the jaw.
Implant
A dental implant is a titanium "root" used in dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth to replace missing teeth. Dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, implant-supported bridges or dentures. They can also be used as anchorage for orthodontic tooth movement.
Inlay - Onlay
A much larger filling across the larger occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth, and usually filled with gold, porcelain, or composite. This restoration is usually made in the dental laboratory.
Periodontal
Of or pertaining to the soft tissue (gums) in the oral cavity that surround the teeth.
Permanent Arch
Upper or lower set (maxillary or mandibular) of teeth that normally erupt when primary teeth exfoliate, are lost.
Root Canal
The replacement of a tooth's pulp chamber, blood, nerve and lymph, with synthetic materials. This type of treatment is usually followed with a crown placement, and/or
post.
Teeth-in-a-Day-Smiles for a Lifetime
Replace missing teeth with dental implants and fixed bridges. An extraordinary procedure has been developed that permits the placement of 4 dental implants and a fixed bridge in as little as one appointment. In its most extraordinary application an entire mouthful of teeth may be replaced with implants and non-removable set of new teeth. In most cases there is no bone grafting, no sinus grafting or lift, no incision or suture placement and no "down time" for healing time required. This procedure is called "Teeth in a Day". The same technique may be used for the replacement of a single missing tooth.
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Teeth Numbers
The permanent dentition includes 32 teeth, numbered 1 - 32.
The primary dentition includes 20 teeth, labeled a - t.