Category: D

A procedure to remove the hard deposit of calcified plaque, called calculus, from the surface of the crown or the roots of the teeth. The purpose of dental scaling is to eliminate deposits on the teeth that cannot be removed by routine brushing and dental flossing. Calculus releases toxins that cause tooth decay. Deposits of…

An appliance that is worn after the removal of braces or other orthodontic appliances to stabilize the teeth that have been moved into proper position. The dental retainer is generally used on the upper teeth during an important stage of orthodontic treatment called retention. During this stage, the teeth, which have been repositioned by the…

A filling or appliance that replaces part or all of the structure of a tooth. A dental restoration is also the process of reconstructing a damaged or missing tooth. Restoration materials include amalgam and composite fillings, inlays, onlays, crowns, dental veneers, bridges, and partial or complete dentures. Restorations serve the general purpose of making existing…

A condition in which the roots of a tooth dissolve and the structure of the roots is broken down, resulting in loosened teeth. Dental resorption of the roots in the primary teeth allows the deciduous teeth to shed, and this is a normal stage in the development of permanent teeth. But dental resorption of the…

Consumption of excessive quantities of drugs. A drug dose that is large enough to be toxic is considered an overdose. An overdose may be accidental or deliberate, and it may involve one or more of the following types of drugs: narcotics, uppers (stimulants), downers (depressants), mind altering drugs (LSD, PCP), alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs.…

An orthodontics problem that involves too many teeth developing in a space that is inadequate in size. Overcrowded teeth may overlap each other and become difficult to clean properly. For this reason, the condition may lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Dental overcrowding can also produce irregularities in the bite. Overcrowding may be hereditary.…

The developmental stage of teeth when calcium and other minerals are acquired in the enamel, dentin, and cementum of the teeth. The enamel is almost entirely mineralized, or calcified, making it the hardest substance in the human body. To lesser degrees, the dentin and cementum are also mineralized. The accumulation of calcium crystals and various mineral…

A custom-made dental filling used to restore a badly decayed tooth. Dental inlays may be made of gold, porcelain, or composite. Inlays are generally used to support the biting surfaces of the back teeth that are being treated for tooth decay. Inlays may be made of gold because it is the hardest of the filling…

A break or crack in the crown or root of a tooth. Usually caused by an accident or fall, a dental fracture may involve only the enamel on the surface of the tooth, or it may affect the inner structures, such as the dentin and pulp. Premolars and repaired molars are vulnerable to vertical fractures,…

Irritation of the skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn.