Unit 6
$100 Clue: The general term for restoring a cavity-damaged tooth using dental materials like composite or amalgam.
filling
Medications prescribed by the dentist to kill bacteria and eliminate a severe dental infection.
antibiotics
open injury
open wound
The early, reversible stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily during brushing.
gingivitis
The most common symptom of TMJ disorders, ranging from a dull ache to sharp discomfort in the jaw, face, or neck.
pain
$200 Clue: A substance injected or applied to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues so the patient doesn't feel pain.
anesthetic
The crucial step of thoroughly cleaning and killing germs inside the root canal system using specialized liquid rinses.
disinfect
The initial action of holding a tooth firmly and securely with dental forceps before applying movement.
grasp
A deep cleaning dental procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from above and below the gumline.
scaling
The act of pressing the upper and lower teeth firmly together with force, often done unconsciously during the day due to stress.
clenching
A sharp, thin instrument used by the dentist to explore the tooth surface and check for soft spots or decay.
probe
A painful, localized collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection at the apex (tip) of a tooth's root.
abscess
The gentle, back-and-forth (side to side) movement a dentist uses to widen the socket and sever the ligaments holding the tooth.
rock
The deep space or gap that forms between the tooth and the gum line
A feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness that can happen when severe TMJ swelling affects the nearby inner ear anatomy.
dizzy
A short-term restoration placed in a tooth when a multi-step procedure requires waiting between appointments.
temporary filling
A rubber-like, biocompatible plastic material used to permanently fill and seal a root canal after it has been cleaned.
gutta percha
A complex type of extraction that involves making an incision in the gums or removing bone, often used for impacted teeth.
surgical extraction
An advanced, destructive gum disease that attacks the supporting bone and fibers, potentially leading to loose teeth.
periodontitis
The official medical term for habitually grinding or clenching your teeth, typically while asleep.
bruxism
Free points
500
A small, rigid rod inserted into a treated root canal to provide structural support for a new core build-up and crown.
post
is a condition which may occur after extractions, when a blood clot fails to form, leaving exposed bone.
Dry socket
A surgical procedure that adds natural or synthetic bone material to an area where severe gum disease has destroyed the natural bone.
bone graft
A condition where the jaw joint gets stuck in either an open or closed position, making it impossible to move normally.
lock