How Dentists Were Selected
Consumers Research Council of America has compiled an accurate list of top dentists throughout the United States by utilizing a point value system. This method uses a point value for criteria that we deemed valuable in determining top dentists.
 
The criteria that was used is as follows:
  Experience: Each year the dentist has been in practice
  Training: Education and Continuing Education
  Board Certification: ADA recognized dental specialists
  Professional Associations: Member of Dentist Associations
 
Simply put, dentists that have accumulated a certain amount of points qualified for the list. This does not mean that dentists that did not accumulate enough points are not good dentists, but merely did not qualify for this list because of the points needed for qualification.
 
Similar studies have been done with other professions using a survey system. This type of study would ask fellow professionals on who they would recommend. We found that this method used was more of a popularity contest and professionals who work in a large office would have much more chance of being mentioned as opposed to a professional who has a small private practice. In addition many professionals have a financial arrangement for back-and-forth referrals. For these reasons, we developed the point value system.
 
Of course, there is no study that is 100% accurate since this is a subjective call. As with any profession, there will be some degree of variance in opinion. If you survey 100 patients from a particular physician on their satisfaction, you will undoubtedly hear that some are very satisfied, some moderately satisfied and some dissatisfied. This is really quite normal.
 
We feel that a point value system takes out the personal and emotional factor and deals with factual criteria. We have made certain assumptions, i.e., more years in practice is better than less years in practice; more education is better than less education, etc.
 
The top dentist list that we have compiled is current as of a certain date and other dentists may have qualified since that date. Nonetheless, we feel that the list of top dentists is a good starting point for you to find a qualified dentist.
 
No fees, donations, sponsorships or advertising are accepted from any individuals, professionals, corporations or associations. This policy is strictly adhered to insure an unbiased selection.
About Your Teeth
The human teeth serve multiple functions. The two most prevalent uses for your teeth are chewing food and the use in the process of making speech. Your teeth are attached to the upper and lower jawbone and are hard and calcified. Extra care should be taken with your teeth, because unlike other organs in your body, your teeth are not self-reparative. Simply put, a broken, chipped or decayed tooth will not grow back.
 
Inside your tooth is dentin, a bone-like substance that extends from the root into the surface of the enamel. A hard layer of tissue called cementum covers the dentin. Elastic fibers hold the roots in place and extend from the cementum to a layer of bone within the jaw. Blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue pass through the root canal opening.
 
We get two sets of teeth between infancy and adulthood. The first set of teeth contains twenty teeth and is called deciduous teeth, or more commonly, baby teeth. As your jaw grows and matures the second set of thirty two larger. permanent teeth replace the deciduous set.
Preventative Care
Fluoride
 
Over a half a century ago scientists noticed that a certain areas in Colorado were found to have a very low rate of tooth decay. This data prompted scientists to do research about this phenomena. Scientists soon discovered that the Colorado area contained high amounts of fluoride in the water supply.
In 1944, controlled water-fluoridation programs began to test the theory that fluorides would reduce tooth decay. They added a small amount of fluoride to the drinking water (one part fluoride to one million parts of water) and studied this controlled group for a period of ten years. The results of this study were nothing short of astonishing. The results clearly showed that dental decay in children was reduced by more than half.
The fluoridation of water has become a controversial subject in America. Currently over 2/3 of people drink fluoridated water. The fluoride is effective because it puts a protective coating over your teeth, which helps prevent tooth decay. There is only one side-effect known to be linked to drinking fluoridated water, a rare condition called fluorosis. If babies drink too much fluoride their teeth can become stained. The tooth is healthy but unsightly.
However, the benefits of fluoride far outweigh the negative aspects of water fluoridation. Your mouth contains bacteria which grows and multiplies; fluoridation stops this from happening. There have been hundreds of studies on fluoridation which document positive affects and not one study has been able to produce evidence that is negative. In 1991, a United States Public Health Service reported that water fluoridation is safe and effective. The American Dental Association is strongly in favor of fluoridation.
 
 
What are Sealants?
 
