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Dental Terms

Understand dental terms and concepts.

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Cancer is a common term for a wide variety of diseases related to uncontrolled cell growth. Poor oral health may increase your risk of certain types of cancer, and cancer treatment can have significant negative effects on your oral health.

There is growing evidence of a strong connection between oral disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD). While it is not proven that oral disease causes CVD, it is clear that good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are vital to ensure that poor oral health does not contribute to your risk of CVD.

Caries is the bacterial illness that causes tooth decay (cavities). It is believed that a single species of bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) causes the vast majority of tooth decay. These bacteria are capable of reducing sugars to acids and enzymes that destroy tooth structure. Cavities can also be produced by the direct effect of acid from certain foods and beverages.

Cementum is a mineralized tissue similar to dentin and enamel that covers the dentin layer on the roots of teeth. It is the tissue to which the fibers of the periodontal ligament attach. The other end of the ligament fibers are anchored in bone, and provide a type of shock absorbing attachment for the teeth.

Cephalometric X-ray images show the teeth and the bones of the head and neck from the side. They are frequently used by orthodontists to assess growth and development. They can also show fractures or evidence of disease.

With a parent's oversight and encouragement, children ages 3-12 are beginning to learn the importance of a healthy mouth and smile. You are providing them with the information, skills, and habits that will set them on a path to a lifetime of good oral health.

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is very protective, and can endure strong forces. However, chips can occur if the forces are strong enough, a tooth is decayed, or the enamel is thin or damaged.

When a tooth chips, a piece breaks off above the gum line. That piece may be small or large. Small chips often only affect the enamel, and you might not feel any tooth pain. Larger chips may expose a nerve, which can result in pain or sensitivity.

A condition that is long-lasting or often recurring.

The clinical crown is the portion of a tooth that protrudes through healthy gums into the mouth. It is the part that is visible, as opposed to the tooth root, which extends downward into the jawbone.


Your dentist may perform this procedure if you have a tooth that has chipped, or has decay below the gumline. It is sometimes necessary for your dentist to reposition the gums then reshape the bone around the tooth. This makes the chipped or decayed area more accessible for restoration. It also makes it easier for you to clean your teeth.

The clinical crown is the portion of the tooth visible above the gumline if your mouth is healthy and you do not have receding gums. It is part of your natural tooth. Do not confuse a clinical crown with a crown, which is a dental restoration used to fix a damaged or decayed tooth.

Clinical crown lengthening can allow your dentist to restore a tooth that would otherwise be unfixable. For example, without clinical crown lengthening, it may not be possible to place a filling, onlay, or crown to repair a tooth that has insufficient tooth structure above the gumline.

What to expect

  • Your dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to create a flap.
  • The flap will be folded down to expose the tooth-supporting bone surrounding the tooth.
  • Your dentist may need to shave off a portion of the bone.
  • Your dentist can then repair a tooth that has chipped below the gumline.
  • Finally, your dentist will close the gum flap and hold it in place with sutures until it heals. The gums may be positioned in a different location than before the procedure.
  • Following the procedure:

  • Clinical crown lengthening is a surgical procedure, so some discomfort and tooth sensitivity after the procedure is normal. Usually this is temporary.
  • Swelling can occur, although it is usually minor.
  • There is some risk of developing an infection, which may be greater if you have certain conditions like diabetes or compromised immune function. Your dentist and primary care physician can assess your likelihood of post-operative infection, and take appropriate steps to avoid it.


An appliance that replaces the function of all of your teeth in your upper or lower arch. There are multiple types. Some are removable and others are fixed in place on dental implants. Complete dentures serve to improve your appearance, ability to speak clearly, and chew properly.

Comprehensive exams include an evaluation of your entire mouth, head, and neck in addition to the steps taken during a periodic exam. Comprehensive exams are often done when a dentist first establishes a relationship with a new patient.

A comprehensive oral exam generally involves taking a panoramic X-ray image, or a full series of individual radiographs to establish a baseline record of your oral hard tissue. Your dentist will keep these records to compare against future images to identify any changes.

Additional diagnostic testing and imaging may also be performed with a comprehensive exam, such as:

  • A cavity risk assessment and periodontal screening.
  • Photographs, 3D scans, and/or diagnostic casts of the teeth.
  • An oral cancer screening.
  • A visual and tactile assessment of your teeth and dental restorations.
  • An occlusal inspection (how well your upper and lower teeth come together).
  • An evaluation of your jaw muscles, lymph nodes, salivary glands and other head and neck structures.
  • If you have a bridge or wear dentures, they will be evaluated for fit and wear.

A comprehensive periodontal examination involves a visual inspection of the gums for bleeding, infectious drainage, and swelling.

A dentist or hygienist will also:

  • Evaluate the level of plaque on your teeth.
  • Measure and record the depth of the pockets formed where the teeth emerge through the gums.
  • Evaluate areas of thin or receded gum tissue.
  • Inspect teeth for mobility and deflection when chewing.

If any areas of concern are identified, X-ray images and a laboratory evaluation of the type of bacteria present within the periodontal pockets are often prescribed.


Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a type of medical imaging that produces a 3-dimensional X-ray image. It is becoming more common for dentists to have these devices in their office. For those that do not, you may need to be referred to a medical imaging center to have them taken.

