When visiting your local dentist Vancouver, chances are that there will be terminology used that you probably won’t understand. As with most professions, there is terminology that is specific to that profession that those outside of the industry won’t be familiar with. There are some terms that you might recognize, but don’t necessarily know what they are referring to. We’ve compiled a list of the most common dental terms that you could potentially hear at your next visit to see your friendly dentist at Atlantis Dental Roundhouse.
Cavity: A hole in the tooth caused by decay.
Crown: An artificial tooth or cover made from porcelain or metal.
Decay: A diseased tooth structure that is softened by a cavity. These spots are removed in order to create a hard spot that a filling can be placed on.
Enamel: Enamel is the hard surface of the tooth above the gum line.
Extraction: The process by which a tooth or teeth are removed.
Filling: A composite material used to fill a tooth cavity.
Fluoride: A chemical solution used to harden teeth and prevent decay.
Gingivitis: Swollen or inflamed gums caused by plaque around the teeth.
Impacted Tooth: A tooth that is located below the gum line, and sits sideways, generally requiring extraction to remove (often times a wisdom tooth).
Plaque: A sticky buildup of acids and bacteria that causes tooth decay.
Tartar: The hardened plaque that can form on neglected teeth (also known as calculus).
Now that you are equipped with some of the most common dental terms, you’ll be educated for your next visit to Atlantis Dental Roundhouse, the dentist Vancouver loves. By knowing the most common dental terms, you’ll get the most out of visiting Atlantis Dental Roundhouse by knowing what exactly the dentist is referring to when talking to you about your oral health! Put your new dental knowledge to good use, and contact us today to schedule an appointment!