Amalgam filling - A silver colored alloy used to create dental restorations after decay has been removed. Amalgam is typically composed of mercury, silver, tin, and copper along with other metallic elements.
Bridge - A prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth. A bridge can be either fixed (cemented) or removable.
Bruxism - The clenching or grinding together of top and bottom jaws and teeth. Bruxism is frequently related to stress and can become a habit.
Composite (resin) filling - A tooth colored dental material used to create dental restorations after decay has been removed. Composite fillings consist of acrylic and ceramic particles.
Crown - A dental restoration that covers and replaces the major portion of an anatomical tooth above the gum line. These artificial crowns can be made of metal, porcelain or a combination of both materials that have been fused together.
Implant - A dental restoration comprised of several parts used to replace one or more missing teeth. One portion of the device is placed surgically into the jaw bone by an Oral Surgeon or Periodontist. A general Dentist completes the procedure by affixing and cementing an artificial crown(s) above the gum line.
Onlay - A tooth colored porcelain restoration that replaces one or more of the cusps of a molar after decay has been removed. An onlay is much like a puzzle piece that takes the shape of the missing tooth structure.
Periodontal Disease - Inflammatory process of the gums (gingival tissue) and supporting membranes of the roots of the teeth. Periodontal disease usually results in deep pockets around the teeth that undermine the support structure and contribute to jaw bone loss.
Resin (Composite) filling - A tooth colored dental material used to create dental restorations after decay has been removed. Resin fillings usually consist of acrylic and ceramic particles.
Root Canal Therapy - The treatment of infection, disease, or injuries of the pulp and nerves inside the root chamber in the center of one or more roots of a tooth.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) - Refers to symptoms of pain and abnormal functioning or locking of the jaw.
VELscope - non-invasive oral cancer-screening device.
Veneers - A thin tooth colored porcelain laminate covering the front surface of one or more teeth. Veneers are used to restore damaged, discolored and/or misaligned teeth.
