Adhesive agent

For diverse reasons, some patients prefer removable dentures, which are also referred to as prostheses, instead of fixed dentures. A full prosthesis is fitted directly to the untoothed jaw and should have a very high accuracy of fit as damages of the gum can otherwise appear. In order that the prosthesis sticks to the jaw adhesive agents are used. These adhesive agents exist in diverse compositions, in form of pastes, cremes, liquids or also powder to stir. A compatibility test is recommended in any case as considerable damages in the oral area can develop in case of an inexpedient use.

Amalgam, a filling of the past

Due to its high content of quicksilver amalgam is one of the most controversial dental fillings which are used in dentistry since the middle of the 19th century. Toxic damages are excluded when used correctly. Nowadays there are other filling materials as alternatives such as gold, ceramics or synthetics.

Attachment

If single teeth are missing and implants as dentures are out of the question removable dentures are often used. In this context the so-called attachment is used. This is a mounting (mounting element) which serves as a connection between the remaining teeth and/or single, crowned teeth, the so-called anchor teeth.

Bad breath

Halitosis, or also bad breath can develop by most diverse reasons. Missing gastric acid or also an overacidification of the stomach play an important role. Of course reasons can also be found in contaminations of teeth or dentures caused by bad oral hygiene. Reasons for bad breath can also be found in the bowel, the nose, the lungs and general disorders. If this condition persists over a longer period of time and the dentist cannot apply an effective treatment it is recommended to consult a general practitioner in order to find and correct the causes.

Biocompatibility, biotolerance

Any foreign matter that enters into contact with the body, be it by means of skin contact on the surface or a penetration into the body substance, evokes a different reaction or also a defense function of the body. In most cases this happens immediately, in exceptional cases not until in some years� time. A forecast how this affects the general state of health or the psyche cannot be made in most cases. Hence so-called allergy tests for the determination of the biocompatibility (tolerance) are carried out in most dental practices before use especially in the case of fillings, crowns and bridges as well as implants. With this, the compatibility with foreign matter concerning the body is tested.

Bleaching of teeth

All of us want to have nice white teeth and a radiant smile in order to signalise to our fellow men that we take a bite out of a successful life. But unfortunately not everyone is equipped with such a successful set of teeth. Furthermore the colour of the teeth changes as the age increases e.g. due to foodstuffs and semiluxury food, smoking, consumption of alcohol or simply just due to lacking dental care or dying-off tooth nerves. Before one decides to undergo the so-called bleaching of teeth one should become very familiar with the different methods of this dental treatment and consider possible consequences. The dental bleaching treatment, office bleaching in a dental practice is confronted with the home bleaching of teeth. In the dental practice, concentrated bleaching agents are used by means of which teeth gain new white radiance by means of certain chemicals which are activated by light. In the case of home bleaching a bleaching gel which is applied to the tooth by means of a tray is used and the same effect is obtained. In the case of this treatment which is done externally the dental enamel should by all means be hardened again after the bleaching by the use of flourides (duration approx. 10 nights). The oversensitivity of the teeth resulting from this treatment fades by itself in most cases whereby the sensitive reaction of the gums should perhaps be observed by a dentist.

Bone structure

In case missing teeth are to be replaced by dentures implants are used increasingly. Before inserting the implants the own existing bone substance is determined by the dentist or also the orthodontist by means of a panorama x-ray/CT scan. The implant can only grow in solidly if there is enough existing bone material. In order to reconstruct the existing jaw bone the orthodontist uses a granulate material which partly consists of body�s own bone material and a foreign bone material.

Brackets

Unfortunately not every person is blessed with beautiful, straight and even teeth from birth. Back teeth or incisors are often crooked in the mouth or the whole set of teeth displays deformations or tooth gaps. Maxillofacial surgeons are often specialised on adjusting these �malformations�. For this purpose, fixed or also removable braces are used. By means of a special sticking technique the different teeth are connected with a wire and �forced� into the desired position by means of continous pressure. In order that the teeth are not damaged or the dental enamel is not affected as well as for the fixation of the wire small sheets, the so-called brackets are stuck on the teeth. Very good results are often obtained with this mostly lengthy method.

Bridge

The probably most commonly occurring treatment in dental practices refers to the provision of patients with the necessary bridges and crowns. This is a repair in the oral area which puts great demands on the technical skills of dentist, dental laboratories and dental technicians. During this work, the provision of and the manufacturing of bridges, missing teeth are replaced and/or bridged. In order to fix a bridge, adjacent teeth have to be polished and crowned as bridge pillars for the support of the bridge. The actual bridge is mostly made of gold alloying. In the visible, front part of the mouth synthetic or ceramics in the colour of the existing, own tooth substance are used. Due to the different number of missing teeth single span or multiple spans bridges are inserted. Depending on the extent three or multi-chain bridges can also be used.

