Capping, dental Health Dictionary

See TEETH, DISORDERS OF – Caries of the teeth.... decay, dental

Decay of teeth... dental caries

See TEETH, DISORDERS OF.... dental emergencies

A statutory body set up by the Dentists Act which maintains a register of dentists (see DENTAL SURGEON), promotes high standards of dental education, and oversees the professional conduct of dentists. Membership comprises elected and appointed dentists and appointed lay members. Like other councils responsible for registering health professionals, the General Dental Council now comes under the umbrella of the new Council for Regulatory Excellence, a statutory body. (See APPENDIX 7: STATUTORY ORGANISATIONS.)... general dental council

See DENTAL SURGEON.... general dental services

See APPENDIX 8: PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS.... british dental association

A person quali?ed to carry out the scaling (removal of calculus [deposits]) from the teeth and to advise patients on how to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Hygienists usually work in a quali?ed dentist’s surgery.... dental hygienist

A dental surgeon, or dentist, is an individual trained to diagnose and treat disorders of the teeth and gums, as well as to advise on preventive measures to ensure that these areas remain healthy. Dentists qualify after a four-year course at dental school and then register with the GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL, which is responsible for maintaining educational and professional standards. Around 25,000 dentists practise in the NHS and private sector.

Over the past four decades the ?nancial outlay on NHS dental services has been around 5 per cent of total NHS funding. This contrasts with 10 per cent during the service’s early years, when the NHS was coping with decades of ‘dental neglect’. The population’s dental health has, however, been steadily improving: in 1968 more than one-third of people had no natural teeth; by the late 1990s the proportion had fallen to 13 per cent.

Dentistry is divided into several groupings.

General dental practitioners Concerned with primary dental care, the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gums and teeth – for example, caries (see TEETH, DISORDERS OF). They also deal with diffculties in biting and the effects of trauma, and are aware that oral disorders may re?ect disease elsewhere in the body. They will refer to the hospital dental services, patients who require treatment that cannot be satisfactorily carried out in a primary-care setting.

Most routine dental prevention and treatment is carried out in general dental practitioners’ surgeries, where the dentists also supervise the work of hygienists and dental auxiliaries. Appliances, such as dentures, crowns, bridges and orthodontic appliances are constructed by dental technicians working in dental laboratories.

There are around 18,800 dentists providing general dental services in the UK. These practitioners are free to accept or reject any potential patient and to practise where they wish. Those dentists treating patients under an NHS contract (a mixture of capitation fees and items of service payments) can also treat patients privately (for an appropriate fee). Some dentists opt for full-time private practice, and their numbers are increasing in the wake of changes in 1990 in the contracts of NHS general dental practitioners.

Community dental practitioner Part of the public-health team and largely concerned with monitoring dental health and treating the young and the handicapped.

In the hospitals and dental schools are those who are involved in only one of the specialities.

Around 2,800 dentists work in NHS hospitals and 1,900 in the NHS’s community services. In some parts of the UK, people wanting NHS treatment are having diffculties ?nding dentists willing to provide such care.

Restorative dentist Concerned with the repair of teeth damaged by trauma and caries, and the replacement of missing teeth.

Orthodontist Correction of jaws and teeth which are misaligned or irregular. This is done with appliances which may be removable or ?xed to the teeth which are then moved with springs or elastics.... dental surgeon

Toothache... dentalgia

See: TEETH DECAY, TEETH EXTRACTION, ALOE VERA. DEOBSTRUENT. That which clears obstruction by dilating natural passages of the body. Usually of the intestines (Ispaghula seeds) or colon (Buckbean). ... dental problems

The wearing away of tooth enamel, often accompanied by the erosion of dentine (the layer beneath the enamel) and cementum (the bonelike tissue that covers the tooth root), usually through too-vigorous brushing. Abraded areas are often sensitive to cold or hot food or drink, and a desensitizing toothpaste and/or protection with a bonding (see bonding, dental) agent or filling may be needed.... abrasion, dental

The movement of teeth by using either fixed or removable orthodontic appliances (braces) to correct malocclusion (incorrect bite).... alignment, dental

The bony cavity or socket supporting each tooth in the jaw.... alveolus, dental

A material, consisting of an alloy of mercury with other metals, that is used as fillings for teeth (see filling, dental).... amalgam, dental

Loss of sensation induced in a patient to prevent pain during dental treatment.