Dental sealants can be an effective way to reduce the possibility of tooth decay. A tooth sealant is a coating that the Dentist bonds to the surface of your tooth. The sealant fills any crevices, pits and fissures that could have trapped food particles in them. The sealant, in effect, smooths the surface of the tooth which will make it less likely to trap food particles. Tooth decay is directly related to plaque, which forms on teeth. The best way to prevent the build up of plaque is to brush your teeth on a frequent basis. The teeth located in the back of your mouth, primarily your molars, are difficult to reach and to clean because of the deep grooves in the chewing part of the tooth. The sealant makes it much easier for food particles to be brushed away, resulting in much less chance of tooth decay. Dental sealants are primarily used on children. Sealants are recommended on a case-by-case basis. Teeth that have the characteristics of deep pits and fissures are good candidates for this procedure. The actual process to having your teeth sealed is virtually pain-free and quite simple.
 
 
Diet
 
Your diet is important in all aspects of maintaining a healthy body and nourishing your various organs. It is just as important for you dental health in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. People who do not eat a balanced diet tend to have poor dental health. This affects all people from infants to adults.
Bacteria lives in your mouth and is attracted to sugars and starches. The bacteria uses the sugar and starches to produce acids that can destroy and damage your tooth enamel. After constant eating of these types of foods tooth decay begins. The more sugar and starch that enters your mouth means the more damage that can occur. Eat wisely and avoid food with high sugar and starch content.
 
 
Brushing
 
Brushing is one of the most simple and most effective ways of preventing tooth decay. The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice a day. It is important to use the correct type of brush. A gentle brushing can be just as effective as a hard and fast brush with a stiff brush. The hard and stiff brush can actually cause damage to gum tissue and eventually start to remove enamel from your teeth. Most people brush for twenty to thirty seconds but an effective brushing takes about two minutes. Brushing is important and it is recommended to use a fluoride toothpaste for added protection.
 
Flossing
 
As mentioned earlier, brushing is effective for removing food particles from the exterior of your teeth. Flossing helps in cleaning your teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. These areas are between the teeth and below the gumline. These are areas that are susceptible to tooth decay. When you floss you are cleaning an additional 30% of your teeth, which is a big improvement and can make a dramatic difference in the prevention of tooth decay.
 
 
The Future
 
CNN reported that British scientists have developed a vaccine that can prevent tooth decay by eliminating bacteria in your mouth. They have developed an odorless and tasteless vaccine that they claim is the future in dental preventative care.
According to the report, the vaccine is a plant-based substance that is applied to the exterior of your teeth and produces antibodies that eliminate harmful bacteria from adhering to your teeth and causing cavities. Studies thus far have shown positive results.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry means enhancing a person's smile and making their teeth aesthetically beautiful. It is considered an art and science which encompasses such cosmetic procedures as teeth whitening and bleaching, bonding and veneers.
 
 
Bleaching
 
A primary candidate for bleaching is someone who has moderately stained or discolored teeth. The stains or discoloration generally can not be removed through a standard professional cleaning. The dentist will make a mold of your teeth and make a mouthtray to custom-fit your mouth. The purpose of the mouthtray is to hold the bleaching agent against your teeth and to isolate it from mouth, lips and gum tissue.
The mouthtray is designed so you can use it at home. Most people wear it from 30 to 120 minutes a day and sometimes longer. Usually within ten to fourteen days a noticeable improvement is seen. The duration of use is determined on how light you want your teeth; the longer you wear the mouthtray the whiter your teeth will become. Be aware that sometimes you can not get the color you wanted and you may have to make a compromise for a little less than you hoped for.
 
 
Bonding
 
Bonding is a method of improving the appearance of your teeth. This is achieved by a dentist bonding a tooth-colored resin onto your existing teeth. A primary candidate for this procedure is someone who wants stains on teeth concealed, gaps closed, worn or chipped teeth and fractures repaired.
The procedure commences by the dentist slightly etching the surface of the tooth that is going to be bonded. The purpose of etching the tooth is so the bonding material will have a better surface to adhere to. The tooth is treated with a bonding material and the dentist then shines a special light on it to set it. The next step is to apply a putty-like material to the tooth, mold it to the desired shape  and shine the special light on it again to harden the material. The dentist then does the final shaping and polishes the resin finish.
 
