Talking Teeth: 10 Dental Terms You Should Know
Don't be afraid to ask your dentist to explain any dental terms you aren't familiar with. What's important is that you understand any dental problems you might be having, your dental treatment options and your self-care strategies. The better informed you are, the easier it will be to take good care of your pearly whites. Here are some of the most popular dental terms you should know:
- Dentures: A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing; partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. Dentures help you chew, eat and speak just like someone with a set of natural teeth.
- Implants: Dental implants are a permanent replacement for missing teeth. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone where they anchor replacement teeth. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth or all of them. They can also be used to anchor a dental bridge or dentures into place.
- Invisalign¨: Invisalign is a brand of dental aligner. Dental aligners are clear, removable dental braces that rely on a series of progressive aligners to treat mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Each successive aligner is worn for about two weeks before moving on to the next.
- Laser Dentistry: A laser produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy which can remove, vaporize or shape tissue. Dentists use lasers for the removal of tooth decay, gum disease treatment, root canal therapy, and teeth whitening procedures. Laser dentistry may reduce the need for drills and local anesthesia, plus control bleeding gums during dental surgery, and reduce healing times.
- Oral Surgery: This dental specialty is dedicated to correcting problems or damage to the teeth, mouth and jaw. An oral surgeon removes impacted wisdom teeth and prepares the mouth for dentures and/or dental implants. Problems with chewing, bruxism, TMD and even sleeping can be also fixed with oral surgery.
- Sedation: Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during dental procedures. There are several types, including: inhaled sedation (known as nitrous oxide or "laughing gas"); oral sedation, which comes in pill form; IV sedation, which is delivered directly into the vein; and general anesthesia, which leaves you in a deep sleep during a dental procedure.
- Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is the process of temporarily lightening the natural tooth color, usually with a bleaching agent. There are over-the-counter whitening toothpastes, gels, strips and trays as well as professional in-office whitening procedures.
- TMJ: The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) connect your upper and lower jaws, allowing you to move your jaws up and down, side to side and forward and back. The term TMJ also refers to TMJ disorder, which can cause pain, headaches, toothaches, earaches and more.
- Veneers: Veneers (often called porcelain veneers) are wafer-thin shells that are attached to the front of a tooth to improve its color, shape, size or length. In addition to looking great, veneers are highly stain resistant and may even strengthen your natural teeth.
- Wisdom Teeth: These are the third set of molars and the final four teeth to make their appearance, usually some time between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth can cause problems if there is not enough room for them to align themselves properly. Impacted wisdom teeth can be extremely painful and are usually removed.
FAQS:
What Does "Dental Caries" Refer To?
Let’s talk about “dental caries” — a term your dentist might toss around during a check-up. Dental caries is just the clinical way of describing what most of us call “cavities.” In simple terms, this refers to tooth decay caused by certain types of bacteria that live in your mouth.
When these bacteria feast on sugars from your food (think: that afternoon chocolate bar or can of soda), they produce acids that slowly eat away at your tooth’s hard surface. Over time, this damage creates small holes or “cavities” in your teeth. So, the next time you hear dental caries, remember it’s just the scientific name for the tooth decay dentists are always warning us about!
What is the Procedure Known as Scaling and Root Planing?
Sometimes known as a “deep cleaning,” scaling and root planing is a specialized dental procedure used to treat gum disease. During scaling, the dentist carefully removes hardened plaque (tartar) that’s built up beneath the gumline. After the tartar is removed, the root planing process smooths out the tooth roots, which helps your gums reattach more securely to your teeth. This treatment is especially important for patients with periodontal (gum) disease, as it can prevent further damage and keep your smile healthier in the long run.
What Are Dental Sealants And Why Are They Used?
Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth—usually the molars. Their main job? To shield these hard-working teeth from the sticky foods and bacteria that can lead to cavities, especially in kids and teens who are more prone to tooth decay. Think of sealants as a raincoat for your teeth: they keep out the harmful stuff, making those deep grooves and pits much less likely to harbor trouble.
Dentists often recommend sealants for children as soon as their permanent molars come in, but adults without fillings or decay can benefit too. The process is quick, painless, and doesn’t require drilling or numbing. Once in place, sealants help protect against cavities for several years—making them a smart investment in long-term dental health.
What Does "Gingiva" Mean in Dental Terminology?
Let’s decode another word you’ll often hear in the dental chair: gingiva. In dental speak, “gingiva” simply refers to your gums—the soft tissue that hugs your teeth and acts as a protective barrier against bacteria. If your dentist mentions “taking care of your gingiva,” they’re really urging you to keep your gums healthy. And if you ever hear the term “gingivitis,” just know it’s describing inflammation or infection of these very same gums.
What is a dental "Arch"
When your dentist talks about an “arch,” they’re simply referring to the curved structure formed by either your upper or lower set of teeth (and the bone that supports them). You might hear terms like “upper arch” or “lower arch” during your visit. Dentures are often described as fitting the upper or lower arch, and orthodontists will also use this term when discussing braces, retainers, or aligners for specific sections of your mouth. Understanding which arch is being discussed helps keep communication clear during your dental appointments.