Adult & Children's Dentistry Terms Explained

Walking into your dentist's office can feel a little daunting, but it shouldn't! We understand that most of our patients aren't experts in adult and children's dentistry, so when explaining treatments, conditions, and dental care, it's completely normal to understand every medical term being used. In order to feel more comfortable in our dental practice and better understand our discussions, Dr. Christian Johnson has come up with a list of commonly used dental terms.

-A-

Abscess - infection caused by severe tooth decay, trauma or gum disease

Amalgam - a silver and mercury material used for fillings

Anesthetic - a drug used by your doctor to eliminate a patient's localized pain during certain dental procedures

Anterior - the teeth in the front of your mouth

Apex - the very tip of the root of a tooth

Aspirator - a suction device your dentist uses to remove saliva from your mouth

-B-

Bonding - a plastic composite painted on the teeth to correct stains or damage

Bridge - one or more artificial teeth attached to your adjacent teeth

Bruxism - the clenching or grinding of teeth, most commonly while sleeping

-C-

Calculus - the hardened plaque that can form on neglected or prone teeth, commonly known as tartar

Canine - the pointy teeth just behind the laterals

Caries - another name for cavities or decayed teeth

Cavity - a tiny hole in the tooth caused by decay

Central - the two upper and two lower teeth in the center of the mouth

Crown - an artificial tooth or cover made of porcelain or metal

Cuspid - the pointy teeth just behind the laterals, also known as canines

-D-

Decalcification - the loss of calcium from the teeth

Dental Implants - an implant is attached to the jawbone that replaces a missing tooth or teeth

Dentures - a removable set of artificial teeth

-E-

Enamel - the hard surface of the tooth above the gum line

Endodontist - a dentist who specializes in root canals and the treatment of diseases and infections of the dental pulp (inner tooth)

Extraction - the removal of a tooth or teeth

-F-

Filling - a plug made of metal or composite material used to fill a tooth cavity

Fluoride - a chemical solution used to harden teeth and prevent decay

-G-

Gingivitis - inflammation of gums around the roots of the teeth

Gums - the firm flesh that surrounds the roots of the teeth

-I-

Impacted Tooth - often occurring with wisdom teeth, it is a tooth that sits sideways below the gum line, often requiring extraction

Incisor - one of the flat, sharp-edged teeth in the front of the mouth

Inlays - a custom-made filling cemented into an unhealthy tooth

-L-

Lateral - these are the teeth adjacent to the centrals

-N-

Night Guard - a plastic mouthpiece worn at night to prevent grinding of the teeth; also used to treat TMJ

-P-

Pedodontist - also known as a pediatric dentist, a dentist that specializes in the treatment of children's teeth

Periodontist - a dentist specializing in the treatment of gum disease

Plaque - a sticky buildup of acids and bacteria that causes tooth decay

Posterior Teeth - the teeth in the back of the mouth

Primary Teeth - also known as "baby teeth"

Prosthodontist - a dentist specializing in the restoration and replacement of missing teeth or severely damaged teeth

-R-

Root - the portion of the tooth below your gum line

Root Canal - cleaning out and filling the inside nerve of a tooth that is heavily decayed

-S-

Sealant - plastic coating applied to teeth to prevent decay. Used most commonly for children

Secondary Teeth - the permanent teeth

Sleep Apnea - a potentially serious disorder in which a sleeping person may stop breathing for 10 seconds or more, often continuously throughout the night

-T-

TMJ Syndrome - a disorder associated with the joint of the jaw, often caused by a misalignment of or a disparity in upper and lower jaw sizes.

Tooth Whitening - a process designed to whiten and brighten teeth

-V-

Veneer - a plastic, porcelain or composite material used to improve the attractiveness of a stained or damaged tooth

Schedule An Appointment With Your Waldorf General & Cosmetic Dentistry Expert

With greater knowledge and a better understanding of commonly used terms in the dental industry, we are confident that you will no longer feel intimidated when talking to our amazing doctor and our friendly staff! If you feel that you are experiencing a dental issue and would like to speak to our doctor about it, we ask that you request an appointment online or, alternatively, contact our office directly by giving us a call at (301) 645-3230. Can't wait to hear from you!

Your Premier Choice for Waldorf, MD Dentistry

If you've been searching for a Dentist in La Plata or Waldorf, MD, Christian Johnson DMD is proud to offer you the best quality dental care in the area. Our Waldorf, MD dentist works with a highly skilled staff of dental professionals to ensure a stress free dental experience for you and your family. Our dental office strives to offer a wide variety of dental services for both children and adults in order to meet your family's every dental need.

Services

Our dental staff treats a variety of common problems, such as sensitive teeth and gum disease, as well as offering dental implants and regular preventative dentistry services. Of course, good brushing and flossing habits can also help prevent any major dental problems from arising. Your Waldorf, MD dentist at Christian Johnson DMD can also help further educate you on tooth decay and its causes in order to help you prevent it from happening to you.

Dental Emergencies

If you experience a dental emergency, please consult our list of emergency situations for advice.

Make an Appointment with Your Dentist in Waldorf, MD Today!

If you're ready to make your first visit to Christian Johnson DMD, contact us today to learn more. We'd also be more than happy to answer any questions you may have, or you can consult our Frequently Asked Questions page. You can even save time by filling out patient forms ahead of time! Don't wait another minute! Let your Waldorf and La Plata dentist at Christian Johnson DMD help set you down the path to a healthier smile today!