Basic Dental Terminologies: Key Phrases Uncovered

Dental terminologies are not for everyone. But if you are in the dental industry, you must know these basic dental terms to perform your duties diligently. If you are new to the field, chances are a basic dental terminology might overwhelm you. Let’s uncover some basic dental terminologies of tooth structure, procedures, conditions, and specialties.

Introduction to Dental Terminologies

Gone are the days when you were confused by dental terminologies. You may have heard your dentist use many words that are just beyond your understanding. Don’t worry, you can understand every dental basic terminology there is, so your next visit won’t be confusing.

Anatomy of The Tooth

Let’s start with the most basic one, the structure of your tooth. This tiny part of your body has many layers. Let’s uncover each of them.

Enamel

It is the hard topmost layer that protects your teeth.

Dentin

Just below the enamel, there’s another protective layer. It is rather soft and prone to cavities.

Cementum

It’s a thick layer of tissues covering your roots and keeping your tooth in place.

Pulp

The innermost layer is called pulp containing all the sensitive parts like nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels.

What are Some Common Dental Procedures?

If you have experienced any dental issues, your dentist might have suggested some procedures to resolve the issue. Let’s discover these procedures and understand what they mean.

Filling

When you get cavities, it creates a gaping hole in your tooth. Dentists use resin or amalgam as dental fillings for these cavities and repair any damage or decay in the tooth.

Root Canal Therapy

During a root canal treatment, dentists clean the damaged pulp completely, creating a canal inside your tooth. They then fill this canal with composite material, saving the tooth and your smile.

Crowns and Bridges

A dental crown is used to cover your chipped or decayed tooth. However, if you completely lose a tooth, a bridge is made using crowns to fill the gap. These can be made with a variety of materials like porcelain, metal, or resin.

Extractions

Have you experienced a sharp toothache that needed tooth extraction? It can be because of a decaying tooth. If a dentist believes that the tooth can no longer be saved, they remove it to stop further complications.

Understanding Dental Conditions and Disorders

Now we know everything about our teeth and what can be done about it. Let’s talk about some dental conditions and disorders.

Caries (Cavities)

Dental caries are formed due to bacteria which secretes acid making your tooth decay. Eating a lot of sugary foods can encourage bacterial growth in your mouth.

Gingivitis

It’s a gum disease, causing inflammation and swelling in your gums. Your gums are part of your oral hygiene and can get inflammation if not cared for properly.

Periodontitis

If the gingivitis is left untreated, it turns into a severe infection called periodontitis. It slowly damages the soft tissue and bone and teeth eventually fall out.

Bruxism

If you have a habit of clenching or grinding, it can severely damage your tooth enamel, making it susceptible to decay.

Learn About Dental Specialties

Are you going for a dental checkup but don’t know which dentist is suitable? There are special doctors for each condition, so let’s find out who will suit you best!

Endodontics – Endodontics focuses on treating issues related to the tooth’s roots and pulp, such as root canals and infections.

Periodontics – Periodontist specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum diseases to maintain healthy gums and support structures.

Orthodontics – Ortodontist corrects misaligned teeth and jaws using orthodontic braces, aligners, or corrective surgeries to enhance your smile and bite.

Prosthodontics – Prostodontist involves creating and fitting artificial teeth or dental prosthetics to restore damaged or missing teeth..

Diagnostic Tools and Techniques

Before you undergo any procedure or treatment, a dentist will perform tests using different techniques to diagnose the condition.

X-Rays (Radiographs)

Powerful electromagnetic rays are used to successfully visualize the internal structure of your tooth.

Dental Impressions

It’s a negative impression of your oral cavity, used to produce dental implants like crowns, veneers, bridges, and prosthetics to fit your dental alignment perfectly.

Oral Examination

Before using any invasive techniques, a dentist examines your oral cavity to look for any superficial problems.

Preventive Dentistry Terms

You should schedule your visits periodically to prevent any problems from happening. Some basic dental terminology for preventive measures are:

Scaling (Tooth Cleaning)

For plaque removal and tartar buildup extraction, the dentist performs a professional cleaning procedure.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is commonly known to strengthen your enamel, preventing any tooth decay.

Dental Sealants

If you are afraid of cavities this is just made for you. To protect the chewing surface of your teeth, a thin plastic is applied, preventing decay.

Conclusion

Maintaining healthy smiles for your patients starts with a strong foundation of knowledge. By understanding these essential dental hygiene terms, you can provide better care, make informed decisions, and educate your patients effectively.

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