Dental Dictionary

condition

Abscess

A pocket of infection at the root of a tooth or in the gum tissue. Almost always painful and often visible as swelling or a small bump on the gum.

An abscess happens when bacteria reach the soft tissue (pulp) inside a tooth or the gum tissue around it, and the body can't clear the infection on its own. Untreated abscesses don't heal — they get worse and the infection can spread. Treatment is typically a non-surgical root canal (to clean the inside of the tooth) or, when the tooth can't be saved, an extraction with antibiotics. Call us right away if you suspect an abscess: 540-414-8423.

specialty

ARESTIN

A targeted antibiotic placed directly into the gum pocket during a periodontal cleaning. Helps treat moderate to severe gum disease without systemic antibiotics.

cosmetic

Bonding

Tooth-colored composite resin shaped onto a tooth to fix small chips, gaps, or discoloration. Typically done in a single visit, no anesthesia required.

condition

Bruxism

The clinical term for grinding or clenching your teeth, often during sleep. Long-term bruxism wears down enamel and damages restorations — a custom nightguard prevents the damage.

specialty

CBCT (Cone Beam CT)

A 3D dental X-ray used for implant planning, root canal evaluation, and complex case work-ups. Much lower radiation than a medical CT scan.

restorative

Crown

A custom 'cap' that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be all-porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all-ceramic.

specialty

Dental Implant

A small titanium post placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Once the bone heals around it, a crown is attached on top. The most natural-feeling tooth replacement available.

restorative

Dentures

Removable replacements for missing teeth. Full dentures replace all teeth in an arch; partial dentures replace some. Dr. Weatherwax specializes in well-fitting, comfortable removable prosthodontics.

specialty

Endodontics

The branch of dentistry that treats the inside of the tooth — most often by performing a non-surgical root canal to save an infected tooth.

restorative

Filling

A tooth-colored composite (or in some cases, amalgam) placed to repair a cavity. We use composite for nearly all fillings — strong, durable, and matched to your tooth color.

general

Fluoride

A mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Found naturally in many water supplies and added to most toothpastes; we also offer in-office treatment for kids and adults at higher cavity risk.

condition

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Inflammation and infection of the gum and bone supporting your teeth. Treatable in early stages (gingivitis); advanced stages (periodontitis) require ongoing management to prevent tooth loss.

restorative

Inlays & Onlays

Lab-made restorations stronger than fillings but smaller than crowns. Used when a tooth has too much decay for a filling but doesn't need a full crown.

cosmetic

Invisalign

A clear-aligner orthodontic system that straightens teeth without metal brackets or wires. Custom aligners are swapped every 1–2 weeks; treatment usually takes 12–18 months.

specialty

Nitrous Oxide

Often called 'laughing gas.' A mild inhaled sedation that helps anxious patients relax during dental work. Wears off within minutes after the mask comes off — you can drive home.

specialty

Oral Sedation

A pill taken before your appointment that produces a calm, drowsy state. Stronger and longer-lasting than nitrous; you'll need a ride home afterward.

general

Periodontal Maintenance

An ongoing schedule of deeper cleanings (every 3–4 months) for patients who've had gum disease. Keeps the disease from progressing and the supporting bone from being lost.

general

Prophylaxis

The clinical term for a routine dental cleaning — done every 6 months for healthy patients. Removes plaque and tartar above the gum line.

specialty

Root Canal

A non-surgical treatment that removes infected pulp from inside a tooth, then seals the root canal so the tooth can be saved. Performed in-house at our practice — no referral needed.

general

Scaling and Root Planing

A 'deep cleaning' that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. The first-line treatment for moderate gum disease; sometimes paired with ARESTIN.

general

Sealants

A protective coating brushed onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth — usually for kids — to keep cavities from forming in the deep grooves.

restorative

Tooth Extraction

Removal of a tooth that can't be saved. Done gently, with sedation if you'd like. We discuss replacement options (implant, bridge, partial denture) at the same visit.

cosmetic

Veneers

Thin custom shells of porcelain bonded to the front of your teeth. Used to fix shape, color, or alignment issues for a polished smile.

cosmetic

Whitening (Teeth Whitening)

Professional bleaching that lightens the shade of your teeth. Available as in-office treatment or take-home trays. Far stronger and more even than over-the-counter products.