Any dental treatment or repair that is solely rendered to improve the appearance of the teeth or mouth. The portion of a tooth that is covered by enamel. Also a dental restoration that covers the entire tooth and restores it to its original shape. Crown lengthening A surgical procedure exposing more tooth for restorative purposes. Curettage A deep scaling of that portion of the tooth below the gum line.
Purpose is to remove calculus and infected gum tissue.
Cuspid See canine tooth . D Decay See caries . Deciduous See primary teeth . A thin, nylon string, waxed or unwaxed, that is inserted between the teeth to remove food and plaque. Dental hygienist A dental professional specializing in cleaning the teeth by removing plaque, calculus, and diseased gum tissue.