For minor procedures, a local anaesthetic (see anaesthesia, local) is injected either into the gum at the site being treated or into the nerve a short distance away (called a peripheral nerve block).

In addition, topical anaesthetics are often used on the gums.

For more complicated procedures, such as periodontal (gum) surgery and multiple tooth extractions, general anaesthesia is carried out (see anaesthesia, general).... anaesthesia, dental

A pus-filled sac in the tissue around the root of a tooth. An abscess may occur when bacteria invade the pulp (the tissues in the central cavity of a tooth) as a result of dental caries, which destroys the tooth’s enamel and dentine, allowing bacteria to reach the pulp. Bacteria can also gain access to the pulp when a tooth is injured. The infection in the pulp then spreads into the surrounding tissue to form an abscess. Abscesses can also result from periodontal disease, in which bacteria accumulate in pockets that form between the teeth and gums.

The affected tooth aches or throbs, and biting or chewing is usually extremely painful. The gum around the tooth is tender and may be red and swollen. An untreated abscess eventually erodes a sinus (channel) through the jawbone to the gum surface, where it forms a swelling known as a gumboil. As the abscess spreads, the glands in the neck and the side of the face may become swollen, and fever may develop. Treatment may consist of draining the abscess, followed by root-canal treatment of the affected tooth, but in some cases extraction of the tooth is necessary. Antibiotics are prescribed if the infection has spread beyond the tooth.

An abscess in a periodontal pocket can usually be treated by the dentist scraping away infected material.... abscess, dental

A cosmetic procedure for lightening certain types of discoloured teeth, including nonvital ‘dead’ teeth.

The surface of the affected tooth is painted with oxidizing agents and then exposed to ultraviolet light.... bleaching, dental

Dental techniques that use plastic resins and acrylic or porcelain veneers to repair, restore, or improve the appearance of damaged or defective teeth.

It is sometimes used as an alternative to crowning (see crown, dental) and may also be used as a preventive technique to protect the teeth.... bonding, dental

See orthodontic appliances.... brace, dental

False teeth that are attached to natural teeth on either side of a gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. (See also denture.)... bridge, dental

The deposition of calcium salts in developing teeth. Primary teeth begin to calcify in a fetus at between 3 and 6 months gestation; calcification of permanent teeth (other than the wisdom teeth) begins between birth and 4 years. Abnormal calcification occurs in amelogenesis imperfecta, an inherited disorder of the enamel (see hypoplasia, enamel), and can also result from the absorption of high levels of fluoride (see fluorosis).... calcification, dental

A hard, crust-like deposit (also known as tartar) found on the crowns and roots of the teeth. Calculus forms when mineral salts in saliva are deposited in existing plaque. Supragingival calculus is a yellowish or white deposit that forms above the gum margin, on the crowns of teeth near the openings of salivary gland ducts. Subgingival calculus forms below the gum margin and is brown or black. Toxins in calculus cause gum inflammation (see gingivitis), which may progress to destruction of the supporting tissues (see periodontitis). Calculus is removed by professional scaling. Attention to oral hygiene reduces recurrence.... calculus, dental

Tooth decay; the gradual erosion of enamel (the covering of the tooth) and dentine (the substance beneath the enamel). Initial decay usually occurs on the grinding surfaces of the back teeth and areas around the gum line. The main cause is plaque, a sticky substance consisting of food deposits, saliva by-products, and bacteria that collects on the teeth. The breakdown of food deposits by bacteria creates an acid that eats into the enamel to form cavities. Unchecked decay spreads to the dentine, and as the cavity enlarges, bacteria may invade and destroy the pulp

at the tooth’s core. Advanced decay causes toothache and bad breath.

