Dental terms and explanations

Dental Impression

An impression is an accurate mold of the teeth or dentition that the dentist needs to create dental restorations. To do this, a soft material is placed in the mouth, which then hardens. This creates an accurate model of the teeth, which can be used to customize crowns, bridges, or dentures, for example. In many modern dental practices today, a digital 3D scan (CeRec) is often used for this purpose instead of the traditional impression.

Craniomandibular dysfunction

Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) is a disorder affecting the interaction between the jaw, muscles, and temporomandibular joint. It can cause symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, jaw clicking, or difficulty chewing. It is often associated with teeth grinding, improper bite alignment, or stress.

Endodontics

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the interior of the tooth, particularly the dental pulp and root canals.

Simply put: If a tooth is infected or damaged inside, endodontics aims to save it rather than extract it. The most well-known treatment is a root canal. During this procedure, the infected tissue is removed from the tooth, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, and it is then sealed tightly.

Fluoridation

Dental fluoridation is a treatment in which fluoride is applied to the teeth, for example as a gel, varnish, or foam. It helps strengthen tooth enamel and better protect teeth against cavities. This makes the teeth more resistant to acids and bacteria.

Filling

A dental filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged, for example, by cavities or a small crack. The damaged area is removed and filled with a material to restore the tooth’s stability.

The main differences lie in the material:

• Plastic fillings match the color of the tooth well
• Amalgam fillings are silver-colored and very durable
• Ceramic fillings look particularly natural
• Gold fillings are very durable, but they are more noticeable and more expensive

The type of filling used depends on appearance, durability, cost, and the location in the mouth.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. Typical symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding gums, especially when brushing. It is usually caused by plaque buildup on the teeth and can be effectively treated with good oral hygiene.

Implant

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is securely placed in the jawbone. A crown, bridge, or denture, for example, can later be attached to it. An implant helps to permanently replace missing teeth and often looks very natural.

Caries

Caries is damage to the tooth caused by bacteria. These bacteria break down sugar into acids that attack the enamel. Over time, this leads to cavities if left untreated.

Periodontitis

When a lot of plaque and bacteria build up along the gumline, the gums may become irritated at first. If left untreated, the inflammation can spread deeper. Over time, the bone around the tooth begins to break down. As a result, teeth eventually become loose and, in the worst case, may fall out.

Peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis is an inflammation around a dental implant. It causes the gums to become inflamed, and in severe cases, the bone surrounding the implant may also deteriorate. The condition is often caused by bacteria and plaque, which is why good oral hygiene and regular checkups are very important.

Prosthetics

Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the replacement of missing or severely damaged teeth. This includes, for example, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant-supported dentures. The goal is to restore the ability to chew, speak, and smile comfortably.

Scaling

Scaling is a thorough cleaning of the teeth that removes tartar and hardened plaque. The procedure helps prevent or alleviate gum inflammation. To do this, the dental office uses special instruments or ultrasound. Plaque is removed both above and below the gum line. Afterward, the teeth are often polished and smoothed to make it harder for new plaque to build up.

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells made of ceramic or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. They can improve the color, shape, or minor imperfections of the teeth. This can make teeth look more attractive and even.

Tartar

Tartar is hardened plaque that builds up on the teeth. It forms when soft plaque isn't removed properly and hardens over time. Tartar can irritate the gums and should therefore be removed regularly at the dentist's office.