Learn more about dentistry with our glossary of common dental terms.

Are teeth caps the same as veneers? What’s a composite resin? What exactly is oral cancer? The Dedham Family Dental staff hears these questions often, so we developed this dental glossary to help you better understand your dental treatments.

Composite resin – Also called “tooth colored fillings,” or “bonded aesthetic fillings,” these fillings are the same color as your teeth, so when you smile, no one sees unsightly gray fillings. Composite resin fillings require less tooth to be removed during the procedure and once in place, strengthen the tooth, insulate better against hot and cold, and if they wear down, are easily repaired.

Conventional dentures – Full mouth dentures are made from rigid plastic and include a full set of teeth and gums. The appliance sits on your existing gums and is held in place by over-the-counter denture adhesive.

Cosmetic dentistry – This term includes traditional dental procedures, such as crowns, and newer dental technologies, such as dental veneers and dental implants. With advances in technology, dentists can completely makeover your smile. If you’d like to discuss your options, please call the office to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Helaine Smith.

Dry mouth – This condition, which is the reduced or absent flow of saliva, affects nearly 25% of patients 65 years or older and is most often caused by medication use, according to a 2003 article in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA). In fact, over 400 medications are known to cause dry mouth, a stat posted by the Oral Cancer Foundation. If you have dry mouth, please let one of our staff know.

Dental crowns – Like a veneer, a crown is generally made of porcelain and sits on top of an existing tooth. Sometimes crowns are combined with dental bridges, “partial” denture appliances which replace missing teeth.

Dental veneers – Also known as "teeth caps" and "tooth bonding," dental veneers are thin porcelain shells placed directly on top of the teeth. When applied properly, dental veneers can eliminate the gaps between teeth, tooth discoloration due to medications or smoking, and broken or chipped teeth.

Halitosis – Otherwise known as “bad breath,” halitosis is definitely something you should see your dentist about. Chronic bad breath can indicate more serious health issues, including an abscessed tooth, periodontal disease, liver problems, and diabetes.

Implant-supported dentures – With this technology, dental professionals install titanium posts into the jaw bone upon which the denture is attached – versus conventional dentures which sit on the gums and are held in place by over-the-counter denture adhesives.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – OSA is caused by a partial or complete blockage of the upper airway, which occurs during sleep. People with untreated OSA frequently stop breathing while sleeping – sometimes hundreds of times a night – and often for a minute or more. OSA has been linked to a range of serious medical conditions, from hypertension and cardiovascular disease to Attention Deficit Disorder. Because dentists see patients regularly and often treat an entire family, we’re in a unique position to help diagnose OSA.

Oral cancer – This is a catch-all term that includes cancers of the mouth, sinuses, and throat. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), oral cancer strikes over 34,000 Americans annually, and over 25% will die of the disease, which claims more lives than melanoma or cervical cancer. At Dedham Family Dental, we screen for cancers of the mouth using the new ViziLite oral wash. You can also view Dr. Smith’s YouTube video demonstrating the procedure.

Periodontal disease – One of the most common chronic diseases in adults, periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection of your gums. Left unchecked, the teeth become loose in the gums and eventually fall out. And, it’s this oral bacteria that’s thought to cause a whole host of other health issues, including miscarriages, low birth-weight babies, diabetes, and heart disease. (Be sure to download Dr. Smith’s free e-book, "Keep Your Body Healthy . . . Brush Your Teeth!" for more info.)

Sedation dentistry – This term refers to the techniques dentists can use to help eliminate or dramatically reduce pain, including relaxation, oral sedatives, and even new tools, such as the Comfort Control Syringe, a painless injection.

Sealants – Generally used for children, sealants involve applying a plastic material on the chewing areas of the back teeth. This material provides a physical barrier so that cavity-causing bacteria and plaque cannot invade the teeth.

TMJ – “TMJ” is the short version of Temporomandibular Joint – or jaw joint – and the surrounding muscles. TMJ disorders can be quite painful and include migraines, neck and shoulder pain, and a host of other symptoms. In addition, TMJ problems can make it difficult to eat, swallow, and yawn. TMJ problems can be difficult to diagnose, so if you think you have a problem, please give our office a call.

Zoom! Teeth Whitening – Many people mistakenly refer to teeth whitening systems like ZOOM! as "laser whitening" because of the blue light used in the whitening process. However, the light is not a laser, but rather a low-heat emitting blue light, and the entire process is safe and effective. If you’d like to have your teeth whitened, please talk to Dr. Helaine Smith for additional information.