That's What The Dentist Said..... Quiz

Answer: Enamel

The enamel is the outermost portion of the tooth. Beyond that layer is the dentin, which contains tubules that create sensitivity whenever someone gets a cavity or wears away at the enamel layer. Pulp is the innermost part of the tooth, containing the nerve and blood supply that maintains the tooth's vitality. Problems with the pulp are remedied with a root canal technique that takes the inflamed or diseased pulp out of the tooth.

The alveolar process is simply bone -- the part that holds the tooth in place in your mouth.

Answer: Temporomandibular Joint

This long-winded term, the temporomandibular joint, is the union of the jaw to the skull (the temporal bone of the cranium 'temporo-' with the mandibular condylar head) -- creating a joint which helps open and close our mouths. An articular disk divides the joint. This disk may become inflamed or stressed by chewing function to where there is pain in the joint.

Answer: Orthodontics

Orthodontics deals with the correction of misaligned teeth. Most of the population has a form of malocclusion (bad tooth and jaw alignment).

Answer: Calcified deposits that form around the teeth

Calculus is that stuff that the hygienist scrapes off the teeth. It is a calcified, hardened form of plaque (that softened film that forms around the gums and teeth). Plaque can easily be removed by routine brushing and flossing. Calculus is more difficult to remove and requires a professional to remove it from the teeth.

Answer: Drilling into the tooth and removing the pulp

A time may come when the tooth has undergone severe trauma and will need root canal therapy. The procedure involves drilling into the tooth in order to get to the pulp (nerve and blood supply). Bacteria cause the pulp to become inflamed and irritated to the point that it causes severe pain.

The pulp will need to be completely removed and the remaining tooth cleaned. Afterwards, a crown will need to cover the treated tooth.

Answer: The gums

Gingiva is gums. Commericals talking about gingivitis are talking about inflammation of the gums.

Answer: Removing a tooth

Exodontia is extracting or removing the tooth.

Answer: You are lacking some teeth that most people have

Congenitally missing is a term that means that they never actually formed when you were growing up. Why it happens is unknown. It's not uncommon to see a person with congenitally missing teeth. Oftentimes, orthodontics or other cosmetic dentistry may be needed if they pose a concern to the patient.

Answer: Cuspid

The cuspids have forever been identified as the "eye teeth" or "fang teeth". Cuspids, or canines, are known as the cornerstone tooth - aiding in the majority of our chewing functions.

Answer: Place a tooth colored covering over the top surface of the tooth surface

Sealants are a clear, or white, coating over the chewing surface of the tooth that helps prevent decay from occurring in the grooves of the teeth. The procedure is painless, quick and simple. It does involve a good bit of cooperation from the child for them to function correctly.

The sealant must be placed on a good dry tooth or else it can fall out should moisture be present. It is an excellent preventive measure for children. However, brushing and flossing must be kept routine -- you CAN develop in-between cavities also!