Dental Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the pediatric, preventive, restorative and cosmetic dental terms you may hear at a dental visit.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a fixed replacement for one or more missing teeth, made of artificial teeth held in place by crowns on the neighboring teeth or by dental implants.
Read the definition of Dental BridgeRestorativeDental Implant
A dental implant is a small titanium or ceramic post placed in the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root, which then supports a crown, bridge or denture.
Read the definition of Dental ImplantPreventiveDental Sealant
A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to keep food and bacteria out of the deep grooves where cavities often start.
Read the definition of Dental SealantCosmeticDental Veneer
A dental veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surface of a tooth to change its color, shape or size.
Read the definition of Dental VeneerRestorativeDentures
Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue, made as complete dentures when all teeth are missing or partial dentures when some natural teeth remain.
Read the definition of DenturesPediatricEarly Childhood Caries
Early childhood caries is tooth decay in the baby teeth of infants and young children, often called baby bottle tooth decay when it is linked to frequent, prolonged exposure to milk, formula or juice.
Read the definition of Early Childhood CariesComfortNitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a mild sedative gas mixed with oxygen and breathed through a small mask to help patients relax during dental treatment while staying awake.
Read the definition of Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)Gum HealthPeriodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gums and the bone that support the teeth, ranging from gingivitis to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
Read the definition of Periodontal DiseaseRestorativeRoot Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the canals, then fills and seals them so the natural tooth can be kept.
Read the definition of Root Canal TreatmentPediatricSpace Maintainer
A space maintainer is a custom appliance, fixed or removable, that holds open the gap left when a baby tooth is lost early so the neighboring teeth do not drift into the space before the permanent tooth comes in.
Read the definition of Space MaintainerCosmeticTeeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that lightens the natural color of teeth, usually with peroxide-based bleaching agents applied in the dental office or with custom trays at home.
Read the definition of Teeth WhiteningPreventiveTopical Fluoride
Topical fluoride is fluoride applied directly to the teeth, as a varnish, gel or foam at the dental office or in toothpaste at home, to strengthen enamel and help prevent tooth decay.
Read the definition of Topical FluorideHave a question about your child’s or your own dental care?
Reach the office: Contact Us.