 
Veneering
 
Veneering is a method of improving the appearance of your teeth. People who want veneers generally want to close gaps between teeth, repair fractures, cover a discolored tooth or even straighten a tooth. Veneers are usually preferred over bonding because they are more durable, stronger and stain resistant.
The procedure generally requires two office visits. During the first visit the dentist initiates the preparation stage. The preparation consists of removing a small amount of enamel and etching the tooth surface prior to making an impression. The impression is then sent to a lab for a veneer to be made and fit the tooth. On the second office visit, the dentist adheres the veneer to the tooth and files and polishes the veneer. Veneers will usually last five or more years.
 
 
Teeth Whitening
 
Teeth whitening has become very popular over the past few years. There are different whitening processes available on the market with claims of whitening teeth from 6 to 9 shades whiter. Whitening is simply any process that make the teeth appear whiter. If you are considering getting your teeth whitened it is recommended that you consult with your dentist. Some patients the teeth whitening process can be very effective and other may not get the desired results. Not all tooth discolorations are correctable. For instance, if you have had bonding, veneers or tooth color fillings in your front teeth there is potential problems. Your dentist can advise you on what procedure will give you the best results.
Teeth bleaching is a common teeth whitening procedure done in dental offices. There are also many home kits on the market that can be purchased over the counter. They consist of mouth tray (like an athletic mouth guard) that will hold a bleaching agent. When you go to a dentist they will make you a custom fitted mouth guard that will help in applying the bleaching agent evenly. You place the mouth guard in your mouth for a designated amount of time and the bleaching agent surrounds your teeth and begins to work Some products are used for twice a day for as period of one to two weeks.
The bleaching agents contain peroxide. Carbamide peroxide vary in concentrations, the most common strengths available are 10%, 16%, and 22%. They usually come in gel form and this consistency seems to work the best. These products that contain carbamide peroxide actually bleaches the tooth enamel. When professionally applied hydrogen peroxide concentration range from 10% to 35% and are sometimes used in conjunction with a light or laser. The light accelerates the whitening process.
 
 
All About Braces
There are over five million people in the USA and Canada that wear braces. Over 20% of them are over the age of eighteen. People value the benefits of an attractive smile; a person's self-esteem will increase, which helps them in their careers and social life. Simply put, people feel better about themselves if they feel that they look good.
 
Advancements have been made in the technological aspects of orthodontics as well as aesthetic advancements. There are different types available:
 
 
Traditional Metal Braces
 
Metal braces are very strong and durable. They tend to be the most cost effective of the various styles available. It is common for them to irritate the patient at first but after a few weeks most people get used to them and they are no longer a problem. They are more visible than other styles of braces which can be a concern for some people.
 
 
Ceramic Braces
 
Ceramic brace are very strong and stain free due to their composition which is a composite material. Ceramic braces tend to blend in better and are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Many people feel that these bracers are more comfortable than metal braces and irritate your gums less. Cost is higher and treatment can take a few months longer with this type of brace.
 
 
Invisible Braces
 
Invisible braces are great for people who do not have severe problems. If your bite is off and your teeth are severely crooked there are better choices for you that will yield better results. The design of this type of brace is made up of a strong plastic trays that are fabricated for you.
Treatment generally costs about the same as traditional metal braces and treatment duration is approximately the same. Irritation is minimal and these type of braces are stain free. The design of these braces are virtually invisible and that is a real selling point to many consumers.
 
 
Lingual Braces
 
Lingual braces are placed behind your teeth and are usually made of metal. This style of brace is invisible to people who are looking at you head on. If they look on the inside of your mouth, only then can they can see the metal brackets. Lingual braces are not for patients who have severe problems
The primary benefit of lingual braces is the aesthetic value. They tend to be priced higher than traditional braces and treatment can last a few months longer. Only certain Orthodontists can perform this treatment and special training is required. They take a little bit time to get used to because they can make your tongue hurt and it can be difficult to speak at first.
 