Bridge span, pontic

As a bridge, depending on the number of missing teeth, can consist of one or more bridge spans (artificial teeth) the single, artificial tooth in a bridge is referred to as a bridge span. Basically a bridge span could also be referred to as artificial tooth number 1 to 32.

Caries

Due to the intake of food, drink and tobacco bacteria are released. Through this progress it is possible that the carbohydrates are fermented to acids. But these acids permanently attack parts of our teeth and corrode the hard tooth enamel at the same time. During this process the dreaded caries develops. Until today our body is not able to induce body�s own repair measures as opposed to other injuries and wounds and to develop the appropriate minerals. In dentistry it is therefore only possible to reconstruct the dental enamel by restoring minerals and to achieve a healing-up at an early stage of caries. After this initial stage has been exceeded the healing can only take place by removing, drilling the caries and placing a dental filling.

Caries therapy

The damages on the tooth caused by caries have to be treated by a dentist as a further spreading of this disease is otherwise inevitable and neighboring teeth can also be affected. This happens by drilling out the affected location. After this defect has been corrected the resulting hole (cavity) is prepared for the placement of the suitable filling material. If the cavities in the tooth are too large the placement of a crown is recommended in most cases as the tooth gains a higher stability at this.

Casting filling

A gold alloying serves as a filling material of the teeth, predominantly in the back teeth area. This method of tooth repair is also referred to as an inlay. This very elaborate work of the dentist provides a very durable result. Very special polishing methods were developed for inlays (casting fillings). Hereby the natural gap between the still existing own tooth substance can be reduced to a minimum and the penetration of foreign substances can be practically avoided.

Cavity base

In dentistry, a cavity base has 2 purposes. It is used when the root canal filling is too short. This is then a root canal treatment with a subsequent root canal filling. Furthermore it serves as a protective layer. It is mounted between the bottom of the cavity and the actual filling and protects from thermal, bacterial and chemical exposures. Phosphate and Glasionomer cements are used. This protective layer is by all means essential in the case of amalgam and gold. Through this the sensitivity towards cold and warm temperature is considerably lowered or even totally eradicated.

Ceramic inlay

Inlays, which are also referred to as casting fillings, are the most stable and durable fillings for sealing holes in teeth caused for example by caries. They are often used in the visible area of the mouth and can excellently be adjusted to the own set of teeth concerning their colour. These fillings are manufactured in a dental laboratory or moulded out of industrial ceramics. At this, the defect area to be treated in the tooth should be covered by dental enamel all round. The mounting/pasting in at the own tooth is done by means of a special method for this purpose, the adhesive technique. Induced by the material of the inlays they need a certain level of strength for withstanding chewing strains.

Composite

If front teeth are for example affected by caries, an accident or biting damages dentists often recommend a tooth-coloured filling material. The composite is a very stable filling material and consists of different synthetics. The different components are specially prepared for this purpose and microfine glass and quartz particles are incorporated into them. This filling material is connected with the dentine and subsequently attached to the dental enamel with a special glue. This composite filling is normally hardened with a special light.

Cone crown

A double crown which is similar to a telescopic crown. In contrast to a telescopic crown which shows at least two parallel areas the cone crown tapers conically upwards.

Corrective impression

Impression in prosthetic dentistry which is taken in two stages. The first impression is taken with a solid material in order to retain a stable basic form. During the second stage the impression is taken again with a very thin fluid material on the basis of the first impression in order to exactly display the finest subtleties.

Crown

Crown is a generic term for the visible, upper part of a tooth regardless whether a natural tooth or a denture, for example an implant, is concerned. Crowns as terms for dentures exist in diverse shapes and are made from different materials. Crowns in the part of the mouth which is not visible mostly consist of metal alloyings or metal ceramics for cost concerns. The aesthetically most high grade possibility, the full ceramic crown, is often used in the visible front part of the tooth apparatus, the front teeth or incisors. It can practically not be distinguished from a natural tooth with its colour, shape and function. The actual crowning of a tooth is done by polishing the natural tooth whereby the existing tooth crown is reduced in size. As a result of this, the dentist gains space for the placement of the artificial crown manufactured by a dental technician.

Cyst, jaw cyst

Body cavity which is rounded, closed, filled with a liquid or pulpy material and marked out by a capsule. Cysts are relatively common in the gum area and tend to an always benign (mostly slow) augmentation. These objects continue growing even after the removal of the tooth which caused the cyst. They can potentially grow up to the size of a tiny hen�s egg before they break the jawbone. As these cysts � in case they are not infected � are completely painless up to a certain size their determination is often only possible by means of an x-ray.

Dentist

The term dentist or dental specialist applies to persons who have finished their studies of dentistry and who are entitled to professional exercise of dentistry due to their license to practise medicine. In Europe dental specialists often work in their own practices as resident dentists. They either work freelance, as panel doctors or also assistant doctors in different fields of dentistry. In order that dentists are allowed to practice an obligation to study further is required by law.

