Dental Terminology & Jargon

Dental terms you will hear at your Milton Keynes dentist

Welcome to our dental terminology blog for patients! In this blog, we’ll be discussing some common dental terms you might hear during your dental appointments, to help you better understand your dental health.

Plaque: Plaque is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If it’s not removed regularly, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Tartar: Tartar is hardened plaque that accumulates on your teeth over time. It cannot be removed by brushing or flossing, and requires a professional cleaning from a dental hygienist or dentist.

Cavities: Cavities, also known as dental caries, are decayed areas of your teeth caused by the breakdown of sugars and acids by bacteria in your mouth. Symptoms include tooth sensitivity, pain, and visible holes in your teeth.

Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. Symptoms include swollen, red, and bleeding gums.

Periodontitis: Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease, which can cause damage to the bone and tissue that support your teeth. Symptoms include receding gums, loose teeth, and bad breath.

Root Canal: A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat an infected or damaged tooth. During the procedure, the infected or damaged tissue is removed, and the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection.

Crown: A dental crown is a cap that’s placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, metal, and ceramic.

Bridge: A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It’s typically made up of two or more crowns, which are anchored to the remaining teeth on either side of the gap.

Implant: A dental implant is a metal post that’s surgically placed into your jawbone, to replace a missing tooth root. It can then be fitted with a crown or bridge to restore your smile.

Orthodontics: Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting the alignment of your teeth and jaws. Common orthodontic treatments include braces, clear aligners, and retainers.

Prophylaxis: Prophylaxis is a professional dental cleaning, which is typically done every six months to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth.

Occlusion: Occlusion refers to the way your teeth fit together when you bite down. A proper occlusion helps to prevent tooth wear and jaw pain.

Malocclusion: Malocclusion is a misalignment of your teeth and jaws, which can cause a variety of dental problems, such as difficulty chewing, jaw pain, and tooth decay.

Bruxism: Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, which can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches.

Endodontics: Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of dental pulp and root canal problems.

Periodontics: Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease.

Cariology: Cariology is the study of dental caries, or tooth decay.

Oral surgery: Oral surgery is a specialty of dentistry that involves surgical procedures to treat dental and oral conditions, such as impacted teeth, oral cancer, and jaw problems.

Removable Prosthodontics: Removable prosthodontics refers to dental appliances that can be removed, such as dentures and partial dentures.

Fixed Prosthodontics: Fixed prosthodontics refers to dental appliances that are permanently attached to your teeth, such as dental crowns and bridges.

We hope this blog has been helpful in explaining some common dental terms. If you have any questions or concerns about your dental health, please don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or dental hygienist for more information.

To book your routine examination or dental hygiene appointment call us on 01908 260757 to speak to a member of our team.