 
What is TMJ?
TMJ  is an abbreviation for Temporo-Mandibuilar Joint. TMJ is the joint formed by the temporal bone of the skull (temporo) with the lower jaw, or mandible. These joints move each time we swallow, chew and talk. It is said that TMJ is the most complex joint in the human body. TMJ is a sliding joint and not a ball-in-socket like the shoulder.
 
There are TMJ disorders that have a spectrum of symptoms. Symptoms include headaches, earaches, ringing in the ear, pain in the neck area, headaches, dizziness, clicking and grinding sounds when opening and closing the mouth and limited ability to open and close the mouth.
 
Causes of TMJ include arthritis, injury and the grinding of your teeth at night. Other commons causes include the displacement of the disc that is located between the jawbone and the socket. When this occurs, a popping or clicking sound can be heard. This can cause pain as well as limit the use of your jaw.
There are various treatments to treat TMJ and it is recommended to consult your dentist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Treatments include medications for pain, muscle relaxation, bite plates and splint therapy. In more severe cases surgery is an option to treat TMJ.
 
 
General Dentistryand Recognized Specialties
As in other medical fields, Dentistry is divided into areas of specialties. There are eight recognized fields of specialties. They are as follows:
 
Endodontics
 
Endodontists are specialists that focus on root canal treatment. They deal with surgical and therapeutic procedures in the protection and treatment of the pulp, commonly know as the nerve.
Endodontists attend an advanced dental school program for two to three additional years and usually limit their practice to Endodontics.
 
Oral Pathology
 
The Oral Pathologist is concerned with the diagnose of oral diseases. This is accomplished through laboratory testing of bodily fluids, blood and microscopic tissue. Generally, an Oral Pathologist works in a laboratory of a hospital or medical facility and deals through the patient's General Practitioner.
 
Oral Surgery
 
Oral Surgeons are dental specialists that deal in many aspects of surgery in the mouth and jaw area. They diagnose and provide surgical procedures for diseases, injury and malformation. Many Oral Surgeons perform biopsies and removal of growths, cysts and tumors in the head, neck and jaw region of the body.
An important part of the Oral Surgeon's routine is the removal of teeth. Many of the tooth extraction procedures can be complicated because of the location of the tooth or if the tooth is impacted (when a tooth is embedded in the jawbone or soft tissue). Some Oral Surgeons specialize in setting fractures and the correction of cleft palates and harelip.
Oral Surgeons usually have four or more years in continuing education after graduating dental school and limit their practice to Oral Surgery and related procedures.
 
Orthodontics
 
Orthodontists are specialists that straighten teeth. They deal with a condition called malocclusion, which is tooth position in relationship to the jaw. The Orthodontist will study the mouth, jaw and bone structure and determine if the teeth are in the correct position.
Based on the Orthodontist's analysis they may wish to realign the teeth with headgear, braces, bands, wires or retainers. Many times teeth have to be removed in order for the teeth to be aligned properly. Orthodontists treat young children as well as adults. More and more adults are getting braces and realize the value of a beautiful smile.
 
Orthodontists usually have two or more years of continuing education and limit their practice to Orthodontics.
 
Pediatric Dentistry
 
The Pediatric Dentist, formally called Pedodontist, specializes in the oral health care of children. This type of dentist has had special training to work with infants to teenagers. Their scope of training helps them to deal with special patients who may have had physical or mental handicaps.
The Pediatric Dentist can perform all aspects of general dentistry and can detect early problems with missing, crowded or decaying teeth. They usually have two or more years of specialized training in this field.
 
Periodontics
 
This field of dentistry deals with the supporting structures and tissue surrounding the teeth. A Periodontist diagnoses and treats various gum diseases. Decay of the teeth located both over and under the gum tissue act as an irritant. Inflammation of the gum is called Gingivitis, and Periodontitis is when infections start to destroy gums and bone.
Periodontists perform everything from simple teeth cleaning to complicated bone surgeries and bone grafting. Many also place dental implants into the jaw. A Periodontist generally has two to three years of additional training after they graduate dental school.
 
