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

ACID-ETCH

A mild acidic cleaning solution that helps to remove surface debris. This then allows a special bonding resin to adhere to the toothsurface

Amalgam fillings

Amalgam fillings which are commonly known as silver fillings do contain some silver; however, they are a mixture of metals that are bound together, or amalgamated.

Traditional amalgam fillings were held together using mercury; however, many of the newer amalgam materials do not use mercury. They have been used for many years and are often the treatment that dentists prefer for posterior fillings.

Anesthetic

Anesthetic is a drug used to numb the nerves so that no discomfort can be felt during dental procedures.

Bonding

The appearance of your teeth may be improved by cosmetic bonding. This bonding is made of a white composite filling material just like the material used on composite fillings. Bonding can reduce gaps between teeth, repair chipped teeth or cover teeth that are badly stained. Some antibiotics can cause darkening and staining that does not respond well to whitening (bleaching).

See also Veneers

Bridges

Every tooth in your mouth provides support structure and function to the jaw. If a single tooth is absent it can cause the adjacent teeth to drift into the position of the missing tooth. The roots may also drift and this will cause pressure on the neighboring teeth and reduce the support of the other teeth. The dentist may view the drifting on a dental radiograph (x-ray).

A bridge is a dental prosthesis that is used to replace one or more of the missing teeth in the same arch (same upper or lower side). The dentist permanently cements the bridge into the mouth and unlike a partial denture you cannot remove a bridge. The bridge will provide solid support to the structure of the jaw and prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting.

Please call our office today for additional information or book an appointment either over the phone or online.

Bruxism

Bruxism is clenching or grinding of the teeth especially at night.

Bruxism Appliance

A hard plastic appliance worn on either the upper or lower arch to prevent the teeth from touching so that during grinding or clenching the tooth surface cannot be damaged.

Calculus

Calculus is a hard deposit that forms when you do not brush your teeth so that the plaque hardens. Calculus is also known as tarter.

Composite Resin Filings

Composite restorations have a natural, tooth-like appearance and they are usually placed on anterior teeth. Many patients now prefer to have composite fillings on posterior teeth due to their natural look.

Composite fillings are made of a mixture of plastic and acrylic materials. They are capable of bonding directly to the tooth structure reducing the possibility of leakage. It depends on the size of the restoration (how many surfaces), as to how long the process will take.

At the Health Centre Dental Office we offer both amalgam and composite fillings. There may be a specific reason for they type of filling the dentist recommends to you.

Crowns

A crown is also sometimes referred to as a cap. It is a full coverage restoration that restores the surfaces of a damaged or fractured tooth to the original contour and function. This type of restoration is recommended when there is very little tooth structure left to restore. The crown is permanently cemented onto the prepared tooth structure. This type of procedure is often the dentist’s treatment choice because there are excellent clinical results achieved in creating a strong, permanent restoration.

The quality of these restorations enhances the overall appearance of the smile.

The two types of commonly used crowns are:

1. Porcelain fused (bonded) to metal- This type is usually used on posterior teeth because of the strength that semi-precious metal (the metal under the crown) can provide during chewing. The facing of the tooth consists of porcelain that gives the crown a natural looking quality.
2. Porcelain jacket crown- this is a very thin shell covered by layers of porcelain to assure the shading and translucency of a natural tooth. This type of crown is often recommended for anterior teeth.

There are also other types of crowns that the Health Centre Dental Office offers. Please call today to find out more information or book an appointment.

Dentures

A denture is a removable, artificial replacement for all of your missing teeth in one arch (top or bottom jaw). A denture is made of acrylic and the teeth are plastic or porcelain.

On staff at the Health Centre Dental Office, is our denturist, Michael Litvak. He is available every Friday from 12:00-5:00pm at our office. He does same day relines and repairs for complete or partial dentures. Please feel free to book an appointment online or phone for an appointment or more information.

See also partial dentures

Disinfectant

A chemical agent that is applied to inanimate surfaces to destroy germs.

Fluoride

A chemical solution or gel that you put on your teeth. The fluoride hardens your teeth and prevents tooth decay.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by improper brushing. The first sign of gum disease.

Inlays/Onlays

Inlays and onlays are very natural looking and are and alternative to silver fillings. They are usually made from porcelain, and they are formed to fit and fill most types of cavities and they are almost impossible to distinguish from a natural tooth. They are custom designed using a model of your mouth which is made from an impression that is taken by either your dentist or Hygienist. Only the damaged portion of your tooth will need to be removed unlike silver fillings which require large amounts of healthy tooth to be removed. This procedure will take a few appointments to complete.

Impacted Tooth

An unerupted tooth that somehow has gotten stuck under the gum and cannot come out.

Implant

An implant is a replacement for a missing tooth that is permanently attached to your jawbone.

Laboratory fees

A fee that is incurred when work needs to be completed outside the dental office, for lab fees and materials, without the patient being present such as for crowns, bridges and mouth guards.