Dentures

Usually, false teeth serve for the restoration of the chewing function, the language and the outward appearance. These demands can be met in dentistry by means of diverse measures whereby a basic differentiation is made between removable and fixed dentures and the combination of both types. Additionally, there is the possibility of inserting artificial tooth roots, implants and in few cases also the possibility of a maxillofacial closure for the restoration of a closed tooth row which is as functional and aesthetic as possible compared to a natural set of teeth. One can differentiate between fixed dentures (crowns, bridges) and removable dentures (partial prostheses, total prosthesis) and a combination of both types. The hardness of the used artificial tooth surfaces should be correlative to the hardness of the dental enamel as far as possible. Noble metals are often softer, ceramic works are harder.

Dowel crown

Crown type, referred to as pivot tooth among laymen, which is used as a last resort for endodontics in the case of profoundly damaged teeth. The profoundly damaged tooth is supplied with a root filling. As the required crown cannot be mounted due to a lack of tooth substance a metal pivot (pivot tooth) and a metal screw (or in recent times ceramic or else carbon pivots = so-called pivot structures) are inserted into the tooth root whereupon the actual crown has a sufficient stability.

Electroplating procedure

Just like in a car battery there are electric voltages inside the human body which are in constant motion and regulate and control the most diverse functions starting from impulses of the brain. These electric streams are also conducted through our teeth and can cause sensitive disorders when they are interrupted or deflected. In order that this remains ruled out to a large extent when dentures are used the electroplating procedure is applied. This is an electrochemical method with whose help material surfaces are modified in order to become more conducting, more abrasion-resistant and corrosion-resistant. At this, surfaces of metallic dentures are coated with noble layers like gold or gold alloying.

Enamel

Dental enamel is an enamel-type coating of the tooth crown and the hardest substance of the human body. Dental enamel is built of enamel prisms. Dental enamel is considered a formative, adjusting, own body material, also an anatomical body material. Strictly speaking single prisms are interwoven in the form of clusters. The dental enamel runs perpendicular to the tooth surface and forms a rise which runs cutting edge. Damages of the dental enamel can lead to caries.

Endodontic filling

When the visible part of a tooth outside the dental root is affected, partly broken or hollowed out an endodontic post has to be done. Before the tooth can be restored with a stable crown, as well as for the stabilisation and for the sake of saving material from the remaining tooth substance the so-called endodontic filling is applied.

Endodontics

If large parts of the crown are destroyed, an endodontia has to be performed in most cases. This comes under the subarea of a restorative dentistry and is also referred to as endodontics. Endodontics mostly concerns itself with the conservation of soft tooth tissue. These are the nerves, also referred to as pulpa, as well as the adjacent dentine in the inside of the tooth. A very detailed analysis about the tooth�s condition is necessary before the treatment. A panorama x-ray is especially suitable for this purpose.

Filling / seal

Caries is a term that comes up again and again in connection with the destruction of tooth substance. The reasons for this are known. Wrong nutrition, too many sweets (especially among children), a lack of dental hygiene. Once the tooth is destroyed by caries it has to be prepared for treatment by drilling, removing the caries. A cavity in the tooth is created so that the cavity base can be placed there for the placement of the actual filling. There are different kinds of filling materials like the controversial amalgam, a number of ceramics, also referred to as composites or white fillings. Furthermore the less durable cements (mostly as a makeshift solution or a cavity base) as well as inelastic filling materials, gold, gold alloying (inlays) are utilised.

Full prosthesis

Total prosthesis or a set of dentures are used as a dental prosthesis for all teeth of the upper and lower jaw by removable dentures. In an untoothed jaw. The stability of a full prosthesis is determined by 2 essential factors. One the one hand it is determined by the consistency of the saliva in the denture base area as well as the denture-supporting area. On the other hand it is determined by the consistency of the saliva in the capillary gap and the mucosa which covers the jaw. A total prosthesis is one of the most difficult tasks of a dentist.

Functional impression

The cooperation between dentists and dental technicians makes the manufacture of dentures possible. In order to provide the toothless jaw with dentures an impression has to be made. In this context it is important to consider the natural movement of the jaw. The mechanisms of the muscles and mucous membranes with their natural functionality, how they work while eating and speaking, play an important role at this. This special functional impression is made on the patient by means of a custom made stencil, the dentist impression tray. For a dental laboratory this impression is the initial point for the manufacture of a denture or a whole set of dentures. In most cases minor adjustments still have to be made by the dentist after the insertion. The better the cooperation between the laboratory and the practice, the less adjustments that have to be made.

Grinding

The reason for a grinding of teeth, also referred to as bruxism, is not always evident for the dentist. There can be different reasons for the upper and lower tooth rows in the upper and lower jaw rubbing against each other unconsciously. This grinding of teeth is often accompanied by tension headaches and is often caused by psychological problems. The living environment, sleeping habits as well as malpositions of the jaw after surgeries in the oral area can be the cause for this. As the dentist cannot detect or correct these reasons he implements a temporary treatment with a so-called biteguard from the dental point of view in most cases in order to prevent severe damages of the periodontal apparatus which lead to considerable loss of material of the chewing surface and to jaw joint disorders.