Prosthodontics
 
A Prosthodontist is a dentist that deals with full mouth restorations. They have various methods of providing artificial substitutes, or dentures, for missing teeth. Various procedures are performed which include constructing a crown, designing a bridge and replacing missing teeth.
Other phases of this specialty include making dentures when a full set of teeth is required, or implant surgery. A Prosthodontist may also replace portions of the oral cavity because of malformations or other deficiencies. Three or more years of training after graduation of dental school is usually required.
 
Public Health Dentistry
 
This field of dentistry is concerned with the promotion of good dental heath throughout communities. The focus of this specialty is to prevent and control dental diseases. This area of dentistry covers three areas: Research, Clinical Dentistry and Public Health.
 

Best Dental Internet Sites
www.ada.org
www.healthyteeth.org
emporium.turnpike.net
www.nohic.nidcr.nih.gov
www.toothinfo.com
www.drshankland.com
www.agd.org
www.adha.org
www.cdc.gov
www.perio.org
www.dentistry.about.com
www.dentalreview.com
www.dentistry2000.com
www.floss.com
www.smiles4ever.com
www.kinderstart.com
www.adha.org/oralhealth
www.aaop.org
www.nidcr.nih.gov/sgr
www.braces.org
www.aacd.org
www.prosthodontics.org
 

