Learn more about the services, terms and treatments used by our dentist, Dr. Asad Chaudhry. If you have any questions, please call our office in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, at 610-317-2454.
Anesthetic
A chemical or medical agent that numbs an area
Anterior
A word to describe teeth close to the front of the mouth
Apex
The ends of the bottom of the tooth
Bitewing
A dental X-ray when the image is taken while the patient is biting on a tab
Canine
Describing the third tooth on the dental arch
Canker sore
A small wound on the inside of the mouth that turns yellow forms a red ring
Cast
A reproduction of the teeth
Cementation
When braces or other appliances are “glued” onto the teeth
Crossbite
When the upper and lower jaws do no align and the lower teeth jut towards the side of the mouth when biting
Dentition
The arrangement of the teeth in the upper and lower jaws
Diastema
The space between teeth
Distal
Situated spreading away from the center of the jaw
Eruption
When a tooth emerges from the gumline
Gingivitis
An infection in gum tissue, marked by redness, swelling or slight bleeding
Impaction
When contact with another tooth or bone tissue prevents a tooth from emerging
Impression
When making a cast or model of the tooth, an impression is formed from an imprint of the teeth
Incisal
The edge of the front tooth used to bite or cut into food
Incisor
The four frontmost top and bottom teeth
Lingual
The surface of the tooth that face towards the tongue.
Mesial
The sides of the tooth that are directed towards the front middle teeth
Molar
The last three teeth on both the right, left, upper and lower jaw
Occlusal
The flat surface of the back teeth used to bite and chew
Occlusion
The interaction between the upper and lower teeth when closed
Open bite
When there is space between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed
Over bite
When the bite of the top or bottom teeth overhang
Palate
The roof and tissue that make up the upper portion of the mouth
Permanent teeth
The set of teeth that appear after the baby tooth are lost
Posterior
Oriented towards the back of the mouth
Premolar
Teeth located after the front incisors and canines
Primary teeth
The initial teeth that will be replaced by adult teeth
Radiograph
A picture that is made by an X-ray
Retainer
After braces or orthodontics, an appliance used to prevent misalignment
Space Maintainer
Used to keep teeth apart after a tooth falls out, is removed or shifts position