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National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

  • Health Info

Oral Hygiene

On this page, helpful tips, additional resources, related publications.

Good oral health helps you enjoy life. It lets you: speak clearly; taste, chew, and swallow delicious and nutritious foods; and show your feelings through facial expressions such as smiling.

If you protect your oral health with good oral hygiene practices (brushing and flossing), the odds are in your favor you can keep your teeth for a lifetime.

Brush Your Teeth

To keep your teeth healthy, it is important to remove dental plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria. Plaque buildup can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Even teeth that already have fillings are at risk for tooth decay. Plaque can build up underneath a chipped filling and cause new decay. And if there are areas in your mouth where your gums have pulled away from the teeth (called gum recession), the exposed tooth roots can decay as well.

Person brushing teeth

Dental plaque is hard to see. You can see it more easily if you stain it. After you brush your teeth, chew “disclosing tablets” (which you can buy at a drug store), or brush with a special disclosing toothpaste. The color will show you where there is still plaque, and you can then brush those areas again to remove it. (Parents – Disclosing tablets can also be very helpful for teaching children how to do a good job brushing their teeth!)

Brushing tips:

  • Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is what protects teeth from tooth decay (cavities). It prevents decay by strengthening the tooth’s hard outer surface, called enamel.
  • Angle the bristles toward the gumline, so they clean between the gums and teeth.
  • Brush gently using small, circular motions. Do not scrub hard back and forth.
  • Brush all sides of each tooth.
  • Brush your tongue.

And, remember to replace your toothbrush when the bristles become worn.

Oral Health and Aging: Brushing

Fact sheet for caregivers on tooth brushing in older patients.

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Clean Between Your Teeth

Cleaning between teeth to remove plaque is also part of a good oral hygiene routine. If plaque is not removed, some of it can harden below the gum line and irritate the gums. The gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily. These are signs of gingivitis. Gingivitis caused by plaque buildup is a mild form of gum disease, and you can usually reverse it with daily brushing and flossing.

If plaque stays on your teeth for too long, it can harden. This hardened plaque is called calculus, or tartar. The only way to remove tartar is to have your teeth cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist. If the tartar is not removed, the gingivitis can get worse and lead to more severe gum (periodontal) disease . In advanced stages, gum disease causes sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; loose teeth; and even tooth loss.

Floss to remove plaque, and food particles, from between your teeth.

Flossing tips:

Use a string of floss about two feet long. Wrap it around the middle finger of each hand.

Some people find flossing difficult because of arthritis or other issues. If it’s too hard to hold floss, try a plastic or wooden dental pick or one of these:

floss holder

Fact sheet for caregivers on flossing in older patients.

Follow these tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Clean between teeth regularly, aiming for once a day. Use dental floss or a special brush or wooden or plastic pick recommended by a dental professional. Or try a floss holder, floss threader, or water flosser.
  • If you are at a high risk for tooth decay (for example, if you have a dry mouth because of medicines you take), your dentist or dental hygienist may give you a fluoride treatment, such as a varnish or foam during the office visit. Or, the dentist may recommend a fluoride gel or mouth rinse for home use.
  • If you are at higher risk for gum disease because of a medical condition (for example, diabetes), your dentist may want to see you more frequently.
  • Drink fluoridated water. Drinking water with the right amount of fluoride protects your teeth throughout the day. Learn the fluoride content of your community’s water here or check with your water utility company.
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your chance of gum disease. If you smoke and want to quit, there are many resources to help you: FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products , CDC’s Quit Smoking website , and the BeTobaccoFree.gov website .
  • If you are planning to become pregnant, have a dental checkup. Because of hormonal changes, pregnant women may develop gingivitis and experience gums that are swollen and bleed easily. During pregnancy, it is especially important to practice good oral hygiene to maintain the health of your gums.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet. Limit sweets and sugary drinks, such as soda.
  • Oral Health & Older Adults Information from NIDCR of interest to older adults on tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, and oral cancer.
  • Children’s Oral Health Information from NIDCR of interest to parents of young children.
  • Basics of Oral Health Information from the CDC on how to care for your teeth at any age.
  • Adult Oral Health Information and oral health tips from the CDC.
  • Oral Health Information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health that answers questions about women’s oral health, including oral health and pregnancy.
  • MedlinePlus: Tooth Decay The NIH National Library of Medicine's collection of links to government, professional, and non-profit/voluntary organizations with information on tooth decay.
  • MedlinePlus: Gum Disease The NIH NLM collection of links to government, professional, and non-profit/voluntary organizations with information on gum disease.

Cover image for "Older Adults and Oral Health" publication.

Fact sheet on maintaining oral health for a lifetime.

Language English PDF: Number of pages 6 pages Descargar PDF en inglés : Number of pages 6 páginas Order print version Pedir versión impresa

Language Spanish PDF: Number of pages 6 pages Descargar PDF en español : Number of pages 6 páginas Order print version Pedir versión impresa

Oral Hygiene Research from NIDCR

  • Researchers Call in a Swarm of Tiny, Tooth-Scrubbing Robots
  • Turning Back the Clock on Gum Disease
  • A Microbial World on the Top of Your Tongue
  • Older Americans Are Keeping More of Their Teeth
  • Researchers Identify Immune Culprits Linked to Inflammation and Bone Loss in Gum Disease

dental hygiene visit meaning

Dental Hygiene: What Is It And Why Is It Important?

Alba Fernández Encinas

16/11/2018 13:30h | Updated at 2018-11-20 17:24h

Dental hygiene should be a fundamental imperative in anyone's life. If you brush your teeth and use dental floss correctly on a daily basis, you will have correct dental hygiene and try to avoid oral health problems in the future, such as cavities or periodontal diseases. 

Due to its great importance for our overall quality of life, in this article, we will explain what dental hygiene is and why it is so important to take care of it . We will also review how we should brush and floss.

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What is dental hygiene?

Dental care consists of the daily practice of maintaining our mouth clean and healthy , using a brush and dental floss; as to prevent dental and gum diseases, such as periodontitis, gingivitis or cavities.

The primary objective of dental hygiene is to prevent the accumulation of dental plaque, as well as other associated oral conditions. Plaque is an adhesive layer of bacteria and food that builds up on our teeth. This layer generates little by little acids which, when not removed regularly, deteriorate the protective surface of the teeth and cause dental and gingival diseases.

Brushing and using dental floss are practices that are included in dental hygiene and help to put an end to dental plaque. The use of antiseptic mouthwash can also help to eliminate more bacteria that are responsible for the plaque. 

What else can we do?

Apart from all the daily oral attention that we have mentioned previously, it is essential to know that to be able to keep good dental care you should go to the dentist regularly. 

In addition to cleaning the plaque on our teeth that cannot be removed by regular brushing and regular treatments (fillings, bridges, etc.), the dentist can also perform diagnostic services   such as x-rays and oral cancer detection.

Dental hygiene is important from the beginning of childhood.

Why is dental care important?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention inform that dental cavities are the most prevalent infectious diseases in children. More than 40% of all children have cavities when they get to pre-school, and it's necessary for parents to know the importance of oral health in early ages and that they teach their children appropriate dental hygiene. 

Good dental care should start from the beginning of a child's life and even before they start teething. Pregnant and nursing women should be careful with the intake of medication, because some of them, such as tetracycline (a kind of antibiotic), can cause decoloration on the babies teeth. 

Maintaining oral hygiene should be a lifelong habit. A baby's gums and later teeth should be kept clean using a damp cloth or a soft toothbrush. However, only a very small amount of toothpaste should be used, as too much fluoride can be toxic to babies.

How to take care of your teeth

We should brush our teeth and use dental floss on a daily bases at least 2 times a day , although 3 would be ideal. We should do both things thoroughly, but not pressing hard, as abrupt mechanical actions can irritate or damage sensitive oral tissues.

To ensure good brushing, you should change your toothbrush about every 3 months. The ideal brushes are usually those that have soft, nylon bristles and rounded in size and shape that is adequate to reach all surfaces of the teeth with ease.

Due to the great importance of knowing how to use these two tools for our dental hygiene, in the following lines, we will explain the necessary steps you have to follow to brush our teeth correctly and look after our oral health. 

1. Brushing

As we know and we have described before, dental hygiene is one of the main preventive measures for oral diseases .

We should brush our teeth at least twice a day and preferably after every meal. In order to do effective brushing, we have to clean every external, internal and flat surface of the teeth.

To clean internal and external surfaces, the toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle against the gums and has to be moved back and forth in short movements. The chewing surfaces of the back teeth, on the other hand, should be brushed with the brush flat and moving it back and forth.

It is also important to clean your tongue as well to eliminate all bacteria and food particles that can accumulate in that area. It should be cleaned with a backwards sweeping movement.

Although we maintain a correct dental and oral hygiene is important to make at least one visit to the dentist a year.

2. Dental floss

Dental floss should be used at least once a day. Its regular use can prevent gingival illnesses by eliminating food and dental plaque that is left under the gum lines and between the teeth.

To start using this tool, most of the thread (45 cm) must be wrapped around the third finger of the hand. The remaining section (2.5 cm) is then held firmly between the thumb and index finger of each hand.

The floss should then be inserted between each pair of teeth and moved gently up and down several times in a rubbing motion. In addition, in the gum lines, the floss is first curved around one tooth and then the other by gently sliding into the space between the tooth and the gum.

Finally, it is also important to decide what type of floss you want to use. It is available in different forms (waxed, without wax, flavored, etc.) and can be chosen according to each person's personal preferences.

There are also other types of interdental cleaning devices such as brushes and spikes for people who have difficulty flossing.

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References:

Swartout-Corbeil, D. M., & Thivierge, B. (2006). Oral Hygiene. In K. Krapp & J. Wilson (Eds.), The Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health: Infancy through Adolescence (Vol. 3, pp. 1354-1357). Detroit: Gale.

Thivierge, B. (2002). Oral Hygiene. In D. S. Blanchfield & J. L. Longe (Eds.), The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine (2nd ed., Vol. 4, pp. 2405-2407). Detroit: Gale.

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Your Mouth Has a Lot to Say About Your Overall Health

The benefits of good dental hygiene go beyond bright smiles. Making sure you’re brushing properly, flossing daily, and keeping up with dental appointments preserves your overall health.

Dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay can contribute to a number of health conditions, including heart disease and pneumonia .

This article provides a quick overview of the conditions associated with poor oral health, those that can make your dental health worse, as well as what you can do to maintain your smile.

What Conditions Are Linked to Poor Oral Hygiene?

Increasingly, researchers are finding significant connections between your overall health and dental health. Poor oral hygiene has been directly linked to pneumonia, a range of serious heart problems, as well as complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Over the last several years, a growing body of evidence has linked dental issues, especially missing teeth and periodontitis (advanced gum disease), with heart disease and other cardiac issues. These cardiac and blood circulation problems include:

  • Coronary heart disease : Also known as atherosclerosis , coronary heart disease arises when arteries in the heart harden, interrupting or entirely blocking blood flow.
  • Heart failure : This is when the heart is unable to pump sufficiently, causing blood to pool in other parts of the body, especially the legs and lungs.  
  • Cardiac arrhythmia : Characterized by irregular, too fast, or too slow heartbeat, cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), may also arise.  
  • Stroke : Caused by blood clots or burst vessels in the brain, strokes cause seizures and are a medical emergency.

People with poor oral health have increased rates of heart attack and stroke, among other cardiac issues. While oral problems may not directly cause cardiac conditions, they may contribute to problems with the heart and are related. More research is needed, though, to understand why there is this connection.

Endocarditis

Poor oral hygiene is also a risk factor for endocarditis , an infection of the tissues of the heart. Bacteria in the mouth due to the gum diseases gingivitis and periodontitis can enter the bloodstream and cause a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the endocardium (the tissues in the inner lining of the heart’s chambers and valves).

Pregnancy and Birth Complications

Complications during pregnancy and birth can also arise due to poor oral hygiene and health. Additionally, being pregnant makes you more likely to develop gingivitis, periodontitis, loose teeth, or tooth decay due to hormone fluctuations. Problems in the mouth have been linked to a range of such issues, including:

  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Preeclampsia
  • Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (also known as trench mouth )
  • Tumors on the gum tissue of the mother (epulis gravidarum)

Pneumonia is a lung infection that ranges in severity and can become life-threatening.

A 2020 study of pneumonia patients in South Korea found missing teeth, having cavities, and poor oral hygiene to be closely linked to this condition. This is because bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and infect the lungs, leading to symptoms of pneumonia.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Though the exact nature of the relationship is unknown, associations have also been found between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This autoimmune disease damages the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Certain bacteria in the mouth, especially Porphyromonas gingivalis , have been found in arthritic joints, indicating an association.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Studies have linked gingivitis and Alzheimer’s disease , a progressive form of dementia that causes a degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. Researchers have found that the Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria can travel from the gums to the brain, where they emit enzymes that damage neurons.

Alzheimer’s and Dental Care

People with Alzheimer's disease may need assistance taking care of their teeth. Caregivers or family members may need to help people with Alzheimer's brush and floss regularly.  

What Conditions Can Worsen Oral Health?

Not only can oral health conditions like gingivitis and tooth decay lead to or worsen other health issues, oral health is also affected by other diseases. This is especially the case with chronic and long-term conditions. Here’s a quick breakdown of health problems that can affect your mouth.

Diabetes arises when there are problems converting sugars ( glucose ) into energy, leading to very high blood sugar levels. There are several different types of diabetes, of which type 2 diabetes is the most common.

Diabetes causes excessive urination, sudden weight loss, fatigue, and other symptoms and is associated with periodontal disease. Gum disease can cause tooth loss and other problems.

Living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can lead to AIDS, can significantly impact oral health. With HIV, a range of oral and dental issues can arise, including:

  • Periodontitis
  • Canker sores
  • Oral candidiasis (a fungal infection of the mouth)

Immune Health and Dental Health

People with HIV are more vulnerable to dental and oral problems because the virus attacks and weakens the immune system. As a result, it’s tougher for the body to fight off bacteria in the mouth.   

Osteoporosis

A disease that affects bone health and density, osteoporosis is another condition that can cause significant damage to your teeth and gums. The bone loss associated with this disease can affect the jawbone, causing teeth to loosen or fall out. Weakened bones in the jaw can also cause problems with dental appliances like bridges and dentures .

Osteoporosis is also associated with periodontitis. Though the exact connection isn’t clear, the weakening of the underlying bone may make the gums and teeth more susceptible to bacterial infection.

How to Maintain Oral Health

Good oral hygiene includes the following:

  • Brush properly : An electric toothbrush is preferred. If using a manual toothbrush, use small, circular motions. No matter which toothbrush you use, brush for two to three minutes at a time, twice a day.
  • Floss : Brushing alone is unable to get into the spaces in between the teeth, floss at least once a day.
  • Incorporate fluoride : Fluoride in drinking water (the water you drink from the tap) or toothpaste helps strengthen tooth enamel .
  • Get regular care : Make sure to visit a dentist for routine checkups and cleanings two times per year.
  • Reduce alcohol and tobacco use : Smoking and using alcohol and chewing tobacco can damage your teeth and gums.
  • Be aware of medications : Dry mouth is a common side effect of medications, and it can lead to dental problems.

Dental issues, especially tooth loss and gum disease, have been linked to heart disease, endocarditis, and complications during pregnancy and birth, among other conditions. Furthermore, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and osteoporosis can worsen oral health. Practicing good oral hygiene and getting regular dental checkups are important for maintaining your overall health.   

A Word From Verywell

There’s a close relationship between the health of your teeth and that of the rest of your body. Developing good dental hygiene habits and keeping up with dental appointments are part of broader self-care practices. If you’re concerned about your teeth or are due for a checkup, be sure to call your dentist. 

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Oral health: healthy people 2020 .

Batty G, Jung K, Mok Y et al. Oral health and later coronary heart disease: cohort study of one million people . Eur J Prev Cardiol . 2018;25(6):598-605. doi:10.1177/2047487318759112

Harvard Health. Gum disease and the connection to heart disease .

