A visit to your dentist is stressful enough – then your dentist starts talking to the assistant in what sounds like a foreign language. If it stresses you out to not have a clue what your dentist is talking about then here is a short list of terminology that you should know before you next appointment.
Veneers
These are wafer-thin covers or shells to improve the look of your teeth. Veneers can be used to improve shade, gaps or tooth size and shape. They are glued to your original teeth and provide a much more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Implants
An implant is basically a denture that is permanently rooted into your gums just like your original tooth. Implants are placed surgically, anchoring your new tooth into your jawbone. You can use implants to replace a single missing tooth or an entire mouth of teeth, making removable dentures a thing of the past.
Laser Treatment
Lasers are now very common in dentistry practices. Your dentist may use lasers in place of drills in removal of decay, gingivectomy and even for root canal therapy. Recovery from laser treatment is often more comfortable than traditional methods so the laser is not something to fear!
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a procedure you will most likely be referred to a specialist (endodontist) for. You usually need a root canal when a tooth breaks or has a cavity which has infected the root of the tooth. The endodontist will remove the nerve in the root of your tooth and replace it with a resin filling.
These are some of the more common terms heard in dentistry, however, feel free to ask your dentist if you ever do not understand what they are talking about. After all, it’s your mouth, your smile and they will be happy to make sure you understand everything.