Welcome to Regal Dentistry in Riverside, California, where we offer dental and orthodontic care in Riverside, California, and the surrounding areas. To help you better understand the dental language when you come into Regal Dentistry for your appointments, Dr. Joel Manalese and our team are happy to provide the definitions to the following common dental terms that you might hear around our office:
Dental filling: A dental filling is a restoration that comes in different types and colors. You can restore your smile with a white filling, silver filling, or gold filling, but it all depends on the type of dental issue you have. Typically, dental fillings are used to repair your tooth after it has been attacked by tooth decay.
Dental crown: A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is needed when your tooth is broken, worn down, decayed, discolored, or fractured. This cap covers the entire surface of your tooth and looks completely natural.
Dental bridge: A dental bridge is a restoration that can replace your missing teeth without the need for surgery. It represents your teeth and gums, and it is typically made of two dental crowns and one or more false teeth. The bridge is placed into the gap of your smile and it is anchored by the remaining natural teeth on both sides.
Tooth decay: Tooth decay is a common but serious dental issue that is caused by sugar, plaque, or poor oral hygiene. There are additional names for it, including dental cavities and caries. This issue needs to be treated as soon as possible; otherwise, a tooth extraction may be needed.
Gum disease: Gum disease is a dangerous dental issue that develops when you let the plaque on your smile grow and irritate your gums. There are different stages of this disease, and it’s best to get it treated as soon as possible. If you don’t, the disease could destroy your oral health and result in loose and lost teeth.
Now, these aren’t all of the common dental terms that you will hear when you come in and visit your dentist, so if you would like to learn more, please feel free to call our office at 951-643-4405 and talk to a member of our dental team. We are more than happy to teach you all we know about oral health and dental care in Riverside, California!