Night guard

See bruxism appliance

Orthodontics

Straightening teeth and closing spaces can improve your self-confidence and self-image. No matter how old you are there may be an orthodontic treatment for you. The dentist will do an initial consult with you regarding your mouth and bone structures to determine where the teeth should be. A series of x-rays, photos, impressions (molds of your mouth), and orthodontic measurements and charting will be done. This is called an orthodontic work-up at the Health Centre Dental Office. Once these records are done, the x-rays and impressions are sent to the lab for an analysis and recommendation. The dentist will then gather the information and determine the type of treatment, approximate treatment time, and cost. The orthodontic treatment will then begin. You may have bands, wires, elastics, and appliances to achieve your treatment.

Partial Dentures

A partial denture is a removable denture which replaces only some missing teeth. A partial denture remains in place by attaching with clasps to the remaining teeth.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Gum disease is common and is caused by plaque that forms on and in-between the teeth. This plaque irritates the gums and causes them to be red, tender and swollen. If the plaque is not removed it hardens to form tarter. The tissues that attach the gums to the teeth become destroyed and the gums pull away from the teeth. Small pockets form between the teeth and gums and then fill with more plaque. Most adults are unaware they even have gum disease early on as it is usually painless. If this is diagnosed early your teeth can be saved.

Smoking , unbalanced diet, improper use of dental floss or toothpicks and even pregnancy can contribute to gum disease. Some warning signs to look out for are gums that bleed when brushed, pus between the teeth, loose teeth, red, swollen or receding gums, and bad breath.

Periodontist

A Periodontist is a dentist that specializes in the treatment and care of your gums.

Periodontal Surgery

Periodontal surgery is a procedure preformed by a periodontist to increase the health of your gums.

Periodontal Appliance

See bruxism appliance

Plaque

Plaque is a colorless odorless sticky substance containing acids and bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Radiograph

Another word for x-ray.

Resin

A material used in white fillings to ad in strength and color.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment can provide an effective means of saving a tooth that might otherwise require removal. The presence of the teeth and their root structures help to maintain the overall structure of the jaw. Root canal treatment may be recommended if the pulp of the tooth becomes dead (non-vital). The pulp is the main source of the blood supply to the tooth and the pulp receives its nourishment from vessels that pass through the roots of the tooth. If the prognosis of the tooth is poor then the dentist may recommend to the patient that the tooth can not be saved.

Sedation

Sedation is the use of drugs, hypnosis or other means to achieve an altered state of consciousness. In most cases the intention is to produce a more relaxed patient. The treatment must be tailored to the individual patient and the skills of the treating practitioner.

Space maintainer

A gadget that is placed over an empty space between two teeth to maintain the space. For instance when a child looses a baby tooth prematurely the space maintainer will hold the space until the adult tooth comes in.

Sterilization

A process to remove all possible germs and spores by use of steam and pressure in and autoclave.

TMJ Disorders (Temporomandibular joint)

These joints are the muscles and jaw joints that are used to open and close your mouth. TMJ disorders can be caused by bite problems, clenching your jaw, injury, whiplash, and sometimes poor posture. Obvious signs of TMJ disorder are clicking in the jaw, ear aches, headaches, neck, shoulder, and back pain, and of course facial pain. Arthritis may also contribute to this type of jaw, joint pain.

There are forms of treatment for this disorder and they include bite guards (nite guards), anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and even surgery may be necessary in serious cases.

Veneers

A veneer is a layer of tooth coloured material, usually porcelain, which is cemented to the front surface of the tooth. They are also used to improve the appearance of teeth.If teeth are discoloured; warn or chipped a veneer may be placed on one or more teeth. A veneer may also be needed to improve the colour of the teeth or close in large gaps.

If a veneer becomes chipped or discoloured it can easily be replaced.

See also Bonding

Whitening (Tooth Bleaching)

Tooth bleaching can have quite spectacular results and may be done quick and easy. Only qualified dental professionals should perform bleaching as it is important to have your oral needs examined first before this process starts.

There are two different types of tooth whitening procedures that most dentist offer. One is done in the dental chair where the dentist applies a hydrogen peroxide solution to the teeth and then will apply a laser light to speed up the process. Some people call this laser bleaching. Another type of whitening is the at home kit. This is the most popular treatment at the Health Centre Dental Office. There are usually only 2 appointments involved with this type of bleaching. First, there is an initial consultation/examination performed by a dentist to check the oral needs of each patient. Impressions are taken either at that appointment or after any recommended dental treatment is done. Bleaching trays are fabricated (usually 2-4 days) and the patient is ready to pick up the kit. At this appointment you will be given 4 tubes of bleach (2 for upper and 2 for lower) and shown how to apply it. The bleach gel is placed in small amounts in the bleaching trays and then the trays will be left in your mouth for approximately 2 hours.

Some dentist even do a combination of both chair side bleaching and at home bleaching.

If you are interested in tooth whitening please call or request an appointment online. We have a special price right now for our at home kit. Click Here to find out more.

X-Ray

An intraoral picture taken with low doses of radiation to see the hard tissues of the mouth