Site map

             

 

Glossary

 

 

[a - e]        [f - j]        [k - o]        [p - t]        [u - z]

 

 

Bruxism

The abnormal wear of teeth through excessive grinding.  Teeth should only be in contact very briefly during swallowing and chewing and the rest of the time be apart.  Many people grind (brux) their teeth during sleep and cause irreversible damage to their teeth.  Ask your dentist for advice if you brux.

 

Calculus

Commonly known as tartar.

A hard material which forms when the build-up of soft plaque on the teeth becomes impregnated with minerals from the saliva or serum. It contains and is covered by bacteria that can lead to and sustain periodontal disease.

 

Crown Lengthening Surgery

Usually performed on a tooth, which has fractured below the gingival margin. The fractured tooth usually requires a crown, and crown lengthening is required for a correct crown margin to be obtained.

A gingival flap is raised around the fractured tooth, the bone is contoured with a bur and the gingival tissue slightly trimmed to lower the gingival margin.  Gingival flap is then sutured into place.

 

Exposure Surgery

Performed when a patient’s unerupted tooth (usually canine) will not erupt into position at the request of an orthodontist.

A flap is raised over the un-erupted tooth and the bone and dental follicle are removed around the accessible area of the crown.  An orthodontic bracket/button is bonded onto the exposed area of the tooth and the chain of the bracket is bonded to the erupted teeth.  The flap is then sutured back into position.