Glossary:
BONDING
Bonding is the process by which a dental adhesive is used to bond a composite material to a tooth surface. The tooth is first chemically treated with a special dental acid which causes microscopic porosities in the enamel. The adhesives form a bond with the bonding material. These materials come in various shades. There are also flowable and dough-like materials. The dentist chooses the one he feels best suits the procedure he is performing. The materials at present are highly polishable, are very strong and most last quite a long time. Some even contain fluoride which aids in preventing new cavities from forming. Bonding uses include restoring chips, filling holes, spaces or discolorations.
COMPOSITES
Composites are a plastic-like material in the resin family used to fill teeth. The traditional composite resins are made up of a large amount of inorganic filler particles bound by an organic polymer matrix or mesh. The newer generation composites have superior properties which include higher strength, hardness, elasticity, abrasion resistance and high polishability to make the restoration appear lifelike. Uses include cosmetics, filling cavities, correcting size, color and shapes of teeth.
CROWNS (CAPS)
Crowns are caps that are placed on damaged teeth to provide strength. The tooth may have been damaged by decay, or have a previous restoration that has fractured. Root canalled teeth are also crowned if too much tooth is missing or if the dentist feels that the tooth will last longer by protecting it with the crown. This involves several phases. One in which the dentist prepares the tooth and a temporary is fabricated and used to temporize the tooth while the crown is being processed in a dental laboratory. The second step is inserting the permanent crown. Failing to return to have the permanent crown placed can cause damage to the underlying tooth due to weakness and poor fit of the temporary crown.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are designed to provide the foundation for the restorative dentist to replace missing teeth to form and function. Facial contours and tooth space is also maintained by replacing missing teeth. Implants are fabricated of titanium posts which are inserted into the jaw bone in place of the missing teeth. There are many different types of implants and the determination is made on examination and the degree of space, amount of remaining bone and individual choice of dentist. Once the implant is placed, a healing time is needed, which may take three to six months. Once the implant is ready, it acts as a root substitute, where the dentist can now perform the restorative treatment.
DENTURES
This is a removable appliance that is custom fabricated and used to replace missing teeth. The materials used are made of acrylic resins alone or in conjunction with various metals. A partial denture replaces some teeth where the patient has some remaining permanent teeth. A complete or full denture replaces all teeth. An immediate denture, whether complete or partial, involves placing the appliance the same day the teeth are removed.
MOUTHGUARDS
A mouth guard is an appliance made to protect teeth and surrounding tissue from oral trauma during athletic or physical activities. The mouth guard can be prefabricated or stock, or custom made by a dentist. Custom fit ones have been shown to be more comfortable. For children, they must be changed as new teeth erupt. It is known that mouth guards can prevent serious injuries such as jaw fractures, neck injuries, concussions, and teeth fractures. Studies have reported that concussions can be decreased by almost 50% by wearing a mouth guard. Any activity where there is a strong chance for contact, it is recommended that the mouth guard be worn.
PORCELAIN VENEERS
Veneers are porcelain wafers that are laboratory fabricated and are bonded onto the tooth. They are highly esthetic and lifelike. They are designed to correct colors, sizes, shapes, spaces and alignments of teeth. They are stronger and more durable than composites.
POSTERIOR PORCELAIN INLAY/ONLAY
This is a highly esthetic, non-metallic restoration that is bonded on the prepared tooth to restore the beauty, strength and function of the tooth. The procedure is similar to that of a crown; however, due to new techniques of minimal invasiveness, the dentist tries to maintain as much sound tooth structure as possible. An accurate impression is taken of the tooth, a temporary filling is placed and a porcelain restoration is fabricated by the dental laboratory. Upon return, the tooth is chemically prepared, and the inlay/onlay is bonded onto the prepared tooth. The bite is adjusted and polished. The tooth is once again functionally restored to its almost natural form.
SILVER (AMALGAM) FILLING
These are fillings which contain amalgam. Amalgam is formed from particles that contain silver, copper, tin and mixed with mercury. It is packed into the cavity before it hardens into a strong alloy.
TEETH CLEANING (PROPHYLAXIS)
Prophylaxis is a procedure where a dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the teeth. This will make the gums and teeth healthier. It is not uncommon for patients to note that teeth appear slightly more sensitive after a dental cleaning. The reason for this is that plaque and tartar coat the tooth surface and shield them from substances in the mouth. Once they are removed a transient sensitivity may occur but soon leaves. It is important for one to brush and floss after every meal to prevent buildup of plaque and tartar.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER - TMD
This is a condition whereby jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves associated with this region cause pain. TMD most often affects women twice as much as men. The causes include, overuse of jaw muscles and trauma. The symptoms can include jaw pain, especially in morning, earache - with no infection-, jaw clicking when opening jaw, difficulty in opening mouth, stiff or locked jaw. The treatment would include resting of jaw, anti-inflammatory drugs (non-aspirin), stress management, eating soft foods, wearing a splint or mouth guard and avoiding chewing gum.
X-RAYS (RADIOGRAPHS)
X-rays are an important tool that provides the dentist the ability to examine the roots, jaws, and facial bones of the patient. X-rays aid in determining the degree of decay, periodontal disease, abscesses or any pathology, i.e. cysts or tumors, which may not show clinically through a visual examination alone. X-rays are taken based on the individual dentist's assessment of the patient. Most new patients have a full set of x-rays taken and check-up x-rays are taken as needed.