Dental Glossary From A-Z

glossary
  • Amalgam – Material made from mercury and other alloy mixtures used to restore a drilled portion of a tooth.
  • Anaesthesia – Medications used to relieve pain.
  • Anterior teeth – Front teeth. Also called incisors and cuspids.
  • Arch – The upper or lower jaw.
A

B

  • Baby bottle tooth decay – Caused by sugary substances in breast milk and some juices, which combine with saliva to form pools inside the baby’s mouth.
  • Bicuspids -A premolar tooth; tooth with two cusps, which are pointed or rounded eminences on or near the masticating surface of a tooth.
  • Bitewings – X-rays that help a dentist diagnose cavities.
  • Bonding – Application of tooth-coloured resin materials to the surface of the teeth.
  • Bridge – A prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth cemented or otherwise attached to the abutment teeth or implant replacements.
  • Bruxism – Teeth grinding.
  • Calculus – A hard deposit of mineralized substance adhering to crowns and/or roots of teeth or prosthetic devices.
  • Canal – The narrow chamber inside the tooth’s root.
  • Canines – Also called cuspids.
  • Canker sore – One that occurs on the delicate tissues inside your mouth. A canker sore is usually light-coloured at its base and can have a red exterior border.
  • Caries – A commonly used term for tooth decay, or cavities.
  • Cold sore – Usually occurs on the outside of the mouth, usually on or near the nose or lips. A cold sore is contagious because it is caused by the herpes simplex virus, and it is usually painful and filled with fluid.
  • Composite filling – Tooth coloured restorations, also known as resin fillings.
  • Composite resin – A tooth coloured resin combined with silica or porcelain and used as a restoration material.
  • Contouring – The process of reshaping teeth.
  • Crown – An artificial tooth replacement that restores missing tooth structure by surrounding the remaining coronal tooth structure. It is also placed on a dental implant.
  • Cusps – The pointed parts on top of the back teeth’s chewing surface.
  • Cuspids – Front teeth that typically have a protruding edge.
C

  • Dentin – The tooth layer underneath the enamel.
  • Denture – A removable set of teeth.

  • Endodontics – A form of dentistry that addresses problems affecting the tooth’s root or nerve.

  • Fluoride – A harmless over-exposure to fluoride resulting in tooth discoloration.
  • Fluorosis – A harmless over-exposure to fluoride and resulting sometimes in tooth discoloration.

  • Gingiva – Another word for gum tissue.
  • Gingivitis – A minor disease of the gums caused by plaque.
  • Gum disease – An infection of the gum tissues. Also called periodontal disease.

  • Impacted teeth – A condition in which a tooth fails to erupt or only partially erupts.
  • Implant – A permanent appliance used to replace a missing tooth.
  • Incisor – Front teeth with cutting edges; located in the centre or on the sides near the front.
  • Inlay – An artificial filling made of various materials, including porcelain, resin, or gold.

  • Laminate veneer – A shell that is bonded to the enamel of a front tooth. The shell is usually thin and made from porcelain resin.

  • Malocclusion – Bad bite relationship.
  • Mandible – The lower jaw.
  • Maxilla – The upper jaw.
  • Molar – Usually the largest teeth, near the rear of the mouth. Molars have large chewing surfaces.

  • Neuromuscular Dentistry – Addresses more than the aches and pains felt in and around the neck and head that are associated with your teeth and jaw.

  • Onlay – A filling designed to protect the chewing surface of a tooth.
  • Orthodontics – A field of dentistry that deals with tooth and jaw alignment.
  • Over denture – A non-fixed dental appliance applied to a small number of natural teeth or implants.
P

  • Palate – Roof of the mouth.
  • Partial denture – A removable appliance that replaces missing teeth.
  • Paediatric Dentistry – A field of dentistry that deals with children’s teeth
  • Perio pocket – An opening formed by receding gums.
  • Periodontal disease – Infection of the gum tissues. Also called gum disease.
  • Periodontist – A dentist who treats diseases of the gums.
  • Permanent teeth – The teeth that erupt after primary teeth. Also called adult teeth.
  • Plaque – A sticky, colourless substance that covers the teeth after sleep or periods between brushing.
  • Posterior teeth – The bicuspids and molars. Also called the back teeth.
  • Primary teeth – A person’s first set of teeth. Also called baby teeth or temporary teeth.
  • Prophylaxis – The act of cleaning the teeth.
  • Prosthodontics – The field of dentistry that deals with artificial dental appliances.
  • Pulp – The inner tissues of the tooth containing blood, nerves and connective tissue.
  • Receding gum – A condition in which the gums separate from the tooth, allowing bacteria and other substances to attack the tooth’s enamel and surrounding bone.
  • Resin filling – An artificial filling used to restore teeth. Also called a composite filling.
  • Root canal – A procedure in which a tooth’s nerve is removed and an inner canal cleansed and later filled.
  • Root planning – Scraping or cleansing of teeth to remove heavy build-up of tartar below the gum line.
R

  • Sealant – A synthetic material placed on the tooth’s surface that protects the enamel and chewing surfaces.

