dental glossary

Understanding dental terminology can make it easier to feel confident about your oral health and treatment options. This dental glossary was created to help patients learn more about common dental procedures, technologies, conditions, and treatments offered at Perkins Dentistry. Whether you're researching Invisalign®, dental implants, porcelain veneers, LANAP® laser therapy, preventive care, or restorative dentistry, you'll find clear, easy-to-understand definitions designed to help you make informed decisions about your dental care.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. Implants provide a strong foundation for crowns and other restorations. Learn more about Dental Implants.

Implant Crown

An implant crown is a custom restoration attached to a dental implant to replace a missing tooth and restore function and appearance.

Crown

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers and protects a damaged, weakened, or heavily restored tooth. Learn more about Restorative Dentistry.

Bridge

A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to neighboring teeth or implants.

Restorative Dentistry

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing damaged, decayed, or missing teeth to improve oral health, function, and appearance.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry includes treatments designed to improve the appearance of teeth and smiles, including veneers, Invisalign, and teeth whitening.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin custom shells bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve their shape, color, and overall appearance. Learn more about Porcelain Veneers.

Smile Makeover

A smile makeover combines one or more cosmetic dental treatments to improve the appearance and confidence of a patient's smile.

Invisalign

Invisalign® is a clear aligner system used to straighten teeth without traditional metal braces. Learn more about Invisalign.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are removable orthodontic appliances designed to gradually move teeth into proper alignment.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment used to remove stains and brighten the appearance of natural teeth.

Bonding

Dental bonding uses tooth-colored composite material to repair chips, cracks, and minor cosmetic imperfections.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is characterized by inflammation, redness, and bleeding gums.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that can damage gum tissue and supporting bone around the teeth.

LANAP

LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is a minimally invasive laser treatment used to treat gum disease while preserving healthy tissue. Learn more about LANAP Therapy.

Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal therapy refers to treatments used to manage and treat gum disease.

Gum Recession

Gum recession occurs when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing root surfaces and increasing sensitivity.

Plaque

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and contributes to tooth decay and gum disease.

Tartar

Tartar is hardened plaque that can only be removed through professional dental cleaning.

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining oral health through routine cleanings, examinations, and patient education. Learn more about Dental Hygiene.

Dental Cleaning

A professional dental cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains to help maintain oral health.

Comprehensive Exam

A comprehensive dental exam evaluates the health of the teeth, gums, bite, and surrounding oral structures.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria produce acids that damage tooth enamel and underlying tooth structure.

Cavity

A cavity is a permanently damaged area of a tooth caused by decay.

Composite Filling

A composite filling is a tooth-colored restoration used to repair teeth affected by decay or minor damage.

Enamel

Enamel is the hard outer layer of a tooth and serves as the first line of defense against decay.

Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays provide detailed images of teeth and supporting structures while exposing patients to less radiation than traditional X-rays.

iTero Scanner

The iTero® scanner is a digital intraoral scanner used to create highly accurate 3D models of teeth without traditional impressions. Learn more about Invisalign.

Digital Impressions

Digital impressions use advanced scanning technology to create virtual models of a patient's teeth and bite.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation that helps patients feel deeply relaxed during dental treatment. Learn more about IV Sedation Dentistry.

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel comfortable and relaxed during dental procedures.

Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety refers to feelings of fear or nervousness associated with dental visits or treatment.

Occlusion

Occlusion refers to the way upper and lower teeth come together when biting and chewing.

Bite Alignment

Bite alignment describes how teeth fit together and function during normal chewing and speaking.

Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can affect oral health, chewing function, speech, and appearance if not properly treated.

Tooth Mobility

Tooth mobility refers to the movement or looseness of a tooth caused by bone loss, gum disease, or trauma.

Oral Health

Oral health refers to the overall health of the teeth, gums, jaw, and supporting oral structures.

General Dentistry

General dentistry encompasses preventive, restorative, and diagnostic dental services designed to maintain oral health and function.

Unrestricted Dental Office

An unrestricted dental office is not contracted with insurance companies and can recommend treatment based on a patient's individual needs rather than insurance limitations. Perkins Dentistry proudly operates as an unrestricted office while helping patients maximize available insurance benefits.