Glossary

A – Amalgam Fillings: Amalgam fillings, also known as silver fillings, are a type of dental filling used to repair cavities. Illume Dental of McKinney offers amalgam fillings as one of their therapeutic options. These fillings are durable and have been used in dentistry for many years.

A – Annual Checkup: An annual dental checkup is crucial to maintaining good oral health. At Illume Dental, patients are encouraged to schedule regular checkups to monitor their dental health, identify issues early, and receive preventive care.

A – Anesthesia: Anesthesia is used by Illume Dental to ensure patient comfort during various dental procedures. It can be local anesthesia to numb a specific area or sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for relaxation during treatment.

A – Aligners (Invisalign): Illume Dental offers Invisalign, a popular orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. These aligners are a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces.

A – Abscess: An abscess is a painful dental infection that can develop in the tooth or the surrounding gum tissue. Illume Dental treats dental abscesses to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.

A – Air Abrasion: Air abrasion is a dental technique used at Illume Dental to remove tooth decay and prepare teeth for fillings. It involves blasting air and fine particles to remove decayed areas without drilling.

B – Bruxism: Bruxism is a dental condition characterized by the grinding or clenching of teeth, often involuntarily. Illume Dental can diagnose and provide solutions for bruxism, such as custom-made night guards to protect the teeth from damage.

B – Bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure offered at Illume Dental to repair minor imperfections in teeth, such as chips, cracks, or gaps. It involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the tooth and then shaping and polishing it to match the natural tooth.

B – Bridges: Dental bridges are restorative appliances used to replace missing teeth. Illume Dental offers traditional and implant-supported bridges to restore your smile’s function and appearance.

B – Biannual Checkups: Biannual dental checkups are recommended at Illume Dental every six months. These regular visits allow the dental team to monitor your oral health, provide cleanings, and detect any issues early on.

B – Bite Alignment: Proper bite alignment is crucial for oral health and comfort. Illume Dental can assess your bite and provide treatments, such as orthodontics or bite adjustments, to ensure your teeth align correctly.

B – Baby Teeth: Baby teeth, also known as primary or deciduous teeth, play a vital role in a child’s oral development. Illume Dental provides pediatric dental care to monitor and maintain the health of baby teeth.

B – Bleeding Gums: Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease or other dental issues. Illume Dental can diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatments to improve gum health.

C – Cosmetic Dentistry: Illume Dental offers a range of cosmetic dentistry services to enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. These services may include teeth whitening, veneers, dental bonding, and smile makeovers.

C – Crowns: Dental crowns are restorative caps placed over damaged or weakened teeth to strengthen and improve their appearance. Illume Dental provides crown placement and customization to match your natural teeth.

C – Cleanings: Regular dental cleanings are essential for good oral hygiene. At Illume Dental, professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

C – Cavity: A cavity is a small hole or decayed area in a tooth caused by bacteria and plaque buildup. Illume Dental offers treatments such as fillings to repair cavities and prevent further damage.

C – Consultation: Before any dental treatment, Illume Dental conducts a thorough consultation to assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

C – Composite Fillings: In addition to amalgam fillings, Illume Dental offers composite fillings. These tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing a more aestheticaly pleasing option for cavity repair.

C – Cracked Tooth: A cracked tooth can cause pain and damage if left untreated. Illume Dental can diagnose and provide appropriate treatment options, such as bonding, crowns, or root canals, depending on the severity of the crack.

D – Dental Implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. Illume Dental offers comprehensive dental implant services, including implant placement and restoration.

D – Digital X-rays: Digital X-rays are a diagnostic tool used at Illume Dental to capture detailed images of your teeth and oral structures with minimal radiation exposure. These images help in the diagnosis and treatment planning process.

D – Dentures are removable appliances that replace missing teeth and restore oral function and aesthetics. Illume Dental provides full and partial dentures and implant-supported dentures for added stability.

D – Dental Emergency: Illume Dental offers emergency dental care to address urgent oral health issues such as severe toothaches, broken teeth, or dental injuries. They aim to provide prompt relief and necessary treatments.

D – Dental Crown: A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to protect it and restore its appearance and function. Illume Dental offers crown placement services.

D – Dental Cleaning: Regular dental cleanings at Illume Dental involve the removal of plaque and tartar buildup to maintain optimal oral hygiene. These cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease.

D – Diagnosis: Accurate diagnosis is the first step in any dental treatment plan at Illume Dental. Through thorough examinations and assessments, they determine the cause of dental issues and recommend appropriate treatments.

