One thing about a routine dental visit that can make people uncomfortable is a lack of understanding the terminology used by dentists. It’s almost like a foreign language. In a recent interview, Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber explained why patients should familiarize themselves with the most common dental terms.
Interviewing Experts: Thanks for joining us today.
Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: Thanks for the invitation.
Interviewing Experts: Why is it important to know basic dental terminology?
Glendora cosmetic, dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: The better informed you are, the easier it will be to take control of your dental condition. You want to know what’s happening with your teeth.
Interviewing Experts: How can dentists get their patients involved in the process of early detection?
Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: It’s always a good idea to explain to the patient prior to the exam what is going to be done and how. Immediately, the patient becomes involved in the process.
Interviewing Experts: Why do dentists call out numbers when they look at your teeth?
Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: They are identifying specific teeth. Teeth are numbered from 1-32 and include wisdom teeth.
Interviewing Experts: Speaking of wisdom teeth, where are they located?
Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars and appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Impacted wisdom teeth can be extremely painful and are removed with sedation.
Interviewing Experts: What type of sedation?
Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: Well, there is local anesthesia, which numbs your mouth and jaw, or general anesthesia, which keeps you asleep during the procedure.
Interviewing Experts: What does the dentist mean by “pockets” around the teeth?
Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: The gums usually fit like a tight collar around your teeth. If the gums are damaged this collar can loosen and a pocket will form around the tooth.
Interviewing Experts: What are the different types of fillings?
Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: Most people choose a white resin filling; however, metal amalgam fillings are also available.
Interviewing Experts: What does dental Prophylaxis mean?
Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: Prophylaxis is a basic cleaning to keep teeth and gums healthy.
Interviewing Experts: What type of cleaning is recommended for gum disease?
Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: A periodontal scaling or “deep cleaning” is recommended when gum pockets have become infected.
Interviewing Experts: Can you explain the difference between a crown and a bridge?
Glendora cosmetic dentist, Dr. Viviane Haber: A crown is a cap used to restore a tooth to its original appearance. A bridge is a device that is used to replace missing teeth.
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