A synthetic, inorganic material used as a bone substitute for bone grafting.

An interruption in the passive eruption process of a tooth or teeth. Passive eruption is the slow growth of the tooth, face and recession of the gum tissue which results in the full exposure of the anatomic crown and the settling of the gum tissue at the junction of the enamel of the crown and the root of the tooth. …

That part of the jawbone which holds the teeth in place. The teeth are connected to the jawbone by a ligament attachment. This ligament is called the periodontal ligament and connects hard tissue to hard tissue just like other ligaments in the body.

The thin fragile mucosa (skin) which covers the jaws.

The jaw bone in the area where the teeth are or were located.

A mixture of metals used to fill/ restore a cavity. Amalgam restorations are commonly called silver fillings or Mercury fillings. They are very stable restorations which have been safely used for many decades. The advantages of them are they are inexpensive, long lasting and technically forgiving to place. The disadvantages of them are they can turn dark over time and …

Dark staining of the lips, cheeks or gums due to small metal fragments being incorporated into the oral soft tissue (i.e. the skin of the lips cheeks or gums). This is a benign staining and does not require treatment unless it is esthetically unpleasing.

Any medicine used to dull or relieve pain. Examples include Aspirin, Tylenol, Ibuprofin and narcotic drugs.

The portion of the tooth which is covered with enamel.    

Medicine used to relieve pain or sensation. In dentistry we mostly use local anesthesia which is injected into an area to numb or freeze the area or teeth so that they can be repaired without discomfort.