Dental terms are essential for us to understand procedures and care related to oral health. In this content, we will explore in detail the main terms used in dentistry, explaining the meaning of each of them.
What are Dental Terms?
Dental terms are words or expressions used by dental professionals to describe procedures, techniques, instruments, diseases, among other aspects related to oral health.
1. Tooth Decay
Dental caries is a common disease, characterized by the demineralization of dental tissues, caused by the action of bacteria present in the oral cavity. It can lead to the destruction of enamel and dentin, resulting in pain and tooth loss.
2. Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth, such as the alveolar bone, gums and periodontal ligament. It is mainly caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque and tartar, resulting in gum retraction, tooth mobility and even tooth loss.
3. Filling
Filling is a procedure performed to restore teeth affected by cavities. In this procedure, the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and fills the space with a restorative material, such as composite resin, amalgam or porcelain.
4. Dental Implant
Dental implants are a technique used to replace missing teeth. In this procedure, a titanium screw is inserted into the maxillary or mandibular bone, acting as an artificial root. A dental prosthesis is placed on this screw, restoring aesthetic function and chewing.
5. Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry responsible for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The orthodontist uses orthodontic appliances to correct problems such as crooked teeth, crowding and bite misalignment.
6. Dental Cleaning
Dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a procedure performed by the dentist to remove plaque and tartar accumulated on teeth and gums. In addition to preventing periodontal disease, dental cleaning also leaves teeth cleaner and brighter.
7. Endodontics
Endodontics is a dental specialty responsible for treating diseases of the dental pulp, which is the internal part of the tooth. Endodontics involves the removal of infected or inflamed tissue and subsequent filling of the root canal system, commonly known as root canal treatment.
8. Dental Clinic
The dental clinic is the place where dental care and treatments are provided. It is made up of a team of professionals, such as a dentist, orthodontist, periodontist, among others, who offer prevention, diagnosis and treatment services for oral diseases.
These are just a few examples of commonly used dental terms. It is important to remember that, when consulting a dentist, it is essential to understand the meaning of the terms used to understand the information provided and actively participate in oral treatment.
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