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to appropriate section of the glossary.
Select the underlined links for in depth information on selected terms.
In no way does this material represent medical advice or take the place of
professional examination, diagnosis, and treatment.
Abfraction- Wear, or notching, at the neck of a tooth
at or below the gumline. Often sensitive, often
accompanied by gum recession. Thought to be caused by excessive clenching or
grinding.
Requires bonding when too deep.
Abscess- A pocket or sack of
pus and gas produced by an infection. Painful when pressure builds up.
Abutment, Implant- The part of an implant restoration
that brings the height of an implant from below to
above the gumline. Allows the restoration to be attached to
the implant.
Abutment Tooth- An anchor tooth for a fixed bridge.
ADA- The American Dental Association.
AHA Prophylaxis- Antibiotic premedication prescribed by
the American Heart Association to protect
patients
with heart murmurs, mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic fever history, and other conditions
from
infections within the heart. See SBE.
Air Abrasion- A resurgance of an old technique whereby
cavities are prepared with a device similar to a
sandblaster. Such a "particle beam" works best on new fillings; old
fillings and restorations are
very difficult and time consuming to remove with this technique. The main advantage
is that for
many people, small to medium sized new cavities may be prepared without
"novocaine". The
noise
is also much less than from a conventional handpiece.
Alginate Impression- A quick setting impression material used
to make study models and some dental
appliances. Sets in about 90 seconds.
Amalgam Filling- The traditional silver filling.
Actually a mixture of silver, mercury, copper, and tin. Long
lasting, but expands and oxidizes over time. Can slow down the decay process.
Not esthetic.
ANUG- Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, commonly
called trenchmouth. Rare today because of
higher hygiene standards, but still seen. Causes irreversible loss of gum tissue.
Apexification- A special type of root canal treatment
used on young teeth to help them to continue to grow
despite damage to the nerve tissue. Requires changing an internal medicament about
every 90
days
and can take six to eighteen months to finish. It is generally a painless treatment.
-
Aphthous Ulcer- see Canker Sore.
-
-
Apicoectomy- A surgical root canal treatment used to
seal the tip of a root when conventional root canal
treatment has failed or is contraindicated. Usually a very straightforward treatment
with quick
recovery.
- Autoimmune- Types of
disease in which the body reacts against itself. Some types of arthritis fall into
this
category, as well as Sjogren's Syndrome.
Behavior Management- Techniques used to gain the cooperation
and trust of fearful or obstreperous
children. The ones we use are psychologically accepted and
are as accepted by the American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
- Bisque Try In- Checking
the esthetics and function of a crown prior to the final finishing and glazing of the
porcelain. Sometimes called a "Biscuit Bake".
-
- Bitewings- Dental
radiographs which check for cavities in-between the teeth as well as showing the quantity
and quality of bone in-between the teeth.
-
- Bleaching- see
Whitening.
-
- Bonding- The name given
to the process of placing esthetic white fillings. As different from amalgam
fillings,
these bonded fillings actually adhere to the tooth structure and make the tooth stronger.
There
is a slightly higher incidence of short term sensitivity than with silver fillings, but
they are
very
esthetic, often indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Bone Graft- Surgical replacement of bone around tooth
roots or in preparation for a dental implant. The
predictability is generally good, but varies according to the particulars, and should be
carefully
discussed with your doctors.
Bridge, Fixed- Replacing
a missing tooth by placing at least two crowns on adjacent teeth and suspending a
false tooth, or pontic, in between or cantilevered from one end. This restoration is
cemented to
your teeth and is not removable. It is carefully crafted for esthetics, fit,
comfort, and cleansibility.
Depending on the size and situation, the bridge may take from two to six visits to
complete. A
quality provisional (temporary) bridge will be in place in-between appointments.
Bridge, Removable- see Removable Partial Denture.
Bruxism- The habit of clenching and grinding the teeth
using extremes of muscle power. Often some part of
the mastication system is harmed, either the muscles, the jaw joint, or the teeth.
Over thirty
percent of the population does this to some degree, mostly at night in deep sleep stages.
People
are often unaware of the habit until either signs or symptoms appear. The habit
often correlates
with physical or emotional stress.
- Calculus- The
scientific term for tartar, which is the accumulation of calcified substance that adheres
to the
teeth. Calculus is microscopically porous, and provides a multitude of hiding
places for the
bacteria
that cause gum disease. It should be removed on a schedule chosen specifically for
the
individual
needs of each patient. It is the major target of your "cleanings".
-
- Cantilever Bridge- A
fixed bridge in which the false tooth, or pontic, is supported only on one side. The
supporting side, or abutments, must be especially strong and well designed, and the bite
must be
scientifically arranged to minimize leverage forces.
