Dental Glossary for Erie Homeowners

Reshaping the biting surfaces of teeth to correct an uneven bite. An uneven bite can cause jaw pain, headaches, and premature wear on certain teeth.

A tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns typically last 10-15 years and can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal.

A tooth-colored resin material used to fill cavities. Composites blend with natural tooth color, unlike silver amalgam fillings.

A titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone that serves as a permanent foundation for a replacement tooth. The gold standard for replacing missing teeth.

A fixed prosthetic that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent natural teeth. An alternative to implants that typically costs less.

A thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. Especially recommended for children and teens.

The removal of a tooth. Simple extractions involve visible teeth; surgical extractions are required for impacted or broken teeth, including wisdom teeth.

A preventive application of concentrated fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and resist decay. Erie's municipal water is fluoridated, but professional treatments provide additional protection.

A custom-fitted oral appliance worn during sleep to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism). Protects teeth, crowns, and fillings from grinding damage.

The dental specialty focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Options include traditional braces, clear aligners (Invisalign), and lingual braces.

Infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth, commonly called gum disease. Early-stage gingivitis is reversible; advanced periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.

A professional dental cleaning performed by a hygienist. Recommended every 6 months to remove plaque, tartar, and stains that brushing and flossing miss.

A procedure to remove infected pulp from inside a tooth, clean the canal, and seal it. Modern root canals are relatively painless and save teeth that would otherwise need extraction.

Temporomandibular joint disorder — pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Symptoms include jaw clicking, headaches, and difficulty chewing.

A thin porcelain shell bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its appearance. Veneers address discoloration, chips, gaps, and minor misalignment.

Professional teeth bleaching that removes stains and lightens tooth color. In-office treatments produce faster results than take-home trays or over-the-counter products.