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Glossary of Dental Terms

A handy reference

Common Dental Terms

We’ve put together this handy reference guide of terms you might hear when speaking with your dentist or support staff.

Please don’t hesitate to ask your dental care provider for clarification. We’re here to help make your experience as pleasant as possible!

Dentition

The arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth.

Denture

Dentures are removable (partial or complete) set of artificial teeth. Whether you have lost teeth due to decay or an accident, we can help you feel confident and get you smiling again with properly fitting dentures. Let us work with you to determine what method works best for you.

Denturism

The production of dentures dispensed directly by laboratory technicians.

Diastema

A space between teeth.

D.D.S.

Doctor of Dental Surgery, equivalent to D.M.D.

D.M.D.

Doctor of Medical Dentistry, equivalent to D.D.S.

Decay

Destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.

Deciduous Teeth

Commonly called ‘baby teeth,’ the first set of teeth.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a titanium cylinder surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to provide support for a dental restoration or appliance. Whether you have lost one or more teeth due to decay or an accident, we can help you feel confident and get you smiling again with natural looking dental implants.

Dentin

Inner layer of tooth structure, immediately under the surface enamel.

Resources

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Gum Disease Patients Nearly Nine Times More Likely to Die of COVID-19

In a study published in the online Journal of Clinical Periodontology, researchers found that COVID patients with gum disease were more likely to suffer serious medical complications, including being: 3.5 times more likely to be admitted to intensive care 4.5 times more likely to need a ventilator Nearly nine times more likely to die compared…

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The Best Ways to Instill Good Oral Health Habits in Kids

How to keep your children from getting cavities Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is one of the most chronic yet entirely preventable childhood diseases. Those who practice good oral hygiene have a lower risk and can entirely prevent tooth decay. That’s why it’s super important that kids establish healthy oral habits sooner rather than…

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