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Periodontal Disease is the irritation, swelling and bone loss that can occur if disease is let go around the supporting tissues of the teeth. This is one of the most common and most preventable diseases of mankind. Periodontitis is the step that follows, or is more advanced than gingivitis. As it advances, the teeth can get loose and the tissue that surrounds the teeth gets destroyed. |
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Periodontal Pocket is the area of the gum tissue that attaches to the tooth at the top of the gums. Generally speaking, we have healthier gums when the pockets are 2-3 mm deep, because it is easier to clean with a brush. Pockets that are 4-6 mm or deeper, tend to trap food and bacteria easier and can lead to gum disease. |
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Permanent teeth are the adult teeth, the second set of teeth that we get, starting around age six and ending when we get our third molars (wisdom teeth) around age 17-22. |
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Plaque is generally the film that develops on teeth which is sticky and can develop into a calcified mass called calculus if not removed. It is food that is broken down and bacteria that combine to produce it. |
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Posterior teeth is the back teeth in the mouth beyond the canines . |
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Primary teeth is the dental term for the first set of teeth. Also called baby teeth. |
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Prophylaxis is also called a prophy. This is the basic cleaning of the teeth and gums usually done by the hygienist. It is to help protect the patient from progressing into periodontal disease and getting cavities. |
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A root canal is typically done whenever the decay or injury to the tooth invades the inner part of the tooth where the pulp is. This is where the nerve and the blood supply are located. When a root canal is done, the inner portion of the pulp is removed, along with any infection that may have invaded the inside walls of the tooth. Then a sealer material is placed with a rubbery plastic to fill the hole so that new infection can't get into the tooth. Generally, by removing the root, it can potentially weaken a tooth and therefore, it is common to protect the integrity of the tooth by placing a crown over the tooth. |
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Sealants are plastic coatings that are placed on the etched surface in the grooves of teeth-typically on the back molars and sometimes on pre-molars. It helps prevent sugars and bacteria from getting into those deep fissures and cause decay. |
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Sjögren's syndrome is a condition resulting in dry mouth and dry eyes caused by an immune system malfunction. It affects 2-4 million people and 90% are women. For more details from a web site specifically designed for this topic, click here. |
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The temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) is a very unique and fragile joint. Because of the numbers of tendons, ligaments and muscles that are used to hold it in position, it is subject to trauma and stress. As a result, headaches, jaw soreness and and neck-aches can all be related to problems related to the TMJ. Sometimes the small disc that separates the lower jawbone from the socket where it rests gets displaced and a bite splint may be used among other therapies to "reposition" the jaw into the proper alignment. More on the TMJ. |
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