Dentists glossary

Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a dentist provider in Kuala Lumpur.

What are ceramic braces?: Ceramic braces are orthodontic brackets made from tooth-colored ceramic material that functions like metal braces but blends in with the tooth surface for a more discreet appearance.
What are clear aligners?: Clear aligners are custom-made, removable transparent trays worn over the teeth that apply gentle pressure to gradually shift teeth into straighter positions.
What are self-ligating braces?: Self-ligating braces are orthodontic brackets with built-in sliding clips or gates that hold the archwire in place without separate elastic or metal ties.
What is a bone graft in dentistry?: A bone graft is a surgical procedure in which bone material is placed in the jaw to increase bone density or volume when existing jawbone is too thin or weak to support a dental implant.
What is a dental abscess?: A dental abscess is a pocket of pus formed by bacterial infection in or around a tooth, causing localized swelling and pain in the gum or jaw.
What is a dental bridge?: A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device that spans one or more missing teeth by being cemented to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.
What is a dental crown?: A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance.
What is a dental sealant?: A dental sealant is a thin plastic resin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent food and bacteria from collecting in pits and fissures, reducing cavity risk.
What is a dental veneer?: A dental veneer is a thin shell, usually made of porcelain or composite resin, bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance and correct cosmetic flaws.
What is a dry socket?: Dry socket is a post-extraction complication where the protective blood clot in the tooth socket breaks down or dislodges, exposing the underlying bone and causing pain.
What is a pulpotomy?: A pulpotomy is a dental procedure in which the coronal portion of the tooth's pulp (nerve tissue) is removed while the radicular pulp in the root remains intact, typically performed on primary teeth to treat deep decay or infection.
What is a retainer (orthodontic)?: An orthodontic retainer is a custom-made appliance worn after braces are removed to hold teeth in their corrected positions and prevent them from shifting back.
What is a sinus lift?: A sinus lift is a surgical procedure that adds bone material below the maxillary sinus cavity to create sufficient bone height for upper jaw dental implant placement.
What is a smile makeover?: A smile makeover is a customized plan of multiple cosmetic dental procedures designed together to improve the appearance of the teeth, gums, and smile.
What is an all-on-4 implant?: All-on-4 implants are a surgical technique that uses four strategically positioned dental implants to support and anchor a complete fixed prosthesis (bridge) spanning an entire upper or lower jaw.
What is an impacted wisdom tooth?: An impacted wisdom tooth is a third molar that cannot erupt fully or normally into the jaw because of lack of space, bone obstruction, or abnormal positioning. Impaction often leads to pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth and typically requires extraction.
What is dental bonding?: Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure where tooth-colored composite resin is applied and hardened to repair chips, close gaps, or mask discoloration on teeth.
What is dental implant osseointegration?: Osseointegration is the process where a dental implant fuses directly with the jawbone through bone growth, creating a permanent anchor for a replacement tooth.
What is fluoride treatment?: A topical dental treatment where fluoride is applied directly to teeth to harden enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.
What is malocclusion?: Malocclusion is a misalignment of the teeth or incorrect bite where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the mouth is closed.
What is root canal treatment (RCT)?: Root canal treatment (RCT) is an endodontic procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside a tooth's root canal system to eliminate pain and preserve the tooth.
What is scaling and polishing?: Scaling and polishing is a routine preventative cleaning procedure that uses ultrasonic scalers and polishing paste to remove hardened plaque (tartar) and surface stains from teeth and below the gumline.
What is teeth whitening (bleaching)?: Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses peroxide-based gels applied to tooth surfaces to remove stains and lighten tooth shade. It can be performed in-office by a dentist or delivered via take-home trays dispensed by a dental professional.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?: Gingivitis is reversible inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup, while periodontitis is advanced gum disease involving irreversible damage to the bone and supporting structures beneath the gum line.