Bumm C, Folwaczny M. Infective endocarditis and oral health: A narrative review . Cardiovasc Diagn Ther . 2021;11(6):1403-1415. doi:10.21037/cdt-20-908

Yenen Z, Ataçağ T. Oral care in pregnancy . J Tur Ger Gynecol Assoc . 2019;20(4):264-268. doi:10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2018.2018.0139

Son M, Jo S, Lee J, Lee D. Association between oral health and incidence of pneumonia: a population-based cohort study from Korea . Sci Rep . 2020;10(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-020-66312-2

Kriauciunas A, Gleiznys A, Gleiznys D, Janužis G. The influence of Porphyromonas gingivalis bacterium causing periodontal disease on the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis: Systematic review of literature . Cureus . 2019;11(5):e4775. doi:10.7759/cureus.4775

Beydoun M, Beydoun H, Hossain S, El-Hajj Z, Weiss J, Zonderman A. Clinical and bacterial markers of periodontitis and their association with incident all-cause and Alzheimer’s disease dementia in a large national survey . J Alzheimer's Dis . 2020;75(1):157-172. doi:10.3233/jad-200064

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Diabetes and oral health .

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. HIV/AIDS & oral health .

National Institutes of Health. Oral health and bone disease . NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center.

Centers for Disease Control. Oral health tips . 

Centers for Disease Control. Oral health tips .

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Diabetes & oral health .

By Mark Gurarie Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University.  

Northside Dental Co.

How Long Are Hygienist Appointments and Other Common Dental Procedures?

Aug 16, 2021

child talking to dentist

Getting children to sit still for more than 30-minute dental hygiene appointments can be a challenging task. But for adults, a dental appointment for cleaning usually takes about one hour. However, if a more extensive deep cleaning is needed, those hygiene appointments can take two to three hours (usually broken up into two appointments). 

With all the different types of dental cleanings, it can be unclear how long a hygiene visit to the dentist or other procedures will take.

If you’re wondering, “ How long is a dentist visit ?” you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’re providing expert information on the most common hygiene and restorative dental procedures and how long they take on average. You’ll receive answers to questions like:

  • How long are routine hygienist appointments?
  • What happens at a dentist appointment for fillings, crowns, or gum disease?
  • How do I make an appointment with a dentist for an emergency?

Keep reading to learn more about dental hygiene appointment breakdown time s.

How Long Do Dentist Appointments Take ?

To help you understand what happens at a dentist appointment , here are the top five dental procedures and the average time you can expect them to take.

1. Routine Cleaning

What’s involved:.

A routine hygiene visit to the dentist is the most common dental procedure. The procedure will include some combination of the following:

  • Scaling (scraping plaque and tartar off the surface of teeth)
  • Gum health check
  • Cavity check
  • Fluoride treatment
  • Oral cancer check

A dental hygienist will perform most of these actions, and a trained dentist will perform the cavity and oral cancer check.

Dentists recommend scheduling a routine checkup and cleaning every 6 months (or more frequently if you’re at higher risk for gum disease).

Procedure timeframe:

Routine cleaning time is office-specific, but most dentists perform the cleaning over 45-60 minutes.

For children, some offices will offer shorter, 30-minute dental hygiene appointments .

2. Cavity Fillings

If a routine cleaning is the most common reason people go to the dentist, cavity fillings are a close second.

Cavities form when bacteria on our teeth produce acids that break down the tooth enamel (the hard, outer layer of the tooth). If you don’t regularly remove these bacteria through good oral hygiene and routine dental visits, the acids will create holes (cavities) in a tooth.

Are you wondering what to expect at your first dentist appointment for cavities?

To treat cavities, dentists follow this general procedure:

  • Identify the tooth/teeth that have cavities
  • Numb the affected tooth, gums, and surrounding area
  • Drill out the infected area (to keep the bacteria from spreading)
  • Fill in the cavities

Recognizing cavities early and filling them is essential to long-term oral health. So if you think you have cavities or your dentist identifies some, it’s best to get them filled quickly.

The answer to “ how long do dentist appointments take for cavity fillings?” depends on the severity and number of cavities you need your dentist to fill.

One or two small cavities will take roughly 30 minutes. However, when you have multiple large cavities, it could take one and a half to two hours.

Additionally, dentists will usually only numb one side of your mouth per visit. If you have cavities on both sides of your mouth, it may require multiple visits to get all your cavities filled.

3. Scaling and Root Planing or Deep Cleaning

Scaling and root planing (SRP) is another fairly standard dental procedure.

You may not have realized it, but every time you go to the dentist for a routine check-up, the dentist or hygienist will scale your teeth—using a metal tool to scrape plaque and tartar off the surface of your teeth.

SRP is a more serious procedure that treats advanced gum disease (periodontitis) . It takes scaling one step further to help remove bacteria inside the gum tissue to restore gum health.

So, what happens at a dentist appointment for scaling and root planing?

Instead of simply scraping (scaling) the outer surface of your teeth, the hygenist will scrape down into the gum tissue of the affected tooth. The goal is to remove the bacteria from the base of the tooth and create a clean space for the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth.

An SRP isn’t particularly painful, because the hygienist will numb your mouth prior to the procedure. However, most patients will experience mild discomfort in their gums for a few days following.

Full-mouth scaling is easily done within a routine 60-minute visit, but how long is a dentist visit for SRP?

Like cavity fillings, the time it takes for an SRP procedure depends on:

  • The severity of your gum disease
  • The amount of affected gum tissue

Less severe periodontitis with a smaller affected area will take less time to clean than a more severe condition with a greater area of affected gum tissue, typically two hour-long appointments. A full mouth treatment usually requires two appointments that will each take 60-90 minutes. 

After receiving an SRP treatment, routine dentist appointments for cleaning will include more time spent cleaning your gums and, therefore, also be slightly more expensive. If you’re prone to gum disease, these increases will most likely last the rest of your life. 

Dentists can fix or replace the tooth with a crown when you break a tooth or have a tooth fall out (whether from trauma, gum disease, or other reason).

Crowns are tooth-like caps that fit over the affected tooth or fill a hole where a tooth previously sat. They look and feel like natural teeth to restore mouth function. 

For permanent teeth, dentists usually make crowns of tooth-colored material. But for children’s baby teeth, dentists often use silver crowns that are less expensive and will fall out when the baby teeth come out.

Receiving a crown is a two-step process requiring two visits:

  • Step #1: At your first visit, your dentist will take an hour and a half to two hours to prep the tooth for the crown. They’ll also take an impression of your tooth and send it to the lab where they make the crown.
  • Step #2: After about two weeks, the lab will have completed your crown, and you’ll go back to your dentist to have the final crown put in place. 

5. Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies often arise from trauma (e.g., collision during a sport) or prolonged tooth decay that someone didn’t treat immediately. 

The most common emergency procedures include:

  • Fillings for chipped teeth
  • Crowns for chipped teeth
  • Root canals

Many individual practices have dentists on-call that can handle emergencies , and there are also specific emergency clinics for those who don’t have a regular dentist.

Procedure time frame:

It’s usually not until someone encounters an emergency that they ask, “ How soon can I get a dentist appointment ?”

If you’re currently an established patient at your dentist’s office, you should be able to make an appointment either the same day or the following based on the emergency type. 

If you’re not currently a patient, most offices will usually try to see you as quickly as they can. However, their priority will go to current patients, which might mean waiting until the next day to schedule a 30-minute consultation. This consultation will often include an x-ray and time spent looking at the specific tooth (not the whole mouth) to diagnose the problem.

Now that you know more about the most common types of dental procedures and how long they take, you may want to know, “ How do I make an appointment with a dentist in Richmond, VA?”

Schedule Your Dentist Appointment for Cleaning Today

There are many dental procedures varying in time, from 30-minute dental hygiene appointments for kids to two-hour scaling and root planing procedures for periodontitis.

To help you prepare for your next (or first!) dental appointment, we walked through five of the most common reasons people visit the dentist:

  • Scheduling a routine dental appointment for cleaning
  • Having cavities filled
  • Receiving a deep cleaning for periodontitis
  • Getting crowns made and placed
  • Needing emergency dental care

We also helped answer the question, “ How long do dentist appointments take ?” for each of these five procedures.

At Northside Dental Co in Richmond, VA, we offer comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages. Our trained dentists are ready to provide:

  • 30-minute dental hygiene appointments for kids under four
  • Restorative procedures like crowns or fillings
  • Veneers and other cosmetic dentistry
  • Same-day emergency services to current patients

Whatever your dental needs, our staff will meet and exceed all your expectations.

Schedule your appointment online or give us a call at 804-767-3410 today. New patients are always welcome! 

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What you can expect during a dental hygiene visit

Visiting your dental hygienist on a regular basis is vital to maintain and improving your oral and overall health. In the UK, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults and studies have shown that frequent visits to the dentist and the dental hygienist can help prevent gum disease and other oral health issues, which may prove dangerous in the long run. Dental hygienists work closely with dentists and other health professionals to provide optimal oral health and preventive treatments.

Dental Hygiene in Ormskirk

The procedure

During your appointment, the dental hygienist will begin by reviewing your medical history, including documenting any medications you are taking. This is an important step to ensure they are aware of any medical conditions you may have that could influence your oral routine. The dental hygienist will also ask about your dental history such as previous dental work you have had done, your oral hygiene routine and any concerns you have about your teeth.

A scale and polish treatment will likely include scaling and root planning to remove plaque from your teeth and gums. This can be achieved either through electronic or hand instruments. Once plaque has been removed from your teeth, your dental hygienist will polish them using a special paste. After this process, your dental hygienist will also share information with you related to brushing and flossing, the risk of dental decay, smoking cessation as well as nutrition information, based on your individual needs and lifestyle.

Based on the condition of your teeth and gums, your dental hygienist will determine an ongoing cleaning schedule and identify any further matters that need to be addressed. Having regular dental check-ups is important for maintaining dental health and early intervention. To schedule your appointment, contact us today.

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Oral health: A window to your overall health

Your oral health is more important than you might realize. Learn how the health of your mouth, teeth and gums can affect your general health.

Did you know that your oral health offers clues about your overall health? Did you know that problems in the mouth can affect the rest of the body? Protect yourself by learning more about the link between your oral health and overall health.

What's the link between oral health and overall health?

Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. Those germs are mostly harmless. But the mouth is the entry to the digestive tract. That's the long tube of organs from the mouth to the anus that food travels through. The mouth also is the entry to the organs that allow breathing, called the respiratory tracts. So sometimes germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body.

Most often the body's defenses and good oral care keep germs under control. Good oral care includes daily brushing and flossing. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that might lead to infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Also, certain medicines can lower the flow of spit, called saliva. Those medicines include decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills and antidepressants. Saliva washes away food and keeps the acids germs make in the mouth in balance. This helps keep germs from spreading and causing disease.

Oral germs and oral swelling and irritation, called inflammation, are linked to a severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis. Studies suggest that these germs and inflammation might play a role in some diseases. And certain diseases, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body's ability to fight infection. That can make oral health problems worse.

What conditions can be linked to oral health?

Your oral health might play a part in conditions such as:

  • Endocarditis. This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves, called endocardium. It most often happens when germs from another part of the body, such as the mouth, spread through the blood and attach to certain areas in the heart. Infection of the endocardium is rare. But it can be fatal.
  • Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral germs can cause.
  • Pregnancy and birth complications. Gum disease called periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
  • Pneumonia. Certain germs in the mouth can go into the lungs. This may cause pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

Certain health conditions also might affect oral health, including:

Diabetes. Diabetes makes the body less able to fight infection. So diabetes can put the gums at risk. Gum disease seems to happen more often and be more serious in people who have diabetes.

Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular dental care can improve diabetes control.

  • HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mouth sores called mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
  • Cancer. A number of cancers have been linked to gum disease. These include cancers of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, lung, breast, prostate gland and uterus.
  • Alzheimer's disease. As Alzheimer's disease gets worse, oral health also tends to get worse.

Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and an immune system condition that causes dry mouth called Sjogren's syndrome.

Tell your dentist about the medicines you take. And make sure your dentist knows about any changes in your overall health. This includes recent illnesses or ongoing conditions you may have, such as diabetes.

How can I protect my oral health?

To protect your oral health, take care of your mouth every day.

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.
  • Clean between your teeth daily with floss, a water flosser or other products made for that purpose.
  • Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary food and drinks.
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Do it sooner if bristles are worn or flare out.
  • See a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist may suggest visits or cleanings more often, depending on your situation. You might be sent to a gum specialist, called a periodontist, if your gums need more care.
  • Don't use tobacco.

Contact your dentist right away if you notice any oral health problems. Taking care of your oral health protects your overall health.

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  • Gross EL. Oral and systemic health. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
  • Oral health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
  • Gill SA, et al. Integrating oral health into health professions school curricula. Medical Education Online. 2022; doi:10.1080/10872981.2022.2090308.
  • Mark AM. For the patient: Caring for your gums. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 2023; doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2023.09.012.
  • Tonelli A, et al. The oral microbiome and the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. Nature Reviews Cardiology. 2023; doi:10.1038/s41569-022-00825-3.
  • Gum disease and other diseases. The American Academy of Periodontology. https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/gum-disease-and-other-diseases/. Accessed Feb 1, 2024.
  • Gum disease prevention. The American Academy of Periodontology. https://www.perio.org/for-patients/gum-disease-information/gum-disease-prevention/. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
  • Oral health topics: Toothbrushes. American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
  • Issrani R, et al. Exploring the mechanisms and association between oral microflora and systemic diseases. Diagnostics. 2022; doi:10.3390/diagnostics12112800.
  • HIV/AIDS & oral health. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/hiv-aids. Accessed Feb. 1, 2024.
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Hygiene Treatment CDT Code Breakdown and Patient Explanations

dental hygiene visit meaning

Some dental hygienists have likely struggled with delegating the correct code for hygiene treatment. I know it certainly happened to me, especially when the D4346 code came into play in 2017. Dental hygienists might find it helpful to understand the differentiation of the existing codes and policies related to dental hygiene treatment types.

Further, explaining each type of hygiene treatment to patients can be difficult, so examples for each hygiene treatment type are offered along with each CDT code. Depending on each patient’s oral health literacy and individual needs, hygienists can revise or build on each example given, as these are simple starting points.

Let’s begin with the code that all of us are familiar with and hope our schedules are full of. While we surely all know this code like the back of our hands, let’s take a trip down memory lane.

D1110/D1120

D1110/D1120: “Removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from the tooth structures in the permanent and transitional dentition. It is intended to control local irritational factors.” 1

  • Primarily a preventive treatment for patients with a generally healthy periodontium. However, D1110 can be therapeutic for patients who present with mild, localized gingivitis to prevent the further progression of disease. 2
  • Scaling and polishing of all tooth surfaces.
  • D1120 is for those 13 and younger. While codes are dentition-specific, many dental insurance plans are age-specific. Thus, it is important that dental offices file the claim that best describes the patient regardless of what the insurance deems appropriate.
  • This procedure is completed after an oral examination is performed, which should include updated periodontal charting on adult patients to ensure the proper procedure is being completed.

Example of Explaining a Prophy to Patients

Describe to patients that their gums are relatively healthy and lack or have minimal or localized inflammation and infection.

I like to explain this as a preventive procedure, much like healthy eating and exercise as a way to prevent the onset of systemic diseases. A prophy is meant to prevent the onset of periodontal disease.