Half-cap crown

If the own teeth are damaged but the caries has not spread too far and the teeth are just partially affected half-cap crowns are used. In this process the tooth�s own substance is spared to the greatest extent and as much as possible remains intact. Only the location affected by caries is carved out and then restored with a half-cap crown especially in the visible area.

Hypersensitivity

Each person reacts differently to procedures of the body based on his own perceptions. The sense of pain is very different and perceptions concerning this are not just transmitted along the body via its nerves but are also connected to experiences made and the psychological condition/stability. Hypersensitivity is the term coined for tooth necks being exposed and a dragging ache or strong pains occurring as the result of a dental treatment, for example after polishing one or several teeth. In case these afflictions should not die down after a few days or even increase the dentist will use adequate medication for remission.

Immediate implantation

Insertion of an implant immediately subsequent into a fresh extraction wound of a removed own tooth. The main field of application is the loss of front teeth due to an accident. This is referred to as a primary immediate implantation. The extraction alveole with the surrounding bone tissue is said to have a high regeneration potential. However, animal studies showed that a very tight fit between the implant and the bone was of importance. A gap of a width of 1 mm is considered a critical distance. The dimension of the alveole is mostly larger than the diameter of the inserted implant after tooth extractions and a direct implantation and there is partially a considerable gap between the implant shoulder and the edge of the alveole. In order to compensate this deficiency other procedures either work by inserting bone material and/or after a secondary or retarded immediate implantation. The insertion of the artificial tooth root is done within a period of about 6 to 10 weeks. This period is to serve for the healing of eventual inflammation processes, to create a tighter fit and to therefore ensure a better healing.

Impacted tooth

The most diverse reasons like a lack of protein and calcium during the youth phase, a jaw malformation, a genetic defect or just a freak of nature can cause a tooth to remain in the jaw instead of growing upwards. In many cases merely a wrong position in the jaw or just a lack of space play a role if a tooth cannot break through into the row. As long as this impacted tooth does not cause any afflictions and the gap should not be closed by a denture or an implant it is advisable to leave the impacted tooth in the jaw as the jawbone would have to be reconstructed after removal.

Implant

In case of a loss of one or several teeth as well as for the mounting/fixation of a fixed bridge construction and removable dentures implants are nowadays not only used in Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic, but worldwide. These implants (screws) consist of foreign or body�s own material which is inserted/screwed into the jaw. The material of the implants for the fixation of the crowns, the fitting, consists of bones, body�s own material, ceramics or titanium. As a result of this missing teeth or lost jawbones can be replaced. The insertion of an implant is done after drilling a hole into the jawbone. The implant is then screwed into this hole. In case there is not enough bone material for this purpose it can be reconstructed by individual bone material. One can differentiate between a single implant (an artificial tooth root made of titanium which should grow in approx. 3-6 months in order to incorporate the fitting, the actual crown. Two implants for the incorporation of the total prosthesis. These implants are connected with one another via a bar for stabilisation. The insertion of four implants for the mounting of a telescopic prosthesis. The use of 6 implants for the mounting of a fixed bridge. This causes a very high wearing comfort and great stability. As the forces which are released while chewing are passed on to the jaw via implants, which is similar to own teeth, bone loss is effectively prevented.

Implantation

During the preparatory phase the dentist gets an overall idea of the set of teeth and the jaw. He enlightens the patient about the surgery and starts the planning. During an operative session the jaw is cleared at the location in which the implant is to be inserted. The location (implant bed) where the implant is to be inserted is now prepared, the implant is inserted and the gum around the implant is subsequently sewn up again. The duration of the implantation takes between 30 and 100 minutes depending on the number of implants to be inserted. The healing of the sores takes approx. One week, subsequently the surgical stitches are removed. The location around the surgery will be swollen for a certain period of time. The actual healing period takes between 3 and 6 months. In the meantime the patients are provided with a temporary appliance. After the healing period the dentist takes an impression for the manufacture of the dentures in a dental laboratory. The prosthetic work is done there and a temporary replacement is created for testing purpose. This sample is inserted at the dentist, the last exact adjustments are made and a further impression is taken. The denture is created from this impression at the dental laboratory � crowns, bridges, prosthetics and inserted a few days later by the dentist in the dental practice.

