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Many of us have had the experience of sitting in the dentist chair and thinking they’re talking another language. This is because dentists and their dental assistant use dental terminology to describe conditions of the teeth and mouth.  This terminology helps to record accurate information and save time. To patients their words can be confusing – until now.   

Read on to understand more about the terminology dentists use and what it all means. And importantly, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or dental assistant to explain what they’re saying.    

Your mouth is divided into quadrants 

Dentists divide your mouth into four separate regions known as quadrants. The upper part of your mouth forms the first two quadrants and the lower part of your mouth the third and fourth quadrants.  Working clockwise, your top right side is quadrant 1, top left is 2, lower left is 3 and lower right is 4.  Each tooth also has it’s own individual identifying number, for example, tooth #1 is your front tooth, working backwards into the mouth, your next tooth is #2 and this continues up to tooth #8, if you have all of your teeth present in that quadrant. When your dentist is examining your teeth, they will often call out two numbers.  

Why so many teeth? 

You may hear your dentist name your teeth as incisors, canines, premolars and molars, or third molars (wisdom teeth). Each of your teeth serves a special function to bite, grind and soften food so it’s safe to swallow.    

It’s not only numbers which are code for your teeth and where they are located, your dentist will also use number and word combinations to describe what they’re seeing. For example, you may hear them say words like, mesial (closest to the front of the mouth), lateral (side), incisal (cutting side) distal (closer to the back of the mouth) which are commonly used to explain which portion of a tooth they’re examining.   

When a tooth has had previous treatment, there is also a special way of relating what’s been done.  Restorations may be described as being made from composite, resin or amalgam. When a tooth is missing, decayed or filled, your dentist will also describe the condition of any restorations and if they are still in good condition or need replacing.  

Handy dental terms  

• Bruxism – clenching or grinding your teeth 
• Root canal therapy – the removal of infection from a tooth 
• Crown – made of strong dental material such as porcelain or metal to cover the entire tooth -like a crash helmet for a damaged tooth 

• Occlusal splint – a night guard worn if you’re clenching and grinding 
• Dental implant – a replacement for a missing tooth root in your jaw bone made from pure titanium . Used to anchor a new crown, bridge or denture 
• IV sedation – known as ‘twilight or sleep dentistry’  
• Abscess – acute or chronic infection in the gum or tooth 
• Bridge – a procedure to replace one or more missing teeth using the teeth either side of the gap to hold it in permanently in place 

• Calculus – another word for tartar, which is is a hard mineral deposit on the tooth surface  
• Canine teeth – also known as the eye teeth used for slicing and tearing into food. There are two canines in the upper and lower jaws 
• Tooth Decay – also known as holes or cavities. This is the result of tooth enamel and dentine becoming soft and infected by bacteria in the mouth 
• Dentine – the yellowish tissue that makes up most of a tooth, located beneath the enamel which is the white, hard outer layer  
• Dentures – false teeth made of acrylic or metal; can be complete (replacing all teeth) or partial (filling in spaces left by missing teeth) 

• Enamel – the white part of the tooth you can see above the gums. It is the hardest substance in the body 
• Erosion – the loss of tooth enamel due to acid attack 
• Filling – used to replace lost tooth structure following tooth decay, erosion, fracture or trauma. Commonly made from tooth coloured materials such as composite resin 
• Fluoride – a natural mineral found in toothpaste and water that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay 
• Gingivitis – an early form of gum disease characterised by inflamed or bleeding gums as a result of plaque bacteria build-up along the gum line 

• Hygienist – a dental practitioner specialising in the prevention of dental disease and the promotion of good oral health 
• Incisor – a front tooth used for slicing into food. There are 4 incisors in the upper and lower jaws 
• Mandible – the lower jaw 
• Maxilla – the upper jaw 
• Molar – teeth used for grinding, located on both sides of the jaw. There are up to 6 molars in the upper and lower jaws 

• Orthodontist – a dental professional who specialises in dental and facial irregularities such as crooked teeth and mismatched bites 
• Periodontal disease – an advanced gum disease which may occur if gingivitis isn’t treated 
• Periodontal ligament – tissue that separates the tooth from the bone socket, and anchors the tooth to the bone 
• Plaque – a soft, sticky substance comprised of bacteria and similar substances that build up on teeth 
• Premolars – teeth with a flat biting surface, used for tearing and crushing food. There are 4 premolars in the upper and lower jaws 

• Pulp – the living tissue at the centre of each tooth containing nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue 
• Scaling – the process of removing harmful substances such as plaque, tartar and stain from teeth 
• Sealant – a material applied to biting surfaces of newly erupted back teeth to prevent cavities forming 
• Tartar – when plaque isn’t cleaned away, it can harden into tartar. Dentists will also sometimes call this calculus 
• Veneer – a thin layer of material made to cover the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance or position 

 

Book an appointment with your dentist to put your new knowledge into practice. You may want to ask them how your 13 is looking!   

 

Dentures are artificial teeth, used as a solution to fill the gaps when natural teeth are missing. Dentures, also called ‘false’ teeth, come in a range of different types. Generally, there are three categories of dentures: complete, partial or implant-retained.  

