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Dental Dictionary

A B C D E F G H I J K

Abscess
A collection of pus. Usually forms because of infection.

Abutment
A tooth or tooth structure which is responsible for the anchorage of a bridge or a denture.

Amalgam
A silver filling material.

Anesthetic
An agent that causes temporary loss of sensation/feeling.

Anterior
The front position.

Apex
The end of the root.

Asepsis
No micro-organism.

Attrition
Wear of teeth due to activities such as chewing.

Avulsed
An injury that causes a tooth to be completely knocked out of the mouth.

Bitewing
A kind of dental x-ray which is taken with the teeth bite together. The main function of this kind of x-ray is to detect cavities in between teeth and height of bone support.

Bleaching
Whitening of teeth.

Bridge
A prosthesis which is fixed inside the mouth to replace missing teeth.

Bruxism
Teeth grinding.

Canine
The third tooth from the middle of the jaw. There are four of them. They are the longest teeth in humans.

Canker sore
An ulceration with yellow base and red border in mouth. It can be caused by trauma or herpes simplex virus.

Caries
Tooth decay.

Cavity
A hole on the tooth.

Cast
A model of teeth.

Cementation
The process of "gluing" the appliance/prosthesis on the associated area.

Chlorhexidine
An anti-microbial agent. It is available in many forms such as gels and rinses. It is an effective agent in controlling gum diseases.

Clasp
A metal arm extended from a removable partial denture. It helps to hold onto natural tooth structure and thus provide anchorage for the denture.

Cold sore
An ulcer or blister on lip. A form of herpes simplex.

Composite
White filling.

Cross-bite
An abnormal bite relationship of upper and lower jaw. The lower teeth/tooth align toward the check/ lip side more than the upper teeth/tooth.

Crown (porcelain/plastic/metal)
A crown is almost like a "cap" on a tooth. It covers the tooth partially or totally above the gum to restore its function and outlook.

Decay
A soft substance caused by the bacterial demineralization of enamel and dentin. An infection within a tooth. Must be treated.

Dentistry
A branch of medicine that involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of any disease concerning teeth, oral cavity, and associated structures.

Dentition
The position, type, and number of teeth in upper and lower jaw.

Denture
(Immediate/complete/partial) (overdenture, temporary) An artificial object to replace missing teeth and their neighboring structures. There are many different types of denture to satisfy different treatment requirements and patient preferences.

Denturist
The person who specializes in fabricating dentures. A Denturist is not responsible for making any type of diagnosis or carrying out any other treatment (e.g. removing teeth).

Desensitization
A procedure to reduce the sensitivity of teeth.

Diagnosis
The process of identifying dental disease.

Diastema
The space between two adjacent teeth.

Distal
A direction indication in the mouth. It indicates the direction away from the middle of the jaw.

Edentulous
No teeth.

Endodontics
A department of dentistry involving diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental pulp (where the nerves and blood vessels are inside the tooth).

Eruption
The process of the tooth appearing in the mouth.

Excision
The action of cutting something off.

Extruded
When a tooth may be pushed partially out of the socket.

Filling
A restoration placed on a tooth to restore its function and appearance.

Flipper
A temporary denture to replace missing teeth during the waiting period for long term treatment.

Floss
A thread/tape that goes in between teeth for cleaning.

Fluoride
A compound of fluorine (an element) which be put in different forms such as water, gels, and rinses to strengthen teeth.

Fluoride Treatment
Teeth treatment with fluoride agents like gel or rinse. It helps to prevent tooth decay.

Fracture
When a cusp of a tooth becomes weakened, a fracture may result. It is possible for the crack to extend further into the root and damage to the pulp is commonplace.

Framework
A metal skeleton of a removable partial denture to support the false teeth and the plastic attachments.

Gingivitis
The mildest form of gum disease: inflammation of gum. The earliest sign is bleeding gum.

Hemorrhage
Bleeding

Hemostasis
Stop bleeding.

Impaction
A condition where a tooth is not able to come in normally or is stuck underneath another tooth or bone.

