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. back to top Biocalix A material used in root canal therapy that expands and alkalinizes the tooth, thus discouraging further build-up of bacteria. back to top 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. back to top 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. back to top 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. back to top Bonded Dentistry Bonded Dentistry includes a wide range of procedures: tooth-colored fillings or composites, creating veneers and closing gaps between teeth. back to top Bridge A dental appliance that replaces lost teeth. It can be either removable or fixed. back to top 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. back to top Composite Resin Tooth-colored material made of resin reinforced with silica, glass or porcelain particles that is used for filling cavities. back to top Cosmetic Contouring Creating a more pleasing appearance by reshaping natural teeth. back to top Cosmetic Dentistry An aspect of dentistry that concentrates on the pleasing, aesthetic appearance of a person’s smile. back to top Crown Also known as a cap, this type of restoration replaces the missing portion of a tooth or corrects the overall bite. back to top Dentin Softer layer of tooth structure that lies beneath the enamel. back to top Diastema Space or gap between two teeth. back to top Enamel The white outer layer of tooth structure covering and protecting the dentin. back to top 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. back to top 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. back to top Galvanism The phenomenon of dissimilar electrical patterns created in the mouth through the use of dental metals. back to top Gingiva Gum tissue. Infections in the gingival can lead to periodontal disease. back to top 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. back to top 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. back to top 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. back to top Laminating Applying a thin layer of composite resin or porcelain to the surface of a tooth in order to alter its appearance. back to top 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. back to top Onlay Similar to an inlay except that the filling is also applied to the biting surface of the tooth. back to top 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. back to top Partial Denture (Bridge) A dental appliance that is removable or fixed, used to replace missing teeth. back to top Periodontal Disease Periodontal infection is generally caused by a combination of stress, acidity, and improper oral hygiene. See I’luminae for more information. back to top Porcelain Material created by fusing ceramics at high temperatures so that a hard substance/glass is formed resembling tooth enamel. back to top Root Canal Therapy The procedure by which an infected tooth can be preserved by sterilization and filling of the inner canals and tubules. back to top 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. back to top 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. back to top 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. back to top  Whitening See Bleaching back to top |