Dental Resources
Helpful links to dental associations and common questions and terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with private dental practices?
At this time, we accept inquiries exclusively from attorneys, licensed healthcare facilities, and community health centers.
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In addition to the areas addressed through my consulting services, I offer customized presentations tailored to the needs of your organization. I am particularly interested in advancing conversations around mental health in dentistry and trauma-informed care. Please reach out to discuss your specific goals and audience.
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Glossary of Terms
Diagnostic and Preventive Terms
Dental Exam - Comprehensive evaluation of oral health, including teeth, gums, and jaw.
Dental X-rays - Imaging to identify issues like cavities, bone loss, or infections.
Prophylaxis (Dental Cleaning) - Professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque, tartar, and stains.
Fluoride Treatment - Application of fluoride to strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
Sealants - Protective coatings applied to molars to prevent cavities.
Restorative Dentistry Terms
Filling - Repairing cavities using materials like amalgam or composite resin.
Crown - A cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape and function.
Bridge - A prosthetic used to replace missing teeth, anchored by adjacent teeth.
Implant - A titanium post surgically placed to replace a missing tooth's root.
Inlay/Onlay - Custom-fit restorations for repairing moderate tooth damage.
Root Canal Therapy - Removing infected pulp from inside a tooth and sealing it.
Bonding - Application of tooth-colored resin to repair chips, cracks, or gaps.
Amalgams - A dental filling material made from a mixture of metals, including mercury, silver, tin, and copper.
Light-cured Composites - Tooth-colored resin-based materials hardened using a curing light (usually LED or UV).
Glass Ionomers - tooth-colored materials made from a mix of powdered glass and organic acids, available as light-cured or self-cured (chemically setting) options.
Orthodontic Terms
Braces - Devices used to align and straighten teeth over time.
Clear Aligners - Removable trays that gradually shift teeth into place (e.g., Invisalign).
Retainers - Appliances worn after orthodontic treatment to maintain alignment.
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General Endodontics Terms
A dental specialty focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of issues related to the tooth pulp and surrounding tissues.
Pulp: The soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Pulpitis: Inflammation of the pulp, often caused by deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures.
Apical Foramen: The small opening at the tip of the tooth root where nerves and blood vessels enter the pulp.
Periapical: Refers to the area surrounding the tip of the tooth root.
Root Canal: The hollow section of a tooth’s root containing the pulp.
Periodontal (Gum Health) Terms
Scaling and Root Planing - Deep cleaning below the gum line to treat gum disease.
Gum Graft - Transplanting tissue to cover exposed roots or repair gum recession.
Periodontal Surgery - Procedures to treat advanced gum disease or bone loss.
Oral Surgery Terms
Extraction - Removal of a tooth due to decay, infection, or crowding.
Wisdom Tooth Removal - Surgical extraction of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.
Apicoectomy - Surgical removal of the tip of a tooth root to treat persistent infection.
Bone Grafting - Adding bone material to strengthen areas for dental implants.
Sinus Lift - Raising the sinus floor to allow placement of dental implants in the upper jaw.
Emergency Dentistry Terms
Dental Trauma Care - Treatment for injuries like chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth.
Abscess Drainage - Draining pus to relieve pain and treat infection in the gums or teeth.
Traumatic Conditions
Facial Fractures: Broken bones in the maxillofacial region (e.g., jaw, cheekbones).
Soft Tissue Injuries: Lacerations or damage to gums, lips, or facial skin.
Infectious and Inflammatory Conditions
Osteomyelitis: Bone infection in the jaw.
Sinusitis: Infection or inflammation affecting the sinus cavities in the maxilla.
Tumors and Cysts
Benign Growths: Non-cancerous tumors like odontogenic cysts.
Oral Cancer: Malignant growth in the oral cavity or jaw.
Removable and Fixed Prosthetic Repairs and Adjustments
Maintenance services such as relining, rebasing, or repairing broken prostheses.
Crown:
A tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination (e.g., porcelain-fused-to-metal).
Bridge:
A dental appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to adjacent natural teeth or implants.
       Complete Dentures:
Replace all teeth in either the upper or lower arch.
Made of acrylic resin and designed to fit snugly over the gums.
Partial Dentures:
Replace one or several missing teeth.
Often includes a metal or acrylic framework that anchors to remaining natural teeth.
Overdentures:
Rest on remaining natural teeth or implants for support and stability.
Help preserve the underlying bone and soft tissue.
Flippers:
Temporary removable partial dentures used as a placeholder or aesthetic solution.
Implant-Supported Dentures:
Removable dentures that are stabilized by dental implants for added security and functionality.
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