E – Emergency Dentistry: Illume Dental offers emergency dental care to promptly address urgent oral health issues. Whether you have severe tooth pain, a dental injury, or another dental emergency, they can provide relief and necessary treatments.

E – Extraction: Dental extraction removes a tooth, often necessary in severe decay, infection, or impacted wisdom teeth. Illume Dental can perform extractions when needed, ensuring patient comfort.

E – Endodontics: Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with diagnosing and treating dental pulp and root canal issues. Illume Dental provides root canal therapy, a common endodontic procedure, to save and restore damaged teeth.

E – Exams: Regular dental exams are essential for good oral health. Illume Dental conducts comprehensive dental examinations during checkup appointments to assess your oral condition and identify potential issues.

E – Education: Patient education is a key focus at Illume Dental. They take the time to educate patients about proper oral hygiene practices, treatment options, and preventive measures to help them maintain healthy smiles.

E – Esthetic Dentistry: Esthetic dentistry encompasses cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. Illume Dental offers a variety of esthetic treatments, such as teeth whitening, veneers, and dental bonding.

F – Fillings: Fillings are dental restorations that repair cavities and restore damaged teeth. Illume Dental provides various fillings, including amalgam and composite fillings, to address your needs.

F – Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride treatments involve applying fluoride to the teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and make them more resistant to cavities. Illume Dental offers fluoride treatments as part of their preventive dental care services.

F – Family Dentistry: Illume Dental provides family dentistry services to patients of all ages, making it a convenient choice for families looking for comprehensive dental care in one location.

F – Frenectomy: A frenectomy is a surgical procedure involving removing a frenulum, a small fold of tissue that can restrict the movement of the lips or tongue. Illume Dental can perform frenectomies when necessary, particularly for infants with tongue or lip tie issues.

F – Full Mouth Restoration: Full mouth restoration, also known as a smile makeover, is a comprehensive treatment plan that combines various dental procedures to restore the function and appearance of your entire mouth. Illume Dental offers customized full-mouth restoration plans to address complex dental issues.

F – Financial Options: Illume Dental may offer various financial options, including dental insurance acceptance, payment plans, and flexible financing, to make dental care more accessible.

G – Gum Disease: Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common dental condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Illume Dental can diagnose and provide treatments for gum disease to prevent further complications.

G – Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by inflamed and bleeding gums. Illume Dental can diagnose gingivitis through proper dental care and hygiene instructions.

G – General Dentistry: General dentistry encompasses a wide range of dental services aimed at maintaining and improving overall oral health. Illume Dental provides general dentistry services, including checkups, cleanings, and routine dental care.

G – Geriatric Dentistry: Illume Dental is equipped to provide dental care to senior patients, addressing their unique oral health needs and concerns that may arise with age.

G – Grayscale Imaging: Grayscale imaging, often used in dental X-rays, allows Illume Dental to capture detailed images of your teeth and oral structures in black and white, helping in the diagnosis and treatment planning process.

G – Grinding (Bruxism): Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can lead to dental issues. Illume Dental offers solutions such as custom-made night guards to protect the teeth from damage caused by scratching.

H – Hygiene: Dental hygiene refers to maintaining clean and healthy teeth and gums through daily oral care routines, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Illume Dental emphasizes the importance of good oral hygiene and guides patients on maintaining it.

H – Halitosis: Halitosis is another term for bad breath. Illume Dental can help diagnose the underlying causes of chronic bad breath and recommend appropriate treatments and preventive measures.

H – Holistic Dentistry: Holistic dentistry considers the overall health and well-being of the patient, focusing on the interconnectedness of oral health with the rest of the body. While Illume Dental provides comprehensive dental care, discussing any specific holistic dentistry approaches with them is essential.

H – Hospital Dentistry: In some cases, dental procedures may require hospital settings due to complexity or special considerations. Illume Dental can provide referrals and collaborate with hospital dentists when necessary.

I – Invisalign: Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment offered at Illume Dental. It involves using clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth discreetly and comfortably.

I – Implant-supported Dentures: Implant-supported dentures are a restorative option provided by Illume Dental. These dentures are securely anchored to dental implants in the jawbone, offering increased stability and functionality compared to traditional removable dentures.

I – Infection Control: Infection control measures are crucial in maintaining a safe and sterile environment for dental procedures. Illume Dental follows strict infection control protocols to ensure patient safety.