D4346: “Scaling in presence of generalized moderate or severe gingival inflammation – full mouth, after oral evaluation.” 2

  • “The removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from supra- and sub-gingival tooth surfaces when there is generalized moderate or severe gingival inflammation in the absence of periodontitis. It is indicated for patients who have swollen, inflamed gingiva, generalized suprabony pockets, and moderate to severe bleeding on probing. Should not be reported in conjunction with prophylaxis, scaling and root planing [i.e., non-surgical periodontal therapy], or debridement procedures.” 2
  • This treatment is used for permanent, primary, or transitional dentition that presents with swollen, bleeding, inflamed gingival tissues, and pseudopockets in more than 30% of the mouth in the absence of periodontitis. 2 This means that D4346 can be used on pediatric patients and teenagers. D4346 may be particularly handy for children or teens undergoing orthodontic treatment.
  • Unlike D1110, which is primarily preventive but can be therapeutic for patients with mild, localized gingivitis, D4346 is a therapeutic treatment for patients with generalized moderate to severe gingival inflammation. 2
  • It is important to remember that it is based on the diagnosis, not the intensity of treatment. In other words, this code may not be used because it took more effort to perform instrumentation, but rather used based on the diagnosis of the oral health of the patient.
  • This code is used when there is no loss of attachment. Loss of attachment results from loss of bone. 3
  • This code is used after an oral evaluation is performed, which should include updated periodontal charting with documentation of the gingival margin to indicate pseudo-pocketing.

The D4346 code was implemented in 2017 to fill the gap in coding and prevent “undercoding” as a D1110 and “overcoding” as a D4341 or D4342 (non-surgical periodontal therapy/SRP). 2

Example of Explaining Gingivitis Treatment to Patients

Describe to patients that because of the amount of inflammation and infection present (gingivitis), their treatment falls into a different category than a prophy – the treatment type they may have received before, which is to prevent infection, not necessarily to treat infection. Returning to the preventive treatment they had before is possible if they can improve their oral hygiene because gingivitis is reversible.

An analogy is to imagine if they haven’t been to the gym in a long time. When they work out regularly, they tone up and become healthier, reducing the risk of chronic systemic diseases. The same is true for their oral health condition (gingivitis). A therapeutic treatment (gingivitis treatment), proper home care, and regular dental hygiene visits will help improve gum health, allowing the patient to return to a “healthy” status.

On the other hand, if the infection persists and the bacteria become stronger/more virulent, it may lead to the breakdown of the structures that support teeth, such as bone, gum tissue, and ligaments, which don’t necessarily grow back on their own. A different treatment (non-surgical periodontal therapy) altogether is necessary in this case. Further, maintenance appointments at increased intervals would be needed to prevent further destruction of the structures that support the teeth.

D4355: “Full mouth debridement to enable a comprehensive periodontal evaluation and diagnosis on a subsequent visit.” 3

  • Effective January 1, 2023, the nomenclature and descriptor were revised, changing oral evaluation to periodontal evaluation.
  • Previously, no examination code could be filed on the same day of service. However, with the revisions, a D0150 (initial examination) or a D0120 (periodic examination) can be filed as long as the components noted in the descriptors of these two codes have been accomplished. 3 When neither can be performed in its entirety, it is suggested a D0191 (assessment of a patient) or a D0140 (limited oral evaluation – problem-focused) be filed in regards to the assessment of the patient prior to a D4355 completion.
  • The only examination code that may not be filed on the same day of service as a D4355 is a D0180 (comprehensive periodontal evaluation – new or established patient.) This procedure must be performed and filed on a subsequent date of service. Additionally, a diagnosis can not be made on the same day as the completion of D4355. If the patient has a diagnosis (i.e., return for D1110, D4346, or D4342), then D4355 is not the proper treatment to be completed. 3
  • This procedure is the precursor to a D1110, D4346, or D4342. However, full mouth debridement should not be performed as a precursor if it is not necessary, according to the code description. For example, if a patient requires non-surgical periodontal therapy/SRP (NSPT), that does not necessarily mean a full mouth debridement should be performed. Best practice is going straight to definitive treatment (NSPT) and scaling to completion.
  • Full mouth radiographs, intraoral pictures, and a narrative should accompany your claim to help with insurance payment.

Example of Explaining Full Mouth Debridement to Patients

When patients fall into this category, it is important to show them the amount of build-up that is present. Describe how this build-up prevents you from clearly examining and assessing the periodontium (gum tissue and supporting structures).

The analogy I like to describe is a roadblock. Once that roadblock is removed, the tissue can be more clearly evaluated at a subsequent visit allowing a treatment plan to be made.

D4341/D4342

D4341: The dental procedure for non-surgical periodontal therapy/SRP of four or more teeth, per quadrant. 5

D4342: The dental procedure for non-surgical periodontal therapy/SRP of one to three teeth, per quadrant. 5

  • D4341 and D4342 are described as therapeutic, not preventive, procedures involving instrumentation of the crown and root surfaces of the teeth designed to remove plaque and calculus. 2,4
  • Non-surgical periodontal therapy is appropriate when active periodontitis (attachment loss) is present. Attachment loss is characterized by “relocation of the junctional epithelium to the tooth root, destruction of the fibers of the gingiva, destruction of the periodontal ligament fibers, and loss of alveolar bone support from around the tooth.” 2
  • The amount of calculus deposits alone does not determine the need for non-surgical periodontal therapy.
  • To ensure insurance payout, it is important to provide all the necessary information to corroborate your claim. Full mouth radiographs, periodontal charting, diagnosis, and treatment planning will help assist in filing these codes successfully. D4341/D4342 claims tend to have a higher frequency of denial than other procedures. 1

These procedures are the forerunner for periodontal maintenance procedures.

Example of Explaining Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy to Patients

Describe to patients that the virulent/pathogenic bacteria in their mouth, and their body’s immune response to it, has led to the destruction or breakdown of the structures that support the teeth. These structures include bone, gum tissue, and ligaments, which don’t necessarily grow back on their own.

Without treatment, further destruction and loss of bone and supporting structures may occur, which could lead to gum recession, loose teeth, periodontal abscess, and/or tooth loss. Here, the risks of chronic inflammation and the oral-systemic link could be addressed too.

An analogy that can be used in describing non-surgical periodontal therapy is as a type of wound care. When you have a wound, the wound must be cleaned thoroughly of all debris that could be causing the wound and infection to allow for proper healing. Imagine having a splinter in your finger; it heals much better and more quickly if the splinter is removed. If the splinter remains, the infection may worsen, and possible surgery may be required to manage the wound and infection. The same applies to periodontal disease; not treating the infection and removing the “splinter” (calculus/biofilm) will possibly result in some type of surgical procedure, making non-surgical periodontal therapy the preferred, first-line and more conservative treatment.

Using charts, models, or illustrations to help patients understand attachment loss and what periodontal stage they fall into will aid in your ability to describe this form of treatment. Once patients can grasp the magnitude of their periodontal health, they may be able to better understand the procedure needed to treat the condition.

D4910 : Periodontal maintenance procedures (following active therapy). 1

  • “This procedure is instituted following periodontal therapy and continues at varying intervals, determined by the clinical evaluation of the dentist, for the life of the dentition or any implant replacements. It includes removal of the bacterial plaque and calculus from supragingival and subgingival regions, site-specific scaling and root planing where indicated and polishing the teeth. If new or recurring periodontal disease appears, additional diagnostic and treatment procedures must be considered.” 2
  • The procedure follows non-surgical periodontal therapy/SRP, osseous surgery, and gingival flap surgery.
  • The procedure continues for the life of the dentition.
  • If the patient is new to the practice but has a history of periodontal therapy, it is important to obtain this knowledge to accompany the claim for insurance filing.
  • Many insurance companies have limitations on this procedure, but dental offices are legally bound to file the correct procedure. It is advised to use a narrative to ask that insurance provide alternate benefits should the claim be denied due to such limitations.
  • Include radiographs and periodontal chart when submitting claims.
  • It is not advised to alternate D4910 and D1110 for recall appointments. Clinicians must code for the treatment they provide; only an insurance provider can down code D4910 for D1110. Alternating codes could be seen as insurance fraud.

Example of explaining Periodontal Maintenance to Patients

Describe to patients that ongoing periodontal maintenance treatment is necessary once periodontitis has been diagnosed and initial treatment has taken place (non-surgical periodontal therapy) because periodontitis cannot be cured, only maintained. Along with excellent oral home care, periodontal maintenance visits should be more frequent because pathogenic/virulent bacteria can repopulate, and this could cause further destruction of bone and supporting structures of the teeth. Further destruction can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, periodontal abscess, and/or tooth loss.

An analogy of another more well-known chronic disease, such as diabetes, may help the patient relate the necessity of increased hygiene visits and screenings to monitor and maintain disease progression could be given. With diabetes, for example, blood sugar must be checked multiple times per day – this relates to oral home care routines. Further, a primary care doctor or other health care professional monitors A1C levels at differing time intervals depending on how well blood sugar is being managed and treatment goals are being met – this relates to the frequency of periodontal maintenance visits (2-4 month recall intervals).

CDT codes are for documentation and reporting purposes, and dental offices are required to file the correct procedure regardless of the individual’s coverage. Using narratives to have the company provide alternate benefits will help to ensure that some form of payout is provided on behalf of the patient.

Discussing the possibility of limitations and the reason for the hygiene treatment type is important to help patients understand their diagnosis. These discussions will further help the patient comprehend should the insurance deny a procedure and prevent the patient from thinking the office filed an unnecessary or incorrect procedure. The various codes available to dental hygienists have helped open doors to not only providing the correct care to the patient but also helping to educate the patient on their periodontal condition.

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Listen to the Today’s RDH Dental Hygiene Podcast Below:

  • Darst, A. (2023, February 28). CDT Codes to Report the Services by a Dental Hygienist. Outsource Strategies International . https://www.outsourcestrategies.com/blog/cdt-codes-to-report-the-services-provided-by-a-dental-hygienist/
  • ADA Guide to Reporting D4346. (2023, January 1). American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/publications/cdt/v6_adaguidetoreportingd4346_2023jan.pdf
  • D4355 – ADA Guide to Reporting Full Mouth Debridement. (2023, January). American Dental Association . https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/publications/cdt/v2_d4355adaguidetoreportingfullmouthdebridement_2023jan.pdf
  • Prophylaxis, Scaling and Root Planing Codes, and Billing Guidelines. (n.d). Delta Dental. https://www.deltadentalin.com/getmedia/a24627db-9ebb-4bcd-b076-d13f0b98730e/FLI-6396-Provider-Prophylaxis-and-Root-Planing-Code-and-Billing-Guidelines.aspx
  • D4341 D4342 Coding for Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing. (n.d.). American Dental Association . https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/dental-insurance/d4341-d4342-coding-for-periodontal-scaling-and-root-planing

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The importance of preventive dental visits from a young age: systematic review and current perspectives

Vaishnavi bhaskar.

1 Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Kathleen A McGraw

2 Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Kimon Divaris

3 Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Dental caries, the most common childhood chronic disease, disproportionately affects vulnerable parts of the population and confers substantial impacts to children, families, and health systems. Because efforts directed toward oral health promotion and disease prevention are fundamentally superior to dental rehabilitation secondary to disease development, early preventive dental visits (EPDVs) are widely advocated by professional and academic stakeholders. The aim of this comprehensive review was to critically review and summarize available evidence regarding the effectiveness of EPDVs in improving children’s oral health outcomes.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature search of the PubMed and Embase electronic databases was undertaken to identify peer-reviewed publications investigating the effectiveness of EPDVs on oral health outcomes, including clinical, behavioral, and cost end points up to October 30, 2013. Outcomes of the identified studies were abstracted and summarized independently by two investigators.

Four manuscripts met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. All studies were conducted in the US and employed a retrospective cohort study design using public insurance-claims data, whereas one study matched claims files with kindergarten state dental surveillance data. That study found no benefit of EPDVs in future clinically determined dental caries levels in kindergarten. The other three studies found mixed support for an association of EPDVs with subsequent more preventive and fewer nonpreventive visits and lower nonpreventive service-related expenditures. Selection bias and a problem-driven dental care-seeking pattern were frequently articulated themes in the reviewed studies.

The currently available evidence base supporting the effectiveness of EPDVs and the year 1 first dental visit recommendation is weak, and more research is warranted. The benefits of EPDVs before the age of 3 years are evident among children at high risk or with existing dental disease. However, EPDVs may be associated with reduced restorative dental care visits and related expenditures during the first years of life.

Introduction

The importance of oral health in the early years of life is well documented, and advocated by professional and academic stakeholders worldwide. 1 – 3 Importantly, early childhood oral health influences and outcomes are considered pivotal in determining oral health trajectories across the life course, and can impact oral health and disease occurrence in adulthood. 4 , 5 Specifically, early childhood caries, the most common chronic childhood disease, is known to disproportionately affect vulnerable parts of the population and confer substantial impacts to children, families, and health systems. 6 The list of possible sequelae of early childhood caries is long, and includes dental and medical consequences, pain, diminished quality of life, lost time (children’s from school and caregivers’ from work or other activities), increased expenditures, and others. 7

Despite significant strides in foundational sciences and the practice of clinical dentistry during the last few decades, the burden of childhood caries has persisted in most populations. In fact, evidence indicates that oral health disparities may actually be on the increase. 8 , 9 Population-based strategies focused on prevention of oral disease are warranted to reduce these disparities. Moreover, efforts directed toward disease prevention are fundamentally superior to dental rehabilitation secondary to disease development when viewed from social justice, human rights, and health-promotion perspectives. 10 Nevertheless, common preventive protocols, such as the schedule and periodicity of routine dental visits, are not supported by a solid evidence base. 11 , 12 Similarly, uniform recommendations for early preventive dental visits (EPDVs) for infants and children have been challenged with regard to the evidence base supporting their timing and benefit to different population groups. 13 – 15

Various recommendations regarding the timing of children’s first dental visit are available in the public domain, emanating predominantly from nonauthoritative sources. 16 , 17 Currently, major professional associations’ (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Canadian Dental Association, Australian Dental Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics) recommendations converge to the first dental visit taking place early, at the time of the first tooth eruption (around age 6 months) or by age 1 year. 18 – 21 Despite these recommendations, the presence of visible caries lesions or dental trauma appear to impel most children’s first dental visit. 22 , 23 Compounding this frequently problem-initiated pattern of care seeking, caregivers’ ability to recognize early signs of dental caries in very young children is limited. 24

The current rationale for EPDVs, above and beyond the delivery of such preventive services as fluoride treatment, includes the concepts of establishment of a dental home, anticipatory guidance, and risk assessment. 15 , 18 , 25 , 26 Because caregivers’ role is a major influence on their children’s oral health behaviors and outcomes, 5 , 27 , 28 EPDVs offer an opportunity to educate caregivers of young children regarding optimal oral hygiene, feeding practices, and dental attendance, and prevention of early childhood caries and dental trauma. 29 – 34 Nevertheless, evidence on the effectiveness of preventive dental visits from a young age in improving children’s oral health outcomes is scarce. To add to the knowledge base of EPDVs, we carried out a comprehensive review of recommendations and published evidence regarding the benefits of EPDVs. Accordingly, our aim was to systematically review and summarize current evidence regarding the effectiveness of EPDVs in improving children’s oral health outcomes.

We conducted a comprehensive literature search of PubMed and Embase via Elsevier electronic databases to identify relevant published studies. The search strategy combined sets of terms covering three concepts: early preventive dental visits, outcomes, and infants or preschool children. The following search was used in PubMed and modified for the Embase via Elsevier platform: (dental[tw] OR dentist*[tw]) AND (visit*[tw] OR appointment*[tw]) AND (prevent*[tw] OR early[tw]) AND (quality of life[tw] OR absenteeism*[tw] OR outcome*[tw] OR utilization[tw] OR economics[subheading] OR cost[tw] OR costs[tw] OR expenditure*[tw] OR nonpreventive[tw] OR restorative[tw] OR emergenc*[tw] OR health behavior[mesh] OR oral hygiene[tw] OR decay[tw] OR caries[tw] OR dmft[tw]) AND (infant [mesh] OR infant* [tw] OR baby [tw] OR babies [tw] OR newborn [tw] OR neonate* [tw] OR child, preschool [mesh] OR preschool child* [tw] OR young child* [tw]). No limits based on language, country or publication year were used. Gray literature, such as reports and conference proceedings, were excluded from Embase search results. The search was initially conducted in August 2013, and was last updated on October 30, 2013. During the last update, our knowledge of the newly released study online by Beil et al 35 made us aware that the complexity of language used to describe young children might exclude retrieval of articles not yet indexed in PubMed. As a result, we also searched using only the EPDV part of the search and examined all the nonindexed articles for relevance.

