Following up from last week’s blog, we want to inform you of some terms and treatments you may need to understand before your next dental appointment.
It’s always a good idea to know what is happening with your oral health. Beyond the usual terms like cavities, crowns and cleaning, there is a whole list of dental terminology you may come across.
Microabrasion
Do you have irregularities and intrinsic stains on the surfaces of your tooth enamel? Speak to your dentist about microabrasion.
Your dentist can use a mechanical technique to remove small tooth impurities that can help rid you of aesthetic concerns. Unlike tooth whitening, where the change is a result of a chemical reaction, microabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure using an abrasive substance to improve the look of your enamel.
As an added bonus, this treatment can reduce the risk of chipped or fractured teeth.
Necessary Treatment
A treatment deemed necessary by your dentist for your oral health. A necessary treatment might be as simples as a cleaning or something involving a little bit more work like a root canal.
Performing necessary treatments help protect your teeth and gums. Think of it as preventative maintenance helping you reduce the chance of more in-depth procedures.
Your dentist will take your oral history and structure of your mouth into account to ensure proper treatments are provided to you.
Occlusion
The way your top teeth come into contact with your lower teeth when certain things like resting and eating occur.
The way your teeth fit together is very important because ill-fitting teeth can cause pain, inhibit proper chewing, cause tooth breakage or even tooth loss. Your dentist can make sure your teeth align correctly and identify any overbite or underbite.
Periodontal Disease
Inflamed tissues resulting in an abnormal space between a tooth and its surrounding tissue. There are varying stages of periodontal disease.
Gingivitis is the first stage and is curable, but as the disease progresses bacteria begins to deteriorate your gums and enter the bone causing bone loss. In severe cases, your gums recede, and you could lose your teeth. Your dentist may suggest medication or surgery, depending on the severity of your individual situation.
Quadrant
The dental arches are divided into four sections and each one of them is called a quadrant. The quadrant begins at the midline where the arch is and extends distally to the last tooth. The upper jaw contains quadrants 1 and 2, the lower jaw, 3 and 4.
When identifying the area in your mouth requiring work, your dentist will refer to the numerical quadrant to ensure the correct tooth is being treated. Your dentist will check all four quadrants in your mouth at every appointment.
Residual Root
The remaining portion of your root after losing over 75% of your tooth’s’ crown. Your dentist might need to re-do your broken crown but will let you know the best treatment for this issue should it occur. If the residual root becomes infected it may need to be removed completely.
Next week, you can read further about dental terms and treatments in our informative blog. Are you having a hard time understanding something? Contact your dentist to get a comprehensive explanation of your individual treatment.
