Occasionally, I catch myself talking to a patient and saying things like “…your periodontal health” when “condition of your gum tissue” is more likely to be understood. As a Dentist, I’ve used some dental terms and phrases so often I forget I can lose good connection with a patient by using sometimes-foreign terms.
I hope I’ve never discussed your oral health in unfamiliar terms. However, if I slip, never hesitate to ask questions so you fully understand everything about my explanations.
Some terms you may hear that aren’t always obvious as to what they are may be:
– Anterior Teeth: Your six upper or six lower front teeth.
– Bone Resorption: Loss of jaw bone that supports tooth roots.
– Bruxing: Grinding or gnashing of teeth, typically while asleep.
– Calculus: Hard residue that forms on teeth due to plaque buildup.
– Mandible: The lower jaw.
– Maxilla: The upper jaw.
– Palate: Hard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth.
– Plaque: A sticky substance composed of bacteria and food debris that accumulates on teeth.
– Prophy: Cleaning of the teeth for the prevention of gum disease and tooth decay.
– Scaling & Root Planning: Removing plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces above and below gum line.
– Tartar: A common term for calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth and can only be removed by dental tools.
Our entire team wants you to always be in-the-know when it comes to your dental well-being. I hope our conversations leave you fully informed so you are an active participant in keeping your smile at its best!
Our office is open and accepting new patients! Please send us an email using the form below or please call us at 586-739-2155.