To aid in study identification, we developed inclusion and exclusion criteria ( Table 1 ) based on the objective of this review, in the following categories: study population (children age 0–6 years), type of dental services (dental office-based oral evaluation and prevention services), and study outcomes (oral health-related clinical, behavioral, or expenditure outcomes). For this review, we excluded studies involving children with special health care needs and those published in languages other than English. First, the title and abstract were reviewed to determine potential relevance. Second, full texts of all potentially relevant articles were evaluated by two investigators (VB and KD), and the articles meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for this review. Finally, the following data from included studies were abstracted in a summary table: location, title, first author’s name, type of study, study population, and outcomes, and overall findings independently by two investigators (VB and KD). Although we did not intend a formal quality assessment of the included studies, we did critique their methodology and major findings, and where applicable, this is reported in the “remarks” column of the data-abstraction table.

Selection criteria for the inclusion of studies in the systematic review

Our initial literature search identified 484 manuscripts in PubMed and 90 additional ones in Embase, 45 of which were duplicates, creating a total database of 529. One additional potentially relevant nonindexed article was identified in PubMed during the search update, for a total of 530. After initial screening of titles and abstracts, as described in the Materials and methods section, 24 manuscripts were selected for full-text evaluation. Based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria, four manuscripts were selected for inclusion in this review. 35 – 38

All four studies used a retrospective cohort study design and were carried out in the US ( Table 2 ). With the exception of the Savage et al 36 report, which was published in 2004, the studies were published recently, in 2012–2013. All studies utilized public insurance (Medicaid, a US social health care program for families and individuals with low income and resources) claims and had large sample sizes, ranging between 9,204 and 36,805 ( Table 3 ). EPDVs were defined using dental claims for preventive care (comprehensive or recall examination, and preventive services including fluoride varnish and dental prophylaxis) with few between-study variations. Three of the studies examined future preventive and nonpreventive dental visits and related expenditures as the primary outcomes. 36 – 38 Importantly, in the most recent study, Beil et al 35 merged public insurance claim files with state kindergarten dental surveillance data, and thus this was the only study using a clinical end point (dental caries, as measured by the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index) as the study outcome. All investigations employed multivariate modeling methods to control for established sociodemographic confounding factors and study-design characteristics. Notably, Sen et al 38 implemented an additional econometric multivariate modeling strategy based on “individual fixed effects”, which according to the authors proved superior and more robust against the effects of selection bias compared to previously used “naïve” modeling approaches.

List of studies included in the review of the effectiveness of early preventive dental visits in improving children’s oral health outcomes

Abbreviation: PMID, PubMed ID.

Summary of the reviewed studies investigating the effectiveness of early preventive dental visits (EPDV)

Abbreviation: DMFT, decayed, missing, and filled teeth.

The Beil et al 35 study, among other comparisons, contrasted children who had their first preventive dental visit before versus after age 18 months and found no benefit of EPDV in future clinically determined dental caries levels when children were examined in kindergarten. Savage et al 36 found that children who had an EPDV by age 1 year (n=23, or 0.24% of the study sample) were more likely to have future preventive dental visits and were equally likely to have future restorative or emergency ones versus children who had a preventive visit at a later age. These authors also reported a positive association between the age of the first dental visit and future dental-related Medicaid expenditures. In contrast, Beil et al 37 did not find any difference in subsequent dental outcomes between children who had primary or secondary prevention services by the age of 18 months and those that received services at an older age. These authors highlighted the possible issues of selection bias and problem-driven dental care-seeking patterns in this type of dental care-service research study. Finally, in the Beil et al 35 report, the authors found that preventive dental visits were associated with significant reductions in children’s subsequent nonpreventive dental visits and related expenditures, appearing to benefit their oral health. However, they reported that preventive visits were associated with an overall increase in the program’s expenditures during the study period.

In this paper, we sought to critically and comprehensively evaluate the evidence base of the effectiveness of EPDVs in improving children’s oral health, and found limited evidence in that direction. The only study that considered a clinical end point by investigating dental caries levels at kindergarten did not find any effect of EPDVs. Nevertheless, earlier preventive dental visits appear to be associated with more future preventive visits. Data on EPDVs’ effects on subsequent dental treatment (nonpreventive) visits and related costs from three studies are mixed; however, the largest study to date reported an association of EPDVs with fewer future nonpreventive dental visits and lower nonpreventive dental expenditures. While these data provide partial support for EPDVs and the year 1 dental visit, particularly for children at high risk or with existing dental disease, more studies among diverse populations are warranted to add to the evidence base.

The fact that to date there are insufficient data to conclusively support the human and economic benefits of EPDVs for all children does not imply that these benefits do not exist. There is ample theoretical and philosophical support for the benefits of health promotion and primary prevention over disease management and treatment, 39 – 41 while EPDVs are consistent with the establishment of a “dental home”. 25 , 26 , 29 The latter is philosophically aligned to the American Academy of Pediatrics concept of a medical home, where comprehensive pediatric primary care is provided contiguously, in a setting where provider and families “should be able to develop a relationship of mutual responsibility and trust”. 42 Ideally, the establishment of a dental home should take place at a time when provision of anticipatory guidance to caregivers and application of preventive modalities to children can have a true primary preventive effect, prior to the occurrence of disease or traumatic injury. The establishment of a dental home may be especially important for children of caregivers with low health literacy 28 or socioeconomic disadvantage, 43 , 44 and generally those at high risk for dental disease. 45

Earlier preventive dental visits were associated with more subsequent preventive visits in both the Savage et al 36 and Sen et al 38 studies, with the total program oral health-related expenditures being positively associated with EPDVs in the latter. The observation that “prevention costs” may not result in immediate program savings is, to some degree, expected. 46 First, long-term benefits of EPDVs may not be discernible in the 2- to 5-year observation windows of the reviewed studies. Second, possible positive effects on oral health behaviors, wellness, quality of life, pain, and lost time averted due to restorative treatment needs are not easily quantifiable and cannot be readily juxtaposed to dollar expenditures. However, this also offers an opportunity for the conduct of future studies examining the effects of EPDVs using additional oral health-related outcomes, such as caregivers’ oral health knowledge and behaviors, and children’s oral health-related quality of life.

Despite current professional recommendations for the year 1 dental visit, very few children actually had such a visit, illustrating a complex problem. First, information available to caregivers (ie, freely available online) regarding their children’s first dental visit is not always in agreement with the professional recommendations. 16 , 17 As most authors noted, patterns of dental care seeking for very young children appear to be problem-initiated rather than driven by primary prevention. Moreover, it is well documented that shortages in the dental workforce (general and pediatric dentists) pose a barrier to access to care for large portions of the population, particularly those enrolled in public insurance and residing in rural areas. 47 , 48 In an environment with limited resources, it appears reasonable to support a need- and risk-based prioritization of EPDVs, 35 , 37 as low-risk groups may benefit the least from early dental office-based visits. 49 On the other hand, the task of determining clinical treatment needs and caries risk without an EPDV remains a challenge, because the actual oral health trajectory of individual children is otherwise unobservable.

In this regard, the potential role of nondental providers in screening all young children and referring those at high risk and with treatment is crucial. This model has been successfully implemented in North Carolina, as the Into the Mouths of Babes program, 50 resulting in improvement of oral health care-services utilization 51 and reductions of dental caries-related treatments among preschool children. 52 Although econometric evaluations of the program did not reveal any cost savings, 53 , 54 this model offers an excellent avenue for the delivery of preventive oral health services (ie, fluoride varnish application) and the conduct of oral health screenings and referrals for specialist care. These services are not offered in a dental setting; however, these visits can be considered EPDVs and further research on their effectiveness in improving children’s oral health outcomes is warranted.

The currently available evidence base supporting the effectiveness of EPDVs and the year 1 first dental visit recommendation is weak, and more research among diverse populations is warranted. Despite the strong theoretical and philosophical support for Benjamin Franklin’s “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”, evidence to date has shown benefits of preventive dental visits before age 3 years only among children at high risk or with existing dental disease. Nevertheless, EPDVs are associated with more subsequent preventive dental visits, and may be associated with reduced restorative dental care visits and related expenditures during the first years of life.

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Foundations: Building the Safest Dental Visit

Find the most up-to-date information about infection prevention and control practices on  CDC’s COVID-19 page , including CDC’s  Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Professionals about Coronavirus (COVID-19) , which is applicable to all U.S. settings where healthcare is delivered, including  dental settings . For more information, see  CDC Updates COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Guidance .

Dental x-ray

A web-based, interactive, self-paced training designed to help increase adherence with established infection prevention and control guidelines among dental healthcare personnel.

This training provides an overview of the basic expectations for safe care—the principles of infection prevention and control that form the basis for CDC recommendations for dental healthcare settings. Learners who complete the training are eligible for 3 Continuing Education (CE) credits, provided by the Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention (OSAP).

Foundations: Building the Safest Dental Visit

Key Features

  • Use anywhere, anytime, on most computer, tablet, or other mobile devices
  • Self-paced, so learners can complete at their own convenience
  • Interactive audio and video material
  • Reference page with additional resources

Intended Audience

  • Dental healthcare personnel
  • Infection prevention coordinators
  • Dental educators
  • Dental consultants
  • Dental, dental hygiene, and dental assisting students
  • Members of the public that want to understand how dental offices keep patients safe

Overview of Foundations

  • Module 1: Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control introduces infection prevention and control for dental settings, reviews existing guidelines, recommendations, and resources, and describes the fundamentals of evaluating dental infection prevention programs.
  • Module 2: Protecting Patients, Protecting Yourself reviews hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, sharps safety, and safe injection practices.
  • Module 3: Sterilization, Disinfection, and the Dental Environment reviews the sterilization process, environmental infection prevention and control guidelines, and dental unit water line safety.

Image: The cycle of infection transmission from patient to patient, patient to dentist, and dentist to patient.

Foundations Media training videos can be used to educate and train dental health care personnel, infection prevention coordinators, educators, consultants, and the general public about safe dental visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Foundations is hosted on the CDC TRAIN learning platform. To access the course, you will need to register on CDC TRAIN. Alternately, you also can search for course ID 1092544 on CDC TRAIN .

If you are a returning CDC TRAIN user, select the link in the red banner that takes you to the sign-in page. Once you sign in, CDC TRAIN will redirect you to the training course.

If you are a new TRAIN user:

Select the “create an account” link in the red banner Complete the sign-up process on the next page Choose a group when CDC TRAIN prompts you to do so Select the category that best describes your work role Press the green button to confirm your selection Select “Finish Creating Account”

Remember to complete your profile, accessible by selecting your user name from the top right corner of the TRAIN platform, which will allow you to access other courses on CDC TRAIN.

If you have a TRAIN account from another affiliate, like a state health department, you may need to add the CDC group to your profile for the training to appear. To do so, select your name at the top right, then “Your Profile,” and then the Manage Groups tab. Select the “Join Another Group” button, and search for CDC.

You can begin the Foundations training by selecting “Launch.” If you leave the site and sign in again, you can access the training from the “Your Learning” menu.

Learn more about using TRAIN.

Foundations is a free resource. The course is available through CDC TRAIN, an affiliate of the Public Health Foundation’s TRAIN Learning Network. This learning network provides access to more than 1,000 courses developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) programs, grantees, and other funded partners.

All courses in CDC TRAIN are available at no cost to learners across the public health community including public health practitioners, healthcare professionals, first responders, educators, students, and others.

This continuing education activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the American Dental Association (ADA) Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP) through joint efforts between OSAP and CDC’s Division of Oral Health.

Learners who complete the Foundations training will receive a certificate of completion through CDC TRAIN. Specific instructions for obtaining CE credit are located on the Foundations course completion certificate. Learners do not need to be a member of OSAP to receive CE credit but may need to register on that organization’s website.

OSAP is a recognized CE provider through ADA CERP. ADA CERP is a service of the ADA to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. OSAP has designated this activity for 3 CE credits.

OSAP, a dental membership association, is a community of clinicians, educators, researchers, and industry representatives who advocate for safe and infection-free delivery of oral healthcare. Founded in 1984, OSAP is dedicated to education, research, service, and policy development to promote safety and the control of infectious diseases in dental healthcare settings worldwide. OSAP focuses on strategies to improve compliance with safe practices and on building a strong network of recognized infection control experts.

OSAP offers an extensive online collection of resources, publications, FAQs, checklists, and toolkits that help dental professionals deliver the safest dental visit possible for their patients and provides online and live courses to help advance the level of knowledge and skill of dental healthcare personnel.

Foundations is a self-paced training containing three modules of three to five lessons. It is designed to save learners’ progress, meaning that the course can be completed over several learning sessions. The entire course can typically be completed in three hours or less, if taken in one session.

Foundations is designed to be accessible on multiple devices, including most desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile devices.

Following the recommended infection prevention procedures while providing dental treatment can prevent transmission of infectious organisms among patients and dental healthcare personnel.

CDC designed Foundations to provide dental healthcare personnel the information they need to make infection prevention and control a priority in any setting where dental healthcare is delivered. This includes traditional settings such as private dental practices, dental clinics, and dental schools, including educational programs for dental assisting, dental hygiene, and laboratories. It also includes nontraditional settings that may use portable dental equipment such as temporary school clinics and humanitarian dental missions.

Both Foundations: Building the Safest Visit and the Basic Expectations for Safe Care Training Modules are based on the Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Healthcare Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care , a user-friendly summary of key recommendations relevant to dental settings that reinforces the importance of Standard Precautions as the key to preventing transmission of infectious agents in clinical dental settings.

Foundations is designed for an individual learner who wishes to take a self-paced training and be able to show proof of completion to receive continuing education credit.

The Basic Expectations for Safe Care Training Modules were developed to provide instructional resources, including slide sets and speaker notes for use by infection prevention coordinators, educators, consultants, and other dental healthcare personnel in a classroom format. The materials are free for anyone to access and use. No registration is required. These training modules do not provide any continuing education credit.

If you have issues with functionality of the Foundations training, including issues with video and audio, images, or incorrect or non-working hyperlinks, contact the CDC Division of Oral Health at [email protected] and write “Foundations Training” in the subject line.

If you have issues with CE credits, please contact OSAP at [email protected] and write “Foundations Training” in the subject line.

If you have questions about infection prevention and control in dental settings, you can contact CDC-INFO , CDC’s national contact center and publication fulfillment system.

CDC-INFO offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics. CDC-INFO service is also accessible from the bottom of any CDC webpage under the “Have Questions?” section.

Website addresses of nonfederal organizations are provided solely as a service to readers. Provision of an address does not constitute an endorsement of this organization by CDC or the federal government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of other organizations’ web pages.

To receive email updates about Infection Prevention & Control in Dental Settings, enter your email address:

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  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
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  • CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

What to Expect During Dental Cleanings

dental hygiene visit meaning

In this article

Key Takeaways

  • Routine dental cleaning or prophylaxis cleaning involves an exam, plaque and tartar removal, prophy polish, and fluoride treatment
  • The procedure is quick and painless
  • Dentists recommend a dental cleaning once every six months
  • Routine dental cleanings can help control plaque and tartar
  • It can also help prevent gum disease and maintain oral health

What is a Prophylaxis Teeth Cleaning?

A prophylaxis dental cleaning is the most common type of teeth cleaning a dental hygienist does. It usually takes 45 to 60 minutes.

Dental prophylaxis cleaning teeth polishing procedure with professional brush and gel

Dentists recommend you get this procedure every six months for preventative care. Regular dental cleanings are essential to:

  • Maintain good oral health
  • Prevent gum disease
  • Stop the progression of tooth decay
  • Provide education on oral hygiene

Other Types of Teeth Cleanings

Prophylaxis cleaning is the most common type of teeth cleaning. If you properly care for your oral health, it may be the only cleaning you’ll ever need.

