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When you see your dentist for a routine visit, your dentist performs a periodic oral examination to assess how your dental health has changed over time since your last appointment. X-rays and visual examinations are generally used to perform this service.
A problem-specific exam is known as a limited oral examination. These are typically emergency exams with the primary objective of resolving an immediate issue rather than providing the comprehensive treatment required for maintaining overall dental health.
Usually, patients who are new to a practice undergo a comprehensive oral evaluation, which is a thorough examination of the patient's overall dental health, including teeth, gums, bite, jaw, etc. Patients who haven't seen the dentist in a while also undergo comprehensive examinations.
When it's suspected that a patient has periodontal disease, a dentist will perform a specialized comprehensive exam, which also evaluates the level of periodontitis to help determine the best course of treatment to mitigate or reverse the disease to prevent further deterioration of oral health.
Intraoral radiography encompasses a complete set of images of the entire mouth and specific areas of the mouth. Both the crowns and the roots of the teeth are visible in these radiographic pictures, providing crucial information for diagnosing common dental problems like decay and infections.
When examining the oral and maxillofacial structures, periapical radiographs are the most often created intraoral radiographic images. They offer crucial details on the teeth and their supporting tissues, such as the alveolar processes, periodontium, and other anatomical structures.
Images obtained using extraoral radiography can reveal teeth and details about the jaw and skull. Extraoral radiographs monitor growth and development, assess the condition of impacted teeth, check the connections between teeth and jaws, and inspect the face's bones.
Bitewings illustrate the height of the bone in between teeth and the position of teeth above the gum line. Gum disease and cavities between the teeth can be detected using bitewings. By biting down on a cardboard tab, the bitewing x-ray is secured to the tongue-side of your teeth.
An x-ray beam from a panoramic dental imaging device is directed through your mouth and onto film or a detector that rotates in opposition to the x-ray tube. With a panoramic X-ray, your dentist may quickly and easily get a thorough image of your whole mouth on a single film.
Dental prophylaxis, sometimes known as a "prophy," is a procedure that involves cleaning an adult's teeth to reduce microorganisms on them and in the area just below the gum line. A prophy is normally carried out twice a year or every six months to preserve and maintain healthy teeth and gums.
A hygienist will delicately remove calculus or tartar from the child's teeth during dental prophylaxis. In a procedure known as scaling, the tartar on the teeth is removed using specialized equipment. The teeth are then softly polished after the tartar has been completely removed.
Fluoride varnish is quick and simple to apply to the teeth while being safe and effective. Topical fluoride varnish is primarily used to strengthen tooth enamel, lowering cavity incidence and even stopping cavities' development in their earliest stages.
Sealants are very thin plastic coatings applied to the teeth' surface to prevent tooth decay. The molars and premolars are the teeth where sealants are most frequently applied to stop dental caries from settling in the natural fissures and crevices of the teeth.
A tooth-colored filling is made from a resin-based composite material, plastic, and/or glass, and is a dental restoration used to repair small cavities or replace old metal fillings. Tooth-colored fillings are less noticeable than metal fillings and can also help strengthen your teeth.
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are custom fabricated synthetic teeth that are extremely durable, and can be used to restore the function and appearance of a tooth that has been too damaged by trauma or decay to support a dental filling. Prior to seating the dental crown, the tooth must be prepared.
A core buildup is a restorative dental procedure involving replacing missing tooth structures with special filling material to support a dental crown successfully. The filling is usually prepared in the mouth using tooth-colored composites.
Endodontic therapy entails a number of procedures, including as the removal of pulpal tissue, contouring and filing of the root canals, obturation of the root canal area, and insertion of a long-lasting dental restoration.
Root canal treated teeth can last a lifetime with good care, but it is possible for those teeth to get reinfected and develop pain or disease months or even years after the procedure. Retreating the tooth with another root canal is the only way to remedy this situation.
Scaling and root planing is one therapeutic option for those who have periodontitis, and who have detachment of the gums to the teeth. This "deep cleaning" treatment is for four or more teeth in a quadrant of the mouth and entails cleaning above and below the gumline.
The dental technique known as periodontal scaling and root planing involve removing plaque and tartar from above and below the teeth and gums. This operation can be done on one to three teeth per quadrant and is often carried out by a dentist or oral hygienist.
An approach to treatment for periodontal disease which is the removal of tartar from the crevices between the teeth and gums. A hygienist will remove tartar accumulation from in between your teeth and gums along the whole length of each tooth, stopping where the gum, root, and bone meet.
This procedure includes the removal of plaque and tartar from the crevices between the teeth and gums, attached to the teeth, along the gumline, etc. which currently inhibit the dentist from being able to visually examine these crucial areas of the mouth.
A detachable prosthesis called a complete maxillary denture is used to fill in the gaps left by lost upper jaw teeth. Dentures, often known as fake teeth, frequently have acrylic resin teeth and gum components that closely mimic real teeth and gums for enhanced chewing and speaking function.
A detachable prosthesis called a complete mandibular denture is used to fill in the gaps left by lost lower jaw teeth. Dentures, often known as fake teeth, frequently have acrylic resin teeth and gum components that closely mimic real teeth and gums for enhanced chewing and speaking function.
A dental prosthesis called an immediate maxillary denture is intended to replace missing teeth and any accompanying maxillae parts on the upper jaw. It is put in place immediately following the removal of the final remaining tooth during the extraction procedure.