-
- Canker Sore- A painful
ulcer that lasts seven to ten days, usually on the looser gum tissue in the softer
areas
of the mouth. Scientifically known as aphthae, these ulcers can sometimes occur on
the
tongue,
palate, and throat. They can be treated with steroid cream if they are debilitating.
The
over
the counter styptic "alum" also works well.
-
- Cap- see Crown.
Cementation- The placement of a fixed crown or bridge
with a dental cement to assure retention.
Cerebral Palsy- CP is a neurologic
condition caused by oxygen deficiency at some time during the
development of a baby. A wide variation in the level of affliction is seen, although
the condition is
characterized by poor control of motor movements and overcontracted muscles. The
more
severely afflicted CP patients often have excessive saliva, excessive calculus, and
thankfully
very
few problems with cavities. We find more gum care necessary for these patients than
might
be
expected, as some of their medications also contribute to gum problems.
- Cleft Lip/Palate- A
common craniofacial defect in which the upper lip and nose form incorrectly during
embryonic development. In antiquity, this condition was referred to as "hare
lip". Clefts cause
disfigurement and misalignment of the jaws. Fortunately, in this country, almost no
children are
allowed to grow with this condition untreated, despite the fact that it occurs as commonly
as 1 in
700
births. Dr. Groh is proud to be the co-founder of the esteemed Craniofacial Center
at Miami
Children's Hospital, which specifically helps children with this problem.
-
- Clenching- The habit of
consciously or unconsciously squeezing the teeth together with extraordinary
muscle
force. See Bruxism.
-
- Cold Sore- The common
name for blisters cause by the Herpes Simplex virus, to which 98% of the world's
population has been exposed by the age of two. This is a different but similar virus
to that which
causes genital herpes. Cold sores often occur on the external lip (herpes labialis),
and on the gum
tissue near the teeth. They last from seven to ten days, and can be treated with
antiviral
medications when severe.
-
- Compomer- A new
material used for cementation of fixed crowns and bridges and also for some
restorations.
Combines the benefits of composite materials with those of glassionomers. We
continue
to look to these materials for future restorative materials in dentistry.
-
- Composite- The material
traditionally used for bonded restorations. Made from an admixture of various
glass particles in a polymerized gel-like matrix. This material is generally applied
to etched
enamel
and primed dentin. It is then polymerized with a curing light, a visible blue
light which
activates
a catalyst in the composite and causes it to harden almost instantly. Today's
composite
bonding
materials are extremely esthetic because of the way the glass particles reflect and
refract
light
similarly to natural enamel.
Computerized X Rays- see Digital X-Rays.
Core- see Foundation.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome- When a tooth has a partial or
complete vertical fracture (up the root), a
sometimes confusing collection of symptoms may develop. Usually characterized by
pain to biting
pressure or to the release of biting pressure, patients are often unable to detect which
is the
problematic tooth, sometimes describing pain on the entire side of the face when
chewing. Cold
sensitivity often accompanies these symptoms. Cracked teeth are predictably
identified by good
diagnostic techniques, and are treated by crowning the offending teeth to protect them and
stop the
pain-producing flexure around the crack. Anywhere from fifteen to forty percent of
cracked teeth
will
eventually require root canal therapy. A small percentage of profound cracks are
hopeless.
Craniofacial Team- A multidisciplinary team of health
care professionals who perform a joint evaluation and
build a care plan for patients with craniofacial anomalies, such as cleft lip or palate.
The
Craniofacial Team at Miami Children's Hospital, for example, consists of plastic surgeons,
orthodontists, reconstructive dentists, geneticists, otorhinolaryngologists(ENT's),
pediatricians,
pediatric anesthesiologists, pediatric neurosurgeons, audiologists, speach pathologists,
feeding and
swallowing therapists, psychologists, social workers, nurse practitioners, and parent
advocates who
meet twice monthly to assist these worthy patients. All of the physicians and
dentists donate their
time to the Center.
Crepitation- Grinding or gravelly sounds from within
the jaw joint resulting from direct contact of bone
against bone with no disc, or cushion, in between. May be with or without
associated pain.
Crown- A covering placed on a tooth to replace missing
structure and reinforce or strengthen it. The most
common crowns made today are from a cast metal (preferably a gold alloy) with esthetic
porcelain
baked to the outside. In non esthetic areas, or for patients with exremely strong
masticatory
musculature, gold crowns are still used and are still the most durable restorations
known. Today,
we
also have all-porcelain crowns, with incredible esthetics (see Procera). Crowns are
indicated for
broken or cracked teeth, and any tooth in which the previous filling encompassed more than
one-half
of the width of the tooth. Crowns are also still used to solve some cosmetic
problems when
bonding
or veneers would not be adequate. Crowns generally require two visits, and fine
crafted
provisional
crowns are placed for the interim.
