Frequently Asked Questions

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Glossary

Benign
The mild or non-malignant form of an illness.
Crown
The part of the tooth covered by enamel and not covered by the gum. A “dental crown” also refers to an artificial tooth used to cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth left. A dental crown can be constructed of porcelain, ceramic or various alloys. Crowns can be used to cover a dental implant, attach a bridge, protect a weak tooth from breaking, or restore a tooth that is already broken. A crown may also cover a tooth that is discolored or badly shaped.
Cyst
Pathological cavity containing fluid or soft matter.
Eruption
When a tooth emerges or pushes through the gums.
Impacted tooth
An unerupted or partially erupted tooth that is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue so that it cannot fully emerge.
Maxillofacial
Relating to the jaws and face.
Oral pathology
You can read our Oral Pathology FAQs or go to our Oral Pathology page.
Orthognathic surgery
Surgery performed to correct facial imbalances caused by abnormalities of the jaw bones. You can read more on our Orthognathic Surgery page.
Root canal
Space inside the root of a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. “Root canal” also refers to a special dental procedure used to save a tooth with a diseased nerve. After a dentist removes the pulp of the diseased tooth, the root canal is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. Then the dentist places a crown over the tooth to make it stronger.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
The connecting hinge between the base of the skull (temporal bone) and the lower jaw (mandible).
TMJ disorders
You can read our TMJ FAQs or go to our TMJ page.

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