Implant
A device (usually "screw-like") put in the jaw bone to support a false tooth, a denture or a bridge.

Impression
A mold taken by some jelly-like material loaded on a tray.

Incisal
The cutting edge of front teeth.

Incisor
The four upper and lower front teeth.

Inlay
A restoration (usually gold, composite or ceramics) fabricated in the lab that cements on a tooth like a missing puzzle piece. It helps to restore the normal function and outlook of the tooth.

Interproximal
The space between two adjacent teeth.

J

K

L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lingual
The side of the tooth towards the tongue.

Mesial
The side of the tooth towards the middle of the jaw.

Molar
The last three upper and lower teeth on both sides of the mouth.

Mouthguard
A device to be worn in the mouth. Depending on the design of it, it prevents injury to teeth and/or jaw during teeth grinding or sport events.

Nightguard
A mouthguard which is worn at night time.

Occlusal
The biting surface of the back teeth.

Occlusion
The way how the upper and lower teeth close together.

Onlay
A restoration covers the entire biting surface of a tooth.

Open bite
The situation where the upper teeth not able to contact the opposing lower teeth.

Orthodontics
A special field in dentistry which involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of bite abnormalities or facial irregularities.

Over bite
The overlap of upper teeth and lower teeth when they close together.

Overhang
The portion of filling material that hangs beyond the border of the cavity.

Palate
The roof of the mouth.

Panoramic Radiograph
An x-ray film used to obtain the wide view of upper and lower jaw and their associated structures.

Perforation
An opening on a tooth or other oral structure.

Periapical
The surrounding of the bottom of the root of a tooth.

Periodontics
A specialty of dentistry involves diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of gum (periodontal) disease.

Permanent teeth
Adult's teeth. The first permanent tooth usually comes in around 6 years old.

Pin
A piece of "nail-like" metal. It usually is used for better retention of a filling.

Polish
A process to make the tooth or filling or other denture smooth and glossy.

Pontic
The false tooth in a bridge or denture to replace the missing tooth.

Post
A big pin which can be made with different materials such as metal or carbon. Its function usually is to support a big buildup on a tooth.

Posterior
Located at the back.

Pre-authorization
An approval from the particular authority (usually insurance company in dentistry) before any action (treatment) is carried out.

Pre-medication
Medication needing to be taken before treatment.

Premolar
The two teeth located in front of the molar.

Prescription
A written statement (from a doctor to a pharmacist) regarding the type, the amount and direction of the use of a medication for a patient. In dentistry, a prescription can also be a written statement for preparation of an appliance from a dentist to a lab technician.

Primary teeth
Baby teeth.

Prophylaxis/prophy
The procedure of teeth polishing. It also means the prevention of diseases.

Prosthesis
An artificial part to replace missing teeth and their associated structures.

Prosthodontics
A specialty of dentistry involving diagnosis, treatment planning, and fabrication of artificial parts to replace missing teeth and their associated structures.

Pulp
The innermost part of a tooth. It contains nerves and blood vessels inside a tooth.

Pulpectomy
The removal of the whole pulp inside a tooth.

Pulpotomy
The removal of the top part of the pulp inside a tooth.

Q

Radiograph
An x-ray picture.

Recall
The regular checkup and teeth cleaning appointment.

Recementation
The process of "gluing" the appliance/prosthesis back on the associated area.

Restoration
An item a dentist uses to restore the normal function of a tooth or an area in the mouth. It can be a filling, a crown, a bridge, etc.

Retainer
A device used for maintaining the position of teeth in the jaw in orthodontic treatment.

Retreatment
The process of repeating the root canal treatment.

Root
The bottom part of tooth. It anchors the tooth to its supporting units.

Root canal
The canal that runs inside the root of the tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth.

Root canal treatment
A treatment for the root canal inside the tooth.

Root planing
The action of cleaning the root area of teeth.

Rubber dam
A rubber sheet that fits around teeth. It isolates the treatment area from the rest of the oral cavity.