I – Impressions: Dental impressions involve creating molds or models of your teeth and oral structures to aid in treatment planning and the creation of custom dental restorations. Illume Dental may use digital impressions for precision and comfort.

I – Inlays and Onlays: Inlays and onlays are restorative dental treatments offered at Illume Dental. They are used to repair and strengthen teeth with moderate damage, preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.

I – Intraoral Camera: An intraoral camera is a diagnostic tool used at Illume Dental to capture high-resolution images of the inside of your mouth. These images help the dental team and the patient better understand and visualize dental issues.

J – Jaw Pain: Jaw pain can be caused by various dental issues, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or teeth grinding (bruxism). Illume Dental can diagnose the cause of jaw pain and provide appropriate treatments or recommendations for relief.

J – Joint Disorders (TMJ): Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint and muscles, leading to jaw pain, clicking, and limited jaw movement. Illume Dental offers TMJ evaluation and treatment options to alleviate discomfort and improve jaw function.

J – Juvenile Dentistry: Illume Dental provides dental care for children and adolescents, addressing their unique oral health needs. Pediatric dentistry services include checkups, cleanings, and guidance on maintaining healthy smiles from an early age.

J – Jaw Surgery: In cases of severe jaw misalignment or dysfunction, Illume Dental may refer patients to oral and maxillofacial surgeons for corrective jaw surgery.

K – Kids Dentistry: Illume Dental provides comprehensive dental care for children, often called pediatric dentistry. This includes checkups, cleanings, preventive maintenance, and education to ensure young patients’ oral health and development.

K – Knocked-Out Tooth: A knocked-out tooth, also an avulsed tooth, can be a dental emergency. Illume Dental can guide immediate actions if a tooth is knocked out and may offer options for tooth re-implantation or replacement.

K – Kör Whitening: Kör Whitening is a professional teeth whitening system offered at Illume Dental. It is known for its effectiveness in achieving brighter and whiter smiles.

K – Knowledge Sharing: Illume Dental is committed to educating patients about oral health. They share knowledge and information with patients to empower them to make informed decisions about their dental care.

L – Laser Dentistry: Laser dentistry is a modern dental technique used at Illume Dental for various procedures. It involves using lasers for precise and minimally invasive treatments, including gum disease treatment, cavity removal, and soft tissue procedures.

L – Lumineers: Lumineers is a brand of ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain veneers used in cosmetic dentistry. Illume Dental may offer Lumineers to improve the appearance of teeth by covering imperfections like stains, chips, or misalignment.

L – Local Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is commonly used at Illume Dental to numb a specific mouth area, ensuring patient comfort during dental procedures.

L – Lost Filling: A lost filling occurs when a dental filling comes out or becomes loose. Illume Dental can replace lost fillings to restore the tooth’s integrity.

L – Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide): Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative option offered at Illume Dental to help patients relax and reduce anxiety during dental treatments.

L – Lip Tie: Lip tie is a condition where the tissue connecting the upper lip to the upper gum is too tight. Illume Dental can evaluate and provide treatment options, including a frenectomy, if necessary.

M – Mouthguard: A mouthguard is a dental appliance provided by Illume Dental to protect teeth from injury during contact sports or to prevent damage from teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep.

M – Mercury-Free Dentistry: Illume Dental may practice mercury-free dentistry, which means they do not use amalgam (silver) fillings containing mercury. Instead, they use safer and more aesthetically pleasing alternatives like composite fillings.

M – Malocclusion: Malocclusion refers to misalignment of the teeth or improper bite. Illume Dental offers orthodontic treatments like braces and Invisalign to correct malocclusions and improve bite function.

M – Maxillofacial Surgery: Maxillofacial surgery includes surgical procedures related to the jaw and face. Illume Dental may collaborate with oral and maxillofacial surgeons for complex treatments such as jaw surgery.

M – Missing Teeth: Illume Dental provides various solutions for missing teeth, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures, to restore function and aesthetics.

M – Metal-Free Crowns: Illume Dental may offer metal-free crowns made of materials like porcelain or zirconia. These crowns provide a natural appearance while preserving the strength and integrity of the tooth.

N – Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a safe and mild sedative option offered at Illume Dental to help patients relax and reduce anxiety during dental procedures.

N – Nightguards: Nightguards are custom-made dental appliances provided by Illume Dental to protect teeth from damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep.

N – Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Illume Dental offers non-surgical gum treatments for gum disease management, which may include deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) to remove bacteria and plaque buildup from below the gum line.