Incisor

There are four incisors in each tooth row of the upper and lower jaw, in the permanent set of teeth as well as the milk teeth, always with only one tooth root. The upper ones in the middle are the broadest, the lower ones in the middle the narrowest of all front teeth. In a normally formed set of teeth the upper incisors bite approximately 1 to 2 millimetres above the lower ones. According to their purpose � biting food � incisors have a chisel or shovel-like shape. Four are each in the upper and lower part of the front jaw. These front teeth in the upper jaw area are the broadest contrary to the lower jaw area. In a normally formed set of teeth the upper incisors are approx. 2 mm above the lower incisors. The shape is a chisel or shovel-like shape for biting food.

Individual prophylaxis

Once affections of the oral area have occurred concerning teeth or the periodontal apparatus surgical procedures are often necessary in order to correct and restore the functions. Many disorders of the oral area could be avoided if patient underwent preventive measures, the individual prophylaxis, at regular intervals. An individual consultation of the patient by the dentist is required. The development of disorders due to the different coherences should be to the fore in this context. Furthermore practical tutorials concerning oral hygiene as well as a fluoridation and the sealing of fissures of back teeth should be mentioned and explained by the dentist.

Inlay

Due to caries, tooth decay, biting a cherry stone or the constant progression of the ravages of time. At some point almost anyone needs a repair measure on his teeth. Nowadays a hole in a tooth is closed by a so-called inlay in most cases. An inlay is also referred to as a casting filling which mostly consists of noble metal. For cosmetic reasons ceramics or a combination of different materials are also used in the visible area of the mouth. When working with gold casting fillings it can be assumed that this repair is one of the most durable repairs on teeth ever. Furthermore special polishing methods were developed for this purpose which minimize the gap between the filling and the actual tooth to such an extent that an impression of growing together almost comes up.

Inlay bridge

There are different possibilities of closing a tooth gap. One of them is a special way of closing a gap by means of a bridge in connection with inlays. According to this method the pillar teeth, the support of a bridge, do not consist of crowns but of inlays. The bridge interlink is positioned in between them. Furthermore it has to be distinguished that this is not a provision of a dental filling, but clearly a denture.

Long-term temporary appliance

Once the teeth have been polished or the wounds have to heal after the removal of the teeth the dentist or orthodontist makes use of a long-term temporary appliance. With this the objective is that the healing processes are completed within a period of up to twelve months and the jaw has terminated its reconstruction processes. The dentist can then begin with the actual, long-term treatment.

Metal ceramics

The metal-ceramic composite system is used as a crown or bridge replacement. A metal frame which is faced with ceramic, a ceramic mass, is used for this purpose. This dental work is also referred to as VMK technique .

Model casting

Removable dentures for a partial prosthesis which is completely casted from noble metal or a chrome-cobalt alloying (steel prosthesis).

Methodical gum treatment

Comprehensive dental treatment of the affected periodontal apparatus with the objective of an inflammation-free periodontal apparatus or � this is only seldom possible � the full healing of the affliction.

Mod-filling

This type of filling is the term for a larger filling which includes the chewing surface of a tooth. The dentist should make sure that his filling rests on a very narrow tooth surface. Otherwise there is a danger of the tooth not sustaining a chewing strain for a longer period and can break lengthwise.

Mouthwash solution

Gum inflammations, in other words periodontitis, fungus and bacteria as well as plaque often lead to bad breath. The dentist or chemist recommend a medicated mouthwash for relief and healing, also in case of bacteria infestation and fungus. Additionally there are also mouthwashes which provide for a fresh breath and support a good taste. In order that the oral flora is not damaged in its function by excessive use these mouthwashes should not be used permanently.

Night guard

Problems of people in the oral area are highly diverse and cannot always be clearly analised by dentists and maxillofacial surgeons. Be it gum complaints, loose teeth or unconscious thegosis, which is often due to psychological reasons. In case of all these and other complaints a removable therapy device is often used, the so-called night guard.

Onlay

The dentist has this precisely fitting tooth filling manufactured in a dental laboratory by a dental technician. An onlay is a denture which covers the whole chewing surface including the tooth cusps. The material of the onlay consists of gold, mostly for the invisible part of the oral area as well as of ceramics for the visible part, the incisors and front teeth. The so-called overlay is also an onlay. This type of filling is similar to an onlay whereby only a part of the cusps is filled here.

Open bite

When all or several teeth of the upper and lower jaw do not bite together, especially in the area of the incisors.

Oral

Concerning the mouth, the mouth cavity.

Oral mucosa

The whole oral cavity is covered by two kinds of the so-called mucosa. At this a physician differentiates between lining mucosa which can for example be found on the lips and the masticatory mucosa in the palate and jaw ridge area. The oral mucosa of many people reacts with very sensitive reactions on influences from outside or also of the own body. This often becomes evident by the occurrence of the so-called herpes, a cold sore on the lips, the lining mucosa.

Orthodontia

Similar term like maxillofacial surgery. Regulation of malpositions of teeth during which the treatment is conducted by means of fixed devices in most cases.

Orthodontics

As most dentists are fully engaged with the visible tooth problems an own medical field has developed for the invisible area, the jaw. Orthodontics is the teaching, or also the subject area which deals with malpositions of teeth and the jaw, tooth and jaw anomalies and their treatment. The treatment is carried out by means of fixed or removable braces. The main objective is detecting, evaluating and treating dysplasias and malformations in the jaw area and facial area. A co-operation between dentists and orthodontists provide a satisfactory result of the patient�s dental treatment.

Parodontitis

Inflammations and infections of the periodontal apparatus of a chronical, bacterial kind are referred to as parodontitis or also periodontitis. The reasons and causes for periodontitis are diverse. On the one hand genetics play an important role or not removing tooth films. So-called gingival pockets can develop between the teeth and the gums in which inflammable bacteria develop. Unfortunately parodontitis is not detected by many of the affected and therefore results in severe damages. The loosing of a tooth from the jawbone and the gum can be the result of this. The symptoms like reddened and swollen gum or also gum bleeding are often noticed too late or not noticed at all.

Partial prosthesis

Removable dentures are referred to as partial prostheses. The prosthesis serves as dentures in a set of teeth with gaps. Partial prostheses are available in many diverse versions. However, all partial prostheses show certain construction characteristics. Connecting elements which are also referred to as anchoring elements are used by the dentist in order to fixate the partial prosthesis on the existing teeth. Artificial teeth, the implants are used for the fixation of the prosthesis. Balance elements are used for stabilisation. The main tasks of partial prostheses are restoring the chewing functions and securing the tooth positions and for the recovery of the aesthetics and phonetics. The replacement of a set of teeth with gaps with a partial prosthesis is still the main task of dentists nowadays.

Periodontal treatment

Complex method of treatement of the affected periodontal apparatus

Periodontitis

The term periodontitis is often mistakenly used as an inflammation of the gum in common parlance. However, from the medical point of view an inflammation of the gum has nothing to do with periodontitis as this means an inflammation-free and also age-related reduction of the periodontal apparatus. Put correctly and understandably, periodontitis is an inflammation-free reduction of the periodontal apparatus. This reduction can also be referred to as periodontosis. In most cases the jawbone reduces due to a lack of strain in the case of missing teeth or lacking fillings. A further loss of teeth is then bound to occur.

Plastic fillings

As opposed to solid fillings, casting and ceramics, dentists also work with plastic fillings. Plastic fillings consist of different materials. Different amalgams or also composites, a mixture of different materials, are mostly used in dental practices. These fillings are flexible when they are inserted and can therefore be handled more easily by the dentist. However, the seals have to be made absolutely neatly as the leaks could otherwise lead to a loosing of the filling.

Pocket depth

The pocket depth of the gum serves as a term for the determination of the severity of a gum affliction. The distance between the gum edge and the ground of a gingival pocket is measured by means of a special measuring probe. Pocket depths of more than two millimetres should be treated as they cannot be accessed through external cleaning as well as an autopurification and are often pathologically inflammated. A pocket depth of more than 2 mm is considered normal.

Porcelain jacket

Nowadays the porcelain jacket has become one of the most high grade full ceramic crowns ever. This jacket crown, or also porcelain jacket crown is very functional. Its durability, aesthetics and its genuine feeling in the area are unsurpassed. The jacket crown is fully made of porcelain, can be adjusted to the own teeth in terms of its colour so that the difference is not obvious and is therefore used primarily in the area of the front teeth. During its manufacture very high standards are demanded of the dentist, the dental technician and the dental laboratory.

Preparation

In order for the dentist to restore a tooth with a filling or a denture it has to be treated beforehand. This pre-treatment for the placement of fillings or the insertion of dentures is called preparation. In most cases this is done by drilling and/or polishing with a rotating driller. Furthermore, turbines or light-energetic instruments are used. It basically applies to a dentist to remove as little as possible from the existing tooth substance during a preparation.

Prophylaxis

Only very few people have radiant white teeth by nature. Furthermore teeth become more yellowish with increasing age, change colour due to coffee, tea or nicotine. The intake of food as well as the consumption of alcohol also play an important role. In order that teeth gain a beautiful white colour the dentist offers the so-called prophylaxis. A method of cleaning teeth, tooth surfaces. As a rule, this prophylaxis is done by specially trained staff in the dental practice. The prophylaxis treatment is done by means of special instruments and specific pastes. With this the soft tooth films are removed, the teeth are polished and afterwards covered with a protective gel.

Prosthesis

Workpiece for the replacement of a few (partial prosthesis) or all teeth (full prosthesis), mostly on a synthetic base, in the case of partial prostheses also on a metal base. The teeth can be made of synthetic or porcelain (dentures). The taking of an impression, bite determination, choice of colour and insertion of a prosthesis are exclusively dental measures while the manufacturing of dentures is done in dental laboratories according to a dentist�s instructions. A full prosthesis replaces the complete tooth row of a jaw. Its base consists of synthetic or also of metal in individual cases, the applied teeth or synthetic or ceramics.

Provisional crown / bridge

If a tooth or also several teeth were prepared it is provided with a provisional crown or also a bridge for its protection. This is done to avoid damages until the final restoration with dentures. A provisionary crown/bridge is thus a measure, either for a tooth�s protection after preparation until the provision with the final replacement (crown, bridge) or as a temporary restoration of a tooth gap until the later provision with a bridge or a removable prosthesis. This provisional solution can directly be manufactured by the dentist in the patient�s mouth or in a dental laboratory after an impression. Hence the teeth get a protection which softens and spreads the pressure of biting together. In the visible area on the contrary provisionary solutions are mostly done for cosmetic reasons. A provisionary solution should only be worn as long as necessary as the seal towards the existing tooth is not as solid as the final denture.

Removable dentures partial prosthesis /total prosthesis

A prosthesis or also removable dentures can be divided into different fields. This partial prosthesis can be used as a complete replacement for all teeth in the upper jaw and lower jaw. The partial prosthesis is mounted on the own teeth or dentures, for example implants, by means of diverse constructions. The total prosthesis is used if no own teeth exist any longer. For the fixation on the jaw/gum diverse adhesive agents or gluing agents are used according to tolerance. The manufacture of a perfect prosthesis which is not felt as a foreign body in the mouth area by the patient, requires great mechanic skills from a dentist and dental technician. Only the perfect interaction of both sides provides the desired result for the patient.

Retention

Term from dental anatomy/surgery: one speaks of a retained tooth when this is in the jaw in a correct position but does not break through into the oral cavity. The most common of these types are the wisdom teeth, followed by the upper eye teeth which are additionally also wrongly positioned in the jaw. This state is referred to as retained and translocated. Preservation of an orthodontic state by means special devices. A tooth not breaking through as its breaking through period is considerably delayed and which shows clinical or radiological signs for no further breaking through taking place. In most cases a lack of space or a wrong axial direction of the tooth germ are the causes.

Root filling

The worked-up and thoroughly cleansed root canal is sealed with a tissue-friendly material. The placement of the root filling in the tooth is done by means of a fine spiral. For this purpose materials are used with ensure the permanent and bacteria-proof closure of the whole root canal system. As allergies often occurred in the past due to the fact that materials containing iodine were used in the core material used for the filling as well as in the paste, only so-called depot disinfectants are used nowadays. When the filling is inserted absolutely tightly fitting until the root tips, it is guaranteed that no infections occur. But this cannot always be guaranteed, just for anatomic reasons. A root canal treatment and the root filling can span over a very long period.

Root treatment

A root canal treatment is the generic term for dental treatment methods in the case of a strongly affected or died-off tooth nerve with the aim of tooth restoration. After drilling and a complete (or perhaps just partial) removal of the affected or purulently decaying tooth nerve the root canal is thoroughly worked-up and cleansed and subsequently provided with a root canal filling. The root canal system is extraordinarily complicatedly structured especially in the area of the back teeth. A root canal treatment is extremely difficult and very complicated in this area. There is the danger that inflammations in the root canal area do not heal up completely. During this treatment the dentist has the main objective of flushing out the so-called remaining pulpa tissue and removing the adhering smear layer.

Sensitive tooth necks

The dentine is not covered by enamel in the area of exposed tooth necks. The entrances to the dentine canals are open. Thus a more intensive sense of pain comes up through different stimuli (hot, cold, sweet, sour).

Set of teeth

The human set of teeth consists of 32 teeth and originally only serves the purpose of the intake and comminution of food. Defending oneself with ones teeth, in other words biting, developed due to the growing number of natural enemies, as a possibility of domination, self-defense and ultimately survival. There are six large back teeth each in the upper and lower jaw of a grown-up which are also referred to as molars (comminution of food). Furthermore 4 small back teeth can be found here (for the fixation of food) as well as 2 eyeteeth or also canine teeth and 4 incisors with which the food is bitten off (torn).

Side teeth

The total of the large and small back teeth are referred to as side teeth.

Single-tooth implant

In the case of a conventional denture (bridge) both neighboring teeth are polished. During this process the tooth loses substance. Generally the life span of a tooth is higher if it is not crowned. A single-tooth implant, the replacement of a tooth with an implant, is mostly used when the neighboring teeth should be saved and the use of a bridge can be avoided for this reason. The single-tooth implant prevents these disadvantages of crowning of two teeth for a bridge, especially if these teeth are otherwise healthy.

Smoker�s plaques

While inhaling tobacco smoke pigments are released. They accumulate on teeth and cause irritating, brownish-yellow smoker�s plaques. Not only is the tooth substance attacked by this and the tooth becomes brittle and prone to affections from outside. This permanent exposure also affects the gum due to special pollutants in tobacco smoke. As the gum is especially exposed inflammations of the gum can occur as a result of this.

