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Ever found yourself sitting in the dentist's chair, nodding along to unfamiliar dental jargon that might as well be in another language? You're not alone.
Specialized medical terms in the world of dentistry often leave patients feeling confused. We're here to help decode the mystery! Get ready to unravel the secrets behind those perplexing terms you've undoubtedly heard but never quite grasped.
An allograft procedure is a type of bone graft that uses bone taken from human cadaver tissue. This procedure, which is highly routine, strengthens the jawbone to enable the placement of an implant. It specifically benefits those who suffer from insufficient bone due to an existing disease. This procedure will help ensure that the patient has proper support for their new implant.
Ankylosis is a dental condition where the tooth fuses to the bone surrounding it. Baby teeth usually fall out during adolescence and are replaced by permanent adult teeth. However, in some cases, this process does not go according to plan.
In a case of dental ankylosis, the fusion prevents the tooth from loosening. While it can also affect adult teeth, kids who still have their baby teeth experience it as well. Individuals who did not lose their baby teeth at the typical age commonly experience this condition.
Dental calculus, or tartar, starts when your saliva produces a sticky film called plaque. This plaque gets harder and harder over time, thus turning into the crusty buildup known as calculus. Bacteria love to colonize on calculus and cause tooth and gum problems.
Calculus can cause serious concerns for your oral health such as cavities, tooth decay, and even gum disease. Remember once tartar/calculus has formed on your teeth, only a dental professional can remove it.
Adult dentition basically refers to your permanent teeth. It is the 32 permanent teeth you have after losing your baby teeth (primary dentition). There are 16 on top and 16 on the bottom, commonly known as arches.
You have a total of 8 teeth in each quadrant, with two incisors, a canine, two premolars, and three molars. Each tooth is assigned a number, so your dentist or hygienist may use numbers to refer to a specific tooth during your appointment.
The alveolar bone is the part of the mandibular and maxillary bone that surrounds the teeth. The alveolar bone supports teeth and forms the tooth sockets in the maxilla and mandible, holding the roots of your teeth in place.
According to Colgate, it is “vital to your teeth’s arrangement and the function of your periodontal ligament (PDL).” Because gum disease can cause damage to your jawbone, it's important to keep your oral health in tip-top shape. This includes maintaining a daily routine, as well as visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
Bicuspids are the teeth located between your molars and your canines. They help us bite down and chew food. They typically come in during the early teenage years, and many dentists recommend applying sealants to these teeth to help prevent decay.
The buccal is the outer surface of your back teeth that face your cheek.
Dental prophylaxis refers to any procedure that promotes your oral health, or is preventative against dental disease. This can include anything from a dental check-up to getting sealants that help protect the teeth from cavities.
Stay tuned for Part Two of our Dental Terms You've Probably Heard But Never Understood series!
When was the last time you and your family came in for a checkup? Book your next appointment at Midlothian Dental Center today!
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