  • TMJ – Temporomandibular joint disorder. Health problems related to the jaw joint just in front of the ear.
  • Tarter – A hardened substance (also called calculus) that sticks to the tooth’s surface.

  • Veneer – A laminate applied or bonded to the tooth.
W

  • Whitening – A process that employs special bleaching agents for restoring the colour of teeth.
  • Wisdom tooth – Third set of molars that erupt last in adolescence.

Oris Dental, your family dentist in sunshine coast, is dedicated to providing reliable and effective dental services that cater to the unique needs of your entire family. Let us be your trusted partner in dental care and schedule your appointment with us today!

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Adarsh (Principal Dentist)

Adarsh

Adarsh (A-Dash) is the principal dentist at Oris Dental. Adarsh graduated as a dentist in 1996 from the University of Mumbai (Bombay, India). He entered private practice as an assistant dentist in one of the leading practices in Mumbai from 1996-2002. The practice offered all aspects of dentistry with the exception of Orthodontics. This prompted Adarsh to pursue a post graduate degree in Orthodontics and successfully completed the 3 year Full time the master’s program from University of Mumbai (Bombay, India) in 2005. Since then, Adarsh has been in private practice both as a general dentist and an orthodontist. He also served as teaching faculty at University in Mumbai for 3 yrs and when in India, he has been ‘the dentist’ to many dentists!! In 2008, Adarsh took the Australian Dental Council exam for direct recognition of his skill in Australia. He successfully completed the exams in the first attempt and moved to Australia early 2009. He has been in private practice in Australia since Jan 2009. Oris Dental was set up in Minyama in 2011. Oris Dental is now over 8 years old and is growing to be a well-respected practice in the area. He is particularly interested in Cosmetic dentistry Dental implants and Orthodontics. Adarsh hopes to use all the experience he has gained in the past 22 years, to offer the best in dentistry to all his patients in this practice. Adarsh believes in spreading smiles and has successfully designed smiles and in doing so improved the lives and self-confidence of many Sunshine Coast locals (Take a look at our Smile gallery!). Adarsh is an active member of the Australian Dental Association since 2009 He held the post of Senior Lecturer in Orthodontics in Mumbai University before moving to Australia. He is a Life member of the Indian Dental Association, serving as the General Secretary of the Association (Mumbai City Chapter) 2007-2009 He is Life member of the Indian Orthodontic Society. He is Candidate for Membership Examination MRACDS (Ortho) and plans to complete his membership exams soon. Adarsh is also currently pursuing his Diploma in Implant dentistry at the Royal College of Surgeons(Edinburgh). Adarsh has recently complete intensive training in implant placement and restoration in Neoss and TRI (Swiss) Implant system. He is married to Prachi for 15yrs and they have a 11 yr old son – Aarjav, a little daughter Aria who has just started prep and Daisy the mad Lab pup! He is currently learning to play Tennis and Badminton and loves watching the cricket!

Prachi (Owner/ Dentist)

Prachi

Prachi is the director, part time dentist at Oris Dental. Prachi graduated in 2002 from Nair hospital dental college, Mumbai (Bombay, India), one of the leading dental schools in Asia. She then worked in multiple private practices across Mumbai (Bombay, India). While working as a dentist in various practices she picked up the positives from them and implemented them into this practice at Oris Dental. She is very friendly by nature and is particularly good at handling children, preventive dentistry and hygiene. Prachi moved to Australia in 2009. Prachi has there on completed her Australian Dental council exams successfully in early 2011 and is now ready to bring in her 12 years of experience to Oris Dental. Prachi also serves as a part time dentist at the Oral Health Services Sunshine Coast in Caloundra Kawana and Nambour as needed.