Scaling
The action of cleaning teeth below the gumline.

Sealant
A thin layer of plastic-like material covering the grooves and pits on a tooth to prevent cavity.

Sedation
The use of medication to calm a patient.

Space Maintainer
An appliance to maintain the space between teeth.

Splint
An appliance or a material to prevent movement of a mobile part.

Tempromandibular Joint (TMJ)
The joint that links the two parts of the jaw.

Torus
An outgrowth of bone. It usually develops on the roof of the mouth or around the premolar area on the lower jaw.

U

Veneer
A layer of tooth-colored material (can be porcelain, composite, or ceramics) that attaches to the front of the tooth. It is usually used to improve the appearance of the tooth.

Wisdom tooth
The eighth (also the last) tooth from the middle of the jaw.

Xerostomia
Dry mouth

Y

Z

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Jeff L.
Jeff L.
1674757839
Excellent dentist, very professional and friendly team! Thank you!
Nicholas L.
Nicholas L.
1673576417
Great experience and friendly staff highly recommend for dental care.
Bonnie B.
Bonnie B.
1668642846
I've been going to Dr. Frey for over 18 years. My dental care has been excellent.
Jann A.
Jann A.
1650562411
Dr. Frey has been my dentist for years. He replaced eight of my front upper teeth with beautiful crowns! He is a committed professional that will honestly advise you on procedures you need, or more unusual, the procedures you don't or can delay. His staff is knowledgeable and friendly!
Dahye J.
Dahye J.
1632331162
Fran S.
Fran S.
1632183008
Warm reception from entry door through the whole office. Polite, pofessionals. Have been taken care of my dental care for a lot of years. Highly recommend them.
Clay S.
Clay S.
1631762152
Pleasant, courteous, efficient Dentist and other staff.
Larry U.
Larry U.
1629237599
makes going to dentist fun
Laura O.
Laura O.
1628821890
PAUL B.
PAUL B.
1620264013
My first dentures officially started today with castings. I anticipated it being uncomfortable and it was but this process was painless. Next stop the model.
Bette Rice V.
Bette Rice V.
1604355267
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Mark Frey for many, many years and have had lots of basic dentistry as well as restorative and cosmetic dental work completed. He has walked me through each procedure, included me in the planning and provided painless treatment to give me teeth that make me proud to smile! Years ago when I was looking for a dentist (mine had retired) a good friend , who was a very committed periodontal hygienist, recommended him. I have never been disappointed. He stays current regarding the most current and effective dental treatment plans. His entire staff is amazing.....Angel, office manager; Bonnie, his right hand assistant; Aimee, his fabulous hygienist. I have total faith in this dental practice and would feel confident recommending them to anyone!
Lynn C.
Lynn C.
1601938730
I felt very safe going back to see Dr. Frey at long last. And I really needed the visit as I knew I needed more than a cleaning appointment! They are wearing so much PPE that I am surprised that they can work efficiently, and there was air flowing through the room as well, and lots of hand sanitizer everywhere. And of course, they are very nice and friendly people and Dr. Frey is a great dentist!
Nancy N.
Nancy N.
1600987204
I feel so comfortable because they are so caring and professional.
Cameron T.
Cameron T.
1597078018
Amazing, love the place and the people.
Vince G.
Vince G.
1594329584
Dr Frey does fantastic work and never tries to sell you services you don't need. 100% on the level. The hygienists are fantastic as well. I have some super sensitive spots on my teeth and a low threshold for pain and, despite that, Corrine always gets me through the cleaning with no stress. Angel at the front desk demonstrates great attention to detail in keeping your procedures on track and your billing straight. Even though I visited today, during the time of coronavirus, I felt safe due to their safety procedures.
Chelsey D.
Chelsey D.
1593297583
Lindsey H.
Lindsey H.
1545094146
