Dental medicine, like any other branch of medicine, is populated by rather difficult-to-understand dental terms. That is precisely why the Dental Elite team has taken on a new mission in the interest of its patients! We dedicate this page of the website to defining these dental terms, so that each of us fully understands the information conveyed at the surgery. Short and to the point.
Ablation – represents the dental technique by which prosthetic works are removed: dental bridges, posts, inlays, dental crowns.
Abrasion – is an injury caused by mechanical wear of the tooth, usually accompanied by dentine hypersensitivity. The length, depth, and width of the microlesions (visible under a microscope) vary depending on the abrasiveness of food and how frequently it is consumed.
Gingival recession coverage with graft – represents the procedure by which a piece of gum tissue is harvested to cover the exposed roots of teeth.
Gingival recession coverage by flap surgery – represents the procedure by which a piece of gum tissue is harvested to cover the exposed roots of teeth.
Occlusal adaptation – represents the achievement of balanced interdental contacts.
Bone grafting – is a common medical procedure, performed under local or general anaesthesia, to restore lost jawbone volume. Bone grafting may be necessary before the placement of dental implants, as well as in the treatment of periodontal disease.
Airflow – is usually done after a scale and polish, but it can also be done individually. The operation involves spraying a powerful jet of air and sodium bicarbonate onto the tooth, which will remove stains and plaque! You can find out more about airflow with a click here.
Aerodontalgia – is dental pain that occurs when atmospheric pressure decreases during airplane flight or when ascending mountains.
Root canal treatment – represents the procedure for bleaching devitalised (non-vital) teeth by placing a special bleaching gel inside the tooth.
Alveolus – is the bony cavity in which teeth are implanted, in the mandible and the maxilla. Following a tooth extraction, the complication that can occur is called alveolitis, which signifies inflammation of the alveolar walls and the mucosa on these walls.
Alveolotomy – represents bone removal from the dental alveolus.
Digital fingerprint – this is the dental mould. prepared before carrying out work with a scanner.
Functional footprint – this is a mould of the prepared teeth before a restoration is made.
Radical amputation – is the cutting and removal of a tooth root.
Dental anomalies – represent deviations in the normal development of teeth. Among these, the most common are reverse bite (a front upper tooth behind the lower teeth), crossbite (the upper arch does not circumscribe the lower arch) or crowding (teeth do not have enough space on the arch).
Local infiltration anaesthesia – this is numbing the tooth by injecting anaesthetic substance.
Dental arch – represents the entirety of teeth in the maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) bones.
Arc de visage – it is an articulation system that is used to record certain facial and dental landmarks within prosthetic work.
Articaine – is the most common type of local anaesthetic used in dental practices. The concentration used in dentistry is 4%, with or without adrenaline, and its effects last for approximately 45 minutes.
Temporomandibular joint – is the joint that allows the movement of the jaw and connects the skull to the mandible.
Vacuum cleaner – this is the device that collects saliva during a procedure and allows the dentist to operate in optimal conditions.
Laser biostimulation / Pain therapy – the use of a laser to reduce tooth sensitivity.
Bont – this is the prosthetic piece that will support the future crown.
Bruxism – signifies teeth grinding, an involuntary discharge of the nervous system. It occurs most often during sleep.
Healing cloak – this is the piece that helps the gum heal until the dental implant receives an abutment and a crown.
CBCT – abbreviation for computed tomography.
Colour key – this is the device onto which artificial teeth are attached, and it helps to determine the colours of your new perfect teeth! You'll also see it up close during your cosmetic dentistry consultation!
Chislectomy – represents the procedure for removing cysts.
Alveolar curettage – Is it cleaning of the dental alveolus after extraction.
Open field curettage – represents the cleaning of tooth roots with the performance of a flap.
Direct pulp capping – this is the application of a substance for dental pulp protection at the time the tooth's pulp chamber is opened.
Indirect pulp capping – represents protecting the nerve in deep cavities.