As with other dental technology dentures have undergone several innovations, particularly in the last few years.  This has meant improvements in the way dentures look, feel, and sit in the mouth to work more efficiently when eating and talking.  

How do I know if I need dentures? 

There are a number of reasons why it’s important that lost or missing teeth are replaced.   

• Being able to chew and eat properly.  Teeth fill a primary purpose of softening food so it can be swallowed. When teeth are missing, there are limitations with diet and the textures of food. 
• As supportive structures around the surrounding teeth and to conserve remaining natural teeth.  
• Supporting other dentures.   
• To transfer biting forces onto remaining teeth, rather than the gums.  

• Appearance – our self-esteem is strongly linked with how we look and smile. 

How to decide which dentures are right for you 

You should be guided by your dentist who knows your history as to what type of dentures would suit you best. You have choices about the way your dentures attach in your mouth and how they will look. 

Types of dentures 

Full or complete dentures – rest on the gums and replace all the missing teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Sometimes people are not able to retain any of their natural teeth, so need a full set of dentures. 

A partial denture – replaces some teeth and uses securing clasps to attach the denture to existing teeth. 

An implant-retained denture is designed to replace one or more teeth and is secured to the jaw through implants. 1 Implants can be particularly useful for lower dentures which tend to sit less firmly on the gums and can tend to move around. 

Denture materials 

Acrylic (plastic) – full or complete dentures are often made from acrylic (artificial base, gums and teeth). Although they provide the best suction and fit when replacing a full set of missing teeth, they are not always best option for partial dentures  

Metal & acrylic metal dentures bases with natural looking acrylic gums and teeth are the ideal option for partial dentures for stability and retention.  

Your dentist will work with you to identify which material is the most suitable for you based on your oral health and unique situation. 

 

As with natural teeth, dentures need to be cared for and cleaned regularly. Whatever type of denture you have, your dentist will ensure they are fitted and adjusted to your own mouth. It’s important to monitor the way your dentures are working for you so your dentist can recommend changes if they’re needed.  

Book an appointment with your dentist today to discuss your options when it comes to dentures.  

[1] Dentures | healthdirect

 

Sources

ADPA – Australian Dental Prosthetists Association

 

Cavities or holes in teeth are also known as tooth decay or caries. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and over time, enamel, the hard outer layer of your tooth, can break down exposing the sensitive dentine underneath. Left untreated, holes in teeth continue to grow bigger resulting in moderate or severe toothache and even the eventual loss of the tooth.

Can a cavity fix itself?

Cavities are a progressive condition, so without treatment, they will never get better.  Unlike the rest of your body, your teeth are not protected by your immune system, so they don’t have a natural ability to fight infection. Preventing your teeth from cavities occurring is always the best option.

When a cavity is in its early stages of formation, you might be not be aware that it’s occurring as the enamel outer layer of the tooth doesn’t contain any nerves to alert you to the problem.  Early cavities are usually picked up during regular dental examinations or dental x-rays and are best treated at this stage as treatment options are generally less complex and less expensive.

A cavity left to grow bigger will eventually reach the dentine, the inner sensitive part of the tooth and cause tooth ache which can range from mild to severe, especially in reaction to cold food and drinks. If left for a prolonged length of time, the tooth becomes increasingly fragile, risking fracture of the tooth, and allowing food to become trapped within, which will eventually lead to infection of the nerves at the centre of the tooth. Unfortunately, this can then result in the formation of an abscess causing constant pain or swelling of the face. When decay affects the nerves of the tooth, root canal therapy or tooth extraction become the only effective treatment.

It is important to make an appointment with your dentist if you have any pain from your teeth to avoid the problem escalating and potentially becoming more expensive. Book an appointment with your dentist today and ask them to check your teeth for cavities.

How can I tell if I have a cavity?

In the early stages of a cavity forming, you may not have any symptoms. Generally, toothache or pain when chewing and sensitivity to cold and hot foods and drinks are the early signs of a cavity. Some people experience gum swelling, bad breath or an unpleasant taste in their mouth.  In the early stages of a cavity developing, spots or discolouration can sometimes be seen on the surface of the tooth.

Factors that can increase the likelihood of cavities

Anyone with teeth is at risk of getting cavities. However, some factors can increase the likelihood of cavities forming.  Infrequent or ineffective tooth brushing, not flossing and insufficient fluoride can all increase the risk.  A diet high in sugary or acidic food and drinks is a major component of the risk factors in developing cavities. Hormonal changes such as during pregnancy or menopause which cause a dry mouth, gum recession or other mouth changes are also risk factors.

It’s not always possible to avoid cavities forming, though early detection prevents decay affecting the deeper layers of the teeth and reducing the risk of more complex dental problems. Regular dental check-ups are a perfect opportunity for early detection of cavities.

Children can have cavities

Children are prone to cavities, which left untreated, can affect their development and speech. Children benefit from regular dental check-ups, ideally starting before their second birthday.  Early detection and treatment of cavities can help to retain baby teeth in their correct position, helping their permanent teeth to be correctly aligned. Speak with your child’s dentist about fissure sealants – resin barriers which provide a barrier to the bacteria which cause plaque. Book an appointment today.