However, there are other types of dental cleanings for more severe issues, such as: 

  • Scaling and root planing — Deep cleaning of the gums performed on patients with gum disease
  • Periodontal maintenance — Tartar removal performed on patients with periodontal disease
  • Gross debridement — Removal of extensive plaque and tartar that interfere with the oral exam

Why are Regular Teeth Cleanings Important?

Regular cleanings are essential for the overall health of your mouth and body. If you don’t visit the dentist every six months, there’s a strong chance you’ll develop cavities or gum disease.

Brush and floss regularly between cleanings, and follow any recommendations from your dentist or dental hygienist.

What To Expect From a Dental Cleaning

Routine teeth cleaning, or prophylaxis teeth cleaning, typically includes the following steps:

  • Examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth
  • Professional cleaning
  • Fluoride treatment

A dental hygienist will perform each step of the cleaning. Your dentist may also examine your mouth when the hygienist finishes.

What Happens During a Prophylaxis Teeth Cleaning?

A dental hygienist will perform the prophylaxis teeth cleaning. Once done, your dentist may also assess your oral health.

3d render of a professional ultrasonic teeth cleaning

Here’s what to expect when you go in for a prophylaxis dental cleaning:

Step 1: Oral Examination

First, your dental hygienist will examine your teeth and gums. They’ll use an instrument called an explorer to look for signs of:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Plaque and tartar buildup
  • Problems at the tooth roots
  • Orthodontic or bite issues
  • Other potential oral health issues

The hygienist will also examine your head and neck for abnormalities like cancer. If they find anything unusual during the exam, they’ll recommend treatment or a consultation with the dentist. 

Step 2: Plaque and Tartar Removal

After the exam, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film that forms in your mouth from bacteria and food particles.

Without proper cleaning, plaque can harden into tartar. You can only get it removed at the dentist’s office.

Your dental hygienist will use a dental scraper or scaler to remove built-up tartar. They may also use an ultrasonic scaler, which uses water flow and vibrates at high speeds.

Step 3: Prophy Polishing

Next, your dental hygienist will polish and floss your teeth expertly. They will use a prophy cup and tooth polishing pastes.

The polishing paste may feel gritty because it’s supposed to scrub and polish your teeth. The prophy cup will remove lingering plaque and extrinsic stains.

After polishing your teeth with the prophy cup, your hygienist will use dental floss to perform an interdental cleaning and remove any residual prophy paste between your teeth.

Step 4: Rinsing

After polishing and flossing, your hygienist will thoroughly rinse your mouth to remove leftover particles. The rinse may include water or a liquid fluoride mixture.

Step 5: Fluoride Treatment

The final step in your prophylaxis dental cleaning is when the hygienist applies fluoride to your teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel and protects teeth from decay. 

Not every cleaning will include fluoride. For example, if you’re an adult with healthy teeth who gets regular check-ups, you may not need fluoride treatment for cleaning.

Step 6: Dental Exam

When the hygienist finishes, they will call the dentist to examine you. Your dentist will check for problems and discuss ways to maintain optimal oral health. 

They may also:

  • Recommend additional treatment
  • Prescribe you a medicated mouthwash if you have gum disease
  • Give you instructions for home care
  • Discuss cosmetic procedures

Other Steps

Routine appointments take longer if your dentist finds any oral health issues during the exam. If you haven’t visited the dentist in a long time, they may also want to take updated mouth X-rays.

What to Expect After a Dental Cleaning

It’s normal for your mouth to feel strange after teeth cleaning. You may feel tender or sore. Your teeth should also feel glossy and smooth after a dental cleaning.

Follow the oral hygiene instructions given to you by your dental hygienist and dentist—brush and floss daily to prevent gum disease and tartar accumulation.

Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Cleaning

Is it normal to be afraid of dental work.

If you’re afraid of going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Dental work can be stressful for many people, even if it’s just a routine cleaning.

In 2019, 34% of adults hadn’t visited the dentist in the past year. 1 Knowing what to expect from a typical dental cleaning can decrease your anxiety.

Does insurance cover dental cleanings?

Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of preventative dental care. This includes annual or semiannual teeth cleanings.

Your insurance will also cover the expense for other services such as x-rays and sealants. Talk to your insurance provider about the full extent of your coverage.

How much do dental cleanings cost without insurance?

The cost of prophylaxis can vary depending on what you need, the area you live in, and your overall oral health. The price can range up to:

Dental cleaning – $100 to $150

Scaling and root planing – $300 Dental x-rays – $18 to $150 Dental exam – $100 to $150 Flourite treatments – $60

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  • “ Dental Visits .” National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022.
  • “ Gingivitis and periodontitis: What are the advantages and disadvantages of professional teeth-cleaning? .” InformedHealth.org, National Library of Medicine, 2020.
  • “ Adult Oral Health .” Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020.
  • Edlund et al. “ Efficacy of power-driven interdental cleaning tools: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ” Clin Exp Dent Res, 2023.
  • “ Dental Scaling and Root Planing for Periodontal Health: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-effectiveness, and Guidelines .” Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, National Library of Medicine, 2016.
  • Lamont et al. “ Routine scale and polish for periodontal health in adults .” Cochrane Database System Review, National Library of Medicine, 2018.

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Why Oral Hygiene Is Crucial to Your Overall Health

Gum disease has been associated with a range of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, dementia and more. Here’s what experts say you can do to manage the risk.

A large molar with roots is in the center of a tan canvas; it is shaded pink and blue with touches of green and orange. The molar is surrounded by smaller anatomical elements rendered in colored pencil. A brain is in the upper right corner, a knee joint in the lower right; a heart in the lower middle; lungs in the lower left; and a liver in the upper left corner. Tiny bacterial elements are on the roots of the molar and extend outward toward the smaller elements.

By Hannah Seo

The inside of your mouth is the perfect place for bacteria to thrive: It’s dark, it’s warm, it’s wet and the foods and drinks you consume provide nutrients for them to eat.

But when the harmful bacteria build up around your teeth and gums, you’re at risk of developing periodontal (or gum) disease , experts say, which is an infection and inflammation in the gums and bone that surround your teeth.

And such conditions in your mouth may influence the rest of your body, said Kimberly Bray, a professor of dental hygiene at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

A growing yet limited body of research , for instance, has found that periodontal disease is associated with a range of health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, respiratory infections and dementia.

Exactly how oral bacteria affect your overall health is still poorly understood, Dr. Bray said, since the existing research is limited and no studies have established cause-and-effect.

But some conditions are more associated with oral health than others, experts say. Here is what we know.

The health issues linked with oral health

About 47 percent of people aged 30 years and older in the United States have some form of periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In its early stages, called gingivitis, the gums may become swollen, red or tender and may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis may escalate to periodontitis, a more serious form of the disease where gums can recede, bone can be lost, and teeth may become loose or even fall out.

With periodontitis, bacteria and their toxic byproducts can move from the surface of the gums and teeth and into the bloodstream, where they can spread to different organs, said Ananda P. Dasanayake, a professor of epidemiology at the New York University College of Dentistry.

This can happen during a dental cleaning or flossing, or if you have a cut or wound inside your mouth, he said.

If you have inflammation in the mouth that is untreated, some of the proteins responsible for that inflammation can spread throughout the body, Dr. Bray said, and potentially damage other organs.

Of all the associations between oral health and disease, the one with the most evidence is between periodontal disease and diabetes, Dr. Bray said. And the two conditions seem to have a two-way relationship , she added: Periodontal disease seems to increase the risk for diabetes, and vice versa.

Researchers have yet to understand exactly how this might work, but in one review published in 2017 , researchers wrote that the systemic inflammation caused by periodontal disease may worsen the body’s ability to signal for and respond to insulin.

In another study , published in April, scientists found that diabetics who were treated for periodontal disease saw their overall health care costs decrease by 12 to 14 percent.

“You treat periodontal disease, you improve the diabetes,” Dr. Dasanayake said.

If large amounts of bacteria from the mouth are inhaled and settle in the lungs, that can result in bacterial aspiration pneumonia , said Dr. Frank Scannapieco, a professor of oral biology at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.

This phenomenon has been observed mainly in patients who are hospitalized or older adults in nursing homes, and is a concern for those who can’t floss or brush their teeth on their own, said Dr. Martinna Bertolini, an assistant professor of dental medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.

Preventive dental care such as with professional teeth cleanings, or periodontal treatments like antibiotic therapy, can lower the risk of developing this kind of pneumonia, Dr. Scannapieco said.

Cardiovascular disease

In a report published in 2020 , an international team of experts concluded that there is a significant link between periodontitis and heart attack, stroke, plaque buildup in the arteries, and other cardiovascular conditions.

While researchers haven’t determined how poor oral health might lead to worse heart health, some evidence suggests that periodontal bacteria from the mouth may travel to the arteries in vascular disease patients, potentially playing a role in the development of the disease.

And a 2012 statement from the American Heart Association noted that inflammation in the gums has been associated with higher levels of inflammatory proteins in the blood that have been linked with poor heart health.

Some research also suggests that better oral hygiene practices are linked with lower rates of heart disease.

For example, in a study published in 2019 , researchers reviewed the health records of nearly 250,000 healthy adults living in South Korea and found that over about 10 years, those who regularly brushed their teeth and received regular dental cleanings were less likely to have cardiovascular events than those who had poorer dental hygiene, formed more cavities, experienced tooth loss or developed periodontitis.

Pregnancy complications

A number of studies and reviews have found associations between severe periodontal disease and preterm, low birth weight babies, Dr. Dasanayake said. Though more research is needed to confirm the link.

In a 2019 review , researchers found that treating periodontal disease during pregnancy improved birth weight and reduced the risk of preterm birth and the death of the fetus or newborn.

And in a 2009 study , researchers found that oral bacteria could travel to the placenta — potentially playing a role in chorioamnionitis, a serious infection of the placenta and amniotic fluid that could lead to an early delivery, or even cause life-threatening complications if left untreated.

Research also suggests that bacteria from your mouth may activate immune cells that circulate in the blood, causing inflammation in the womb that could distress the placenta and fetal tissues.

There is longstanding research that periodontitis may induce preterm birth in animals like mice, and that treating these infections can protect against low birth weights and preterm birth.

Researchers have been increasingly interested in the role of oral health in dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Scannapieco said.

“Bacteria that are found in the mouth actually have been identified in the brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer’s,” he said, implying a potential role for them in the disease.

In a recent review , scientists noted that oral bacteria — especially those related to periodontitis — could either affect the brain directly via “infection of the central nervous system,” or indirectly by inducing “chronic systemic inflammation” that reaches the brain.

However, there’s no evidence that oral bacteria alone could cause Alzheimer’s, the review authors wrote. Rather, periodontal disease is just one “risk factor” among many for people who are predisposed to Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Other conditions

Oral bacteria have also been robustly linked with a number of other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis , Dr. Bray said. And emerging research is starting to link oral bacteria with kidney and liver disease, as well as colorectal and breast cancers .

But more research is needed to confirm all of these links, the experts said. And we still don’t know if regular dental care and periodontal treatments may help prevent or improve any of the conditions mentioned above, Dr. Scannapieco said.

What you can do

The best way to maintain good oral health is to follow the classic dental care advice , including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every day, Dr. Scannapieco said.

“Not all people really appreciate their oral health, and they’re only reminded of it when they have a toothache or some pain,” he added. But it’s important to be just as diligent and proactive about your oral health as you are with exercise or diet or any other aspect of well-being.

Hannah Seo is a reporting fellow for The Times, covering mental and physical health and wellness. More about Hannah Seo

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Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms

Addressing clinical terms often encountered when selecting the appropriate CDT Code for patient record keeping and claim preparation.

Introduction

Glossary – clinical terms.

(Words and terms in bold are defined within this glossary. Click a letter to jump to that section.)

Go to: Administrative Terms

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Glossary Part 1 defines clinical terms often encountered when selecting the appropriate CDT Code for patient record-keeping and claim preparation. These terms are often found in (1) nomenclatures and descriptors and (2) treatment plans and patient records. The ADA acknowledges that glossaries developed by other dental organizations may differ (e.g., technical content), and are considered complimentary to this glossary’s focus.

abscess : Acute or chronic localized inflammation, probably with a collection of pus, associated with tissue destruction and, frequently, swelling; usually secondary to infection.

acute periradicular or acute apical abscess –An inflammatory reaction to pulpal infection and necrosis characterized by rapid onset, spontaneous pain, tenderness of the tooth to pressure, pus formation and eventual swelling of associated tissues. May also be known as acute periapical abscess, acute alveolar abscess, dentoalveolar abscess, phoenix abscess, recrudescent abscess, secondary apical abscess.

chronic periradicular or chronic periapical abscess –An inflammatory reaction to pulpal infection and necrosis characterized by gradual onset, little or no discomfort and the intermittent discharge of pus through an associated sinus tract. May also be known as chronic alveolar abscess, chronic apical abscess, chronic dentoalveolar abscess, suppurative apical periodontitis, suppurative periradiucular periodontitis.

abutment : A term with different meanings depending on the clinical scenario.

implant case – the fixture that is placed between the implant body (aka implant post) and the restorative prosthesis (e.g., single crown; denture).

natural tooth case – the tooth used as the support for one end of a denture.

abutment crown : Artificial crown also serving for the retention or support of a dental prosthesis.

accession : Addition of a test specimen, previously collected by a health care provider, to a laboratory specimen collection; recording of essential specimen identification data in a laboratory-maintained file in chronological order of laboratory specimen acquisition; assignment to the specimen of an identification code.

acid etching : Use of an acidic chemical substance to prepare the tooth enamel and or dentin surface to provide retention for bonding.

adhesion : State in which two surfaces are held together by chemical or physical forces or both with or without the aid of an adhesive. Adhesion is one aspect of bonding.

adhesive : Any substance that joins or creates close adherence of two or more surfaces. Intermediate material that causes two materials to adhere to each other.

adjunctive : A secondary treatment in addition to the primary therapy.

adult dentition : See definition of permanent dentition .

allogenic : Belonging to the same species, but genetically different. See graft .

alloplastic : Refers to synthetic material often used for tissue augmentation or replacement.

alloy : Compound combining two or more elements having properties not existing in any of the single constituent elements. Sometimes used to refer to amalgam .

alveolar : Referring to the bone to which a tooth is attached.

alveoloplasty : Surgical procedure for recontouring supporting bone, sometimes in preparation for a prosthesis.

amalgam : An alloy used in direct dental restorations. Typically composed of mercury, silver, tin and copper along with other metallic elements added to improve physical and mechanical properties.

analgesia : See definition under anesthesia .

anatomical crown : That portion of tooth normally covered by, and including, enamel.

ancillary : Subordinate or auxiliary to something or someone else; supplementary.

anesthesia : A procedure that controls the patient's level of anxiety or pain. Delivery of an anesthesia inducing agent by a dentist or other health care practitioner is regulated by state dental boards. ADA anesthesia policy and guidelines are available online ( www.ADA.org ). Please refer to these sources for complete and current information.

The following terms concerning methods of anxiety and pain control are found in CDT code nomenclatures and descriptors:

analgesia –the diminution or elimination of pain.

anxiolysis –the diminution or elimination of anxiety.

general anesthesia –a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function is often impaired. Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and positive pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug-induced depression of neuromuscular function. Cardiovascular function may be impaired.

inhalation –a technique of administration in which a gaseous or volatile agent is introduced into the lungs and whose primary effect is due to absorption through the gas/blood interface.

intravenous –a technique of administration in which the anesthetic agent is introduced directly into the patient’s venous system.

local anesthesia –the elimination of sensation, especially pain, in one part of the body by the topical application or regional injection of a drug.

minimal sedation –a minimally depressed level of consciousness, produced by a pharmacological method, that retains the patient's ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond normally to tactile stimulation and verbal command. Although cognitive function and coordination may be modestly impaired, ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected.

moderate sedation –a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.

non-intravenous –a technique of administration in which the anesthetic agent is not introduced directly into the patient’s venous system.

regional block anesthesia –a form of local anesthesia that induces numbness in areas of the mouth and face.

trigeminal division block anesthesia –a form of local anesthesia that is an injection of medication that helps relieve facial pain.