Davina (Dentist)

Davina

Davina has been a part of our family since 2014. After completing her bachelor’s degree from the University of Queensland, Davina has been in private practice in an around the Sunshine coast for a year before joining us full time. Davina shows exemplary skills in building a great relationship and rapport with her patients and is well regarded by her peers. Davina is very highly regarded by her current patients. Davina currently works 3 days a week.

Lise Slack (Dental Hygienist)

Lise Stack

Our dental hygienist Lise Slack is a trained member of the dental team who works together with your dentist in preventing gum diseases and dental decay.

Lise joined OrisDental in 2015 and has worked extensively in private specialist practices. She graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa in 1982 and has had specific training and exposure to an extensive range of periodontal conditions and treatment modalities.

Lise’s dad was a professor in dentistry and this is where her love of teeth comes from. She has invented two specialist oral care products which are available in Australia and several international countries. Lise has also lectured at international dental conferences on the maintenance of dental implants and how to help patients care for their teeth once they have contracted periodontitis.

Both adults and children can benefit from having an appointment with a dental hygienist as they are taught how dental diseases occur and how it can be prevented or managed.

Lise is married to Sam and they have two daughters. They value their family time and love adventurous outdoor sports.

Jesse (Dental Assistant)

Jesse (Dental Assistant)

Jess has been a part of Oris Dental from the outset in 2011. Always cheerful and welcoming Jess is the star amongst our patients at our practice. If you cannot find Jess in the practice she will be at the beach!

 

Kaela (Receptionist)

Debra (Receptionist)

Kaela arrived at our practice in early 2021. Coming from eight years of retail experience in Northern NSW, she loves working with people and assisting in any way she can. Kaela has also just finished her training as a dental assistant. You will immediately fall in love with her happy, bubbly personality.

Abby (Sr. Dental Assistant)

Abby (Dental Assistant)

Abby is originally from Hervey Bay, but she has been calling the Sunshine Coast home with her husband and two kids for the past four and a half years. Abby completed her cert III in dental assisting in 2015 and is looking to further her studies In the near future. Abby enjoys camping, playing guitar, and travelling
the world with her family.

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    Dr. Param Dass

    Dr. Param Dass

    Param Dass graduated with a Bachelor in Dentistry from the University of Otago, NZ in 2005. He went on to complete his Bachelor in Medicine from the University of Auckland NZ in 2010.

    Param started working part time in our practice since 2015 with special interest in surgical procedures including Dental implants and bone grafting procedures, Surgical extractions including Wisdom teeth and other minor surgical procedures.

    Param is well known for being gentle and caring in treating patients with dental anxiety and maintains a calm demeanour.

    He is also well trained in working with patients with various levels of anxiety, offering dental treatment under Happy Gas, Twilight sedation or under Full general anaesthetic.

    Dr. Brayden Fracchia

    Dr. Brayden Fracchia

    Brayden hails from North Queensland, having completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery at JCU Cairns, practicing in Hobart and outreach dentistry from Mount Isa over the course of his studies. He has worked with us since 2020. Brayden enjoys becoming a part of a community and enjoys the outdoors and sport in his spare
    time. Having only recently moved to the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Brayden is enthusiastic and well versed in all aspects of basic general dentistry and looks forward to bringing North Queensland hospitality to the South East.

    Briar

    Briar

    Briar stated off as a trainee dental assistant in our practice mid-2020. She is the youngest member of our practice and is rapidly becoming an integral part of team Oris. Briar completed her Certificate 3 in our practice in 2021 and works full time Dental assistant at Oris Dental.

    Drew

    Drew

    Drew is Oris Dental’ newest member, who has only recently moved from his hometown of Rockhampton. He is our Oral Health Therapist, who specializes in oral health education, general check-ups, fillings and more!
    He loves a good chat and a laugh at work. He prioritizes patient’s comfort and likes to encourage an environment where everyone feels a sense of security and safety in the dental setting. When Drew isn’t at work you’ll find him having a refreshing swim at the beach or having his usual dirty chai at his local cafe.

    Jasmine

    Jasmine

    Jasmine joined our practice in November 2021 and works with our Oral Health Therapist Drew. Jasmine is new to dental assistance, however is quickly taking on any and all challenges that come her way! She loves animals, and spending quality time with her husband and two kids. Welcome to the team!

    Brooke

    Brooke

    Brooke is originally from Brisbane but has been living on the coast since 2017. She brings over 15 years of experience in the dental industry and has had the opportunity to work in London and Melbourne for the Royal Flying Doctors. Brooke enjoys surfing, scuba diving and exploring the many things that the Sunny Coast has to offer.