Steel crown

Crown type which is mainly used in children�s dentistry for the replacement of very damaged milk teeth or for a temporary (provisional) treatment of permanent (back)teeth. Precasted anatomically shaped crowns are used which are adjusted to the damaged tooth in the mouth. Steel crowns are also referred to as premade crowns. This is an industrially precasted crown or also a children�s crown. It largely consists of metal, steel, pewter or aluminium. Steel crowns are partly also made of precasted synthetics.

Telescope, telescope crown

As a telescopic crown always consists of 2 parts it is also referred to as a double crown. On the one side there is the fixated primary or inner telescope crown and the removable outer telescope interlocking on top of it. Telescope crowns have become a standard. In the restoration of a gappy set of teeth with removable dentures their advantage lies in the problem-free enlargement of the dentures. It is also brilliantly suitable if one of the pillar teeth was removed. However, the telescope crown puts sets very high demands on the dental laboratory and the dentist. A disadvantage of the telescope crown is, that it seems a bit clumsy and bulky in the visible part due to its structure.

Tooth

Body organ which grows twice and forms a row with the main functions of food comminution and articulation. From an evolutionary point of view an appendage of the skin. A set of milk teeth consists of 20 teeth (eight incisors, four eye teeth, eight small back teeth and 12 large back teeth); the permanent set of teeth consists of 32 teeth including wisdom teeth (eight incisors, four eye teeth, eight small back teeth and 12 large back teeth). The tooth is divided into the tooth crown, tooth neck and tooth root (see also set of teeth). A tooth basically consists of a very hard, enamel type upper layer, the enamel, the softer dentine and the tooth cement of the root. The pulpa is inside of the root (among laymen: nerve).

Tooth film

Generic term for all contaminations on tooth surfaces and the edge of the gum. One can differentiate between hard (for example dental calculus) and soft tooth films (for example plaque). These tooth films have to be removed, otherwise caries and periodontitis will occur. Nowadays hard tooth films are as a rule removed by means of ultrasonic apparatuses.

Tooth films

With most people, the dental surface, the visible part of the tooth, is affected by caries and periodontosis at some point. This is partly due to nutrition, dental care and the actual tooth substance resp. the position of the teeth in the gum (large tooth gaps, crooked teeth). The beginning of caries often becomes evident through tooth films, which are distinguished between hard tooth films, dental calculus and soft tooth films, plaque. These tooth films should regularly be removed in a dental practice as they are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and play the most important role concerning the development of caries and periodontosis.

Tooth neck

Slightly retracted transition area between the visible dental enamel and the tooth root. In the case of healthy teeth the gum covers the tooth neck. Exposed tooth necks can cause pains by sweet, cold and hot food as well as by tangency.

Tooth nerves

The teeth of the gum are solely provided through the trigeminal nerve (brain nerve). The finest nerve ends of the trigeminal nerve end at the pulpa (nerve) of a tooth.

Tooth root

The different groups of teeth in the upper and lower jaw dispose of different numbers of tooth roots. The incisors, eye teeth and small back teeth have a root, the lower large back teeth have two and the upper large back teeth have three tooth roots. The tooth root is the dentine, a cement-covered anchoring device for the mounting of the tooth in the jawbone. In the case of healthy oral conditions the tooth roots are surrounded by the jawbone and covered with gum. During a tooth�s development the tooth root is grown last. It causes the breakthrough of a tooth through its growth. Even after the final tooth breakthrough the tooth root continues growing for a period of 2 � 3 years until it retains its final form.

Veneer, veneer crown

This type of restoration by means of a facet, veneer, laminate or also partial front tooth crown is useful when discolorations cannot fade off by means of dental bleaching, as a replacement of large fillings in the visible tooth area which cannot be cosmetically adjusted to the own tooth colour any more. Furthermore they can serve for the correction of crooked teeth, in the case of position anomalies, for the repair of broken teeth and also for the elimination of dental enamel defects. Facing of the visible tooth surfaces with thin ceramic facets (so-called pressing ceramic), which don�t cover the entire tooth as opposed to a jacket crown. The visible surfaces are polished paper-thin and furnished with veneers which are manufactured in a dental laboratory. During this repair measure relatively little health tooth substance is lost. They are made to get rid of for example enamel cracks, dental discolorations, corrections of the shape of a dental crown and the position. As a rule, these measures solely serve the purpose of an aesthetic improvement.

Wisdom tooth

In common parlance this back tooth or tooth 8 is referred to as a �wisdom tooth� in many languages because man possesses distinct wisdom at this age. The third back tooth at the back end of the tooth row is meant which breaks through roughly between the 17th and 24th year of age in the case of a normally developed jaw. Due to a lack of space in a jaw reduced by civilisation there are often complications � especially among the lower wisdom teeth � during the breakthrough. Wisdom teeth which have not broken through can also cause considerable afflictions by exercising pressure on the root of the tooth in their front and causing vague facial respective ear pains.