Routes of Administration

enteral –any technique of administration in which the agent is absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or oral mucosa (i.e., oral, rectal, sublingual).

parenteral –a technique of administration in which the drug bypasses the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (i.e., intramuscular [IM], intravenous [IV], intranasal [IN], submucosal [SM], subcutaneous [SC], intraosseous [IO].)

transdermal –a technique of administration in which the drug is administered by patch or iontophoresis through skin.

transmucosal –a technique of administration in which the drug is administered across mucosa such as intranasal, sublingual or rectal.

anomaly : deviation from the normal anatomic structure, growth, development or function; an abnormality.

ANSI/ADA/ISO Tooth Numbering System : See Specification No. 3950 .

anterior : Mandibular and maxillary centrals, laterals and cuspids. The codes for anterior teeth in the Universal/National Tooth Numbering System are 6 through 11 (maxillary), and 22 through 27 (mandibular) for permanent dentition; C through H (maxillary), and M through R (mandibular) for primary dentition. This is also a term that, in general, refers to the teeth and tissues located towards the front of the mouth.

anxiolysis : See definition under anesthesia .

apex : The tip or end of the root end of the tooth.

apexification : The process of induced root development to encourage the formation of a calcified barrier in a tooth with immature root formation or an open apex. May involve the placement of an artificial apical barrier prior to nonsurgical endodontic obturation.

apexogenesis : Vital pulp therapy performed to encourage continued physiological formation and development of the tooth root.

apicoectomy : Amputation of the apex of a tooth.

arch, dental : The curved composite structure of the natural dentition and the residual ridge, or the remains thereof, after the loss of some or all of the natural teeth.

areas of oral cavity : A two digit numeric system used to report regions of the oral cavity on patient records and on claims submitted to third-party payers.

00 entire oral cavity 01 maxillary arch 02 mandibular arch 10 upper right quadrant 20 upper left quadrant 30 lower left quadrant 40 lower right quadrant

arthrogram : A diagnostic X-ray technique used to view bone structures following injection of a contrast medium into a joint.

artificial crown : Restoration covering or replacing the major part, or the whole of the clinical crown of a tooth, or implant.

attachment: A mechanical device for the fixation, retention, and stabilization of a prosthesis (Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms, 9th Edition; ©2019 Academy of Prosthodontics). See precision attachment .

autogenous : See graft .

avulsion : Separation of tooth from its socket due to trauma. See evulsion .

barrier membrane : Usually a thin, sheet-like usually non-autogenous material used in various surgical regenerative procedures.

behavior management : Techniques or therapies used to alter or control the actions of a patient who is receiving dental treatment. Examples include use of a papoose board , education or anxiety relief techniques.

benign : The mild or non-threatening character of an illness or the non-malignant character of a neoplasm.

bicuspid : A premolar tooth; a tooth with two cusps.

bilateral : Occurring on, or pertaining to, both right and left sides.

biologic materials : Agents that alter wound healing or host-tumor interaction. Such materials can include cytokines, growth factor, or vaccines, but do not include any actual hard or soft tissue graft material. These agents are added to graft material or used alone to effect acceleration of healing or regeneration in hard and soft tissue surgical procedures. Also known as biologic response modifiers.

biopsy : Process of removing tissue for histologic evaluation.

bitewing radiograph : Interproximal radiographic view of the coronal portion of the tooth/teeth. A form of dental radiograph that may be taken with the long axis of the image oriented either horizontally or vertically, that reveals approximately the coronal halves of the maxillary and mandibular teeth and portions of the interdental alveolar septa on the same image.

bleaching : Process of lightening of the teeth, usually using a chemical oxidizing agent and sometimes in the presence of heat. Removal of deep seated intrinsic or acquired discolorations from crowns of vital and non-vital teeth through the use of chemicals, sometimes in combination with the application of heat and light. Bleaching has been achieved through short and long term applications of pastes or solutions containing various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Normally applied externally to teeth; may be used internally for endodontically treated teeth.

bonding : Process by which two or more components are made integral by mechanical and/or chemical adhesion at their interface.

bounded tooth space : See tooth bounded space .

bridge : See fixed partial denture .

bruxism : The parafunctional grinding of the teeth.

buccal : Pertaining to or toward the cheek (as in the buccal surface of a posterior tooth).

by report: A written description of the service provided that is prepared when the term "by report" is included in a procedure code nomenclature; must be part of the patient’s record and included on the claim submission.

calculus : Hard deposit of mineralized substance adhering to crowns and/or roots of teeth or prosthetic devices.

canal : A relatively narrow tubular passage or channel.

root canal - Space inside the root portion of a tooth containing pulp tissue.

mandibular canal - The passage which transmits vessels and nerves through the jaw to branches that distributes them to the teeth.

cantilever extension : Part of a fixed prosthesis that extends beyond the abutment to which it is attached and has no additional support.

caries : Commonly used term for tooth decay.

carious lesion : A cavity caused by caries.

cast : See diagnostic cast or study model .

cavity : Missing tooth structure. A cavity may be due to decay, erosion or abrasion. If caused by caries; also referred to as carious lesion.

cement base : Material used under a filling to replace lost tooth structure.

cementum : Hard connective tissue covering the outer surface of a tooth root.

cephalometric image : A standardized, extraoral projection utilized in the scientific study of the measurements of the head.

ceramic : see porcelain/ceramic .

chairside: See definition under direct .

Classification of Metals : See metals, classification of

cleft palate : Congenital deformity resulting in lack of fusion of the soft and/or hard palate, either partial or complete.

clenching : The clamping and pressing of the jaws and teeth together in centric occlusion, frequently associated with psychological stress or physical effort.

clinical crown : That portion of a tooth not covered by tissues.

closed reduction : See reduction .

Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature ( CDT Code ) : A listing of dental procedure codes and their descriptive terms published by the American Dental Association (ADA); used for recording dental services on the patient record as well as for reporting dental services and procedures to dental benefit plans. The CDT Code is printed in a manual titled Current Dental Terminology (CDT) .

complete denture : A prosthetic for the edentulous maxillary or mandibular arch, replacing the full dentition. Usually includes six anterior teeth and eight posterior teeth.

complete series : A set of intraoral radiographs usually consisting of 14 to 22 periapical and posterior bitewing images intended to display the crowns and roots of all teeth, periapical areas and alveolar bone crest (source: FDA/ADA radiographic guidelines).

composite : A dental restorative material made up of disparate or separate parts (e.g. resin and quartz particles). See resin .

compound fracture : Break in bone which is exposed to external contamination.

comprehensive oral evaluation: See evaluation .

conscious sedation: See definition of minimal sedation under anesthesia .

consultation : In a dental setting, a diagnostic service provided by a dentist where the dentist, patient, or other parties (e.g., another dentist, physician, or legal guardian) discuss the patient's dental needs and proposed treatment modalities.

contiguous : Adjacent; touching.

coping : A thin covering of the coronal portion of the tooth usually without anatomic conformity. Custom made or pre-fabricated thimble-shaped core or base layer designed to fit over a natural tooth preparation, a post core, or implant abutment so as to act as a substructure onto which other components can be added to give final form to a restoration or prosthesis. It can be used as a definitive restoration or as part of a transfer procedure.

core buildup : the replacement of a part or all of the crown of a tooth whose purpose is to provide a base for the retention of an indirectly fabricated crown.

coronal : Refers to the crown of a tooth.

cracked tooth syndrome : A collection of symptoms characterized by transient acute pain experienced when chewing.

crown: An artificial replacement that restores missing tooth structure by surrounding the remaining coronal tooth structure, or is placed on a dental implant. It is made of metal, ceramic or polymer materials or a combination of such materials. It is retained by luting cement or mechanical means. (American College of Prosthodontics; The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms). See also abutment crown , anatomical crown , and clinical crown .

crown lengthening : A surgical procedure exposing more tooth for restorative purposes by apically positioning the gingival margin and removing supporting bone.

culture and sensitivity test : Clinical laboratory test which identifies a microorganism and the ability of various antibiotics to control the microorganism.

curettage : Scraping and cleaning the walls of a real or potential space, such as a gingival pocket or bone, to remove pathologic material.

Current Dental Terminology (CDT) : The ADA reference manual that contains the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature and other information pertinent to patient record keeping and claim preparation by a dental office; published biennially (e.g., CDT 2020 ).

Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) : A listing of descriptive terms and identifying codes developed by the American Medical Association (AMA) for reporting practitioner services and procedures to medical plans and Medicare.

cusp : Pointed or rounded eminence on or near the masticating surface of a tooth.

cuspid : Single cusped tooth located between the incisors and bicuspids.

cyst : Pathological cavity, usually lined with epithelium, containing fluid or soft matter.

odontogenic cyst –Cyst derived from the epithelium of odontogenic tissue (developmental, primordial).

periapical cyst– An apical inflammatory cyst containing a sac-like epithelium-lined cavity that is open to and continuous with the root canal.

cytology : The study of cells, including their anatomy, chemistry, physiology and pathology.

debridement : Removal of subgingival and/or supragingival plaque and calculus.

decay : The lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure.

deciduous : Having the property of falling off or shedding; a term used to describe the primary teeth. See transitional dentition .

deep sedation : See definition under anesthesia .

definitive : (a) A restoration or prosthesis that is intended to retain form and function for an indefinite time, which could be the natural life of the patient. There is no scheduled replacement, although some maintenance may be necessary (e.g., cleansing; replacement of the replaceable component of an attachment), procedures that are documented with their applicable codes. (b) A procedure whose outcome is, by intent, not subject to change arising from subsequent delivery of another procedure; a change may occur if the dentist determines that a change in the patient’s clinical condition warrant’s delivery of another or alternative procedure.

Note: The terms definitive and permanent are often used interchangeably.

dental assessment : A limited clinical inspection that is performed to identify possible signs of oral or systemic disease, malformation, or injury, and the potential need for referral for diagnosis and treatment.

dental prophylaxis : See prophylaxis .

dentin : Hard tissue which forms the bulk of the tooth and develops from the dental papilla and dental pulp, and in the mature state is mineralized.

dentition : The teeth in the dental arch.

adolescent dentition – Refers to the stage of permanent dentition prior to cessation of skeletal growth.

primary deciduous ( dentition) – Refers to the deciduous or primary teeth in the dental arch.

permanent dentition (adult dentition) – Refers to the permanent teeth in the dental arch.

transitional dentition – Refers to a mixed dentition; begins with the appearance of the permanent first molars and ends with the exfoliation of the deciduous teeth.

denture : An artificial substitute for some or all of the natural teeth and adjacent tissues.

denture base : That part of a denture that makes contact with soft tissue and retains the artificial teeth.

diagnostic cast : A replica of teeth and adjoining tissues created digitally or by a casting process (e.g., plaster into an impression). “Study model” is another term used for such a replica. Diagnostic casts have various uses, most often the examination of relationships between oral tissues to determine how those relationships will effect form and function of a dental restoration or appliance being planned or to determine whether tissue treatment or modification might be necessary before a pre-definitive impression is taken to ensure optimal performance of the planned restoration or appliance.

diagnostic imaging : A visual display of structural or functional patterns for the purpose of diagnostic evaluation. May be photographic or radiographic.

diastema : A space, such as one between two adjacent teeth in the same dental arch.

direct: A procedure where the service is delivered completely in the patient’s oral cavity and without the use of a dental laboratory.

direct pulp cap : Procedure in which the exposed vital pulp is treated with a therapeutic material, followed with a base and restoration, to promote healing and maintain pulp vitality.

direct restoration : A restoration of any type (e.g., “filling”; crown) fabricated inside the mouth.

discectomy : Excision of the intra-articular disc of a joint.

displaced tooth : A partial evulsion of a tooth.

distal : Surface or position of a tooth most distant from the median line of the arch.

dressing : Medication, bandages or other therapeutic material applied to a wound.

dry socket : Localized inflammation of the tooth socket following extraction due to infection or loss of blood clot; osteitis.

edentulous : Without teeth.

enamel : Hard calcified tissue covering dentin of the crown of tooth.

enteral : See definition under anesthesia .

equilibration : Reshaping of the occlusal surfaces of teeth to create harmonious contact relationships between the upper and lower teeth; also known as occlusal adjustment.

evaluation : The patient assessment that may include gathering of information through interview, observation, examination, and use of specific tests that allows a dentist to diagnose existing conditions. Please refer to specific oral evaluation code (D01xx) descriptors for more complete definitions.

evulsion : Separation of the tooth from its socket due to trauma. See avulsion .

excision : Surgical removal of bone or tissue.

exclusions : Dental services not covered under a dental benefit program.

exfoliative : Refers to a thin layer of epidermis shed from the surface.

exostosis : Overgrowth of bone. See torus .

extraoral : Outside the oral cavity.

extracoronal : Outside the crown of a tooth.

extraction : The process or act of removing a tooth or tooth parts.

exudate : A material usually resulting from inflammation or necrosis that contains fluid, cells, and/or other debris.

facial: The surface of a tooth directed toward . the cheeks or lips (i.e., the buccal and labial surfaces) and opposite the lingual surface.

fascial : Related to a sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating or binding together muscles, organs and other soft tissue structures of the body.

female component : The concave component of an attachment that fits into the projecting component of an attachment. See semi and precision attachment .

filling : A lay term used for the restoring of lost tooth structure by using materials such as metal, alloy, plastic or porcelain.

fixed partial denture: A prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth cemented or otherwise attached to the abutment natural teeth or their implant replacements.

follow-up care – Any care provided after a procedure; a service whose nature, scope and timing is determined by the clinical and professional judgment of the dentist.

Note: The term follow-up care is interchangeable with a variety of similar terms (e.g., normal post-operative follow-up; routine follow-up [or post-delivery or post-operative] care).

foramen : Natural opening into or through bone.

fracture: The breaking of a part, especially of a bony structure; breaking of a tooth. See simple fracture and compound fracture.

frenum : Muscle fibers covered by a mucous membrane that attaches the cheek, lips and or tongue to associated dental mucosa.

furcation : The anatomic area of a multirooted tooth where the roots diverge.

general anesthesia: See definition under anesthesia .

genetic test : Laboratory technique used to determine if a person has a genetic condition or disease or is likely to get the disease.

gingiva : Soft tissues overlying the crowns of unerupted teeth and encircling the necks of those that have erupted.

gingivectomy : The excision or removal of gingiva.

gingivitis : Inflammation of gingival tissue without loss of connective tissue.

gingivoplasty : Surgical procedure to reshape gingiva.

glass ionomer: A restorative material listed as a “resin” in the CDT manual’s “Classification of Materials” that may be used to restore teeth, fill pits and fissures, lute and line cavities.

gold foil : Thin pure gold leaf that is self adhering when condensed into a cavity. One of the oldest restorative techniques, it is compacted or condensed into a retentive cavity form.

graft : A piece of tissue or alloplastic material placed in contact with tissue to repair a defect or supplement a deficiency.

allograft– Graft of tissue between genetically dissimilar members of the same species. Donors may be cadavers, living related or living unrelated individuals. Also called allogenic graft or homograft.

autogenous graft– Taken from one part of a patient's body and transferred to another.