MTA styling – this is the application of a substance for dental pulp protection at the time the tooth's pulp chamber is opened.
Coal – this is the anatomical limit between the crown and the root, the meeting point between the tooth and the gum.
Composite – is a synthetic resin used as a restorative material in dental fillings (plombs).
Precisely – noises or clicks heard by the doctor on palpation during mouth opening or closing. These can be caused by various temporomandibular joint disorders.
Uncorking – represents the cutting of gum grown over wisdom teeth.
Scale and polish – refers to the removal of tartar deposits from teeth using special instruments in the dental surgery.
Diastema – represents the space between two teeth – what we traditionally call ‘gaps’. Although not a medical condition in itself, diastema can be treated by wearing braces, by veneers, or by closing the front teeth using a cosmetic filling.
Milk tooth – is a popular term describing a temporary tooth.
Ectopic tooth This represents an anomaly where a tooth erupts outside the dental arch. Caused by a lack of space on the arch or the premature extraction of a deciduous canine, dental ectopia can be treated orthodontically (with removable or fixed braces) or surgically-orthodontically (extraction followed by treatment with fixed braces).
Edentulism – represents the absence of a tooth or even all teeth.
Laser gum contouring – non-surgical represents the enlargement of the dental crown by removing the gum with the help of a laser.
Endodontics – refers to the specialty that deals with the treatment of the root canal or, in Romanian, with nerve removal.
Tooth extraction Reprezintă îndepărtarea dintelui de pe arcadă.
Dental veneers – are to do with cosmetic dentistry. The patients are most often targeted by the visible, frontal teeth, which receive ‘repairs’ for natural defects such as gaps, stains or altered position.
Gelaspon – it is a sterile, resorbable sponge that promotes blood clotting in surgical procedures (dental extractions).
Silicon wafer – this is a guide made from impression material that accurately replicates the dental surface, helping the dentist to precisely restore dental structure that has been lost or removed by milling.
Gingivectomy This is a surgical procedure that consists of removing excess or inflamed gum tissue, with a therapeutic or aesthetic purpose.
Gingivitis – it is a chronic oral condition, manifesting as gum inflammation and bleeding during brushing. However, it can be cured!
Gingivo-alveoloplasty – the gingiva and alveolar bone (the bone that holds the tooth) are reshaped and adjusted to correct problems with gum levels.
Gingivo-osteoplasty – the gum tissue and the bone that supports the gum are reshaped to improve the appearance of the smile.
Gingivoplasty – A treatment that allows for the remodelling of gingival tissue and is performed in cases of gingival deformities, with the aim of improving the harmony between the gingival line and the tooth crown.
Glass ionomer – it is a glass ionomer cement used in dentistry for fillings or for the cementation of prosthetic restorations.
Connective tissue graft – represents the process by which a fragment of gum is harvested from the palate and used (sutured) where there are large gum defects.
Gutters – is a soft plastic device that covers the teeth, used to prevent mandibular fractures or to help achieve a whiter smile.
Immobilisation (trauma) – represents the splinting of a tooth (which has suffered trauma) to adjacent teeth until it heals.
Dental implant – it is a small titanium screw that replaces the root of the natural tooth, which is inserted into the alveolar bone. After a period of 2-6 months, an artificial tooth is connected on top of it to restore the beautiful smile from before.
Occlusion elevation – represents adding a material to the teeth to increase the VDO (vertical dimension of occlusion).
Diastema closure – a diastema represents the space between two incisors. To close it, the dentist makes two fillings or 2 veneers on those teeth to close that unsightly gap.
Incision and drain abscess - The incision is made with a scalpel in the affected area to allow the pus to drain from a dental abscess.
Air conditioning removal / ducting – one of the accidents that can occur in endodontics is the breakage of a needle in the canal (root). It can be removed, under a microscope, with special instruments.
Removal of orthodontic appliance – represents the removal of braces as part of orthodontic treatments.