Treatment consists of drilling away the area of decay and filling the cavity (see filling, dental). In advanced decay, it may be necessary to remove the infected pulp (see extraction, dental).

Water fluoridation and the use of fluoride toothpaste helps prevent caries.

The risk of caries is also reduced by cutting sugar consumption, practising good oral hygiene, and visiting the dentist regularly.... caries, dental

A hole in a tooth, commonly caused by dental caries (see caries, dental).... cavity, dental

See overcrowding, dental.... crowding, dental

An artificial replacement for the crown of a tooth that has become decayed, discoloured, or broken. A porcelain crown is usually used on front teeth, but back teeth require the greater strength of a crown made from gold or porcelain fused to metal.

A crown may be fitted by filing the natural tooth to form a peg and cementing the crown over the top. If the tooth is... crown, dental

The scraping of the wall of a cavity or other surface with a dental curette.

Dental curettage is one method used to remove the lining of periodontal pockets and diseased tissue from root surfaces in periodontitis.... curettage, dental

A protrusion on the grinding surface of a tooth.... cusp, dental

The dissolving of minerals in a tooth. Dental decalcification is the first stage of tooth decay. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque acting on refined carbohydrates (mainly sugar) in food to produce acid, which leads to changes on the surface of the tooth. If the decalcification penetrates the enamel, it spreads into the dentine and permits bacteria to enter the pulp.

(See also caries, dental.)... decalcification, dental

The hard outer layer of a tooth that covers and protects the inner structures.... enamel, dental

An examination of the mouth, gums, and teeth by a dentist as a routine check or as part of the assessment a person complaining of a symptom. Routine examinations enable tooth decay and gum disease to be detected and treated at an early stage.

During a routine dental examination, the dentist uses a metal instrument to

probe for dental cavities, chipped teeth, or fillings. Dental X-rays are sometimes carried out to check for problems that may not be visible. Dentists also check how well the upper and lower teeth come together. Regular examinations in children enable the monitoring of the replacement of primary teeth by permanent, or secondary, teeth. Referral for orthodontic treatment may be made. dental extraction See tooth extraction. dental X-ray An image of the teeth and jaws that provides information for detecting, diagnosing, and treating conditions that can threaten oral and general health. There are 3 types of dental X-ray: periapical X-ray, bite-wing X-ray, and panoramic X-ray.

Periapical X-rays are taken using X-ray film held behind the teeth. They give detailed images of whole teeth and the surrounding tissues. They show unerupted or impacted teeth, root fractures, abscesses, cysts, and tumours, and can help diagnose some skeletal diseases. Bite-wing X-rays show the crowns of the teeth and can detect areas of decay and changes in bone due to periodontal disease. Panoramic X-rays show all the teeth and surrounding structures on one large film. They can show unerupted or impacted teeth, cysts, jaw fractures, or tumours. The amount of radiation received from dental X-rays is extremely small. However, dental X-rays should be avoided during pregnancy.... dental examination

Loss of enamel from a tooth’s surface due to attack by plaque acids or other chemicals. Erosion of the

outer surfaces of the front teeth is most frequently caused by excessive intake of fruit juices and carbonated drinks. Erosion of the inner surfaces of the molars may be a result of the regurgitation of stomach acid, as occurs in people suffering from acid reflux or bulimia. (See also caries, dental.)... erosion, dental

Removal of teeth by a dentist. Extraction may be performed when a tooth is severely decayed or too badly broken to be repaired, or when an abscess (see abscess, dental) has formed. Teeth may also be removed if there is crowding or malocclusion, if the teeth are loose due to gum disease, or if they are preventing another tooth from erupting (see eruption of teeth).

