Cosmetic Dentistry Glossary of Terms - E to H

May 7, 2007 , Los Angeles ( L.A. ) and Beverly Hills - Every profession has its own language but it sometimes seems medical terminology is particularly difficult to decode. While the language of cosmetic dentistry is more accessible than some other medical specialties, it still requires an occasional explanation.

Listed below are a few terms you likely will find useful when visiting your cosmetic dentist .

Enamel
This hard, durable, outer layer of your tooth above your gum line that covers and protects the layer just beneath it.

Endodontist
A specialist who treats diseases, injuries and infections of the nerve chamber, or tooth pulp

Eruption
The progression of your teeth as they protrude through your gums

Exfoliating
The process by which your body sheds your baby (deciduous) teeth

Exodontia
Dental extraction treatments

Extraction
Removal of your tooth/teeth

Eyeteeth
Your four lower and upper and lower canine teeth, also known as cuspids

Facing
Facing is a tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown. Facings may be made of composite, porcelains or acrylics.

Fistula
Also known as "gum boils," fistula are channels that excrete pus from an infected site in your mouth.

Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge is used to replace a missing tooth or teeth. It is bonded to the adjacent teeth, which have been prepared to serve as anchor supports.

Flap Surgery
This surgery lifts your gum tissue to clean the underlying tooth and bone structure.

Flipper
Flippers are false teeth used to temporarily replace a missing tooth until a bridge, implant or permanent bridge can be inserted. They can be attached using a wire or a plastic piece that fits to the roof of your mouth. Flippers should only be used as a temporary fix.

Full Denture
Full dentures are removable appliances, or prosthesis, replace all lower and upper teeth.

Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full mouth reconstruction, or extreme dental makeover , is the extensive restoration of your natural teeth with fixed bridges and/or crowns to correct or manage a bite problem.

Guided Tissue Regeneration
GTR is a new technique for replacing bone tissue

Geographic Tongue
Changes in the usual texture and color of your tongue that don't require treatment

Gingiva
Your gum tissue.

Gingivectomy
The surgical removal of any gum tissue.

Gingivitis
Gum tissue inflammation

Receeding Gums
The condition in which dental roots are exposed as a result of surgery, abrasion or periodontal disease.

Halitosis
Bad breath

Hygienist
The dental professionals who clean your teeth, perform periodontal scaling and administer local anesthetics.

LEARN MORE
Call top cosmetic dentist Dr. Anthony Mobasser today at 1.310.550.0383 or email us to schedule an appointment and learn more about cosmetic dentistry .