Curettage- The act of removing infected tissue from a
wound; used commonly in dentistry to refer to the
removal of grossly inflammed gum tissue caused be severe periodontal disease. Local
anesthesia is
used for immediate comfort; generally there is no pain at all afterward.
Cyst- A type of benign tumor that can form around an
impacted or diseased tooth. It is filled with fluid, and
can hollow out the bone in a patient's jaw to a significant extent. Rarely do cysts
spontaneously
resorb in response to any treatment; in general they are removed by careful curettage and
the
missing bone usually regenerates.
- Debridement- The act of
cleansing an infected area. In dentistry most often used to denote a preliminary
cleaning designed to remove gross accumulations of tartar so that subsequent cleanings or
root
planings will be more comfortable and effective. Also used to denote a more
intensive cleaning for
a
patient who has not recieved regular care.
Deep Cleaning or Deep Scaling- see Root Planing.
Dentin- The part of the tooth directly underneath the
enamel. It is softer, contains more water, and has
microscopic nerve endings. Dentin is much more susceptible to decay, abrasion from
toothbrushing
and bruxism, and is responsible for many sensitivity reactions when it is exposed in the
mouth.
Deprogrammer- A type of bite appliance for patients
with muscle pain, or myositis. It allows only the front
teeth to touch, eliminates clenching and grinding for most patients, and relaxes muscles.
It IS NOT
for all day use; it is usually prescribed for nighttime therapy. Many studies have
shown that the
majority of dangerous clenching, grinding, and bruxism occurs at night in the deepest
sleep stages,
even in people who snore with their teeth apart in lighter sleep stages. Studies
have also shown that
when asleep, with inhibitory muscle reflexes decreased, people can and clench with four to
five
times
the muscle force that they could consciously develop. Hence myositis can develop in
overworked
muscles, with the net effect of a "charley horse" in your jaw muscles. The
deprogrammer
helps to relieve these muscular symptoms.
Diabetes and Dentistry- Diabetes is a disorder in which
sugars from your diet are not transported into your
cells where they are needed. Over time, the disease causes defects in the smaller
blood vessels.
Classic diabetic problems are blindness, loss of circulation in extremities, and
proclivity toward
angina and heart disease. In dentistry we see delayed wound healing, periodontal
(gum and bone)
disease that is less responsive to aggressive therapy, and greater chance of infection
after dental
procedures. Most diabetics require greater attention to their home care and more
frequent visits
to
the hygienist. Dental implant surgery has a lower success rate in diabetics, which
must be
understood
during the treatment planning phase.
Dicor- A decade old procedure for all porcelain crowns.
The strength and beauty of these crowns has now
been far surpassed by Procera crowns, in our opinion.
Digital X Rays- A computer technology whereby
radiographs are seen immediately after exposure on the
computer screen. No developing or waiting is necessary. They can be magnified,
colorized, and
have
their density manipulated for greater information. Most significantly, the radiation
exposure
necessary is about ten percent that of conventional dental radiographs, which are already
quite low.
Displaced Disc- A jaw joint problem whereby the disc
(meniscus), or cushion between the jaw pivot and the
base of the skull, is pushed or pulled out of alignment. The displacement can
include the entire disc
or one edge. This condition is what causes the jaw to click or pop upon
opening. It may be
reversible
or irreversible. One of the great controversies in dentistry, most people with this
condition
are free of symptoms; a few patients become victims of crippling pain and
dysfunction.
Women
are more susceptible to painful symptoms than men, especially in the age range of 16 to
40.
Down Syndrome- Trisomy 21 is a genetic disorder that
was traditionally known as Mongolism. These
people
have characteristic looks with slanted eyes, short fat fingers, and short stature.
Some degree
of
mental retardation is present. The dental implications of Down Syndrome are a
proclivity toward
periodontal
(gum and bone) disease that usually requires frequent attention as patients enter their
twenties,
missing and smaller teeth, and enlarged tongues that make cleaning more difficult.
These
people
are generally excellent and lovable patients.
Doppler Auscultation- The use of a Doppler Stethoscope,
greatly amplified, allows the diagnosis and
interpretation of the many noises and vibrations made by diseased jaw joints. Can be
used to help
evaluate the extent of displaced discs.
Dry Mouth- see Xerostomia.
- Eagle's Syndrome- A
facial pain syndrome typified by pain upon swallowing and rapid turning of the neck.
