Bridges - a fixed partial denture which is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth cemented or attached to abutment teeth or implants adjacent to the space; removable partial denture is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth on a framework that can be removed by the patient.

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-C-

Caries - This is another term that the dentists use to describe cavities.

Cavity - A small hole caused by tooth decay, also known as caries.

Crown - the portion of the tooth covered by enamel. Also a type of restoration that covers all or most of the natural tooth.

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-D-

Dental Implants - A manufactured material placed in or on the jawbone to aid in replacing missing teeth.

Dentures - an artificial set of teeth that is removable.

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-E-

Endodontist - a specialist who performs root canal and treats diseases and infections of the pulp.

Extractions - removal of teeth

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-F-

Fillings - restoring of lost tooth structure by using materials such as: metal, alloy, cement, porcelain or synthetics.

Frenectomies - removal of the frenum ( the thin cord of tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum or the tongue to the floor of the mouth

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-G-

General Anesthesia - a controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a partial or complete loss of pain sensation.

General Dentist - A general practitioner of dentistry

Gingivitis - inflammation of gum tissue caused by bacterial plaque invading the gum tissue. Symptoms include - puffy, red and bleeding gums.

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-I-

Impacted Tooth - an unerupted or partially erupted tooth that is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely.

Inlays - a cemented type of restoration which is made to fit an internal/external preparation resulting from the loss of healthy tooth structure.

Incision and Drainage - making an incision in an abscess to drain out the puss.

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-L-

Local Anesthesia - elimination of the sensation of pain, in one part of the body by the topical application or regional injection of an anesthetic drug.

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-O-

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon - a specialist who deals with the diagnosis & treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities of the mouth and supporting structures

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-P-

Periodontist - a specialist who treats the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

Plaque - a soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and salivary substance.

Porcelain Crowns - a porcelain cap which covers the crown of the tooth to repair it or change the shape and/or color.

Porcelain Veneers - A thin layer of porcelain adhered to a surface of a tooth to repair or change the color and/or shape.

Prosthodontist - a dentist who specializes in the restoration of teeth, replacement of missing teeth and maintaining proper occlusion.

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-R-

Root Canal - removal of the pulp of a tooth and filling with an inert material.

Root Resections - removal of a root of a tooth while retaining the crown.

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Sleep Apnea - a disorder which is potentially fatal in which a person who is asleep may stop breathing multiple times for more than 10 seconds.

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-T-

Tartar - also called calculus. A hard deposit containing bacteria which adheres to teeth.

TMJ Disorder - A disease process of the jaw joint and or its muscles.

Tooth whitening - a process to lighten the color of teeth.

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