What’s involved in filling a cavity?

Filling a cavity is done in a number of steps. Your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine the extent of the decay and the area they need to focus on.  You’ll be offered numbing options to help you feel as comfortable as possible. Your dentist will clean and remove the decay from the tooth. A filling material will be placed into the space and then shaped and polished, so it is smooth. The type of material used will depend on the location of the tooth and how much wear and tear it’s exposed to. Your dentist will talk with you about your options.  You’ll be asked to bite down gently to make sure the filling is not too high and to check the level is correct and is not affecting your bite.

 

How do I know what a dental emergency is?

Urgent dental care is required in a dental emergency. This is often due to the pain that a person is in or to prevent any worsening of the issue. Such things can include:

• Severe toothache and pain
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Dental trauma or accidents such as a tooth that has been knocked out
• Dental infection of either the tooth or gum
• Placement of a final crown restoration when the temporary crown is lost or causing issues
• Denture repairs
• Lost fillings

When should I see the dentist?

Many of our dental centres remain open over the holiday season. Give your local nib Dental centre a call as soon as your dental emergency occurs and ask for an emergency appointment. All our centres ensure that they have emergency appointments available daily for just this reason. The team will also be able to guide you on some simple steps to take to keep you comfortable and prevent further damage until your appointment.

 

 

Steps to follow if a tooth has been knocked out

Follow these simple steps and be sure to get in touch with your local nib Dental team.

1. Find the tooth, if it is clean, gently place it back in the socket ensuring you hold the tooth by the crown and not the root.

If the tooth is dirty, wash it in milk or in the mouth before placing it back in the socket.

2. If you are unable to place the tooth back in the socket, store it in milk or in plastic wrap, never in water.
3. Call your local nib Dental team for an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

 

What will the cost of an emergency dental appointment be?

The cost for your emergency dental appointment will vary depending upon the individual dental treatment you require. Your dentist will discuss any costs that are expected at the time of your appointment.

 

While many people use an advent or 12-day calendar as a fun way to build anticipation in the lead up to Christmas, there are now many other alternatives to the traditional sugar-filled treats associated with these, including:

1. Small toys- like crayons, craft supplies, hair clips, stickers or bouncy balls.
2. Story a day- there are now ready-made advent calendars that have books in place of treats which can lead to some quality time spent each day.
3. Puzzle creation- this can be as simple as a special message or picture that is broken into pieces. Place one puzzle piece in each day of your advent calendar. It could even be a cryptic clue to the present that is awaiting the child or adult on Christmas morning.
4. Activity-based treats- these could be notes about a fun family activity that you will do each day, like making your own ornaments, putting up the tree, wrapping presents for others, taking a walk to a favourite location.
5. Try a Christmas box instead- gift the box at the beginning of the month or even each week and fill with items such as seasonal movies, pyjamas, slippers and a mug for hot chocolate or eggnog.

 

Get through the holidays with your smile intact

1. Carol while you clean: You should aim to brush your teeth for at least two minutes for an optimal clean. Pass the time by humming a carol or your favourite holiday song while you brush. If you’re feeling like some family fun (that may also involve a little mess) see who can brush their teeth while singing a carol the best. There may be some guessing involved to name the carol they’re singing if they’re brushing properly!
2. Set a time limit: It can be tempting to graze the delicious food that we often have available throughout the holiday season, but eating all day puts our teeth at more risk of decay. This is due to the bacteria that is left in our mouth for longer periods of time, leading to tooth decay. Set yourself some specific times of the day to set out food to eat, your teeth will thank you for it.
3. Focus on meaningful events, not food: We often base our holiday events on food, which can be bad for our teeth and other areas of our health. To take the focus off food, set up activities like board games and card games, craft projects or holiday movie sessions.
4. Watch the wine: Remember that beverages such as red wine can stain your teeth. White wine poses less of a risk to your teeth. If red wine is your go-to choice over Christmas, drinking it with food can help to reduce the risk of it staining your teeth. And as always, brush your teeth well when you do drink red wine.
5. Fill up on fruit: We’re lucky in Australia to have Christmas coincide with seasonally delicious fruit, so why not choose to fill up on fresh fruit rather than sugary desserts. If you are hosting the meal, try making only one sugary dessert and instead pair dessert with platters of fruit and a cheese plate to satisfy the sweet tooth.
6. Protect your teeth: The traditional backyard footy or cricket game are a summer staple over the Christmas season. Be sure to protect your teeth from the wishful ‘professional’ players in your family with a mouthguard.
7. Indulge in veggies: At meals, aim to fill your plate with vegetables to help you steer clear of the sweet treats available after.
8. Be careful what you bite into: Some traditional Christmas food such as lollies, pork crackling or even nuts can be hard enough to crack your teeth. Test a small piece before biting down or try dissolving hard lollies in your mouth rather than chewing.

If dental emergencies do happen over the holidays, please give your local nib Dental centre a call. We have emergency dental appointments available throughout the holiday season.