For most extractions, local anaesthesia is used (see anaesthesia, dental). Teeth are usually extracted with dental forceps, which grasp the root of the tooth. In difficult extractions, some gum and bone may also need to be removed from around the tooth.... extraction, dental

The process of replacing a chipped or decayed area of tooth with an inactive material. Dental filling is also used to describe the restorative material itself. Amalgam, a hard-wearing mixture of silver, mercury, and other metals is generally used for back teeth. If a front tooth is chipped, a bonding technique (see bonding, dental) may be used, in which plastic or porcelain tooth-coloured material is attached to the surface of the tooth.... filling, dental

The removal of plaque (see plaque, dental) and food particles from around the teeth and gums by

using soft nylon or silk thread or tape.

Dental floss may be waxed or unwaxed.

Flossing should be carried out as an adjunct to toothbrushing.... flossing, dental

A break in a tooth (see teeth) most commonly caused by falling onto a hard surface or by being hit in the mouth with a hard object.

Fractures may involve the crown or the root of a tooth, or both.

Fractures of the enamel can usually be repaired by bonding (see bonding, dental); in some cases, a replacement crown may be fitted (see crown, dental).

Pulpotomy may be performed if the pulp of a tooth is damaged.

Fractures of the root may be treated by splinting (see splinting, dental), root-canal treatment, or removing the tooth (see extraction, dental).... fracture, dental

Failure of a tooth to emerge completely from the gum. It may occur because of overcrowding or when a tooth grows in the wrong direction.

Impacted wisdom teeth are common, and, if symptomless, may not need to be removed.

In some cases, however, symptoms necessitate their removal.... impaction, dental

A post, surgically embedded in the jaw for the attachment of a dental prosthesis (an artificial tooth). Titanium or synthetic materials may be used. A dental implant is fitted under local anaesthesia. A hole is drilled in the jaw and a post inserted. Several months later, an attachment that protrudes from the gum is screwed into the post; a few weeks after that, the prosthesis is fitted.... implant, dental

A mould taken of the teeth, gums, and palate.

A quick-setting material, such as alginate, is placed in a mould over the teeth.

The mould is removed, and plaster of Paris is poured into it to obtain a model of the area.

This model is then used as a base on which to build a denture, bridge, or dental inlay.

Dental impressions are also used in orthodontics to study the position of the teeth and to make orthodontic appliances to correct irregularities.... impression, dental

A filling of porcelain or gold used to restore a badly decayed tooth.

An inlay may be needed for the back teeth or to protect a weakened tooth.... inlay, dental

The deposition of calcium crystals and other mineral salts in developing teeth. (See calcification, dental.)... mineralization, dental

A rough, sticky coating on the teeth consisting of saliva, bacteria, and food debris.

It is the chief cause of tooth decay (see caries, dental) and gingivitis, and forms the basis of a hard deposit (see calculus, dental).

Some of the microorganisms in plaque, particularly STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS, break down sugar in the remains of carbohydrate food that sticks to the mucus, creating an acid that can erode tooth enamel.... plaque, dental

Excessive crowding of the teeth so that they are unable to assume their normal positions in the jaw. Dental overcrowding is commonly inherited and may occur because the teeth are too large for the jaw or the jaw is too small to accommodate the teeth. Premature loss of primary molar (back) teeth can cause the permanent teeth beneath them to move out of position and crowd the teeth further forward.

Overcrowded teeth may lead to malocclusion or may prevent certain teeth from erupting through the gum (see impaction, dental). They can be difficult to clean, increasing the risk of dental decay (see caries, dental) and periodontal disease.