GTR: See guided tissue regeneration .

guided tissue regeneration (GTR) : A surgical procedure that uses a barrier membrane placed under the gingival tissue and over the remaining bone support to enhance regeneration of new bone.

hemisection : Surgical separation of a multi-rooted tooth.

histopathology : The study of disease processes at the cellular level.

homologous : Similar in structure. See graf t .

hyperplastic : Pertaining to an abnormal increase in the number of cells in an organ or a tissue with consequent enlargement.

imaging, diagnostic : This would include, but is not limited to, CAT scans, MRIs, photographs, radiographs, etc.

immediate denture : Prosthesis constructed for placement immediately after removal of remaining natural teeth.

impacted tooth : An unerupted or partially erupted tooth that is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely.

implant : Material inserted or grafted into tissue.

dental implant: A device specially designed to be placed surgically within or on the mandibular or maxillary bone as a means of providing location and support for dental replacement prosthesis.

endosteal ( endosseous ) : Device placed into the alveolar and basal bone of the mandible or maxilla and transecting only one cortical plate.

eposteal ( subperiosteal ) : Subperiosteal implant that conforms to the superior surface of an edentulous area of alveolar bone.

transosteal ( transosseous ) : Device with threaded posts penetrating both the superior and inferior cortical bone plates of the mandibular symphysis and exiting through the permucosa. It may be intraoral or extraoral.

implant index : See radiographic/surgical implant index .

implantation, tooth : Placement of an artificial or natural tooth into an alveolus.

incisal : Pertaining to the biting edges of the incisor and cuspid teeth.

incisal angle : One of the angles formed by the junction of the incisal and the mesial or distal surfaces of an anterior tooth; called the mesioincisal and distoincisal angle respectfully.

incision and drainage : The procedure of incising a fluctuant mucosal lesion to allow for the release of fluid from the lesion.

incisor : A tooth for cutting or gnawing; located in the front of the mouth in both jaws.

indigent : Those individuals whose income falls below the poverty line as defined by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

indirect : A procedure that involves activity that occurs away from the patient, such as creating a restorative prosthesis. An indirect procedure is also known as a laboratory procedure, and the laboratory’s location can be within or separate from the dentist’s practice.

indirect pulp cap : Procedure in which the nearly exposed pulp is covered with a protective dressing to protect the pulp from additional injury and to promote healing and repair via formation of secondary dentin.

indirect restoration : A restoration fabricated outside the mouth.

inhalation : See definition under anesthesia .

inlay : A fixed intracoronal restoration; a fixed dental restoration made outside of a tooth to correspond to the form of the prepared cavity, which is then luted to the tooth. (Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms, 9th Edition; ©2019 Academy of Prosthodontics).

intentional reimplantation : The intentional removal, radicular repair and replacement of a tooth into its alveolus.

interim : (a) A restoration or prosthesis designed for use over a limited period of time; (b) A procedure that whose outcome is, by intent, subject to change arising from subsequent delivery of another procedure. The “interim” period of time for a restoration, a prosthesis or a procedure, is determined by the clinical and professional judgment of the dentist. – See provisional and temporary .

interproximal : Between the adjoining surfaces of adjacent teeth in the same arch.

intracoronal : Referring to "within" the crown of a tooth.

intraoral : Inside the mouth.

intravenous: See definition under anesthesia .

ISO Tooth Numbering System : See Specification No. 3950 .

jaw : A common name for either the maxilla or the mandible.

JO : Code that identifies a tooth numbering schema that may be used on a claim submission. Identifies the ANSI/ADA/ISO Tooth Numbering System , a HIPAA standard code set not commonly used in the United States, but used in many other countries. See Specification No. 3950 .

JP: Code that identifies the tooth numbering schema used on a claim submission. Designation of Identifies the Universal/National Tooth Numbering System on the dental claim form., a HIPAA standard that is most commonly used in the United States.

keeper or keeper assembly : Any one of various devices used for keeping something in position (Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms, 9th Edition; © Academy of Prosthodontics); see precision attachment .

keratin : A protein present in all cuticular structures of the body, such as hair, epidermis and horns.

keratinized gingiva : The oral surface of the gingiva extending from the mucogingival junction to the gingival margin. In gingival health, the coronal portion of the sulcular epithelium may also be keratinized.

labial : Pertaining to or around the lip. See facial .

laboratory : See indirect

laminate veneer : A thin covering of the facial surface of a tooth usually constructed of tooth colored material used to restore discolored, damaged, misshapen or misaligned teeth.

lesion : An injury or wound; area of diseased tissue.

limited oral evaluation : See evaluation

line angle : An angle formed by the junction of two planes; used to designate the junction of two surfaces of a tooth, or of two walls of a tooth cavity preparation.

lingual : Pertaining to or around the tongue; surface of the tooth directed toward the tongue; opposite of facial.

local anesthesia : See definition under anesthesia .

locus : A site or location.

maintenance, periodontal : Therapy for preserving the state of health of the periodontium.

malar : Pertaining to the cheek or cheek bone; see zygomatic bone .

male component : The projecting part of an attachment that fits into the concave component of an attachment. See semi and precision attachment .

malignant : Having the properties of dysplasia, invasion, and metastasis.

malocclusion : Improper alignment of biting or chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth.

mandible : The lower jaw.

Maryland bridge : Fixed partial denture featuring retainers which are resin bonded to natural teeth that serve as an abutment.

maxilla : The upper jaw.

medicament : Substance or combination of substances intended to be pharmacologically active, specially prepared to be prescribed, dispensed or administered by authorized personnel to prevent or treat diseases in humans or animals.

medicament, topical : Pharmacological substance especially prepared to be applied on tissues of the oral cavity.

membrane : See barrier membrane .

mesial : Nearer the middle line of the body or the surface of a tooth nearer the center of the dental arch.

metals, classification of :

The noble metal classification system has been adopted as a more precise method of reporting various alloys used in dentistry. The alloys are defined on the basis of the percentage of metal content and listed in order of biocompatibility.

High Noble Alloys —Noble Metal Content > 60% (gold + platinum group*) and gold > 40% Au)

Titanium and Titanium Alloys —Titanium (Ti) > 85%.

Noble Alloys —Noble Metal Content > 25% (gold + platinum group*).

Predominantly Base Alloys— Noble Metal Content) < 25% (gold + platinum group*).

*metals of the platinum group are platinum, palladium, rhodium, osmium and ruthenium

microabrasion : Mechanical removal of a small amount of tooth structure to eliminate superficial enamel discoloration defects.

microorganisms : A minute living organism, such as a bacterium, fungus, yeast, virus or rickettsia.

minimal sedation: See definition under anesthesia .

mixed dentition : – see transitional dentition . moderate sedation: See definition under anesthesia .

molar : Teeth posterior to the premolars (bicuspids) on either side of the jaw; grinding teeth, having large crowns and broad chewing surfaces.

moulage : A positive reproduction of a body part formed on a cast from a negative impression.

mouthguard : Individually molded device designed primarily to be worn for the purpose of helping prevent injury to the teeth and their surrounding tissues. Sometimes called a mouth protector.

mucous membrane : Lining of the oral cavity as well as other canals and cavities of the body; also called "mucosa."

non-autogenous : A graft from donor other than patient.

non-intravenous: See definition under anesthesia .

normal post-operative follow-up: see follow-up care .

obturate : With reference to endodontics, refers to the sealing of the canal(s) of tooth roots during root canal therapy procedure with an appropriately prescribed material such as gutta percha in combination with a suitable luting agent.

obturator : A disc or plate which closes an opening; a prosthesis that closes an opening in the palate.

occlusal : Pertaining to the biting surfaces of the premolar and molar teeth or contacting surfaces of opposing teeth or opposing occlusion rims.

occlusal radiograph : An intraoral radiograph made with the film, phosphorous plate, emulsion or digital sensor being held between the occluded teeth.

occlusal surface: A surface of a posterior tooth or occlusion rim that is intended to make contact with an opposing occlusal surface. (Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms; ©2019 Academy of Prosthodontics).

occlusion : Any contact between biting or chewing surfaces of maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth.

odontogenic : Refers to tooth-forming tissues.

odontogenic cyst : See cyst .

odontoplasty : Adjustment of tooth length, size, and/or shape; includes removal of enamel projections.

onlay : A dental restoration made outside the oral cavity that covers one or more cusp tips and adjoining occlusal surfaces, but not the entire external surface. It is retained by luting cement. (American College of Prosthodontics; The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms)

open reduction : Re-approximation of fractured bony segments accomplished through cutting the adjacent soft tissues and bone to allow direct access.

operculectomy : Removal of the operculum.

operculum : The flap of tissue over an unerupted or partially erupted tooth.

oral : Pertaining to the mouth.

oral diagnosis : The determination by a dentist of the oral health condition of an individual patient achieved through the evaluation of data gathered by means of history taking, direct examination, patient conference, and such clinical aids and tests as may be necessary in the judgment of the dentist.

orthognathic : Functional relationship of maxilla and mandible.

orthotic device : Apparatus used to support, align, prevent or correct deformities, or to improve the function of movable parts of the body.

osteitis : See dry socket .

osteoplasty : Surgical procedure that modifies the configuration of bone.

osteotomy : Surgical cutting of bone.

overdenture : A removable prosthetic device that overlies and may be supported by retained tooth roots or implants.

palate : The hard and soft tissues forming the roof of the mouth that separates the oral and nasal cavities.

palliative : Action that relieves pain but is not curative.

panoramic radiograph : An extraoral projection whereby the entire mandible, maxilla, teeth and other nearby structures are portrayed on a single image, as if the jaws were flattened out.

papoose board : A behavior management technique utilizing immobilization to control the actions of a patient who is receiving dental treatment.

parafunctional : Other than normal function or use.

partial denture : Usually refers to a prosthetic device that replaces missing teeth. See fixed partial denture or removable partial denture.

periapical : The area surrounding the end of the tooth root.

periapical abscess : See abscess .

periapical cyst : See cyst .

periapical radiograph : A radiograph made by the intraoral placement of film, phosphorous plate, emulsion or digital sensor, for disclosing the apices of the teeth.

pericoronal : Around the crown of a tooth.

periodic oral evaluation : See evaluation .

periodontal : Pertaining to the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth.

periodontal abscess : See abscess .

periodontal disease : Inflammatory process of the gingival tissues and/or periodontal membrane of the teeth, resulting in an abnormally deep gingival sulcus, possibly producing periodontal pockets and loss of supporting alveolar bone.

periodontal pocket : Pathologically deepened gingival sulcus; a feature of periodontal disease.

periodontics : Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues.

periodontist : A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth.

periodontitis : Inflammation and loss of the connective tissue of the supporting or surrounding structure of teeth with loss of attachment.

periodontium : tissue complex comprising gingival, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone which attaches, nourishes and supports the tooth.

periradicular : Surrounding a portion of the root of the tooth.

permanent : see definitive

permanent dentition : Refers to the permanent (“adult”) teeth in the dental arch that either replace the primary dentition or erupt distally to the primary molars. See Dentition .

pin : A small rod, cemented or driven into dentin to aid in retention of a restoration.

plaque : A soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives.

pontic : The term used for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture (bridge).

porcelain/ceramic :  Refers to materials containing predominantly inorganic refractory compounds including porcelains, glasses, ceramics, and glass-ceramics.

post : Rod-like component designed to be inserted into a prepared root canal space so as to provide structural support. This device can either be in the form of an alloy, carbon fiber or fiberglass, and posts are usually secured with appropriate luting agents.

posterior : Refers to teeth and tissues towards the back of the mouth (distal to the canines); maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars. The designation of permanent posterior teeth in the Universal/National tooth numbering system include teeth 1 through 5 and 12 through 16 (maxillary), and 17 through 21 and 28 through 32 (mandibular); primary teeth in the Universal tooth numbering system are designated A, B, I and J (maxillary), and K, L, S and T (mandibular).

precision attachment : An interlocking device, one component of which is fixed into an abutment or abutments, and the other is integrated into a removable partial denture to stabilize and/or retain it ( Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms , 9 th Edition; © Academy of Prosthodontics) .

premedication : The use of medications prior to dental procedures.

premolar : See bicuspid .

preventive dentistry : Aspects of dentistry concerned with promoting good oral health and function by preventing or reducing the onset and/or development of oral diseases or deformities and the occurrence of oro-facial injuries.

primary dentition: The first set of teeth; see deciduous and dentition .

prophylaxis : Removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the tooth structures. It is intended to control local irritational factors.

prosthesis : Artificial replacement of any part of the body.

definitive prosthesis –Prosthesis to be used over an extended period of time.

dental prosthesis –Any device or appliance replacing one or more missing teeth and/or, if required, associated structures. (This is a broad term which includes abutment crowns and abutment inlays/onlays, bridges, dentures, obturators, gingival prostheses.)

fixed prosthesis –Non-removable dental prosthesis which is solidly attached to abutment teeth, roots or implants.

fixed-removable prosthesis– Combined prosthesis, one or more parts of which are fixed, and the other(s) attached by devices which allow their detachment, removal and reinsertion by the dentist only.

interim prosthesis –A provisional prosthesis designed for use over a limited period of time, after which it is to be replaced by a more definitive restoration.

removable prosthesis –Complete or partial prosthesis, which after an initial fitting by a dentist, can be removed and reinserted by the patient.

provisional : a restoration or prosthesis placed for a longer time period to enable healing, stabilization or diagnostic purposes – see interim and temporary .

pulp : Connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue which occupies the pulp cavity of a tooth.

pulp cap : See direct pulp cap ; indirect pulp cap .

pulp cavity : The space within a tooth which contains the pulp.

pulpectomy : Complete removal of vital and non-vital pulp tissue from the root canal space.

pulpitis : Inflammation of the dental pulp.

pulpotomy : Removal of a portion of the pulp, including the diseased aspect, with the intent of maintaining the vitality of the remaining pulpal tissue by means of a therapeutic dressing.

quadrant : One of the four equal sections into which the dental arches can be divided; begins at the midline of the arch and extends distally to the last tooth.

radicular : Pertaining to the root.

radiographic/surgical implant index : An appliance, designed to relate osteotomy or fixture position to existing anatomic structures.

radiograph : An image or picture produced on a radiation sensitive film, phosphorous plate, emulsion or digital sensor by exposure to ionizing radiation.

rebase : Process of refitting a denture by replacing the base material.

recalcification : Procedure used to encourage biologic root repair of external and internal resorption defects. See apexification .

closed reduction : The re-approximation of segments of a fractured bone without direct visualization of the boney segments. open reduction : Re-approximation of fractured bony segments accomplished through cutting the adjacent soft tissues and bone to allow direct access.

regional block anesthesia: See definition under anesthesia .

reimplantation, tooth : The return of a tooth to its alveolus.

reline : Process of resurfacing the tissue side of a removable prosthesis with new base material.

removable partial denture : A removable partial denture is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth that can be removed by the patient.

resin : Resinous material of the various esters of acrylic acid, used as a denture base material, for trays or for other restorations.

resin-based composite : See composite .

resin infiltration : Application of a resin material engineered to penetrate and fill the sub-surface pore system of an incipient caries lesion to strengthen, stabilize, and limit the lesion's progression, as well as mask visible white spots.

orthodontic retainer –Appliance to stabilize teeth following orthodontic treatment.

prosthodontic retainer –A part of a prosthesis that attaches a denture to an abutment tooth, implant abutment, or implant body.

retrograde filling : A method of sealing the root canal by preparing and filling it from the root apex.

revision : The act of revising; second or more surgical procedure for correction of a condition.

root : The anatomic portion of the tooth that is covered by cementum and is located in the alveolus (socket) where it is attached by the periodontal apparatus; radicular portion of tooth.

residual root –Remaining root structure following the loss of the major portion (over 75%) of the crown.

root canal : The portion of the pulp cavity inside the root of a tooth; the chamber within the root of the tooth that contains the pulp.

root canal therapy : The treatment of disease and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions.

root planing : A treatment procedure designed to remove cementum or surface dentin that is rough, impregnated by calculus, or contaminated with toxins or microorganisms.

routine follow-up care : see follow-up care

routine post-delivery care : see follow-up care

routine post-operative care : see follow-up care

rubber dam : A barrier technique used to prevent the passage of saliva or moisture, or to provide an isolated operative field.

salivary gland : Exocrine glands that produce saliva and empty it into the mouth; these include the parotid glands, the submandibular glands and the sublingual glands.

scaling : Removal of plaque, calculus, and stain from teeth.

sealant : A resinous material designed to be applied to the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth to prevent occlusal caries.

sedation: See definitions under anesthesia .

sedative filling : A temporary restoration intended to relieve pain.

s emi-precision attachment : A laboratory fabricated rigid metallic extension of a fixed or removable partial denture that fits into cast restoration, allowing some movement between the components; attachments with plastic components are often called semi-precision attachments. (see Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms, 9 th Edition; ©Academy of Prosthodontics).

sextant : One of the six relatively equal sections into which a dental arch can be divided, for example: tooth numbers 1-5; 6-11; 12-16; 17-21; 22-27; 28-32. Sometimes used for recording periodontal charting.

sialodochoplasty: Surgical procedure for the repair of a defect and/or restoration of portion of a salivary gland duct.

sialography : Inspection of the salivary ducts and glands by radiograph after the injection of a radiopaque medium.

sialolithotomy : Surgical procedure by which a stone within a salivary gland or its duct is removed, either intraorally or extraorally.

simple fracture : Break in bone which is not exposed to external contamination.

site : A term used to describe a single area, position, or locus. For periodontal procedures, an area of soft tissue recession on a single tooth or an osseous defect adjacent to a single tooth; also used to indicate soft tissue defects and/or osseous defects in edentulous tooth positions.

space maintainer : A passive appliance, usually cemented in place, that holds teeth in position.

