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!
An ointment that produces mild anesthesia when applied to the tissue surface.
Common bony protuberance on the palate or lower jaw.
The process of placing a natural tooth in the empty socket of another tooth.
Injury caused by external forces, chemical or temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment.
Gum disease characterized by severe mouth sores and loss of tissue. See definition for ANUG.
A common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth and produces a rough surface that attracts plaque.
An insurance company, union or government agency that pays all or a part of cost of dental treatment.
Temperomandibular disorder, the term given to the condition characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open or move the jaw.
The temporomandibular joint where the lower jaw attaches to the skull.
The early embryonic structure that becomes a tooth.
In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we are focusing on a simple step that can save lives. When you visit us for a checkup, we look at more than just your teeth. We also screen for oral cancer. This is a quick and easy part of your visit, but it is one of the…
Read MoreIn honor of National Nutrition Month, we’re taking a closer look at the relationship between your plate and your smile. While we all know how sugar can compromise our teeth, we rarely discuss the foods that actively protect them. If you want a stronger, brighter smile, it may be time to stock your kitchen with…
Read MoreFebruary is American Heart Month. It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and cardiovascular wellness. While we often think about diet and exercise as the keys to a healthy heart, your smile is another vital factor in heart health. Research continues to show a strong link between oral health and heart health.…
Read More
Orthodontics may be provided by general dentists.
We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, marital status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or disability.
