Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but some things shouldn’t be scary, like a visit to our Tigard dentist. Yet dental terminology can sometimes sound like a mysterious incantation, leaving you feeling more confused than comforted.
This Halloween season, the team at Washington Square Dental is unmasking some common dental terms so you can feel confident and informed about your oral health. Find out the difference between gingivitis and gum disease, or tooth caps and dental crowns in Tigard. Think of us as your friendly guide through the sometimes-eerie world of dental language.
Tooth Cap vs. Dental Crown: A Tale of Two Names
Here’s a little secret: there isn’t a difference between a tooth cap and a dental crown in Tigard! It’s a classic case of mistaken identity. “Tooth cap” is simply the common, everyday term for what dentists call a “dental crown.” They are one and the same. A crown is a custom-made restoration that completely covers, or “caps,” a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.
You might need a dental crown to:
- Protect a weak tooth from breaking.
- Restore a tooth that is already broken or severely worn down.
- Cover and support a tooth with a large filling.
- Hold a dental bridge in place.
- Cover a misshapen or severely discolored tooth.
- Finish off a dental implant.
Think of a dental crown like a custom-fitted costume for your tooth. It’s designed to look and function just like a natural tooth, blending in seamlessly with your smile.
If you’re looking for high-quality dental crowns in Tigard, our team at Washington Square Dental can find a restoration that’s a perfect fit, providing a treat for your smile with no tricks.
Fillings vs. Inlays: Sealing the Decay Demons
When a cavity attacks your tooth, our dentist needs to remove the decay and fill the space.
- For Smaller Cavities: A direct filling is often the best solution. We place a soft, pliable material directly into the cleaned-out cavity and shape it before hardening it in place. It’s a quick and effective way to banish decay.
- For Larger Areas of Decay: If an area doesn’t quite need a full crown, an inlay might be the answer. Unlike a direct filling, an inlay is custom-made in a dental lab from a single, solid piece of material.
Think of it this way: a filling is like patching a small tear in your ghost costume, while an inlay is like having a perfectly shaped new panel sewn in.
Plaque vs. Tartar: The Ghouls on Your Gums
Plaque and tartar are two villains in your oral health story that are often confused. While related, they represent different stages of the same frightening process.
- Plaque: This is a soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. It’s like the cobwebs that appear overnight in a haunted mansion. You can remove plaque by brushing and flossing daily. But if it’s left to linger, especially after you’ve indulged in sugary Halloween candy, it starts to cause trouble.
- Tartar: Also known as calculus, this is what happens when plaque isn’t removed. It hardens into a rough, porous deposit on your teeth, usually near the gum line. Think of tartar as plaque that has fossilized. Once it forms, you can no longer brush it away at home. This hardened substance can lead to gum irritation and disease.
Only a professional cleaning from our Tigard dentist or hygienist can remove tartar. Regular checkups are your best defense against this ghoulish buildup.
Gingivitis vs. Gum Disease vs. Periodontitis
These all have to do with your gums, but they’re often confused or used in ways that leave patients wondering just where they are when it comes to their periodontic health. In reality, gum disease is the umbrella term, while gingivitis and periodontitis are types of gum disease.
- Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. It’s caused by built-up plaque and tartar irritating the gum tissue. Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene and routine dental care.
- Periodontitis: This is a more severe stage where the infection spreads to the supporting bone structures of the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. You may need a dental deep cleaning or more advanced gum therapy.
Don’t Be Spooked by Dental Terms
At Washington Square Dental, we believe that knowledge is power. Understanding these terms helps demystify your dental care. Knowing the difference between plaque and tartar reminds you why daily brushing is so important. Realizing that “tooth caps” are the same as dental crowns in Tigard makes the procedure feel much less intimidating.
This Halloween, focus on the fun and leave the dental worries to us. Our team is always here to answer your questions and explain procedures in a way that makes sense to you. If you have questions about your oral health or need to schedule a visit, contact our trusted Tigard dentist today. We’re here to help keep your smile healthy and bright all year long.