Specification No. 3950 : This schema (ANSI/ADA/ISO Specification No. 3950–1984 Dentistry Designation System for Tooth and Areas of the Oral Cavity) is designed to identify areas of the oral cavity as well as uniquely number permanent and primary dentition. Supernumerary teeth are not yet identified using this standard.

splint : A device used to support, protect, or immobilize oral structures that have been loosened, replanted, fractured or traumatized. Also refers to devices used in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.

stomatitis : Inflammation of the membranes of the mouth.

stress breaker : That part of a tooth-borne and/or tissue-borne prosthesis designed to relieve the abutment teeth and their supporting tissues from harmful stresses.

study model : Plaster or stone model of teeth and adjoining tissues; also referred to as diagnostic cast. See diagnostic cast .

succedaneous tooth : A permanent tooth that replaces a primary (deciduous) tooth.

supernumerary teeth : Extra erupted or unerupted teeth that resemble teeth of normal shape.

suture : Stitch used to repair incision or wound.

temporary : a restoration or prosthesis placed for a shorter time interval for use while a definitive restoration or prosthesis is being fabricated – see interim and provisional .

temporary removable denture : An interim prosthesis designed for use over limited period of time.

temporomandibular joint (TMJ) : The connecting hinge mechanism between the base of the skull (temporal bone) and the lower jaw (mandible).

temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD or TMJD): Abnormal functioning of temporomandibular joint; also refers to symptoms arising in other areas secondary to the dysfunction.

TMJD : See temporomandibular joint dysfunction .

therapeutic : Of or pertaining to therapy or treatment; beneficial. Therapy has as its goal the elimination or control of a disease or other abnormal state.

tissue conditioning : Material intended to be placed in contact with tissues, for a limited period, with the aim of assisting the return to a healthy condition.

TMD : See temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) .

TMJ : See temporomandibular joint .

tomography : An X-ray technique that produces an image representing a detailed cross section of tissue structures at a predetermined depth.

tooth bounded space : A space created by one or more missing teeth that has a tooth on each side.

torus : A bony elevation or protuberance of bone. See exostosis .

tracheotomy : A surgical procedure to create an opening in the trachea (windpipe) to aid in breathing.

transitional : Relating to a passage or change from one position, state, phase or concept to another.

transitional : The passage or change from one position, state, phase or concept to another (e.g., transitional dentition ) .

transitional dentition : Refers to a mixed dentition; begins with the appearance of the permanent first molars and ends with the exfoliation of the deciduous teeth.

transplantation : Surgical placement of biological material from one site to another.

transplantation of tooth : Transfer of a tooth from one socket to another, either in the same or a different person.

transseptal : Through or across a septum.

treatment plan : The sequential guide for the patient's care as determined by the dentist's diagnosis and is used by the dentist for the restoration to and/or maintenance of optimal oral health.

trigeminal division block anesthesia : See definition under anesthesia .

trismus : Restricted ability to open the mouth, usually due to inflammation or fibrosis of the muscles of mastication.

tuberosity : A protuberance on a bone.

unerupted : Tooth/teeth that have not penetrated into the oral cavity.

unilateral : One-sided; pertaining to or affecting but one side.

Universal/National Tooth Numbering System : The ADA and HIPAA standard code set, most commonly used in the United States, that assigns a unique number (from 1-32) to Permanent Dentition , and a unique letter (A-T) to Primary Dentition . This system includes codes for Supernumerary Teeth . The complete schema is illustrated in the Comprehensive ADA Dental Claim Form Completion Instructions posted online at https://www.ada.org/en/publications/cdt/ada-dental-claim-form .

veneer : See laminate veneer .

vertical bitewing: A dental image with a central projection on which the teeth can close, holding it in a vertical position for the radiographic examination of several upper and lower teeth simultaneously.

vertical dimension : The vertical height of the face with the teeth in occlusion or acting as stops.

vestibuloplasty : Any of a series of surgical procedures designed to increase relative alveolar ridge height.

viral culture : A collection of specimen for the purpose of incubating a virus for identification.

wax pattern : A wax form that is the positive likeness of an object to be fabricated.

xerostomia : Decreased salivary secretion that produces a dry and sometimes burning sensation of the oral mucosa and/or cervical caries.

x-ray : See radiograph .

yeast : A general term for a fungus occurring as a . unicellular, nucleated organism that usually reproduces by budding. Some yeasts may reproduce by fission, many producing mycelia or pseudomycelia.

zygomatic bone : Quadrangular bone on either side of face that forms the cheek prominence. See malar .

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Abbreviations, Acronyms and Initialisms

Oral Health Care: A Whole New Language

Course Number: 21

SAVE PROGRESS

Course Contents

  • Introduction
  • Oral Health Care
  • Dentistry/Dentist
  • Dental Therapy/Dental Therapist
  • Dental Hygiene/Dental Hygienist
  • Dental Assisting/Dental Assistant
  • Dental Laboratory Technology/Dental La...
  • Office Support Staff
  • Root Words, Prefixes and Suffixes Used...
  • Abbreviations, Acronyms and Initialism...
  • A Final Word about Words
  • References / Additional Resources

Abbreviation – a shortened form of a word

Acronym - an abbreviation formed from the initial letters of other words and pronounced as a word. For example, NASA, SCUBA or CAL

Initialism - an abbreviation consisting of initial letters pronounced separately. For example, CPU, FBI or BP

For simplicity, only the term ‘abbreviation’ will be used in the following section.

You can decrease the amount of time spent on documentation by using abbreviations for patient treatment records. While patient treatment records are important for good patient treatment and follow-up, records also legal documents, so abbreviations and their meanings should be the same in every record. To be certain that everyone in the office uses the same abbreviations and understands what the abbreviations mean, it is a good idea to create a “key” to the abbreviations used in your office so that way anyone writing or reading a record can understand exactly what is being conveyed. A good idea is to post an abbreviation “key” where all employees can see it to help ensure that all of your records contain consistent and accurate information. The key will help all employees, past, present and future, as well as serve as a part of the legal record.

The following list is a compilation of some commonly used abbreviations, acronyms and initialisms:

↑ – Increase

↓ – Decrease

Adv – Advanced

Anes  – Anesthetic (e.g., local anesthetic)

Ant  – Anterior

Approx  – Approximately

Appt  – Appointment

ASA  – Acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin

ASA  – Anterior superior alveolar injection

ASAP  – As soon as possible

B  – Buccal

Bid  – Twice a day

Bilat  – Bilateral

BOP  – bleeding on probing

BP  – Blood pressure

BW  – Bitewing radiographs

c̄  – With. From the Latin word “cum”

C/C  – (Complete/complete) complete maxillary denture and complete mandibular denture

C/P  – Complete maxillary denture and partial mandibular denture

CAL  – Clinical attachment level

Cau  – Caucasian

CC  – Chief complaint

cc  – Cubic centimeter

CEJ  – cementoenamel junction

CHD  – Congestive heart disease

CHF  – Congestive heart failure

CHX  – Chlorhexidine

CNS  – Central nervous system

Cont  – Continue, continued

COPD  – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

CP  – Cerebral palsy

CVA  – Cerebral vascular accident (stroke)

D  – Distal

DA  – Dental assistant

DC or D/C  – Discontinue

DH  – Dental hygienist or dental hygiene

DOB  – Date of birth

Dx  – Diagnosis

E.g.  – For example

EBV  – Epstein Barr virus

ECG or EKG  – Electrocardiogram

Echo  – Echocardiogram

EIE  – Extraoral intraoral examination

Emer  – Emergency

Endo  – Endodontic

ER or ED  – Emergency room or emergency department

Eval  – Evaluation

EX  – Examination

Ext  – Extract, extraction

Fen-phen  – Fenfluramine and Phentermine

Fl, Fl 2 , F, F 2  – Fluoride

FMR, FMX (outdated), FMS  – Full mouth radiographs/series

FPD  – Fixed partial denture; a bridge

Freq  – Frequent, frequency

Fx  – Fracture

Gen  – General, generalized

GI  – Gastrointestinal

Ging  – Gingivitis, gingiva

H 2 O  – Water

H 2 O 2  – Hydrogen peroxide

HAV  – Hepatitis A virus

HBP  – High blood pressure, hypertension

HBV  – Hepatitis B virus

HCV  – Hepatitis C virus

HIV  – Human immunodeficiency virus

HS  – At bedtime

Hx  – History

IDDM  – Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Type I is the current, preferred term

IM  – Intramuscular

Imp  – Impression

Inc  – Incisal, incisive, incise

Inf  – Inferior

Irreg  – Irregular

Irrig  – Irrigation

IV  – Intravenous

L, Ling  – Lingual

LA  – Lower anterior

LL  – Lower left quadrant. Also called Quadrant 3

Loc  – Local, localized, local anesthetic

LR  – Lower right quadrant. Also called Quadrant 4

M  – Mesial

Mand  – Mandibular

Marg  – Marginal

Max  – Maxillary or maximum

Meds  – Medication

MHx  – Medical history

MI  – Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)

Min  – Minimum, minute

Mm  – Millimeter

Mo  – Month

MO  – Mesiocclusal

MOD  – Mesiocclusodistal

Mod  – Moderate

MRI  – Magnetic resonance imaging

MSA  – Middle superior alveolar injection.

MVP  – Mitral Valve Prolapse

N/A, NA  – Not applicable

N 2 O  – Nitrous oxide

Nec  – Necessary

Neg  – Negative

NIDDM  – Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Type II is the current, preferred term

NKA/NKDA  – No known allergies/no known drug allergies

NPO  – Nothing by mouth

NV  – Next visit

O, occ  – Occlusal

O 2  – Oxygen

OD  – Oral diagnosis

OH  – Oral hygiene

OHI  – Oral hygiene instructions

OP  – Operative

ORL  – Otorhinolaryngology or otolaryngology. Refers to head and neck area.

OS  – Oral surgery

OTC  – Over the counter (drug that can be obtained without a prescription)

P/P  – Partial maxillary denture and partial mandibular denture

PA  – Periapical radiograph

Pano  – Panoramic radiograph

Path  – Pathology

PCN or PEN  – Penicillin

PD  – Periodontal debridement

Perio  – Periodontal, periodontitis

PFM  – Porcelain fused to metal

PMT, PMTx  – Periodontal maintenance therapy or treatment

PO  – Orally; by mouth

PPE  – personal protective equipment such as gloves, mask, gown and eye protection

Post  – Posterior, After

Postop  – After surgery

PRN, prn  – As needed; as necessary

PSA  – Posterior superior alveolar injection

PSR  – Periodontal screening and recording

Pt, pt  – Patient

Px, PX, prog  – Prognosis

Qd  – Every day

Qid  – Four times a day

Quad or Q  – Quadrant. May be followed by a number to specify a particular quadrant.

R  – Respiration

Rc  – Rubber cup

RCTx or RCT  – Root canal treatment

Rec  – Recession

Re-eval, reeval  – Re-evaluation, re-evaluate

Ref  – Referral

Reg  – Regular

RHD  – Rheumatic heart disease

RPD  – Removable partial denture

Rx  – Prescription

s̄  – Without. From the Latin word “sine”

SBE  – Subacute bacterial endocarditis. Preferred abbreviation and term is IE – infective endocarditis

Sig  – Write on label

Slt  – Slight

SOB  – Short of breath

STAT  – Immediately

STD  – Sexually transmitted disease. The preferred abbreviation and term are STI – sexually transmitted infection

Surg  – Surgery

TB  – Tuberculosis

tb  – Toothbrush

Temp  – Temperature

Tid  – Three times a day

TLC  – Tender loving care

TMD  – Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction or Disorder

TMJ  – Temporomandibular Joint

Tp  – Toothpaste

Tx  – Treatment

UL  – Upper left quadrant. Also called Quadrant 2.

UNK or unk  - unknown

UR  – Upper right quadrant. Also called Quadrant 1.

URI  – Upper respiratory infection

UTI  – urinary tract infection

w/o  – Without

WNL  – Within normal limits

Wt  – Weight

y/o  – Year(s) old

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    Foundations: Building the Safest Dental Visit is a web-based, interactive, self-paced training to help increase adherence with established infection prevention and control practices among dental healthcare personnel in any setting where dental health care is delivered.

  15. 5 codes every dental hygienist needs to know

    A second visit would be scheduled for an exam and diagnosis, followed by the appropriate hygiene visit(s) for definitive treatment (prophy, scaling in the presence of moderate to severe inflammation, scaling and root planing). Periodontal scaling and root planing D4341: 4 or more involved teeth in the quadrant

  16. Hygienist visit ~ hygienists will help you keep to healthy teeth and gums

    The AirFlow deep cleansing and polishing treatment involves blasting plaque and tough stains off the surface of the teeth with a combination of water, air and a fine powder which safely and thoroughly cleans your teeth. The cost of an hour-long hygiene visit with the AirFlow add-on service is £128.

  17. Dental Cleanings: Types and What to Expect

    Step 2: Plaque and Tartar Removal. After the exam, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film that forms in your mouth from bacteria and food particles. Without proper cleaning, plaque can harden into tartar. You can only get it removed at the dentist's office.

  18. PDF Dental Hygiene: Definition, Scope, and Practice Standards

    4.4 Provide dental hygiene expertise within an interprofessional team; 4.5 Implement the plan, making revisions as necessary; 4.6 Communicate with clients in an open, honest, clear and timely way; 4.7 Develop and promote policies supporting healthy lifestyles, environments, and communities. 5.

  19. PDF Standards for Clinical Dental Hygiene Practice

    Definition Of Dental Hygiene Practice Dental hygiene is the science and practice of rec-ognition, prevention and treatment of oral dis-eases and conditions as an integral component of total health.11 The dental hygienist is a primary care oral health professional who has graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program in an

  20. Why Oral Hygiene Is Crucial to Your Overall Health

    The best way to maintain good oral health is to follow the classic dental care advice, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every day, Dr. Scannapieco said. "Not all people ...

  21. Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms

    conscious sedation: See definition of minimal sedation under anesthesia. consultation: In a dental setting, a diagnostic service provided by a dentist where the dentist, patient, or other parties (e.g., another dentist, physician, or legal guardian) discuss the patient's dental needs and proposed treatment modalities. contiguous: Adjacent ...

  22. Abbreviations, Acronyms and Initialisms

    NV - Next visit. O, occ - Occlusal. O 2 - Oxygen. OD - Oral diagnosis. OH - Oral hygiene. OHI - Oral hygiene instructions. OP - Operative. ORL - Otorhinolaryngology or otolaryngology. Refers to head and neck area. OS - Oral surgery. OTC - Over the counter (drug that can be obtained without a prescription) P - Pulse

  23. Prophy vs. perio maintenance

    The CDT-3 book of dental codes published by the ADA defines a prophy: "Dental Prophylaxis - D1110 - A dental prophylaxis performed on transitional or permanent dentition which includes scaling and polishing procedures to remove coronal plaque, calculus, and stains." The key word here is "coronal." All hygienists do subgingival scaling on many ...