Mason Family Dentistry - James L. Peters, DDS, Mason MI. Voted a one of the leading dentists in Mid-Michigan and Michigan for several years running. Dr. Peters and his staff pride themselves on excellent customer care, keeping current with dental technology and dealing with many forms of insurance. If you need a great dentist in the Mason, Lansing or Jackson Michigan areas, please give us a call.Dental Terms
Bruxism - involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Calculus - (tartar) hard deposit of mineralized material, or calcified plaque, that adheres to teeth
Cavities
“Cavities“ is another way of saying tooth decay. Tooth decay is heavily influenced by lifestyle, what we eat, how well we take care of our teeth, the presence of fluoride in our water and toothpaste. Heredity also plays a role in how susceptible your teeth may be to decay.
When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates (sugars and starches), these carbohydrates are eaten by the bacteria in plaque, producing acids that eat into the tooth. Over time, the tooth enamel begins to break down beneath the surface while the surface remains intact. When enough of the sub-surface enamel is eaten away, the surface collapses, forming a cavity.
Cavities are very serious. Left untreated, a cavity can destroy your tooth and kill the delicate nerves at its center, which may result in an abscess, an area of infection at the root tip. Once an abscess forms, it can only be treated with a root canal, surgery or by extracting the tooth.
Endodontics - a dental specialty concerned with treatment of the root and nerve of the tooth. An endodontist is a dental specialist in this field.
Fluoride - a chemical compound that prevents cavities; makes the tooth surface stronger so that teeth can resist decay.
Gingivitis - an inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth caused by a buildup of plaque or food particles.
Your dentist may ask for a Panoramic X-ray, or Panorex. This type of film provides a complete view of your upper and lower jaw in a single picture, and helps the dentist understand your bite and the relationship between the different teeth and your arch.
Pediatric Dentistry - a dental specialty concerned with treatment of children. A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist in this field (also known as: pedodontist).
Periodontics - a dental specialty concerned with treatment of gums, tissue and bone that supports the teeth. A periodontist is a dental specialist in this field.
Periodontitis - inflammation and loss of connective tissue of the supporting or surrounding structure of the teeth (also known as: gum disease).
Plaque - a bacteria-containing substance that collects on the surface of teeth. Plaque can cause decay and gum irritation when it is not removed by daily brushing and flossing.
Scaling - removal of plaque, calculus, and stain from teeth.