Dental Glossary
A
Abutment: A tooth or implant used to support a prosthesis. A crown unit used as part
of a fixed bridge.
Abscess: A localized inflammation due to a collection of pus in the bone or soft tissue,
usually caused by an infection.
Amalgam: A dental filling material, composed of mercury and other minerals, used to
fill decayed teeth.
Alveoloplasty: A surgical procedure used to recontour the supporting bone structures
in preparation of a complete or partial denture.
Anesthetic: A class of drugs that eliminates or reduces pain.
Apex: The tip or end of the root of the tooth.
Apicoectomy: The amputation of the apex of a tooth.
B
Bicuspid: A two-cuspid tooth found between the molar and the cuspid also known as
an eye tooth or canine tooth.
Biopsy: A process of removing tissue to determine the existence of pathology.
Bitewing x-rays: X-rays taken of the crowns of teeth to check for decay.
Bleaching: The Technique of applying a chemical agent, usually hydrogen peroxide, to
the teeth to whiten them.
Bonding: A process to chemically etch the tooth’s enamel to better attach bond
composite filling material, veneers, or plastic/acrylic.
Bridge: A nonremovable restoration that is used to replace missing teeth.
Bruxism: The involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth.
C
Calculus: The hard deposit of mineralized plaque that forms on the crown and/or root
of the tooth. Also referred to as tartar.
Canine tooth: The second tooth from the big front tooth, commonly called the eye
tooth or cuspid.
Cap: Another term for crown; usually referring to a crown for a front tooth.
Caries: The correct technical term for decay which is the progressive breaking down or
dissolving of tooth structure, caused by the acid produced when bacteria digest sugars.
Cavity: A layman’s term for tooth decay. Also, the dental term for the hole that is left
after decay has been removed.
Cement: A special type of glue used to hold a crown in place. It also acts as an
insulator to protect the tooth’s nerve.
Cementum: The very thin, bone like structure that covers the root of the tooth.
Clenching: The forceful holding together of the upper and lower teeth, which places
stress on the ligaments that hold the teeth to the jawbone and the lower jaw to the skull.
Complex Rehabilitation: The extensive dental restoration involving 6 or more units of
crown and/or bridge in the same treatment plan. Using full crowns and/or fixed bridge
which are cemented in place, then your dentist will rebuild natural teeth, fill in spaces
where teeth are missing and establish conditions which allow each tooth to function in
harmony with the occlusion (bite). The extensive procedures involved in complex
rehabilitation require and extraordinary amount of time, effort, skill and laboratory
collaboration for a successful outcome.
Composite: A tooth-colored filling made of plastic resin or porcelain.
Consultation: A diagnostic service provided by a dentist other than the treating dentist.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Any dental treatment or repair that is solely rendered to improve
the appearance of the teeth or mouth.
Crown: The portion of a tooth that is covered by enamel. Also a dental restoration that
covers the entire tooth and restores it to its original shape.
Crown Lengthening: A surgical procedure exposing more tooth for restorative
purposes.
Curettage: A deep scaling of that portion of the tooth below the gum line. Purpose is
to remove calculus and infected gum tissue.
Cuspid: The pointy teeth just behind the laterals. These teeth have one cuspal or point. Cuspids are also called canine teeth.
Cusp(s): The protruding portion(s) of a tooth’s chewing surface.
D
Decay: Tooth decay, when a tooth gets cavities.
Deciduous: Baby teeth. They are also known as the primary dentition.
Dental floss: A thin, nylon string, waxed or unwaxed, that is inserted between the teeth
to remove food and plaque.
Dental hygienist: A dental professional specializing in cleaning the teeth by removing
plaque, calculus, and diseased gum tissue. He/She acts as the patient’s guide in
establishing a proper oral hygiene program.
Dentin: The part of the tooth that is under both the enamel which covers the crown and
the cementum which covers the root.
Denture: A removable appliance used to replace teeth. A Complete denture replaces all
of the teeth and/or all the lower teeth. See also partial denture.
DDS: Doctor of Dental Surgery or DMD, Doctor of Dental Medicine, Degrees given to
dental school graduates. Both degrees are the same particular dental schools identify at
their discretion their graduates as DMD or DDS.
Direct pulp cap: The procedure in which the exposed pulp is covered with a dressing
or cement that protects the pulp and promotes healing and repair.
Dry socket: A localized inflammation of the tooth socket following an extraction due
to infection or loss of a blood clot.
E
Enamel: The hard, calcified (mineralized) portion of the tooth which covers the crown.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the body.
Endodontics: The dental speciality that deals with injuries to or diseases of the pulp,
or nerve, of the tooth.
Extraction: The removal of a tooth.
Excision: Surgical removal of bone or tissue.
Exostosis: The overgrowth of normal bone.
Extracoronal: The outside of the crown of the tooth.
Extraoral: The outside of the mouth.
F
Filling: Material used to fill a cavity or replace part of a tooth.