Caused by elongation of a pair of bones called the styloid processes which start at the
base of
the
skull and point down toward the Adam's apple. Often the pain passes with no
treatment; is
of
extreme discomfort to patients who are getting radiation therapy to the neck.
-
- EMG- Electromyography
measures the amount of contractile or spastic activity in a muscle. Is of use in the
diagnosis and treatment of many jaw joint and facial pain problems.
-
- Enamel- The hard
crystalline material that covers the outside of the tooth. The hardest substance in
the
human body.
-
- Endodontic Treatment- Usually
known as root canal therapy, this treatment refers to the removal of
diseased
or dying nerve tissue from the inside of the tooth. It does NOT mean removing a root
from
the tooth, and does not involve surgery. A rubber dam must be used to prevent saliva
from
entering
the tooth. The steps of the procedure are acess (opening into the nerve chamber),
debridement
(removing the diseased tissue), working distance (measuring the exact length of the
roots),
cleaning and shaping (preparing the tooth for filling), and obturation (filling the root
with
an
inert filling material called gutta percha). After a root canal most teeth require a
foundation
filling
for support and a crown for strength. Root canals are about 95% successful, and are
no
longer
the nightmare that they were in our parents' generation. Most root canals can be
completed
in one visit unless started in an emergency, and are amazingly comfortable.
Etch- The act of opening microporosities in the enamel
or porcelain to facilitate bonding. The technique
which literally allows white fillings to "stick".
Ernest Syndrome- A facial pain syndrome typified by
spontaneous pain on the side of the face and
sometimes
the neck. The cause is a tendinitis of the stylomandibular ligament which attaches
to the
angle
(corner) of the jaw. Ernest Syndrome is treated with injections of steroid and local
anesthesia,
as
are many types of tendinitis. It is an occasional result of whiplash injuries.
Equilibration- The science of interpreting and
adjusting the bite for harmony of function and relaxed
musculature. A very exacting procedure, is often done on models first to avoid
surprises in the
individual bite. May or may not eliminate jaw joint pain and symptoms, but
predictably slows or
stops the progress of pathology when indicated. May need to be periodically redone
or touched
up
to account for tooth wear and drifting.
Expert Testimony- Respected professionals are called
upon to testify in legal proceedings as to deviations
from standard practice and harm and damages done to patients from neglect or malpractice.
Expert witnesses also interpret forensic evidence. Dr. Souviron is a much sought
after expert
witness in cases involving highly technical aspects of dental treatment and bite mark
evidence.
- Fever Blister- see Cold
Sore.
-
- Fistula- A
drainage spot in the gums. Referred to as a "gum boil" in the past, is a
sign that infectious pus is
draining into the mouth. Very often people have fistulae with no symptoms at all;
however, the
cause of this drainage must be addressed. We have recently reviewed a case in which
pus from a
dental abcess entered the lungs and caused a pulmonary abcess which killed the patient.
Fluoride- A halide element (small molecule) found
commonly in water and foods. Low concentrations have
been found to greatly lower the amount of cavities in our society. Fluoride's most
beneficial effect
is to remineralize (reharden) areas that have just been softened by decay. A new
toothpaste,
Enamelon, has some extra ingredients that make this remineralization process even
greater. Dr.
Groh did some research with this formulation at NIH over 15 years ago and found it to be
very
usefull. Fluoride is also a poison to many oral bacteria and thus prevents cavities
and periodontal
disease. Like any medicine, it must be used carefully. Heavier concentrations
have been found
to create mottling or staining of tooth enamel. Most communities today add fluoride
to the
drinking water supply and carefully monitor its concentration for safe health
improvements. Very
few bottled waters contain fluoride. Additionally, fluoride is removed by many
water softeners
and reverse osmosis units. Most municipalities offer inexpensive analysis to check
the levels of
fluoride in your drinking water to test for safe but effective cavity protection.
Insufficient levels
can be supplemented by dentists or pediatricians with prescription fluoride drops.
Fluoride is also
found in most toothpastes and in the mouthrinses Fluorigard and Act. Fluoride does
occur
naturally in some foods, most notably in tea leaves. In hot tea, most of the
fluoride boils off;
"sun tea" iced tea is a good natural source of dietary fluoride.
Forensic Dentistry- The area of dentistry that
assists legal and law enforcement proceedings. Forensic
dentistry spans from identifying deceased persons, to identifying dental malpractice, to
identifying
perpetrators from bitemark evidence, to providing expert testimony in court cases.
This is a
dental version of "Quincy".
Foundation- A filling done before a crown or
bridge preparation. It is especially designed to be retentive in
the tooth and to provide strength underneath the crown or bridge. A crown or bridge
should never
be placed over an old or unknown filling, as in our experience we almost always find some
decay
under such fillings.
