Dental Glossary

Aligners ċari

Removable transparent plastic trays that gradually straighten teeth as an alternative to traditional metal braces.

All-on-4 impjanti dentali

A full-arch tooth replacement technique using just four strategically placed dental implants to support a complete set of fixed teeth.

Apparat ortodontiku

The different devices used in orthodontic treatment, including metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners.

Dentistika b'sedazzjoni

The use of sedation techniques to help anxious patients receive dental treatment comfortably.

Dentistika kożmetika

Dental procedures focused on improving the appearance of teeth, gums, and smile.

Impjant dentali

An artificial tooth root surgically placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge.

Kura tal-kanal tal-għerq

A treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth by removing the damaged pulp.

Kuruna dentali

A tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Mili dentali

Material used to repair a tooth damaged by decay, restoring its normal function and shape.

Pont dentali

A fixed prosthetic device that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth.

Qlugħ ta' sinna

The removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.

Snien foloz

Removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues.

Tbjiid tas-snien

A cosmetic procedure to lighten teeth and remove stains and discoloration.

Tneħħija tat-tartar

Professional cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar buildup from teeth and below the gumline.

Trapjant tal-għadam

Surgical procedure to replace or regenerate bone in the jaw for dental implant placement.

Veneer dentali

A thin shell of porcelain or composite bonded to the front of teeth to improve appearance.

Dentina

The layer of the tooth beneath the enamel that forms the bulk of the tooth structure.

Għadam alveolari

The part of the jawbone that contains the sockets (alveoli) where teeth are anchored.

Ismalt tas-snien

The hard, outer layer of the tooth that protects against decay.

Ligament perjodontali

Connective tissue fibers that connect the tooth root to the alveolar bone.

Polpa dentali

The soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.

Snien tal-għaqal

Third molars that typically emerge between ages 17-25, often requiring extraction.

Ħanek

The soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth.

Alitoża (nifs ħażin)

Chronic bad breath that doesn't go away with regular brushing and flossing.

Axxess dentali

A pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection at the root of a tooth or in the gums.

Bruksiżmu (tgħażżiż tas-snien)

Involuntary grinding, gnashing, or clenching of teeth, often during sleep.

Disturb tal-ġog temporomandibulari

Pain and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint connecting the jaw to the skull.

Kariżi dentali

Tooth decay caused by bacteria that produce acids that dissolve tooth enamel.

Malokklużjoni

Misalignment of teeth when the jaws are closed, commonly called a 'bad bite'.

Perjodontite

A serious gum infection that damages soft tissue and destroys the bone supporting teeth.

Plakka dentali u tartar

Plaque is a sticky bacterial film on teeth; tartar (calculus) is hardened plaque that can only be removed professionally.

Sensittività tas-snien

Pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic substances.

Ġinġivite

Inflammation of the gums, usually caused by bacterial plaque buildup.

Awtoklejv

A sterilization device using high-pressure steam to eliminate all microorganisms from dental instruments.

CBCT (Tomografija b'raġġ koniku)

A specialized 3D imaging technique providing detailed views of teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone.

Dentistika CAD/CAM

Computer-aided design and manufacturing technology for creating dental restorations.

Kamera intra-orali

A small camera used to take close-up images inside the mouth.

Laser dentali

A focused light beam device used for precise soft and hard tissue procedures in dentistry.

Probing perjodontali u kejl tal-but

The clinical process of measuring gum pocket depths around each tooth to assess periodontal health.

Radjografija panoramika (OPG)

A single X-ray image that captures the entire mouth including all teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures.

Siġġu dentali

A specialized chair designed to support patients during dental examinations and procedures.

Stampa diġitali (skaner intra-orali)

A digital scanning method that captures precise 3D images of teeth and gums, replacing traditional putty impressions.

Stampar 3D fid-dentistika

Additive manufacturing technology used to create dental models, surgical guides, aligners, crowns, and dentures.

X-Ray diġitali

An advanced form of dental X-ray using digital sensors instead of traditional film.

Intelliġenza artifiċjali fid-dentistika

Machine learning algorithms that assist in dental diagnosis, treatment planning, and practice optimization.

Kunsens infurmat fid-dentistika

The process of informing patients about proposed treatments, risks, alternatives, and costs before obtaining their agreement.

Liġijiet dwar il-privatezza tad-data tas-saħħa (GDPR, HIPAA, PIPEDA)

Global regulations governing how healthcare providers, including dental practices, must protect patient data.

Portal tal-pazjent

A secure online platform where patients can access their dental records and communicate with the practice.

Sistemi tan-numerazzjoni tas-snien (FDI, Universal, Palmer)

Standardized systems used by dentists worldwide to identify and reference individual teeth by number or letter.

Storja taż-żamma tar-rekords dentali

The evolution of dental documentation from handwritten paper charts to modern electronic health records.

Teledentistika

Remote delivery of dental consultations and patient monitoring using digital communication technologies.

Tnaqqis ta' nuqqas ta' preżentazzjoni u kanċellamenti

Strategies and systems dental practices use to minimize patients failing to attend or canceling scheduled appointments.