Ever wondered what the dentist is saying to the nurse? We tried to gain some insight into this by asking a few non-dental friends what they thought the dentist was saying… the answer resembled something like this ‘147abd missing’.
The mouth may be just a small part of our overall anatomy but it is a very important part, with many different aspects.
Below you will discover the key elements of your dental anatomy and some of the things the dental team discuss when you are having a dental health exam.
Soft Tissues
This refers to the ‘soft areas of your mouth such as the gums and tongue.
Caries
Means dental decay, teeth that have decay need further treatment.
Diastema
The gap between your front teeth
Incisors
The sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth (four upper, four lower) used for cutting food.
Canines
Sometimes called cuspids, these teeth are shaped like points (cusps) and are used for tearing and grasping food.
Premolars
These teeth have two pointed cusps on their biting surface and are sometimes referred to as bicuspids. The premolars are for crushing and tearing food.
Molars
Used for grinding and chewing food, these teeth have several cusps on the biting surface to help in this process.
Crown
This is the top part of the tooth, and the only part you can normally see. The shape of the crown determines the tooth’s function. For example, front teeth are sharp and chisel-shaped for cutting, while molars have flat surfaces for grinding and chewing.
Gum line
It is the location where the tooth and the gums meet. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque can build up at the gum line, leading to gingivitis and gum disease.
Root
It is two-thirds of the tooth that is embedded in bone and serves as an anchor to hold the tooth in place.
Enamel
Enamel is the outer and hardest part of the tooth that has the most mineralized tissue in the body. It can be damaged by decay if teeth are not cared for properly.
Dentine
The layer of the tooth under the enamel. If decay makes it through the enamel, it next attacks the dentin — where millions of tiny tubes lead directly to the dental pulp.
TTP
Tender to touch. If a tooth is tender to touch it helps the dentist to identify a possible problem.
BPE Score
These are gum scores that the dentist uses to assess the overall health of your gums and if hygiene treatment (scale and polish) is required. 0 is the best and 4 requires greater attention.
PE
Partially erupted – when a tooth is starting to come through but isn’t fully erupted yet.
We hope this brief guide helps you our dental patients to have a little more insight into what we are discussing at your dental appointments in our Leicester dental practice.
Find out more about what to expect from our Leicester based dental clinic…