N – New Patient Exams: New patient exams at Illume Dental involve comprehensive assessments of a patient’s oral health, including a thorough examination, medical history review, and discussion of treatment options.

N – Neuromuscular Dentistry: Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the relationship between the teeth, jaws, and muscles. Illume Dental may use neuromuscular principles to diagnose and treat conditions like TMJ disorders.

N – Nutrition and Oral Health: Illume Dental may guide proper nutrition and its impact on oral health, including dietary choices that help maintain healthy teeth and gums.

O – Orthodontics: Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. Illume Dental offers orthodontic services, including traditional braces and Invisalign, to help patients achieve straighter smiles.

O – Oral Cancer Screening: Illume Dental may conduct routine oral cancer screenings during dental checkups to detect early signs of oral cancer. Early detection is essential for effective treatment.

O – Oral Surgery: Oral surgery encompasses a range of surgical procedures related to the mouth and jaw. Illume Dental may provide oral surgery services like tooth extractions and implant placement.

O – Occlusion refers to the alignment and contact between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Illume Dental can assess and address occlusion issues to ensure proper bite function.

O – Onlays: Onlays are a dental restoration offered at Illume Dental. They repair and strengthen teeth with moderate damage, typically conserving more natural tooth structure than crowns.

O – Overdentures: Removable dentures anchored to dental implants for stability and improved retention. Illume Dental may offer overdentures as an option for patients with missing teeth.

P – Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric dentistry at Illume Dental is dedicated to the oral health of children and adolescents. It includes preventive care, checkups, dental cleanings, and education to promote healthy smiles from a young age.

P – Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a common dental condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Illume Dental provides diagnosis and treatment options for gum disease to prevent further complications.

P – Prophylaxis: Prophylaxis is a dental cleaning procedure that involves the removal of plaque and tartar to maintain good oral hygiene. Illume Dental offers professional prophylaxis cleanings to help prevent cavities and gum disease.

P – Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the teeth’ front surface to improve their appearance. Illume Dental may offer porcelain veneers as a cosmetic dentistry option.

P – Preventive Dentistry: Illume Dental emphasizes preventive dentistry, which includes routine checkups, dental cleanings, and guidance on proper oral hygiene practices to help patients maintain healthy smiles.

P – Prosthodontics: Prosthodontics is a dental specialty focused on restoring and replacing missing teeth and oral structures. Illume Dental provides prosthodontic services, including dentures, bridges, and implants.

Q – Quality Care: Illume Dental is committed to providing quality dental care to all patients. They prioritize patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction in their dental services.

Q – Questions: Patients are encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification during their appointments at Illume Dental. Open communication between patients and the dental team is essential for understanding treatment options and addressing concerns.

Q – Quick Appointments: Illume Dental strives to offer quick and efficient appointment scheduling for the convenience of its patients. They understand the value of your time and aim to minimize wait times.

Q – Qualified Team: The dental professionals at Illume Dental are highly qualified and experienced in providing a wide range of dental services, ensuring that patients receive expert care.

R – Root Canal: A root canal is a dental procedure offered at Illume Dental to treat a tooth that has an infected or damaged pulp. The infected tissue is removed during a root canal, and the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection.

R – Restorative Dentistry: Restorative dentistry encompasses procedures aimed at repairing and restoring damaged or missing teeth. Illume Dental offers a variety of treatments, including fillings, crowns, bridges, and dental implants.

R – Radiographs (X-rays): Radiographs, commonly known as X-rays, are diagnostic tools used at Illume Dental to capture images of the teeth and oral structures. X-rays help in the diagnosis and treatment planning of dental issues.

R – Regular Checkups: Regular dental checkups are essential for good oral health. Illume Dental recommends and provides routine checkups to monitor the condition of your teeth and address any dental concerns.

R – Routine Cleanings: Routine dental cleanings at Illume Dental involve the removal of plaque and tartar buildup to prevent cavities and gum disease. These cleanings are part of a regular dental checkup.

R – Restorative Materials: Illume Dental uses various restorative materials, including composite resins, porcelain, and dental alloys, to repair and restore teeth, ensuring durability and aesthetics.

S – Sedation Dentistry: Sedation dentistry involves using soothing techniques to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures. Illume Dental may offer sedation options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedatives.

S – Sealants: Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent cavities. Illume Dental may recommend sealants to protect their teeth from decay, especially for children.

S – Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure offered at Illume Dental to treat gum disease. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smoothing the tooth roots to promote healing.

S – Smile Makeover: A smile makeover is a comprehensive treatment plan at Illume Dental that combines various cosmetic and restorative procedures to enhance the appearance of your smile.

S – Sleep Apnea: Illume Dental can diagnose and provide treatments for sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep. Oral appliances may be recommended to improve airflow and quality of sleep.

S – Sports Mouthguards: Sports mouthguards are custom-made dental appliances Illume Dental provides to protect teeth from injury during athletic activities.

T – Teeth Whitening: Illume Dental offers professional teeth whitening treatments to brighten and whiten your smile. They may use in-office whitening procedures or provide take-home kits for your convenience.

T – Tooth Extraction: Tooth extraction removes a damaged or problematic tooth. Illume Dental can perform tooth extractions when necessary and offer guidance on tooth replacement options.

T – TMJ Disorders: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect the jaw joint and can cause symptoms such as pain, clicking, and limited jaw movement. Illume Dental provides evaluation and treatment options to alleviate TMJ-related discomfort.

T – Thorough Exams: Comprehensive dental examinations at Illume Dental involve a thorough assessment of your oral health, including reviewing your medical history and discussing your dental concerns and goals.

T – Treatment Planning: Illume Dental develops personalized treatment plans for each patient based on their oral health needs and goals. Treatment plans outline recommended procedures and their timing.

T – Tooth-Colored Fillings: Illume Dental may use tooth-colored fillings, also known as composite fillings, to repair cavities and restore teeth. These fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a more aesthetic appearance.

U – Ultrasonic Scaling: Ultrasonic scaling is a dental cleaning technique used at Illume Dental to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums using high-frequency vibrations and water. It is a comfortable and efficient method of cleaning.

U – Underbite: An underbite is a dental misalignment where the lower front teeth overlap the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed. Illume Dental may offer orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign to correct underbites.

U – Upper Denture: An upper denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces missing upper teeth. Illume Dental provides upper dentures as a restorative option for patients with tooth loss in the upper jaw.

V – Veneers: Veneers are thin, custom-made shells typically made of porcelain or composite material. Illume Dental offers veneers to improve the appearance of teeth with cosmetic issues, such as stains, chips, or misalignment.

V – Wisdom Teeth: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that usually erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood. Illume Dental provides evaluation and extraction services for wisdom teeth when they become problematic or impacted.

V – Virtual Consultations: Illume Dental may offer virtual consultations, allowing patients to discuss their dental concerns and treatment options with the dental team remotely before scheduling an in-person appointment.

V – Velscope Oral Cancer Screening: Velscope is an advanced technology used at Illume Dental for oral cancer screenings. It helps detect abnormalities in oral tissues that may indicate oral cancer.

W – Whitening: Whitening treatments at Illume Dental are designed to brighten and lighten the color of your teeth, enhancing your smile’s aesthetics. They offer professional teeth whitening options, both in-office and take-home kits.

W – Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often require extraction when they become impacted or cause pain or infection. Illume Dental provides wisdom teeth extraction services when needed.

W – Water Flosser: A water flosser is a dental device that uses water to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline. Illume Dental may recommend water flossers as part of your oral hygiene routine.

W – Well-Trained Staff: Illume Dental has a team of well-trained and experienced dental professionals dedicated to providing high-quality dental care and ensuring patient comfort.

W – X-rays (Radiographs): X-rays, or radiographs, are diagnostic tools Illume Dental uses to capture images of your teeth and oral structures. They help in diagnosing dental issues and planning treatments.

X – X-rays (Radiographs): X-rays, or radiographs, are diagnostic tools used at Illume Dental to capture images of your teeth and oral structures. X-rays are crucial for diagnosing dental issues such as cavities, infections, and bone abnormalities, and they play a significant role in treatment planning.

Y – Your Oral Health: “Your Oral Health” encompasses all aspects of your dental well-being. Illume Dental strongly emphasizes patient education and collaboration to help you maintain or improve your oral health.

Y – Your Smile: Your smile is a key focus at Illume Dental. They offer a range of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments to enhance your smile’s appearance and function, ensuring you feel confident about your dental health.

Z – Zoom Teeth Whitening: Zoom Teeth Whitening is a popular in-office teeth whitening system offered at Illume Dental. It is known for its ability to provide fast and effective teeth whitening, often achieving noticeable results in a single appointment.