Full Mouth Series- A series of dental x-rays
angled to show the roots of all teeth, as well as the surrounding
bone and other structures. This is the only way to examine the health of the tooth
roots and to
check for some types of tumors and lesions. It usually consists of about 16 to 18
small films, and
for the radiation conscious, the dosage is about the same received from three hours in the
summer
sun. Depending on the patient's previous history, full mouth radiographs are
recommended about
every three to five years. Often we alternate these with a panorex radiograph, which
gives similar
information but shows more structures.
- General Anesthesia- Going to sleep, or being"out", for treatment. True general
anesthesia is a deep state,
and includes the loss of all reflexes and sometimes requires respiratory assistance.
This state is
rarely necessary for general dental procedures, as what even the most fearful patients
want is no pain, no consciousness of the procedures, and no memory of the experience.
These needs can be satisfied with IV Sedation, described below. General anesthesia
is available
in our practice for those that require or demand it.
-
- Gingivoplasty- The
reshaping of gum contours, often for esthetic purposes. Generally very easy and
non-painful, is often a good solution for a "gummy smile". Performed with
a device very similar
to a laser in function; very little inconvenience or recovery.
-
- Gingivectomy- The
removal of excess or extra gum tissue to improve cleansibility and health. Often
necessary to treat gum overgrowth caused by a variety of medications, including Dilantin.
Chronic mouthbreathing can also cause gum hypertrophy.
-
- Gingivitis- The
first stage of periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation of the gum tissue
without
any bone loss. The clinical signs are swelling and bleeding upon stimulation.
Rarely are these
signs noticed as a problem by patients. Many people think it is normal for gums to
bleed when
brushing, which is not true. Gingivitis is the result of chronic infection caused by
plaque bacteria.
Gingivitis is the first stage of your body's literally trying to reject your teeth, and
requires
immediate treatment if it is not to progress into more destructive forms of gum disease.
A
person can have gingivitis and periodontitis in different parts of the mouth at the same
time.
See Periodontitis.
-
- Glass Ionomer- A
particularly strong filled cement. Quite impervious to water and oral fluids.
Unlike most
other cements, has true chemical adhesion to teeth and dental restorations. Releases
fluoride to
protect teeth. Used to cement crowns and bridges; also for fillings in non-stress
bearing areas.
-
- Granuloma- A zone
of infected tissue that has yet to organize into an abcess. The most common cause of
pain necessitating root canal therapy.
-
- Gum Boil- see Fistula.
-
- Gum Disease- see
Periodontitis.
Gum Sculpturing- see Gingivoplasty.
Gutta Percha- A rubber-like material used to fill root
canals, along with a sealer. Bio-inert and
thermoplastic, it is either squeezed or injected into the prepared canal space.
- Hand Over Mouth- Technique
used to calm and quiet a truly hysterical child. The doctors hand is gently and
carefully placed over the child's mouth and the child is repeatedly told that the hand
will be removed
as soon as the child is quiet. The technique is almost always successful with
children over the age
of 2½. The rationale is that a noisy child creates a chain of distraction
from his own mouth to his
own ear, through which the doctor cannot communicate. When the noise is removed from
the
child's self-induced hysteria, the child hears that he will regain control of his
situation if he
cooperates with quiet. Once communication is established, then other behavior
management
techniques can be used to continue treatment. Of course, this technique is used with
the prior
approval of the parents.
-
- Handpiece- The
dentist's "drill", usually powered by compressed air and spins up to 500,000
rpm. Used to
prepare cavities for fillings, adjust bites, and a myriad of other uses.
-
- Hare Lip- A politically
incorrect and historical term for a cleft lip.
-
- Hemisection- A surgical
procedure whereby the roots of a tooth are separated and treated as individual
teeth. Used when maintaining the tooth intact is impossible because of gum disease.
-
- Hospital Dentistry- The
practice of dentistry in a hospital setting, usually referring to utilizing the operating
room and the diagnosis and treatment of patients with medical, behavioral, or emotional
compromises.
-
- Hot Tooth- Describes a
tooth with extreme inflammation of the nerve, and often hard to numb with the usual
techniques. We are especially proud of the advanced anesthesia techniques in our
arsenal to
comfortably treat these teeth.
- Impaction- A
tooth that is "stuck", or can grow no further into the mouth. Usually
referrs to wisdom teeth,
but any tooth can be impacted under unusual circumstances. Extra, or supernumery
teeth, are
often impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth have an incidence of cyst or tumor formation
of around
one to five percent. Partially impacted wisdom teeth (half in-half out) have a very
high rate of
periodontal (gum) infections. Additionally, pressure from impacted teeth can often
cause damage
to nearby teeth.