I love this office. Dr. Frey is by far the best dentist I have ever seen. He is so gental, competent, and he makes you feel at ease. The office staff are all very friendly and wonderful, too! I have received great care from them. My temporary crown fell off and they squeezed me in and fixed it the very next day! I drive for three hours just to come to this office. I highly recommend them if you are looking for a great dentist.
K O.
K O.
1543103926
I wrote below review 4 years ago. Last night my front tooth/crown fell out... 20 minutes after leaving a message on Dr Frey's emergency message line, he called me back and made an appt to fix my tooth at 10am today - Saturday - even tho office was closed & staff were enjoying their Thanksgiving weekend. Amazingly speedy service! Thank you once again for being an awesome, caring dentist!_________Awesome dentist & team. It's a comfort to have the assurance of quality, professional, state of the art dental care. I am always given careful, patient service and I can count on attention to detail. On top of this, it's a pleasure to see everyone here for routine visits. Thank you!
Jill M.
Jill M.
1542405946
My daughter and I just had our first visits and we could not be happier. Everything was explained, the entire office was kind and there was no “upselling”. We were referred by a friend and I’ll be referring people too. Thank you!
Megan F.
Megan F.
1541698249
5 stars! Great Dentist! My son used to have anxiety but today he was calm and relaxed! We are very happy!
Evan G.
Evan G.
1541538510
Probably THE most together dental office I have ever visited. Quick, thorough, professional, friendly, really put me at ease. Their work is TOP notch. Two Thumbs up +.
Susie M.
Susie M.
1535137799
I am serial tooth-grinder, and did a lot of damage. Dr. Frey and his amazing team reconstructed my smile. They have my highest recommendation.
HEIDI B
HEIDI B
1526360006
This is a very relaxing atmosphere with excellent dental care. The staff is caring, knowledgeable and fun.
Jenna K.
Jenna K.
1522210213
Dr Frey and his staff were compassionate and understanding about my dental history, very informative and explained my treatment plan perfectly. I’m excited to be a patient.
Penelope H.
Penelope H.
1520558163
Radrodro V.
Radrodro V.
1509671346
Very friendly staff and thank you Dr Frey for taking time to talk and explain things to me.
Kerri G.
Kerri G.
1498018479
Always friendly and caring staff.
rhona K.
rhona K.
1489643633
Its a place you always look forward for your next visit. Its that GOOD.
Eric B.
Eric B.
1489019803
As good as it can be!
Hunter P.
Hunter P.
1484849994
Donna R.
Donna R.
1478740126
Dr. Frey, Bonnie and Angel were all wonderful! He is gentle and very competent. Definitely knows what he's doing!
Josephine B.
Josephine B.
1478645189
Competent, caring, cheerful.
Norm C.
Norm C.
1469662456
As usual, the doc is the best and so is the staff.However, maybe it's just me but I found it difficult to get to the "Review" portion.
Melba M.
Melba M.
1465334435
I am hoping you make 5 star tooth repair as i do not know where to get any quality dental work here in sonoma calif.If you can e-mail me before 5 pm today it is tuesday my home number is 869-8095 my name is Melba an emergency
Elizabeth du P.
Elizabeth du P.
1434499295
My 3- and 4-year-old boys just had their first visit and seemed to enjoy it!! (The prizes at the end were a big deal!) Thank you!!
Mary B.
Mary B.
1413248114
I've had some terrible experiences at dental offices but I have yet to endure a bad one at Dr. Frey's. He recently fit me into a busy day when I had an emergency and as usual, showed me much compassion and gave me suggestions if the fix didn't work. So far so good. I'm always happy with the professional and pleasant staff, especially Angel and Aimee. I've recommended several people to Dr. Frey and will continue to do so as long as he has a practice.
Vaughn S.
Vaughn S.
1377257884
Dr. Frey, Angel, Betty and the Whole Staff are great!!
Sophie F.
Sophie F.
1374127759
Hillary R.
Hillary R.
1373601656
Anet D.
Anet D.
1351874139
Thank you, Dr. Frey, for seeing me right away when I broke a crown that was 20 years old and had been put in by a dentist in another city. I really appreciate that you worked through your lunch time to fix it. I value your skill and the way you take care of your patients. Thank you so much.
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