Dictionary

A

Abscess

An abscess is an encapsulated collection of pus caused by inflammatory tissue fusion. The cause is usually a deeply destroyed, dead tooth. A tooth abscess usually causes severe pain and swelling of the cheek.

Amelogenesis imperfecta

Amelogenesis imperfecta is a tooth enamel development disorder that is genetically determined. The enamel is not fully formed and appears yellowish, rough and deformed.

Ankylosis

Ankylosis is an ossification of the periodontium. The affected tooth is further down in the jawbone than the other teeth and no longer grows with them.

Aphthe

An aphtae is a painful inflamed area of the mucous membrane of the gums, oral cavity or tongue. Aphtae can be extremely painful, but they are not contagious and heal on their own after a few days.

Approximal caries

Approximal caries is caries in the spaces between the teeth. It occurs especially in teeth that are close together and can only be seen on x-rays in the early stages. Proximal caries can be prevented by the regular use of dental floss.

Aesthetic space maintainer

The aesthetic space maintainer has no medical necessity. It can be fixed or removable and replaces the missing upper front teeth.

D

Dentitio difficilis

Als Dentitio difficilis wird der erschwerte Durchbruch von bleibenden Zähnen (auch der Weisheitszähne) bezeichnet.

Desensitisation

Desensitisation means that the child is gently and playfully prepared for the treatment. The dental treatment is "practised" beforehand.

Distal Shoe

The Distal Shoe is a fixed space maintainer. By means of a guide bar, it helps the permanent tooth that has not yet erupted to grow into its correct place.

Dormicum

Dormicum (midazolam) is a sedative administered by an anaesthetist and is used especially in paediatric dentistry.

E

ECC

ECC is the abbreviation for "early childhood caries" and translates as "early milk tooth caries", also known as "teat bottle caries". It can develop after the first milk teeth have erupted and is usually caused by constant sucking on feeding bottles.

Erosion

In dentistry, erosion is the loss of hard dental tissue caused by acids (e.g. in acidic drinks such as iced tea, cola or juice).

Excavation

Excavation means "to hollow out", it refers to the removal of infected dental material.

Extraction

Extraction means "pulling out" e.g. when pulling teeth.

F

Fissures

Fissures are natural crevices and grooves on the surface of molar teeth. Deep fissures offer food residues and thus bacteria good adhesion possibilities and are not reached by the toothbrush. To reduce the risk of caries, it is advisable to seal fissures with plastic.

Fistula

A fistula is an unnatural, tube-like connection between an inflamed tooth and the gum surface.

G

Gingivastomatitis herpetica

Gingivostomatitis herpetica refers to the initial infection with the herpes simplex virus. Symptoms are painful blisters in the oral cavity, often paired with high fever.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, usually caused by plaque.

H

Herpes labiales

Herpes labiales is the recurrence of the herpes simplex virus. Symptoms are blisters on the lips, at the entrance to the nose or at the corners of the mouth. Triggers are stressful situations such as colds or stress.

Hypoplasia

Hypoplasia is when the enamel is underdeveloped or incompletely formed. It often has a yellow-brownish discolouration and a rough structure. This condition can have various causes.

I

Injection

Injection means "injection", e.g. when an anaesthetic injection is given.

Intrusion

Intrusion is when a tooth is forced into the bone cavity by force, such as an accident.

L

Laughing gas (Nitrous oxide)

Laughing gas is the well-known trivial name for nitrous oxide, an inorganic, colourless gas with a slightly sweet odour. In medicine, laughing gas is used as an analgesic (against pain) gas for sedation. It is the oldest anaesthetic and one of the ones with the fewest side effects.

Local anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia is a local anaesthetic for the area to be treated. It is administered with an injection.

M

Matrix

A matrix is a thin metal band used to place an interdental filling.

N

Nu-smile crowns

Nu-smile crowns are fabricated steel crowns with a white plastic veneer.

O

OPT

OPT stands for orthopantomogram and refers to a diagnostic X-ray of the entire upper and lower jaw.

P

Paradontitis

Periodontitis is an inflammation caused by bacteria, which manifests itself in a largely irreversible destruction of the periodontium. Periodontitis is triggered by bacterial plaque.

Plaque

Plaque is nothing other than dental plaque. It is a biofilm of saliva particles, bacteria and food residues on the teeth, especially on hard-to-reach areas of the teeth. Plaque is a prerequisite for the development of caries and periodontitis.

Placeholder

A milk tooth that has been lost prematurely is replaced by a fixed or removable space maintainer to keep the gap "free" for the growing tooth.

Prophylaxis

Prophylaxis means "prevention" or "prevention of disease". In dentistry, prophylaxis includes various measures, such as professional tooth cleaning, education and brushing school, and regular checkups.

Pulp

The pulp of the tooth (dental pulp) fills the cavity in the crown and root of the tooth. It consists of connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic vessels.

Pulpitis

Pulpitis is the inflammation of the pulp, i.e. the tissue inside the tooth.

R

Retained

Retained means "held back" and refers to a tooth that has not yet erupted, i.e. is still in the jawbone.

S

Sedation

In medicine, sedation is the use of medication to calm patients.

Stomatitis simplex

Stomatitis simplex is a non-specific inflammation that often accompanies febrile infectious diseases or changes in the immune system. Symptoms are redness and swelling of the oral mucosa.

T

Total luxation

Total luxation (also avulsion) is when a tooth is completely knocked out.

V

Vital amputation

In a vital amputation (also pulpotomy), the inflamed part of the nerve tissue (pulp) in the tooth is removed.

Vital amputation

In a vital amputation (also pulpotomy), the inflamed part of the nerve tissue (pulp) in the tooth is removed.

X

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute (E 967). The special feature of xylitol is its caries-inhibiting effect, which has been proven in various clinical studies. It is contained in many tooth-friendly sweets and chewing gums.