![]() ![]() When these teeth are healthy and properly aligned, they can be a valuable asset to the mouth. WISDOM TEETH: Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teenage years or early twenties. Plaque accumulation causes the gingiva to become irritated and inflamed this is referred to as gingivitis. Its rough surface provides an ideal medium for further plaque formation, threatening the health of the gums (gingiva). TARTAR: Like calculus, tartar is a form of hardened dental plaque caused by the continual accumulation of minerals from saliva on plaque on the teeth. These tools include ultrasonic instruments and hand instruments, such as periodontal scalers and curettes. SCALING: Periodontal scaling includes the removal of plaque, calculus and stain from the crown and root surfaces of teeth.Scaling and root planing are often referred to as deep cleaning, and may be performed using a number of dental tools. Dental plaque can lead to dental caries and gingivitis. If not removed, it starts to harden within 48 hours in about 10 days the plaque becomes dental calculus (tartar), very hard and difficult to remove. Plaque is soft enough to come off if scraped with a fingernail. It is formed by colonizing bacteria trying to attach itself to the smooth surface of a tooth. PLAQUE: Dental plaque is a colorless biofilm that develops naturally on the teeth. If diagnosed and treated early, however, the teeth can be saved. Most adults with periodontal disease are unaware they have it. Periodontal disease is usually a slow, painless and progressive process. If left unchecked, periodontal disease can result in bone loss and eventual loose teeth/tooth loss. The primary cause of periodontal disease is the accumulation of plaque at and under the gum line. PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE: Periodontal disease is an acute or chronic infectious process affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. Dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, bridges or dentures (see definitions for these dental terms above). A typical implant consists of a titanium screw with a roughened or smooth surface. IMPLANTS: A dental implant is an artificial tooth root used to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth. Dentures can help patients by aiding in mastication (chewing ability), aesthetics, speaking ability, and self-esteem. A denture is supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. A crown, when cemented into place, fully encases the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.ĭENTURES: Dentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth. It covers the tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and/or improve its appearance. Today, caries remains one of the most common diseases throughout the world.ĭENTAL CROWN: A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that a dentist places over a tooth. ![]() If left untreated, the disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, and infection. Tissues in the tooth progressively break down, producing cavities (holes in the teeth). Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants (see definition below).ĭENTAL CARIES (TOOTH DECAY): Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavity, is a disease in which bacterial processes damage hard tooth structure. A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth/teeth in between. The main advantage of a dental composite over traditional materials such as amalgam is improved aesthetics.ĭENTAL BRIDGE: Dental bridges serve to "bridge the gap" created by one or more missing teeth. A composite is placed while still in a soft, dough-like state, but when exposed to a certain blue light, it hardens into the solid filling. Routine dental visits are necessary so calculus buildup can be professionally removed with ultrasonic tools and specialized instruments.ĬOMPOSITE: A dental composite typically consists of a resin-based oligomer matrix and an inorganic filler such as silicon dioxide. Once calculus is formed, however, it is too hard and firmly attached to be removed with a toothbrush. Brushing and flossing can remove plaque from which calculus forms. Amalgam typically has greater longevity when compared to other restorative materials, such as composite (see definition below).ĬALCULUS (see also TARTAR): Calculus is a form of hardened dental plaque caused by the continual accumulation of minerals from saliva on plaque on the teeth. It is comprised of 43% to 54% mercury (by weight) the remaining powder is made up of mainly silver and some tin, copper, and zinc. Please ask your dentist or dental hygienist if you have further questions about these terms:ĪMALGAM: Dental amalgam is the most commonly used restorative material for dental fillings. Below are some common dental terms used at the Dental Depot. ![]()
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