What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: F is for Filling

When a tooth is subjected to trauma or has decay, a dental filling may be used to restore it.  If a tooth is decayed, first, the decayed matter must be cleared.  

Fillings can be tooth colored or metallic.  When choosing between the types, a patient should consider durability, the potential for sensitivity, and aesthetics.

Several fillings are tooth colored, including dental composites, glass ionomer cement, and porcelain/ceramic.  These tooth-colored fillings vary in composition.  They restore the tooth structure while appearing to be part of the original tooth.  

Composite Filling

Gold and amalgam, an alloy of mercury and other metals, are also commonly used filling materials. They are not tooth-colored so aesthetic concerns are important when considering these options.  

Gold fillings are durable but can cause irritation because they conduct cold and heat.  They are very long-lasting.

Concern has been raised about the mercury contained in amalgam fillings but the American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that the mercury in amalgam fillings is not a health hazard.

Aluminum, tin, thorium, iron, and platinum have also been used for fillings.

Fillings, on average, last approximately 8 years for composite resins and 13 years for amalgam restorations.  The lifestyle of a patient, including food choices and dental care regimens, also affect the lifespan of a filling.

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: I is for Implant

A dental implant is a restoration in which a missing tooth is replaced with a support structure which is inserted into the bone, similar to the root of a natural tooth.  The post, with time, undergoes osseointegration, forming a connection with the bone.  Dental implants are often made of titanium.  They are connected to abutments which support prostheses such as crowns. 

 

Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or support a denture.  Implants provide support to dental restorations.

What is the difference between a dental implant and bridge?

An implant is inserted into the dental alveolus (socket in the bone which holds the tooth).  When only one tooth is missing, it simulates the placement of a single tooth.  A dental implant is a replacement for a natural tooth.  A dental bridge is attached to surrounding natural teeth after they are filed, which results in the loss of natural tooth structure. When possible, many dentists advise patients to maintain the maximum amount of natural tooth structure.  Bridges and implants also differ in cost.  

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: C is for Calculus & P is for Plaque, Periodontitis & G is for Gum Disease, Gingivitis

Dental plaque is a light yellow substance formed when bacteria in the mouth attach to teeth. 

Microorganisms that attach to their surface can remain in place for long periods of time. Approximately 1,000 species of bacteria can form biofilms on the teeth.  

Dental plaque can be easily removed during the early stages of its formation.  It is mineralized into tartar (also known as calculus) after approximately 10 days.  

Calculus is dark yellow hardened plaque which has hardened so it cannot be removed with a toothbrush.  It can only be removed with professional dental tools.

Plaque can contribute to tooth decay (cavity formation) and gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis).  

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: V is for Veneer

Dental veneers are composite or porcelain layers that are overlain onto a tooth in order to improve the tooth's appearance.  They can lengthen and whiten teeth, making them appear straight, young, and healthy.  Veneers can result in dramatic dental transformations or the correction of the appearance of dark spaces following gum recession or the changes that result from a fractured or misaligned tooth.

Dentist Charles Pincus created the first veneers, which were used by actors to temporarily enhanced the appearance of their teeth.  They were secured using denture adhesive.  Now, they last for years and are more permanently attached to the enamel.

Now, both porcelain and composite materials are used to create veneers.  In choosing which compound to use, patients should evaluate the life of the material, the whiteness they wish to achieve, and how much dentition is lost by bonding the veneer.  Composite veneers can be fitted in a single visit to the dentist.  Porcelain veneers are more durable than composite veneers although they require the removal of less natural enamel.  They can last 10-15 years.  They also create a more natural look and are more stain-resistant.  Unfortunately, porcelain veneers can only be created in a dental lab, requiring multiple visits to the dentist.  They are more expensive because porcelain is a more expensive material and the process of putting porcelain veneers into the mouth is more time-consuming.

The use of veneers can result in the destruction of a significant amount of enamel so they are not recommended for young patients or patients with minor aesthetic concerns.

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: W is for Whitening

Whitening is a treatment where a dentist uses a solution to increase the brightness of teeth.

Whitening regimens should always be supervised by a licensed dentist.  Talk about whitening with your dentist and dental hygienist before you begin the process. 

It's also important to set whitening goals so you don't go overboard and damage the enamel of your teeth. 

Whitening toothpastes, which are more abrasive than normal toothpastes, should not be used by anyone with sensitive teeth.  If you develop sensitivity, whitening might not be for you.

What about whitening without using whitening products?
1.) Try drinking less coffee and tea.
2.) Drink anything that isn't water with a straw. 
3.) Brushing and flossing regularly can help you maintain a pearly white smile.
4.) Adding ingredients such as baking soda to your dental regimen can whiten your teeth.

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: I is for Impression

An impression results in the imprint of teeth and gums, which can be used to make a mold of the dentition and gums.The creation of dental impressions is vital to build dentures, inlays, casts, and implants.  Orthodontists, general dentists, prosthodontists, and oral & maxillofacial surgeons use dental impressions on a daily basis.  

This is a very safe process that has been used for centuries.  The dental impression tray pictured below is currently housed in the Science Museum of London.  It was used in France between 1830 and 1850.  

What's that Word? Dental Jargon from A to Z: X is for Xerostomia

Xerostomia, dry mouth, is caused by a variety of conditions, including the use of medication, dehydration,  the consumption of certain foods, and autoimmune disorders.

When your mouth is dry, your saliva flow decreases and you are more prone to decay. 

What can YOU do?

1. Discuss all medications you are taking with your dentist.  Some medicines have a tendency to dry your mouth.  
2. Try sugar-free gum.
3. Drink water frequently.  If you are thirsty, it's a sign that you are past the point where you needed to drink.   Try putting a few water bottles in your car and near the area where you work.  
4. Avoid soda and sugary drinks.  Stick to water, milk, and fruit juice.  
5. Use an oral rinse without alcohol.
6. Brush and floss frequently.
7. Drink fluoridated water.

Causes of Xerostomia:

1. Medications
2. Dehydration
3. Cancer Treatments
4. Tobacco Use
5. Sleeping with an open mouth
6. Snoring
7. Diabetes
8. Anxiety
9. HIV/AIDS
10. Parkinson's Disease
11. Autoimmune disorders

National Smile Month

Let's join the British as they celebrate National Smile Month from May 20 - June 20, as they promote oral health!

The organizers of the National Smile Month posted a cute Healthy Teeth Song and activities for kids.  Don't forget to help them learn more about dental health with games on http://dentalbuddy.org/

The adults may be more interested in their helpful dental information cards.

Check them out!

http://www.nationalsmilemonth.org/

Daily Dozen: Today's Top Twelve Dental Images

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