Fluoride: A chemical compound used to prevent dental decay, utilized in fluoridated
water systems and/or applied directly to the teeth.
Frenum: Muscle fibers covered by a mucous membrane that attaches the cheek, lips
and or tongue to associated dental mucosa.
Frenectomy: The removal of a frenum.
G
Gingiva: The soft tissue that covers the jawbone. Also referred to as the gums.
Gingivectomy: The removal of gingiva (gum).
Gingivitis: An inflammation or infection of the gingiva (gum tissue); the initial stage
of gum disease.
Gingivoplasty: A surgical procedure to reshape or repair the gingiva (gum).
Graft: A piece of tissue or synthetic material placed in contract with tissue to repair a
defect or supplement a deficiency.
I
Immediate Denture: A denture constructed for immediate placement after removal of
the remaining teeth.
Impacted tooth: An unerupted or partially erupted tooth that is positioned against
another tooth, bone or soft tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely.
Implant: An artificial device, usually made of a metal alloy or ceramic material, that is
implanted within the jawbone as a means to attach an artificial crown, denture, or
bridge.
Incisors: The four front teeth referred to as central and lateral incisors, located in the
upper and lower jaws and used to cut and tear food. The central incisors are the two
large teeth in the middle of the mouth and the lateral incisors are next to the central
incisor, one on each side.
Indirect pulp cap: A procedure in which the nearly exposed pulp is covered with a
protective dressing to protect the pulp from additional injury and to promote healing
and repair via formation of secondary dentin.
Inlay: A cast gold filling that is used to replace part of a tooth.
Intracoronal: The area within the crown of a tooth.
Intraoral: The inside of the mouth.
L
Labial: The area pertaining to or around the lip.
Lingual: The area pertaining to or around the tongue.
Local anesthetic: The injection given in the mouth to numb the areas where a tooth or
area needs a dental procedure. Often referred to as novocaine.
M
Malocclusion: The improper alignment of biting or chewing surfaces of upper and
lower teeth.
Maryland Bridge: The trade name that has become synonymous with any resin
bonded fixed partial denture (bridge).
Mastication: The act of chewing
Maxilla: The upper jaw.
Metals, classification of: The noble metal classification systems has been adopted as a
more precise method of reporting various alloys in dentistry commonly used in crowns,
bridges and dentures. These alloys contain varying percentages of gold, palladium
and/or platinum. High noble contains more than 60% of gold, palladium, and/or
platinum (with at Least 40% gold); noble contains more than 25% gold, palladium and/or platinum.
Molars: The broad, multicuspid back teeth, used for grinding food are considered the
largest teeth in the mouth. In adults there are a total of twelve molars (including the
four wisdom teeth, or third molars), three on each side of the upper and lower jaws.
N
Nitrous oxide: A controlled mixture of nitrogen and oxygen gases (N20) that is
inhaled by the patient in order to decreases sensitivity to pain. Also referred to as
laughing gas.
Novocaine: A generic name for the many kinds of anesthetics used in the dental
injection, such as Xylocaine, Lidocaine, or Novocaine
O
Occlusal x-ray: An intraoral x-ray taken with the film held between the teeth in biting
position.
Occlusal surface: The chewing surface of the back teeth.
Occlusion: Any contract between biting or chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth.
Onlay: A cast gold or porcelain filling that covers one or all of the tooth’s cusps.
Oral surgery: The removal of teeth and the repair and treatment of other oral
problems, such as tumors and fractures
Orthodontics: A specialized branch of dentistry that corrects malocclusion and
restores the teeth to proper alignment and function. There are several different types of
appliances used in orthodontics, one of which is commonly referred to as braces.
Overbite: A condition in which the upper teeth excessively overlap the lower teeth
when the jaw is closed. This condition can be corrected with orthodontics.
P
Palate: The hard and soft tissues forming the roof of the mouth.
Palliative: Treatment that relieves pain but is NOT curative.
Panorex: An extraoral full-mouth X-ray that records the teeth and the upper and lower
jaws on one film.
Partial denture: A removable appliance used to replace one or more lost teeth.
Periapical: The area that surrounds the root tip of a tooth.
Pericoronitis: An inflammation of the gum tissue around the crown of a tooth, usually
the third molar.
Periodontal: Relating to the tissue and bone that supports the tooth (from peri,
meaning "around," and odont, "tooth").
Periodontal disease: The inflammation and infection of gums, ligaments, bone, and
other tissues surrounding the teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main forms
of periodontal disease. Also called gum disease or pyorrhea
Periodontal pocket: An abnormal deepening of the gingival crevice. It is caused when
disease and infection destroy the ligament that attaches the gum to the tooth and the
underlying bone.
Periodontal surgery: A surgical procedure involving the gums and jawbone.
Periodontics: The dental specialty that deals with and treats the gum tissue and bone
that supports the teeth.