-
- Implants- Artificial
tooth roots that are placed into and fuse with the bone of the jaw. They can be used
to
replace teeth or to support and retain dentures. The placement is generally so
simple as to be
inconsequential. In areas where bone is lacking to support these implants, we now
have
ingenious and effective techniques to add bone. Teeth can be placed on the implants
usually after
four months; however, some of the newer systems that we have researched may be restored in
as
quickly as eight weeks. See our two pages on implants.
-
- Impression- A
mold, or negative, or intaglio of a tooth or teeth. Impressions are used to make
crowns,
bridges, veneers, dentures, some fillings, and study models. A variety of different
materials are
used, depending on the properties desired. The accuracy of these impressions are of
penultimate
importance and our patients are often impressed at the extreme care we take to assure this
accuracy.
Incision and Drainage (I and D)- A technique used to
allow for the drainage of significant infections. A
technique thankfully infrequently necessary so long as people don't neglect the early
warning
signs of dental problems, such as broken fillings and lingering sensitivities.
Inlay- A laboratory made internal filling,
cemented or bonded into a tooth. Can be made of porcelain. Gold
inlays are rarely used any more, although they were at one time the treatment of choice in
dentistry, because they tended to put cracks in teeth. We generally find onlays a
better choice for
high quality, tooth-conservative dentistry. Porcelain inlays seem to have a good
track record to
date; Dr. Groh has two of them in his teeth.
Intraoral Camera- A miniature video camera that looks
like a wand, used to diagnose and demonstrate
pathology in places difficult to see in the mouth. A great way to better understand
your own dental
condition.
IV
Sedation- An anesthetic technique sometimes
referred to as "twilight sleep", somewhat lighter than
general anesthesia. Still provides memory loss and pain control, but the patient
retains more
physiologic function. This is the anesthesia modality of choice for most
apprehensive patients, as
they get the comfort and peace of mind they want wwith the fewest potential side effects.
- Jacket- an older term for a crown
made of all porcelain.
Jaw
Tracking- Computerized recording and analysis of jaw
movement. Used to detect and study TMJ
problems, and to check the proper design of dental reconstructions.
- (empty)
- Laser- The use of
lasers for gum surgery is a viable treatment modality for some specific gum problems.
It's use on teeth themselves is still being studied, and despite the hype from the
manufacturers and
the media, is not a proven technology. Dental Leaders are carefully following the
progress of this
treatment modality and plan to incorporate it when we would have it used on ourselves!
Lasers can
also be used for bleaching teeth, but again the long term effects are not known.
-
- Laughing Gas- see
Nitrous Oxide.
Local Anesthesia- Medications commonly referred to as
"novocaine", although that anesthetic has not been
in regular use for more than twenty years. The drugs commonly used to make teeth
numb are now
lidocaine, mepivocaine, bupivocaine, etidocaine, and prilocaine. Each has different
strengths and
weaknesses; we use each according to different indications. The medications above
also are
mixed with other medications, including adrenalin (epinephrine). If you have
been sensitive to
adrenalin in the past, please inform your dentist. It doesn't mean that you
are allergic or can't
have local anesthetic; a non-epinephrine formula can be used successfully.
True allergy to local
anesthetic is very rare.
Malocclusion- Bad or misaligned bite.
Mandible- The lower jaw bone.
Margin- The line where a restoration seals against
tooth structure. In crowns, this is usually near or below
the gumline. Margins need to be sealed with extreme accuracy; if not, gum
disease and recurrent
cavities will result.
Maxilla- The bone of the upper jaw.
Medicated Filling- A provisional or temporary filling
which incorporates a palliative or soothing medication to
calm an inflamed tooth nerve.
- Membrane Graft- A
special technique for bone grafting which greatly increases the success rate. There
are
two types of membranes used, one which needs to be removed and another which slowly
disolves
by itself. The membranes allow bone grafts to consolidate without interference from
certain
types of cells.
Mesiodens- An extra tooth lodged in between the front
teeth. Surprisingly common, this occurs in one out of
three hundred children, and more commonly in Orientals. Diagnosing mesiodentata is a
meticulous x-ray procedure; removing them is generally straight forward with
few side effects.
Metal Try In- An appointment in which the metal
substructure of a fixed bridge, or the metal framework of a
removeable partial denture is tried in and fitted.
MRI- Magnetic Resonance Imaging, this is a radiographic
technique that shows soft tissues often better
than hard tissues. The images show water density instead of bone density. Its
major dental use is
to evaluate the condition and position of the TMJ disc.
Myositis- Muscle inflammation caused by overuse and
oxygen debt. The muscle tissue can literally fill with
metabolic acids, which can lead to chronic inflammation. May or may not be
accompanied by
muscle spasms.