CBCT scans of the head and neck provide three-dimensional views of the teeth, jawbones, and sinuses. The image is not distorted since the scan produces a true three-dimensional model; not an image of a three-dimensional object projected onto a flat two-dimensional plane. Dentists can make accurate detailed measurements directly from the image. These are very useful in planning and performing an upcoming procedure.

These images are produced with X-ray computed tomography. As a result, the X-rays used in the scan form a cone shape. Your dentist can rotate and view this 3D image in any orientation. They can also create a cross-section view of any two-dimensional plane. This provides them with exceptional clarity and accuracy, which may be exceptionally helpful for both diagnosis and treatment planning.

It is important to note that CBCT scans expose you to a higher level of radiation than standard X-ray images. This is why these scans are generally recommended only when there are risks of performing treatments without them.

CBCT scans are often used in the following situations:

  • Planning the placement of bone grafts and dental implants: Your dentist can use CBCT to evaluate the sinuses, areas of thin bone, cracked tooth roots, and bone defects. The scan also reveals the exact location of nearby nerves and blood vessels. Your dentist can use CBCT to determine if a bone graft is needed and what size implant would be ideal. This type of planning can significantly improve the treatment result.
  • Removal of wisdom teeth: A two-dimensional dental X-ray image may not provide a clear picture of the exact location of nerves. With CBCT, your dentist can view cross-sections through the jaw near the wisdom tooth to precisely locate the nerves. This helps prevent nerve damage during wisdom tooth removal.
  • Identifying tooth root fractures: Your dentist may use a CBCT scan to identify fractures in tooth roots that cannot be identified through other imaging methods.
  • Revealing disease, abnormal and unusual structures: CBCT scans can help reveal disease or unusual structures that cannot be detected with other imaging methods.

A connective tissue graft is a procedure in which additional tissue is added to an area where existing gum tissue is thin. Connective tissue grafts are commonly performed to:

  • Address receding gums.
  • Cover an exposed tooth root to help prevent decay and improve the appearance of the tooth.
  • Thicken the gums to make them more durable, and more resistant to abrasion.

Once the grafted tissue integrates into the new location, it is generally difficult to tell that the gums had ever receded, or that a graft was ever performed.

Frequently, connective tissue grafts are referred to a dental specialist known as a periodontist. This often depends on the general dentist's training, experience and clinical interest areas.

What to expect

  • Before the procedure, your dentist will review your dental and medical history. If your dentist has concerns, they may need to consult with your physician. Based on their conclusions, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics that you will need to take prior to the procedure.
  • The connective tissue will be obtained from either the roof of your mouth or a tissue bank. Some dentists believe it is preferable to use your own tissue to achieve faster healing and better cosmetic outcomes. However, using your own tissue requires a second surgical site, which may increase your pain and risk of infection. Talk to your dentist about whether this is the best approach.

  • Your dentist will numb the areas to be treated with local anesthetic, taking into account any specific health conditions you may have.
  • If your dentist takes tissue from the roof of your mouth (donor site), they will numb both that area and the area to be treated with a local anesthetic. They will then usually make two incisions about one millimeter apart and remove the tissue between them. The entire incision will be closed with sutures and protected with a surgical dressing. The incision usually heals quickly.
  • There are other acceptable methods used to obtain the donor graft. Some tend to heal more slowly, but produce a more anatomically ideal graft. Talk to your dentist about how the graft will be formed and the healing process.

  • Your dentist will prepare the location where the graft is needed (recipient site), tuck the connective tissue into it, and hold it in place with sutures.
  • The dentist may adjust the way your teeth bite together to eliminate tipping forces or reduce the amount of force on the affected tooth or teeth.
  • The dentist may provide either a thin plastic shell to be worn over the teeth and palate or another type of wound protection device to cover the tender area where the grafted tissue was removed.
  • Your dentist will give you instructions for post-treatment home care following the procedure, taking into account your unique medical or dental conditions. Because both donor and recipient sites are often tender following the procedure, it may be necessary to take pain relievers and/or anti-inflammatory medications for a few days. Your dentist may also recommend an antiseptic rinse or other medication for a few days after the procedure. It is essential to follow the instructions to significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome. You should request a copy of the instructions so you can refer to them later.

Cosmetic dentistry is the term for dental treatments and materials used to improve or alter the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile. Cosmetic dentistry is not recognized as a specialty by the American Dental Association.

A crack is a fracture in the tooth. They can range from obvious, visible fractures to microscopic lines that can only be seen through imaging. Unlike chips, cracks often do not result in a loss of tooth structure. Cracks may only affect the enamel (known as craze lines), or they may extend into the dentin layer beneath the enamel.


Also known as: Cap

When a tooth has been decayed or damaged and cannot be restored to its proper shape, function and appearance through other means, your dentist may recommend a crown. A crown is placed over a decayed or damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and durability. When cemented in place, crowns fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies on and above the gum line.


Also known as: Dilacerated Tooth Root

A curved tooth root is an unusual bend in the root of a tooth. It may be the result of:

  • An injury to the tooth before its root has fully developed.
  • Movement of the tooth during its development.
  • A normal anatomical variation.
  • Other less common factors.
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