Teeth may need to be extracted to allow room for others. Usually an orthodontic appliance is fitted to the remaining teeth to position them correctly.... overcrowding, dental

The branch of dentistry concerned with the replacement of missing teeth and their supporting structures. It includes dentures, overdentures (semipermanent fittings over existing teeth), crowns (see crown, dental), and bridges (see bridge, dental).

protease inhibitors A type of antiviral drug used to delay the progression of HIV infection (see AIDS).... prosthetics, dental

The soft tissue containing blood vessels and nerves in the middle of each tooth (see teeth).... pulp, dental

Replacement of a tooth in its socket after an accident so that it can become reattached to supporting tissues. The front teeth are most commonly involved. The tooth needs to be reimplanted soon after the accident and is maintained with a splint (see splinting, dental) while it heals. Healing may take several weeks.... reimplantation, dental

Loss of substance from teeth. The loss may be external (affecting the surface of the root) or internal (affecting the wall of the pulp cavity). External resorption is part of the processs by which primary teeth are lost. Some degree of external resorption also occurs as part of the aging process, and may also be due to injury, inflammation of surrounding tissues, or pressure, for example from an impacted tooth.

Internal resorption is rare, occurring in about 1 percent of adults.... resorption, dental

The reconstruction of part of a damaged tooth. Restoration also refers to the material or substitute part used to rebuild the tooth. Small repairs are usually made by filling the tooth. For extensive repairs, a dental inlay or a crown may be used. Chipped front teeth may be repaired by bonding (see bonding, dental).... restoration, dental

Removal of dental calculi (see calcuus, dental) from the teeth to prevent or treat periodontal disease.... scaling, dental

Plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent decay.... sealants, dental

The mechanical joining of several teeth to hold them firmly in place while an injury heals or while periodontal disease is treated.... splinting, dental

See implants, dental.... titanium dental implants

See dental X-rays.... x-rays, dental

n. (in dentistry) 1. a colloquial term for crowning: the technique of fitting a tooth with an artificial *crown. 2. see pulp capping.... capping

any of several professionals supporting a dentist, formerly referred to as dental auxiliaries and professionals complementary to dentistry. A dental hygienist performs scaling and instruction in oral hygiene. A dental nurse helps the dentist at the chairside by preparing materials, passing instruments, and aspirating fluids from the patient’s mouth. A dental technician constructs dentures, crowns, and orthodontic appliances in the laboratory for the dentist. A clinical dental technician provides dentures directly to patients. A dental therapist performs non-complex treatment under the prescription of a dentist. In the UK dental care professionals are required to be statutorily registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).... dental care professional

a reclinable chair on which a patient lies for dental treatment. Electric switches change the position of the patient, and the chair is frequently attached to the *dental unit.... dental chair

a fine thread, usually of nylon, used to clean the surfaces between teeth. A thicker version is known as dental tape. It may be waxed to help the user slide it past the tooth contacts.... dental floss

a piece of dental equipment (high-speed or low-speed) for holding a dental *bur or *file. It is made of corrosion-resistant materials to allow sterilization. See drill.... dental handpiece

see implant.... dental implant

either of two nerves that supply the teeth; they are branches of the trigeminal nerve. The inferior dental nerve supplies the lower teeth and for most of its length exists as a single large bundle; thus anaesthesia of it has a widespread effect (see inferior dental block). The superior dental nerve, which supplies the upper teeth, breaks into separate branches at some distance from the teeth and it is possible to anaesthetize these individually with less widespread effect for the patient.... dental nerve

see dental care professional.... dental nurse

(DPT) a special form of tomogram (see tomography) that provides a picture of all the teeth of both jaws on one film. Newer equipment can produce three-dimensional images of part of the jaw.... dental pantomogram

a major fixed piece of dental equipment to which are attached the dental drills, aspirator, compressed air syringe, and ultrasonic scaler. It is frequently integral with the *dental chair.... dental unit

(inferior alveolar nerve block) a type of injection to anaesthetize the inferior *dental nerve. Inferior dental block is routinely performed to allow dental procedures to be carried out on the lower teeth on one side of the mouth.... inferior dental block

a bony canal in the *mandible on each side. It carries the inferior *dental nerve and vessels and for part of its length its outline is visible on a radiograph.... inferior dental canal

the procedure of covering an exposed tooth pulp (direct pulp cap) or nearly exposed tooth pulp (indirect pulp cap) following trauma with a medicament (usually based on calcium hydroxide), which is then covered with a temporary or permanent *restoration.... pulp capping