- Night Guard- A device similar
to a retainer which separates the teeth and oftens relaxes the muscles which
position the jaw. A variety of configurations are used. A nightguard is
indicated for people who
overwork their jaws at night and possibly risk damage to their teeth, jaw joints, and/or
muscles.
People who wake up withsore muscles, facial weakness, or a jaw that is "locked"
are good
candidates for this device. Some types may also be used to diagnose jaw posture
problems.
-
- Nitrous Oxide- Also
known as "laughing gas" or "sweet air", was the first general
anesthetic discovered;
significantly it was discovered by a dentist, Horace Wells. It is a poor general
anesthetic by any
standards, but carefully administered doses are excellent at lowering patient's
anxieties. It also
does increase pain tolerance to a measurable degree. It is especially useful in the
management of
fearful children, for whom it provides a pleasant, fantasy-like state. It is a very
safe drug, with no
reported allergies, and very few side effects when administered properly. Patients
should note
that careless dentists often administer nitrous oxide in a "cookbook" fashion,
and provide safe
but uncomfortably high doses of the drug. Many adults require low doses to relieve
anxieties and
don't care for the higher amounts. It is not a "truth serum" and people do
not misbehave under
its effect.
Novocaine- see Local Anesthesia
- Occlusion- The science
of the bite. Included are the relationship of chewing movoments to the jaw joints,
and
how the teeth interdigitate specifically to allow for chewing function and sometimes cause
painful
or dangerous dysfunction.
Occlusal Analysis and Facebow Transfer- Specific
records that are made to take a patient's particular bite
and jaw movement and accurately transfer it to a bite machine called an articulator.
These records
can be essential in reconstructive dentistry, for implant dentistry, for large bridges,
for denture
work, and to diagnose and study jaw dysfunction and"TMJ".
- Odontology- A classical term
for dentistry, still used in many Latin and some European countries.
-
- OMD- Occluso-Muscular
Disorder- probably 70 to 80 percent of people who have jaw pain, or "TMJ", are
better classified under this heading. OMD means a diagnosis of muscle pain caused by
a
malocclusion, or bad bite. Having your mouth close with your jaw joints out of
alignment requires
constant posturing of the jaw muscles, and those muscles can become chronically spastic,
like an
eternal "charley horse". Treatment for this problem is directed at
relaxing the muscles, and then
correcting the occlusion if necessary.
- Onlay- A tooth
restoration that covers the entire biting surface. Can be gold or porcelain.
Serves to protect
the tooth from breakage should the cavity or old filling be too large. Classic
dental excellence.
Palliative
Treatment
Panorex
Papoose Board
- Partial Denture
-
- Periodontal Disease
Pickup Impression
- Pin Retention
-
- Pontic
Porcelain Fillings
Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
Porcelain Veneers
-
Post and Core
-
-
Posterior Composites
-
- Pregnancy
and Dentistry
- Premedication- Medicine
taken before a dental appointment either to prevent infection in susceptible
patients, or to attenuate the "dental experience" for anxious patients.
-
- Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis- A child's first contact with the Herpes Simplex virus, usually before the
age of two. 98% of the population has this virus. First contact is accompanied
by an intense
fever, with a few blisters or sores in the mouth. Occasionally the child's mouth is
so painful that not
even liquids will be accepted, and the child must be hospitalized to prevent dehydration.
-
- Primer- A dentin
treatment which allows it to bond to composite materials similarly to enamel.
-
- Procera Crowns- The
newest type of all porcelain crown. Less grinding of the tooth is necessary.
The
model of the preparation is optically scanned and modemed to Sweden, where the coping, or
part
that actually fits against the tooth is made. The coping is air-expressed back to
our dental
laboratory, where the esthetic porcelain and function are engineered to our
specification. The fit
on these crowns is of perfectionist quality, and the esthetics are unmatchable.
Prophy- see Prophylaxis.
Prophylaxis- A routine cleaning for healthy teeth and
gums. Does not involve any type of more intensive
gum therapy or deeper cleaning.
Pulp- The technical name for the "nerve"
inside the tooth; actually contains a nerve, an artery, a vein, a
lymphatic drainage, and some primordial cells.
Pulp Cap- Covering an exposed or nearly exposed nerve
with a palliative material prior to filling the
tooth.