Remove attachments – is the removal of orthodontic appliances.
Removal of distractor / distractor on mini implants – is the removal of the appliance that helps to widen the jaw in orthodontics.
Removal of old obstruction – the removal, by milling or laser, of old fillings, with a view to replacing them with new, correctly fitted ones.
Inhalosedation – is a procedure whereby, with the help of an apparatus with compressed gases (oxygen and nitrous oxide), a mask is attached to the nose and a state of relaxation is induced. The patient remains conscious, receptive, and cooperative, but relaxes deeply.
Fitting the crown onto the implant – crowns on implants can be of 2 types: cemented with a special cement or screwed into the implant. The screwed-in ones will have a hole through which an implant prosthetic key will be inserted to tighten the crown, then the dentist will fill that hole with composite.
Exploratory endodontic investigation – this is a procedure by which the tooth is analysed under a microscope and it is decided whether it can be saved and treated endodontically, through the canals, or if it will be extracted.
Laser cleaning – subgingival scraping with decontamination – this is a deep subgingival scaling and root planing procedure that also uses a dental laser to disinfect deep periodontal pockets.
Wash the mud off – Lavajul is a procedure where washes are performed with various antiseptic substances. A drainage blade is a small piece of latex or nitrile that is inserted into the incision site of an abscess to allow the infection to drain and to prevent the incised area from closing.
Periodontal rinse – it is the washing with antibiotic and antiseptic of periodontal pockets.
Individual spoon – it is an individualised spoon, for each patient, made in the dental laboratory, on a plaster model, after an impression taken beforehand with a classic spoon.
Denture repair – is a procedure performed in the surgery or dental laboratory, consisting of adding or bonding a tooth from a set of teeth onto the patient's denture.
Marsupialisation of cyst – is the procedure by which fluid is drained from inside the cyst.
Mesiodens / Supernumerary – represents an extra tooth that has appeared between the two upper central incisors. Supernumerary – An extra tooth located in an area other than the central ones.
Fully erupted wisdom tooth – represents that wisdom tooth with the crown fully visible on the arch.
Monoradicular – this single-rooted tooth.
Filling – this is what we call, in classic terms, a dental filling. It is made from composite.
Root canal filling This involves ‘filling’ the root canal of the tooth, immediately after the nerve has been extracted and the canal disinfected.
Dental occlusion – refers to the way the upper teeth interact with the lower teeth, or more precisely, to the „bite”. You're likely to hear it when discussing dental implants.
Odontectomy – represents the extraction of a tooth embedded in bone.
Odontotherapy – this is a procedure that involves the treatment of tooth decay.
Flap surgery – is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and lifting the gum for various medical purposes.
Orthodontics – is the branch of dentistry that deals with aligning and harmonising the position of the teeth to achieve a balanced and correct occlusion (bite). Discover our orthodontic services here!
Orthopantomogram (OPG) – is a panoramic radiograph of the oral cavity.
Composite overlay – the direct method – is a filling that restores the entire occlusal surface of the tooth.
Periodontology – refers to conditions affecting the gums and alveolar bone, as well as the ligaments that hold the tooth in the alveolus. Periodontal diseases include gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.
Periodontal probing – measuring periodontal pockets using a probe and recording these measurements in a chart.
Periodontitis – is a chronic condition of the gums that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. It affects the gums, the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone; without the necessary treatment, it can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Pediatric dentistry – is a dentist specialising in treating children’s teeth.
Paediatric dentistry The specialisation in dentistry that deals with dental treatment for children.
Professional hair styling – This is carried out immediately after scaling, alongside the Airflow treatment, and involves brushing the teeth with a special toothpaste that is more abrasive and contains more fluoride than standard commercial toothpastes.
Dental pivot – is a prosthetic device used to restore a decayed or fractured tooth.
Buccal-sinus communication – is the closure of the communication between the oral cavity and the sinus cavity (surgical intervention).