A dental prosthesis called an immediate mandibular denture is intended to replace missing teeth and any accompanying maxillae parts on the lower jaw. It is put in place immediately following the removal of the final remaining tooth during the extraction procedure.
A partial maxillary denture is attached to the upper jaw's teeth and gums, providing solid support for the prosthetic while also replacing missing teeth and improving the appearance of one's smile. This prosthetic allows for a natural appearance, comfort, and greater chewing and speaking function.
An upper jaw partial maxillary denture replaces missing teeth by using a cast metal framework and resin denture bases. The denture bases are held in position and supported by the metal framework. The bases of the dentures are constructed from a flexible substance that molds to the contours of the mouth and aids in keeping the denture in place.
An lower jaw partial mandibular denture replaces missing teeth by using a cast metal framework and resin denture bases. The denture bases are held in position and supported by the metal framework. The bases of the dentures are constructed from a flexible substance.
A removable dental prosthesis known as a complete maxillary overdenture replaces all of the teeth on the upper jaw and is affixed to one or more remaining natural teeth, their roots, and/or dental implants. These appliances offer greater support, stability, and function due to the anchoring aspect.
A removable dental prosthesis known as a partial maxillary overdenture replaces one or more of the teeth on the upper jaw and is affixed to one or more remaining natural teeth, their roots, and/or dental implants. These appliances offer greater support, stability, and function due to anchoring.
A removable dental prosthesis known as a complete mandibular overdenture replaces all of the teeth on the lower jaw and is affixed to one or more remaining natural teeth, their roots, and/or dental implants. These appliances offer greater support, stability, and function due to the anchoring aspect.
A removable dental prosthesis known as a partial mandibular overdenture replaces one or more of the teeth on the lower jaw and is affixed to one or more remaining natural teeth, their roots, and/or dental implants. These appliances offer greater support, stability, and function due to anchoring.
A dental implant is inserted into the jawbone to act as an artificial root system for holding a replacement tooth. Endosteal implants are the most often used dental implants and are comprised of titanium. To hold the new tooth, they need to extend into the gum.
An abutment supported crown that is made of porcelain fused to high noble metal and is seated on a dental implant and abutment after it has healed. These implant crowns are considered one of the best options to permanently replace a missing tooth.
The term "pontic" refers to an artificial tooth that is connected to a dental bridge by means of a single prosthetic and has the appearance of a natural tooth peeking through the gums since it is supported by an attachment.
A hybrid construction in which porcelain is fused as a covering over a metal foundation that is seated on an abutment after a dental implant has healed to support the pontic on a implant dental bridge.
Coronal remains, also known as pediatric extractions, are taken from a baby's deciduous tooth. These are baby teeth that are loose and about to come out but haven't because they are in discomfort or can't fall out on their own.
Dental roots that have become lodged in the bone beneath the gum line are removed in this procedure. A cut is made along the gum line to create a surgical flap, then the dentist elevates it to gain access to the bone side of the jaw, which is where the tooth roots are situated and protected.
This extraction procedure is rendered using forceps or a dental instrument called a "elevator," which resembles a little flat-head screwdriver and functions similarly to a conventional lever. Your dentist must "rock" the tooth back and forth inside its socket to aid removal.
A surgical extraction is where a dentist will create a tiny incision in your gum in order to completely remove the tooth and its roots. Your tooth may need to be cut, the surrounding bone may need to be removed, or both before they can extract it.
A tooth is said to be impacted when it is unable to erupt through your gums and jawbone because it has been blocked. Surgical extraction is typically required to remove impacted teeth from the jaw without damaging nearby tissues or nerves.
To address teenage dentition, comprehensive orthodontic treatment involves several phases of treatment to straighten or align the teeth. After implantation of a complete arch-fixed device, an expander, a partially fixed appliance, and headgear can be employed to achieve the desired results.
A dental therapy for oral pain that soothes symptoms and does not treat the underlying issue, which is often only used in an emergency situation. Unfortunately, tooth pain never goes away on its own and usually gets worse with time, so it's a temporary solution to relieve pain.
The most common inhaled anesthetic used in dentistry to lessen patient discomfort and anxiety is nitrous oxide. The majority of pediatric dentists and most dentists in general use it. Nitrous oxide and oxygen inhalation is a safe and effective approach to relieve anxiety and discomfort.
Desensitizing medications seal the minuscule pores of exposed root surfaces if a patient has a greater sensitivity than a mild sensitivity to temperature extremes or other. The dentin layer of the tooth, which causes sensitivity, is sealed by dentists using desensitizing medicaments.
Occlusal guards are designed specifically for persons who grind their teeth, have problems with their temporomandibular joint, or have problems with their bite. The device is ordered using vinyl, light-cured composite, soft acrylic, or resin made from heat-cured acrylic.
Invisalign is a great option if you have mild to moderate misalignment. If your dental issue is more complex, though, traditional braces might be the better choice. But either way, your dentist will be able to help you make the best decision for your smile.
For more information, please see these valuable resources from the American Dental Association:
Clinical Terms: https://www.ada.org/publications/cdt/glossary-of-dental-clinical-terms
Administrative Terms: https://www.ada.org/publications/cdt/glossary-of-dental-administrative-terms
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