Pulp Test (See Vitality Test)
Pulpectomy
Pulpitis
Pulpotomy
-
-
-
- Radiographs- Dental
"x-rays" that allow for careful diagnosis of the tooth roots, the pulp, the bone
surrounding the teeth, and to diagnose cavities in areas that can't be seen inside the
mouth with
direct vision. The dosage of radiation is quite small compared to other types of
radiographs. It
would take over five hundred dental radiographs to equal the exposure recieved in one
chest
x-ray. A full mouth series of radiographs is about the same exposure recieved from
four hours
of sunshine. A panoramic radiograph is about the same exposure as only three of the
small
dental radiographs. Finally, the newer digital radiographs use a radiation exposure
of about
10% that of conventional dental radiographs!
Recession
- Reconstructive Dentistry
Rehabilitative Dentistry
Reline, Hard
Reline, Soft
- Root Amputation
-
- Root Canal
Root Planing
Root Tip
Rubber Dam
RVG
SBE- Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis is an infection of
the valve and muscle tissue inside the heart.
Patients with certain conditions are prone to this type of infection and must premedicate
with
prescribed antibiotics prior to most dental treatments.
- Sealants- A protective
coating painted into the grooves on the biting surface of back teeth susceptible to
decay. The
ADA recommends sealants for all back teeth as soon as they grow into the mouth.
Prevents
cavities for adults too. Lasts for an average of seven years. Very easily
placed with no
discomfort.
-
- Sedation- See IV
Sedation
-
- Sensitivity- Discomfort
in a tooth caused by touch, sweet, hot, cold, biting pressure, or releasing pressure.
Causes differ according to the symptoms. Sometimes
sensitivity passes instantly; other times the
discomfort lingers for minutes or hours after the
stimulation. When you have this, try to be able to
characterize the symptoms as much as possible and be able to
identify the offending tooth.
-
- Shingles- see Zoster.
-
- Show Tell Do- A
behavior management technique in which we show the children what we will do, tell them
what they will hear and feel, and then do the
procedure. Builds confidence and trust with the
child.
-
- Sinuses- Membrane
lined, air filled cavities in our skulls above our upper teeth, between our eyes, and
between our eyebrows. Sinus
infections are a common source of facial pain and headaches. Can
be confused with pain from upper back teeth. You can have a sisnus infection and
still be able to
breathe through your nose.
-
- Sinusitis- Infection
in the sinus cavities, of which we have four in our skulls. The largest of the
sinuses is
the maxillary sinus, located just above the roots of the upper molars. A pressure
cousing infection
in this area can be mistaken for tooth pain. Maxillary sinusitis is sometimes
characterised by
pain in the jaw or face that changes when you lean over, lay down, or stand up. It
can literally
cause pain with every footstep.
-
- Sinus Lift- A
special type of bone graft to augment the quantity and quality of bone available for upper
dental implants. Sinus lift surgery often allows us to place implants in areas that
were thought to
be impossible not long ago. Depending on the situation, the sinus lift may have to
be done as a
separate procedure to the implant placement, and may require six months or more of
healing.
Smoking greatly lowers the success rate of this procedure.
-
- Sjogren's Syndrome- An
autoimmune disease characterized by dryness of the mouth, eyes, and other mucous
membranes. The dry mouth can be very
uncomfortable and allow serious problems with cavities
that progress quickly.
-
- Stainless Steel Crowns- Silver
colored crowns often used to restore heavily damaged baby molars. A very
sturdy restoration, and the teeth are shed normally in most
cases. Also used as interim
restorations for adult molars when a permanent crown isn't feasible at the time.
-
- Study Models- Plaster
models of teeth used for explanations, treatment planning, mock treatments and
waxups.
Surgical Extraction- Extraction of a tooth whereby an
incision and sutures are necessary, and/or the tooth is
more safely and comfortably removed in pieces.
Sweet Air- see Nitrous Oxide.
- Tartar- see Calculus.
-
- Third Molar
-
- Three Quarter Crown
-
- TMD
-
- TMJ
Trenchmouth- see ANUG.
Twilight Sleep- see IV Sedation.
- Ultrasonic Scaler
- Vitality Testing
Voice Control
- Wax Try In
-
- Waxup
Wear Facet- Flat areas on teeth or restorations caused
by grinding or bruxism.
Whitening- Causing the teeth to appear brighter by
applying certain medicaments. Can be done at home.
Not a permanent treatment, it lasts for six to twelve months, and is easily maintained or
retreated.
Whiplash
Wisdom Tooth- see Third Molar.
- Xerostomia- Dry mouth,
which can be caused by disease, aging, radiation therapy, and many medications.
X
Rays- see Radiographs.
- (empty)
Zoster-
A viral infection secondary to the chicken pox virus,
or Varicella. Shingles, as a Zoster outbreak is
called, is characterized by a painful outbreak in a well demarkated area of the body, such
as one side
of the palate.
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Last modified: January 24, 1999
Glossary of Dental