Periodontitis: Advanced gum disease. Inflammation of the supporting structures of the tooth, including the gum, the periodontal ligament, and the jawbone.
Permanent teeth: The thirty-two adult teeth that replace the baby, or primary teeth.
Also known as secondary teeth.
Pit: A recessed area found on the surface of a tooth, usually where the grooves of the
tooth meet.
Plaque: A film of sticky material containing saliva, food particles, and bacteria that
attaches to the tooth surface both above and below the gum line. When left on the tooth
it can promote gum disease and tooth decay.
Pontic: An artificial tooth used in a bridge to replace a missing tooth.
Premolar: Another name for bicuspid
Preventive Dentistry: Education and treatment devoted to and concerned with
preventing the development of dental disease.
Preventive treatment: Any action taken by the patient, assisted by the dentist
hygienist, and the office staff that serves to prevent dental or other disease. Sealants,
cleaning and space maintainers are examples of preventive treatment.
Prophylaxis: The scaling and polishing procedure performed to remove calculus,
plaque, and stains from the crowns of the teeth.
Pulp: The hollow chamber inside the crown of the tooth that contains its nerves and
blood vessels.
Pulpectomy: Removal of the entire pulp from the canals in the root.
Pulpitis: An often painful inflammation of the dental pulp or nerve.
Pulpotomy: The removal of a portion of the tooth’s pulp.
Q
Quadrant: The dental term for the division of the jaws into four parts, beginning at the
midline of the arch and extending towards the last tooth in the back of the mouth.
There are four quadrants in the mouth; each quadrant generally contains five to eight
teeth.
R
Rebase: The process of refitting a denture by replacing the base material.
Receded gums: A condition characterized by the abnormal loss of gum tissue due to
infection or bone loss.
Referral: When a dental patient from one office is sent to another dentist, usually a
specialist, for treatment or consultation.
Reline: The process of resurfacing the tissue side of a denture with a base material.
Replantation: The return of a tooth to its socket.
Restoration: Any material or devise used to replace lost tooth structure (filling, crown)or to replace a lost tooth or teeth or holds teeth in a fixed position until the bone solidifies around them.
Retainer: A removable dental appliance, usually used in orthodontics, that maintains
space between teeth or holds teeth in a fixed position until the bone solidifies around them.
Retrograde filling: A method of sealing the root canal by preparing and filling it from
the root tip, generally done at the completion of an Apicoectomy.
Root: The part of the tooth below the crown, normally encased in the jawbone. It is
made up of dentin, includes the root canal, and is covered by cementum.
Root canal: The hollow part of the tooth’s root. It runs from the tip of the root into the
pulp.
Root canal therapy: The process of treating disease or inflammation of the pulp or
root canal. This involves removing the pulp and root’s nerve(s) and filling the canal(s)
with an appropriate material to permanently seal it.
Root planing: The process of scaling and planing exposed root surfaces to remove all
calculus, plaque, and infected tissue.
S
Scaling: A procedure used to remove plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Sealant: A composite material used to seal the decay-prone pits, fissures, and grooves
of children’s teeth to prevent decay
Six-year molar: The first permanent tooth to erupt, usually between the ages of five
and six.
Socket: The hole in the jawbone into which the tooth fits.
Space maintainer: A dental appliance that fills the space of a lost tooth or teeth and
prevents the other teeth from moving into the space. Used especially in orthodontic and
pediatric treatment.
Stainless steel crown: A pre-made crown, shaped like a tooth, that is used to
temporarily cover a seriously decayed or broken down tooth. Used most often on
children’s teeth.
Subgingival scaling: The removal of calculus and plaque found on the tooth above
the gum line.
Systemic: Relating to the whole body.
T
Tartar: Another name for calculus.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ): The connecting hinge mechanism between the
upper jaw and the base of the skull.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome: The problems associated with TMJ,
usually involving pain or discomfort in the joints and ligaments that attach the lower
jaw to the skull or in the muscles used for chewing.
Third molar: The last of the three molar teeth, also called wisdom teeth. There are
four third molars, two in the lower jaw and two in the upper jaw, one on each side.
Some people are born without third molars.
Torus: A bony elevation or protuberance of normal bone, Usually seen on the upper
palate behind the front teeth or under the tongue inside the lower jaw.
Treatment plan: A List of the work the dentist proposes to perform on a dental patient
based on the results of the dentist’s X rays, examination, and diagnosis. Often more
than one treatment plan is presented.
V
Veneer: An artificial filling material, usually plastic, composite, or porcelain, that is
used to provide an aesthetic covering over the visible surface of a tooth. Most often
used on front teeth.
W
Wisdom teeth: The third molar, this is the eighth tooth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth often have to be extracted because they become impacted.