Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Amalgam
 A
composite composed of 40-55% mercury along with silver, tin and copper.
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Biocalix
A material used in root canal therapy that expands and alkalinizes
the tooth, thus discouraging further build-up of bacteria.
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Biological Dentistry
A method of practicing dentistry that takes into account bio-compatibility
of dental materials and the bio-energetic or meridian system used
in Chinese medicine and the focal infection theory.
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Bleaching
 Also
known as whitening, the process of lightening off-colored or stained
teeth with supervised bleaching methods. This can be done in-office
with a laser or at home with individualized trays, according to the
convenience of the patient.
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Bone Graft
This procedure is done when there has been significant
bone loss because it helps the body to regenerate lost bone. The
source of the grafting material can either be from the patient’s
own body or from a natural substance such as algae.
Over time your own newly formed bone will replace much of the grafted
material, however follow up work such as an implant will have to
be done within a matter of months or the body will start to re-absorb
the new bone.
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Bonded Dentistry
Bonded Dentistry includes a wide range of procedures:
tooth-colored fillings or composites, creating veneers and closing
gaps between teeth.
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Bridge
A dental appliance that replaces lost teeth. It can be either removable
or fixed.
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Build Up
The removal of old filling material and decay from a worn-out tooth
and bonding with tooth-colored composite resin to create a solid
foundation for a cap or crown.
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Composite Resin
Tooth-colored material made of resin reinforced with silica, glass
or porcelain particles that is used for filling cavities.
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Cosmetic Contouring
 Creating
a more pleasing appearance by reshaping natural teeth.
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Cosmetic Dentistry
 An
aspect of dentistry that concentrates on the pleasing, aesthetic
appearance of a person’s smile.
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Crown
Also known as a cap, this type of restoration replaces the missing
portion of a tooth or corrects the overall bite.
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Dentin
Softer layer of tooth structure that lies beneath the enamel.
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Diastema
Space or gap between two teeth.
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Enamel
The white outer layer of tooth structure covering and protecting
the dentin.
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Fixed Bridge
A dental appliance used for replacing missing teeth that is non-removable.
The bridge is held in place by cementing or bonding to adjacent teeth
that are used as anchors.
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Focal Infection Theory
Formulated and tested more than 50 years ago, this theory states
that conditions in the mouth have a direct impact on the body as
a whole.
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Galvanism
The phenomenon of dissimilar electrical patterns created in the
mouth through the use of dental metals.
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Gingiva
Gum tissue. Infections in the gingival can lead to periodontal disease.
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Holistic Dentistry
An approach that views the mouth is a component of the entire body
rather than an isolated part that is separate from the whole.
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Implants
Used to replace a missing tooth. A titanium post is placed in the
bone and then the tooth is restored by attaching a finished crown
to it. The entire procedure can take anywhere from one day to three
months, depending on which approach is appropriate for the patient.
As with all treatment, proper planning and coordination between
your dentist and implant specialist is not only recommended but vital
to achieving a successful result.
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Inlay
Used to support tooth structure by bonding a durable material
such as resin, porcelain or gold and filling a decayed part of a
tooth.
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Laminating
 Applying
a thin layer of composite resin or porcelain to the surface of a
tooth in order to alter its appearance.
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Malocclusion
Misalignment of the upper or lower teeth causing a poorly adjusted,
uncomfortable bite. This is often the cause of pain in the jaw joints,
also known as TMJ Syndrome.
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 Onlay
Similar to an inlay except that the filling is also applied to
the biting surface of the tooth.
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 Panorexes
Also known as panoramic X-rays, these are full-mouth
X-rays that show a complete view of the teeth and surrounding bones
of the jaw.
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Partial Denture (Bridge)
A dental appliance that is removable or fixed, used to replace missing
teeth.
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Periodontal Disease
Periodontal infection is generally caused by a combination of stress,
acidity, and improper oral hygiene. See I’luminae for
more information.
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Porcelain
Material created by fusing ceramics at high temperatures so that
a hard substance/glass is formed resembling tooth enamel.
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 Root
Canal Therapy
The procedure by which an infected tooth can be preserved by sterilization
and filling of the inner canals and tubules.
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 Rubber
Dam
Used to isolate teeth during dental procedures, this thin rubber
sheet is important during the process of replacing old amalgams to
prevent unnecessary exposure to metal.
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Titanium
A metal primarily used for implants and orthodontic wires. Titanium
used for implants is medical grade and extremely pure. Studies have
shown that it integrates into our bone without any inflammation being
detectable, so it is generally regarded as safe.
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Veneers
 These
ultra-thin sheets of porcelain or composite resin are created for
bonding to the surface of teeth. This procedure is especially useful
in repairing or changing the appearance of damaged teeth.
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Whitening
See Bleaching
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