What are some common dental terms from your Winter Park dentist?
What are some common dental terms from your Winter Park dentist?
Whether you have been to your Winter Park dentist recently or it has been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, we often see several terms used to describe dental care, which can confuse some patients.
You may have heard some of these terms used by your dentist, friends, and family. Although dental technology has changed over the years, many terms are used interchangeably, which could confuse some of our Winter Park dental patients.
At our office, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common dental terms we hear on the phone and in the office!
A dental partial denture is a “flipper” or “plate.”
We often hear some patients calling a removable prosthetic a “flipper” or “plate,” such as: “I had this flipper made for me a few years ago, and it just doesn’t fit anymore.” Or perhaps: “This plate they made for my top teeth is much more comfortable.” These terms usually refer to a dental partial denture –a removable prosthetic made to replace one or more teeth.
For example, if a patient is missing more than one tooth on their upper arch and needs to quickly replace multiple teeth to help them chew and for appearance, they may refer to this as needing a new “flipper” to be made!
A dental crown is called a “cap.”
One widespread dental procedure is a “crown” made to replace multiple surfaces of the tooth at once with a permanent and strong restoration. Just as this can be visualized as placing a “crown” on the tooth or replacing the “crown” of a tooth – it can also be visualized as putting a “cap” on the tooth. This term may have come from some metal crowns that were thinner or even crimped on, like stainless steel crowns.
In this case, the terms are indeed interchangeable. For example: “My cap fell off on the back right molar; I need a new one made because now the tooth is sensitive under the cap.” For our dental staff, this description would be to help a patient prepare either re-cementing or replacing a dental crown. Related to a dental “crown or cap” would be a veneer. However, it is essential to note that while a “crown or cap” covers all tooth surfaces, a veneer will only cover some surfaces.
Bonding is a term for indirect veneers or dental fillings
Many patients seeking cosmetic dentistry often ask about “bonding” services. They often refer to touching up their teeth' visible surfaces without major replacement work of veneers or crowns. In this case, “bonding” can refer to the general procedures to achieve a cosmetic outcome.
However, when our staff hears a patient discuss “bonding” as a dental office, we typically plan for an indirect veneer and composite filling. Using a combination of composite resin (generally used for white fillings), 3D computer-aided systems, and a skillful hand in cosmetic dentistry, the dentist can help restore aesthetic concerns such as chipped teeth or filling in undesired gaps.
Calculus, tartar, and plaque, known generally as “buildup,” are removed during a dental cleaning
During a dental cleaning, your local hygienist or general dentist may mention a “buildup” on your teeth between dental cleanings. Good flossing and brushing can help prevent this accumulation of things; however, dental cleaning is almost always required to remove buildup, typically hardened plaque, called “calculus” or “tartar.” While “plaque” is a white substance that can be removed via regular brushing and flossing, over time, the plaque can turn into a yellow-colored and more complex substance that tends to “build” in areas of the mouth that are harder to clean.
When referring to the “buildup,” the dentist is talking about plaque that has turned into calculus (or tartar) that can only be removed by a dental professional. Over time, without a dental cleaning, calculus can accumulate deeper under the gumline, making even a regular cleaning insufficient to restore dental health—in this case, “periodontal” treatment may be needed.
We hope some of this common dental terminology helps you navigate your dental treatment and help out some of your friends and family. If you need help with some dental work or perhaps understanding a dental treatment plan that has been presented to you, please call our office, and we would be happy to help!