Dental Definitions And Explanations

Perio maintenance refers to the maintenance of tissues that support the teeth, specifically the periodontal tissues. These tissues include the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Perio maintenance involves regular dental cleanings, deep cleanings, and monitoring of gum health to prevent or manage periodontal disease. This is important for maintaining the stability and health of the teeth, as well as preventing tooth loss.

A root canal is a colloquial term for endodontic therapy, which involves cleaning out the pulp from the tooth's inner space, disinfecting it, and filling it. This procedure is typically performed when the pulp becomes infected or damaged due to tooth decay or injury. It helps to save the natural tooth and alleviate pain or discomfort. A crown is a dental restoration that covers the entire tooth, while an implant is a surgical component used to replace a missing tooth.

A post/core is a dental restoration technique used to build up the tooth structure when there is not enough tooth structure to properly retain a crown. It is also known as "foundation restoration." This technique involves placing a post into the root canal of the tooth and then building up the core around it to provide a stable foundation for the crown. This allows for the successful placement of a crown on a tooth that would otherwise not have enough structure to support it.

Occlusal guards are used to protect tooth and restoration surfaces, manage mandibular dysfunction, stabilize occlusion, and create space prior to restoration procedures. They are custom-made devices that fit over the teeth to prevent grinding and clenching, reduce muscle tension, and minimize damage to the teeth and jaw joints. By providing a stable bite and relieving pressure on the teeth, occlusal guards help to maintain the health of the teeth and prevent further damage or wear.

Scaling is the correct answer because it involves the removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from the crown and root surfaces of teeth. This procedure is typically performed by a dental professional using specialized tools to scrape away the buildup on the teeth. Scaling helps to prevent and treat gum disease by removing the bacteria and debris that can accumulate on the teeth and gums. It is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene and overall dental health.

An indirect pulp cap is a dental procedure used when a dentist is removing decay close to the nerve (pulp) of a tooth. In cases where removing all the decay would expose the nerve, a medicated cement is applied as a temporary filling. This cement helps the pulp of the tooth repair itself by containing the decay and allowing a wall of tooth structure to build up between the pulp and the decayed material. This procedure ensures that no pulp is exposed and helps in preserving the health of the tooth.

Root planning is the correct answer because it involves the removal of roughened cementum and surface dentin that is impregnated with calculus, microorganisms, and their toxins. This procedure helps to clean and smooth the root surfaces, promoting healing and preventing further damage to the teeth and gums.

Arestin is the correct answer because it is specifically mentioned in the given information as a medication used in the treatment of periodontal disease. The other options, Nitrous and Sedation, do not have any relevance to periodontal disease treatment.

An inlay is a type of indirect filling that is designed to treat decay within the cusps or top projections of a tooth. It is pre-made in a dental lab and permanently cemented by a dentist.

Full Mouth Debridement is the correct answer because it is a dental procedure that involves the removal of as much build-up on the teeth as possible. This build-up, also known as calculus or tartar, can make it difficult for the dentist to accurately assess the health of the patient's bone and gum tissues. By removing the build-up, the dentist can properly evaluate the supporting structures of the teeth and determine the necessary treatment. Full Mouth Debridement is commonly performed on patients who have not seen a dentist in a while and have significant build-up on their teeth.

Vizilite is the correct answer because it is a screening tool used for detecting oral cancer. It involves the use of a special fluorescent light that helps to identify abnormal cells in the mouth, including those that may be indicative of cancerous or pre-cancerous conditions. Arestin is a medication used for treating gum disease, while Oral Eval is a general term that refers to the evaluation of the oral cavity. Therefore, Vizilite is the most appropriate option for screening oral cancer in this context.