Glossary

Bilateral Space Maintainer - An appliance used to hold open the empty molar area that has been left when one or two teeth is lost or removed prematurely. The appliance is constructed in one appointment and placed in a second appointment by attaching bands (rings) around the molars and then cemented into place. When it is time for the new permanent tooth to erupt, the space maintainer is removed.

Bitewing Films - A series of two or four films (x-rays) to check for cavities between the teeth in the molar areas of the mouth. They are usually recommended twice per year to check for decay between the teeth where it is not possible to visually see decay.

Crown-Stainless Steel - When a tooth has had a nerve treatment or the decay is extensive a crown that completely covers all surfaces of the tooth may be recommended. Crowns that are placed on the back teeth are usually stainless steel and crowns on the front teeth are tooth colored.

Dental Prophylaxis/Cleaning - The process of cleaning and polishing the teeth in order to preserve oral health and prevent the spread of disease.

Extraction - The removal or wiggling of a primary or permanent tooth.

Fluoride - Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that prevents tooth decay systemically when ingested during tooth development and topically when applied to erupted teeth.

Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen - This commonly referred to as laughing gas or happy air. It is used in children's dentistry to relax the patient, resulting in a more pleasant experience for the child.

Periapical (PA) Film - X-rays taken of the teeth at different angles to show the tips of the roots and the supporting bone.

Permanent Tooth Versus Primary Tooth - This is a common situation that occurs for children when their permanent tooth erupts while the primary tooth is still present. In some situations it may be necessary to remove the primary tooth to enable the permanent tooth to erupt in a better position. In other cases, the tooth can be wiggled out by the child.

Resin or Composite Filling - A white, tooth colored restoration that is placed after decay has been removed.

Sealant - A protective, tooth colored material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of primarily permanent molars and bicuspids.

Unilateral Space Maintainer - An appliance used to hold open the empty molar area that has been left when a tooth is lost or removed prematurely. The appliance is constructed in one appointment and placed in a second appointment by attaching a band (ring) around the molar and then cemented into place. When it is time for the new permanent tooth to erupt, the space maintainer is removed.