Dental clinics glossary

Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a dental clinic provider in Ghana.

What are clear aligners and Invisalign?: Clear aligners are custom-made removable plastic trays that apply gentle pressure to move teeth gradually into alignment, worn in a series of progressive sets over months or years.
What are fixed braces (orthodontic brackets and wires)?: Fixed braces are metal or ceramic brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by an archwire that applies continuous pressure to move teeth into correct alignment.
What are partial and complete dentures?: Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth. Partial dentures replace some natural teeth while complete dentures replace all teeth on the upper or lower jaw.
What is a dental bridge?: A dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or dental implants.
What is a dental crown?: A dental crown is a fixed cap placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance.
What is a dental implant?: A dental implant is a titanium post surgically anchored into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root, supporting a crown, bridge, or denture.
What is a dental sealant?: A dental sealant is a thin resin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent food and bacteria from collecting in pits and fissures and causing decay.
What is a dental veneer?: A dental veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance and correct cosmetic flaws.
What is a dental x-ray (radiograph)?: A dental x-ray (radiograph) is an imaging technique that uses small doses of radiation to capture internal images of teeth, bone, and surrounding tissues, helping dentists diagnose decay, infections, and jaw abnormalities.
What is an orthodontic retainer?: A custom dental device worn after orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners) to maintain teeth in their corrected positions and prevent them from shifting back.
What is dental bonding?: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure in which a dentist applies and hardens tooth-colored composite resin directly onto a tooth to repair damage, fill gaps, or mask stains.
What is dental caries?: Dental caries is a progressive disease in which oral bacteria produce acid that demineralizes tooth enamel and dentin, forming cavities if left untreated.
What is dental impaction?: An impacted tooth is one that remains stuck beneath the gum or bone and cannot erupt into its normal position in the mouth.
What is dental plaque and tartar?: Plaque is a sticky bacterial film that builds up on teeth daily, while tartar (or calculus) is plaque that has hardened on the tooth surface and requires professional removal.
What is fluoride treatment?: Fluoride treatment is a professional dental application where a dentist or hygienist applies a concentrated fluoride solution or gel to tooth surfaces to strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.
What is gingivitis?: Gingivitis is early-stage inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial plaque accumulation, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding that reverses with proper oral hygiene.
What is local anaesthesia in dentistry?: Local anaesthesia in dentistry is an injected medication, typically lidocaine, that numbs a specific area of the mouth and teeth to allow painless treatment.
What is malocclusion?: Malocclusion is a misalignment of the upper and lower teeth or jaws that affects how they fit together when biting or chewing.
What is osseointegration?: Osseointegration is the biological fusion of jaw bone directly to the surface of a dental implant post, forming a stable foundation that must fully heal before a crown can be attached.
What is periodontitis?: Periodontitis is a severe infection of the gums and bone that supports teeth, caused by bacterial buildup and often resulting in tooth loss if left untreated.
What is root canal treatment (endodontic therapy)?: Root canal treatment is a procedure in which the infected or inflamed pulp tissue inside a tooth is removed and the empty canal is sealed to preserve the tooth.
What is scaling and polishing?: Scaling and polishing is a preventive dental cleaning procedure that removes hardened plaque (tartar) from tooth surfaces using an ultrasonic scaler, then polishes teeth to reduce staining and bacterial buildup.
What is teeth whitening (bleaching)?: Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses peroxide-based gels, applied either in a dental clinic or at home with custom trays, to lighten the color of teeth.
What is tooth extraction?: Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its alveolar socket, performed either as a simple procedure for loose or accessible teeth or as a surgical procedure for impacted or fractured teeth.