Multi-rooted – is the tooth with multiple roots.
Premolarisation – in the case of a single root, the roots are separated, one (the damaged one) is extracted and the other is saved.
Prosthetic work trial – is an intermediate stage in the process of carrying out a prosthetic procedure.
Mock-up sample – This is the intermediate stage in the fabrication of a dental prosthesis. The future prosthesis is fitted, with the teeth mounted in wax.
Occlusion template test – is the intermediate stage in the process of making a denture, during which the future bite is determined.
Prophylaxis – essentially involves preventing dental problems, as well as complications if we are already experiencing issues. It is a cleaning appointment that takes place at the start of every dental treatment, as well as once every six months.
Pulpectomy – involves removing the inflamed nerve from the root canal of a tooth, followed by disinfecting the canal and preparing it for filling.
Bitewing X-rays – is an X-ray taken whilst the patient is biting down, and is used to detect cavities between the teeth.
Cephalometric X-ray (teleradiography) – este o radiografie de profil, necesară în ortodonție, pentru măsurarea unor repere osoase ale craniului.
Radiografie cu film mușcat – este ramura de diagnosticare imagistică ce investighează zonele dintre dinți, care nu sunt accesibile în cadrul unui control direct.
Radiografie OPG ATM – este o radiografie de articulație temporo-mandibulară.
Radiografie OPG în ocluzie – este o radiografie dentară în mușcătură.
Radiografie retroalveolară – este o radiografie mai mică ce cuprinde 2-4 dinți.
Radiografie retroalveolară excentrică – este o radiografie mai mică ce cuprinde 2-4 dinți și se face din alt unghi.
RCT – este tratamentul de canal.
Reatașare fragment dentar – reprezintă lipirea unui fragment dentar fracturat în urma unui traumatism.
Recolare retainer – este lipirea sârmei de contenție după tratamentul ortodontic.
Recoltare blog autolog – este o intervenție chirurgicală prin care se recoltează os dintr-o anumită zonă pentru a fi adăugat în altă zonă cu defect osos.
Reconstituire integrală dinte temporar – reprezintă refacerea în totalitate a unui dinte de lapte.
Reconstituire în scop endo – reprezintă refacerea pereților dintelui pentru a putea realiza tratamentul endodontic.
Reconstrucție cu pivot din fibră de sticlă – reprezintă refacerea coroanei dentare a unui dinte cu distrucție mare cu ajutorul unui pivot cimentat pe rădăcina dintelui.
Refacere muchie incizală – reprezintă refacerea marginii dinților din față.
Reglaj ocluzal – echilibrarea mușcăturii prin adăugare de material sau prin șlefuire selectivă.
Regularizare creastă osoasă – reprezintă finisarea marginii anfractoase a osului în timpul intervențiilor chirugicale.
Reparație ceramică – reprezintă reparația unei lucrări protetice de pe care a sărit ceramica.
Revelator de placă bacteriană – este o soluție care colorează placa bacteriană în scopul evidențierii acesteia și educării pacientului.
Replantare dinte avulsionat – după un traumatism soldat cu smulgerea dintelui din os, se practică repunerea acestuia în alveolă.
Restaurare bont – reprezintă refacerea unui dinte ce urmează a fi protezat.
Restaurare coronară post endo – reprezintă refacerea coroanei cu o plombă dupa tratamentul de canal.
Retainer fix colat în cabinet – reprezintă aplicarea unei contenții după tratamentul ortodontic.
Retuș proteză – reprezintă adaptarea/repararea unei proteze vechi.
RRCT dinte – reprezintă retratamentul de canal.
Rezecție apicală – reprezintă îndepărtarea vârfului infectat al unei rădăcini, în cazul în care tratamentul endodontic nu a fost eficient.
Scanare intraorală – este o amprentă digitală realizată prin scanarea arcadelor, cu ajutorul scannerului.
