Prepare for Your Dental Visit

Navigating a dental appointment can be perplexing for patients who aren’t well-versed in dental terminology. Dentistry encompasses various aspects and a wide range of treatments. To ensure the best possible outcomes, every patient should have a clear understanding of their dentist’s explanations and instructions.

At Designing Smiles Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing all our patients with exceptional attention and care. During your initial appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals with us. We will then assess your situation, address any inquiries you may have, and present your options in a straightforward and concise manner. Here are some common terms you might encounter:

1. Primary Teeth: These are baby teeth, also known as deciduous or milk teeth.
2. Eruption: The process through which baby and permanent teeth emerge from the gums.
3. Mixed Dentition: The dental development stage in children, typically between the ages of 6 to 12 when they have a combination of primary (baby) and permanent teeth.
4. Plaque: A colorless, sticky film comprised of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that consistently forms in the mouth. When combined with sugars, it produces acid, which can harm teeth and gums.
5. Periodontal Tissue: The hard and soft supporting structures around the teeth.
6. Bruxism: The grinding of teeth, often occurring during sleep, which can lead to pain and irregular tooth wear.
7. Gum Disease: A chronic infection of the gums due to the accumulation of plaque. Untreated gum disease can result in tooth loss, with its three stages being gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.
8. A Crown: A cap made from various materials, including metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics, used to cover a tooth with severe decay, discoloration, or damage.
9. Enamel: The hard, white outer layer of a tooth that does not regenerate.
10. Decalcification: White marks on the teeth that may evolve into cavities. These marks result from poor brushing habits and the consumption of sugary and acidic beverages.
11. Congenitally Missing Tooth: An inherited condition where a permanent tooth fails to develop beneath a primary tooth.
12. An Impaction: A tooth that has only partially erupted or not erupted at all.
13. Supernumerary Teeth: An inherited condition in which an individual develops more teeth than usual. These extra teeth can disrupt the normal pattern of tooth eruption, contribute to orthodontic issues, and often require removal.

At the office of Designing Smiles Dentistry, we are experts in our field, striving to exceed all your orthodontic expectations. We take pride in our unwavering commitment to providing superior patient care. For more information about our practice and how we can assist you, please reach out to schedule an appointment. Your oral health is our priority, and we are here to assist you.