Glossary

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A composite composed of 40-55% mercury along with silver, tin and copper.

Biocalix

A material used in root canal therapy that expands and alkalinizes the tooth, thus discouraging further build-up of bacteria.

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.

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.

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.

Bonded Dentistry

Bonded Dentistry includes a wide range of procedures: tooth-colored fillings or composites, creating veneers and closing gaps between teeth.

Bridge

A dental appliance that replaces lost teeth. It can be either removable or fixed.

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.

Composite Resin

Tooth-colored material made of resin reinforced with silica, glass or porcelain particles that is used for filling cavities.

Cosmetic Contouring

Creating a more pleasing appearance by reshaping natural teeth.

Cosmetic Dentistry

An aspect of dentistry that concentrates on the pleasing, aesthetic appearance of a person's smile.

Crown

Also known as a cap, this type of restoration replaces the missing portion of a tooth or corrects the overall bite.

Dentin

Softer layer of tooth structure that lies beneath the enamel.

Diastema

Space or gap between two teeth.

Enamel

The white outer layer of tooth structure covering and protecting the dentin.

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.

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.

Galvanism

The phenomenon of dissimilar electrical patterns created in the mouth through the use of dental metals.

Gingiva

Gum tissue. Infections in the gingival can lead to periodontal disease.

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.

Laminating

Applying a thin layer of composite resin or porcelain to the surface of a tooth in order to alter its appearance.

Lumineers

Used to change the appearance of teeth by resurfacing with an extremely thin porcelain material. Little discomfort is involved since the teeth are not shaved or cut into. The procedure is a conservative way to achieve a more pleasing smile and can be completed in two appointments.

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.

Onlay

Similar to an inlay except that the filling is also applied to the biting surface of the tooth.

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.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal infection is generally caused by a combination of stress, acidity, and improper oral hygiene. See I'luminae for more information.

Porcelain

Material created by fusing ceramics at high temperatures so that a hard substance/glass is formed resembling tooth enamel.

Procera

A brand name for Zirconia.

Root Canal Therapy

The procedure by which an infected tooth can be preserved by sterilization and filling of the inner canals and tubules.

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.

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.

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.

Whitening

See Bleaching

Zirconia

A new generation of non metallic crown (cap) material. It uses a computer generated substructure over which porcelain is baked to produce a very strong, natural looking restoration. Most caps have metal under the porcelain. This process allows you to get all porcelain crowns on your back teeth that will hold up under chewing pressure.

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