‘Perio’ Dental Terms

Posted on Jun 14, 2021 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Occasionally, I like to remind readers of the benefits of thorough communication in dental offices, and especially in dental specialists‘ offices. When unfamiliar terms are used by the doctor or staff, it can easily leave patients in a confused state.

When patients feel less involved in their dental situation, they struggle to make decisions that are in their best interests, including decisions that can greatly affect long-term dental health.

In our Asheville periodontal dental office, we pride ourselves on providing a comfortable, respectful environment to our patients. We find that even patients who are anxious or “jittery” about dental procedures relax when they feel fully versed as to their needs, how they may have occurred, and their options in resolving the problem(s).

However, some dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants can become “immune” to the foreign nature of some terms. They tend to throw them out without realizing the terms are going askew rather than being absorbed by the patients to whom they’re communicating.

Ideally, any term or explanation that isn’t clear will prompt the patient to ask for clarity.

Below are some fairly common terms you may hear used by your dental caregivers. Hopefully, these will help you better grasp the unique situation you have that brought you to the dental chair in the first place.

PERIODONTAL (or PERIO): Defined, this means relating to or affecting the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth. Generally, however, this refers to the gum tissues in the mouth.

GINGIVITIS: This initial stage of periodontal disease causes inflammation of the gums, typically because a film of plaque (consisting of oral bacteria), has accumulated on teeth. Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of gum disease but, untreated, can progress to more serious levels that are highly destructive.

PERIODONTITIS: This inflammatory reaction is triggered by a buildup of bacteria in dental plaque. This stage of gum disease leads to a loss of tooth-supporting bone, formation of deep “pockets”, and eventually tooth loss.

PROPHY: Also known as a dental cleaning, a prophy is a treatment that involves the cleaning and polishing of tooth surfaces to control bacteria on the teeth and just below the gum line. A prophy is recommended every six months to maintain healthy gums and teeth.

BUCCAL: This is the cheek-side of teeth. For front teeth, it may also be referred to as the facial surface.

LINGUAL: The opposite of buccal, this refers to the surface of teeth that face the tongue.

MESIAL: This is the surface of a tooth that is closest to the midline of the face.

OCCLUSAL: This is the chewing surface of back teeth.

POCKETS: This is a small opening in gum tissues between the gums and the teeth where the gum should normally fit snugly against the tooth. A pocket holds bacteria, which can allow infection to penetrate below the gum line.

DEBRIDEMENT: When a buildup of plaque and calculus becomes imbedded around the gums and between teeth, a dentist or dental specialist often must remove it in order to perform a thorough oral exam.

ROOT PLANING: This is a non-surgical procedure for the removal of plaque, hardened tartar ( calculus), and/or stains from a patient’s teeth and tooth roots. This is typically performed to reach oral bacteria that has moved below the gum line.

MAXILLA: This is your upper jaw, which holds upper tooth roots. This bone is part of the skull structure and does not move.

MANDIBLE: This is the lower jaw bone, where lower teeth are held. This bone is hinged to the skull and moves up and down and slightly sideways, made possible by the temporomandibular joints (TMJ).

ARCH or RIDGE: In dentistry, this refers to the raised, gum covered “u” that supports the upper or lower teeth. For example, a “full arch of teeth” indicates a complete row of all upper or lower teeth.

Our goal is to create informed patients who are active in their care and decision-making process for having excellent dental health.

Research has shown that a healthy mouth supports a healthy body. It has proven that oral health is intricately connected to our whole health. By minimizing the level of bacteria in the mouth, you can avoid many problems associated with the teeth and gums AND give your overall health added support.

Bacteria accumulation can sneak up on you. Gum disease symptoms begin with tender gums that may bleed when brushing. The gums may become red (versus a healthy pink color) and pull away from the base of teeth. Bad breath becomes more frequent and some swelling may occur.

As it progresses, periodontal disease can cause deep, pus filled pockets to form on the gums. The gums may loosen from their grip around teeth and bad breath is persistent. Bleeding gums may occur easily; even eating may prompt bleeding.

Eventually, the bone and tissue structures that support teeth are so damaged that the foundation for teeth gives way and teeth may need to be extracted. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause for adult tooth loss.

If gum disease exists, it will only worsen without treatment. Please contact our Western NC periodontal office to arrange a consultation or a complete examination. A periodontist specializes in the treatment of oral tissues and is your best choice for restoring a healthy mouth.

Call 828-274-9440. Let’s get you smiling confidently, and often!