Sigilare dentiție temporară – este aplicarea unui material în șanțurile molarilor de lapte, cu scopul prevenirii cariilor.
Sigilare dinte permanent – reprezintă aplicarea unui material în șanțurile molarilor și premolarilor permanenți, cu scopul prevenirii cariilor.
Sigilare preparație – reprezintă aplicarea unui sigilant pe un dinte cu nerv, preparat în scop protetic.
Simulare digitală Smile Cloud – este simularea unui zâmbet virtual cu ajutorul unui program ce folosește inteligența artificială.
Sinus lift extern – crearea unui ferestre osoase în peretele sinusului maxilar prin care se va ridica membrana sinusală și se va face adiția osoasă.
Sinus lift intern – intervenție chirurgicală de mărire a a volumului osos în zona în care urmează să fie inserat un implant dentar.
Șlefuire în scop protetic – este șlefuirea unui dinte pe care urmează o lucrare protetică.
Șlefuire selectivă – reprezintă șlefuirea anumitor dinți pentru a echilibra mușcătura.
Smalț dentar – este stratul exterior al dintelui, ce îl înconjoară și protejează. Deși dentina (porțiunea galbenă) este regenerabilă, smalțul nu beneficiază de aceeași proprietate. Cu toate că este cea mai dură structură din organismul uman (mult mai dură decât osul), expunerea constantă la factori de risc duce inevitabil la degradarea acestuia.
Socket preservation – previne resorbția imediată a osului după extracție și oferă contur și integritate alveolei.
Status dentar – reprezintă situația clinică a fiecărui dinte în parte.
Sterilizare pungi parodontale – reprezintă dezinfectarea pungilor parodontale cu ajutorul soluțiilor antibiotice și antiseptice și a laserului.
Stripping – o procedură minim invazivă care constă în reducerea dimensiunii dintelui pentru a câștiga spațiul necesar în timpul tratamentului ortodontic.
Suprimare fire – îndepărtarea firelor de sutură ce s-au folosit în timpul unei intervenții chirurgicale.
Tartru – reprezintă o acumulare de placă bacteriană ce s-a mineralizat, apărând numai atunci când placa nu este îndepărtată de pe suprafața dinților. Cum bacteriile care rămân pe tartru pot cauza gingivite sau alte boli paradontale, detartrajul este extrem de important.
Tehnică periaj – modul corect prin care pacientul trebuie să se perieze.
Tratament alveolită postextracțională – reprezintă tratamentul infecției ce poate apărea după extracția mai dificilă a unui dinte.
Tratamentul cariei incipiente – Metoda Icon – este un tratament inovativ, non-invaziv, prin care se tratează petele alb crețoase, acestea fiind primul semn de apariție al unei carii.
Tratament de urgență – reprezintă tratamentul care combate durerea (depinde ce urgență).
Tratament endodontic cu microscop – reprezintă tratamentul canalelor radiculare sub magnificație.
Tratament gingivită Waterlase – reprezintă tratamentul inflamației gingivale cu ajutorul laserului.
Tratamentul hemoragiei dento-alveolare – este un tratament efectuat în scopul opririi unei sângerări, care apare dupa extracția unui dinte, prin aplicarea unei substanțe hemostatice și a suturii.
Tratament necroză – este un tratament de îndepărtare a unui nerv mort.
Tratament periimplantită – este tratamentul unei infecții ce apare în jurul unui implant.
Xerostomie – este afecțiunea care determină lipsa de salivă suficientă pentru a păstra gura umedă, însă este provocată de alte circumstanțe. De regulă este un efect advers al unor medicamente, dar și o extensie a diabetului zaharat, a lupusului sau chiar a atacurilor de panică. O consultație medicală este recomandată cu mare căldură în acest caz.
Nu uita că proiectul #ABCDentar a luat naștere pe pagina noastră de Facebook. Te invităm să dai like paginii noastre here pentru a descoperi un nou termen stomatologic în fiecare săptămână!
