Dental Glossary

All-on-4 upandikizaji wa meno

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

Daraja la meno

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

Kujaza jino

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

Kung'arisha meno

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

Kung'oa jino

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

Kusafisha meno

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

Matibabu ya meno kwa kutumia dawa ya utulivu

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

Matibabu ya meno ya urembo

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

Matibabu ya mzizi wa jino

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

Meno bandia

Removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues.

Taji ya jino

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

Upandikizaji wa meno

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

Upandikizaji wa mfupa

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

Veneer ya jino

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

Vifaa vya kusawazisha meno

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

Visawazishi vya meno vya uwazi

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

Dentini

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

Enameli ya jino

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

Fizi

The soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth.

Ligamenti ya periodontal

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

Meno ya akili

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

Mfupa wa alveolar

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

Pulpu ya jino

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

Gingivitis

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

Harufu mbaya ya kinywa

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

Hisia za meno

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

Jipu la jino

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

Kuoza kwa meno

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

Kusaga meno

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

Meno yasiyo sawa

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

Periodontitis

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

Plaki na chite ya meno

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

Ugonjwa wa kiungo cha taya

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

Autoklavu

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

CAD/CAM ya meno

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

CBCT (Cone Beam CT)

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

Kamera ya ndani ya kinywa

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

Kiti cha meno

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

Laser ya meno

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

Radiografia ya panorama (OPG)

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

Uandishi wa dijitali (skana ya ndani ya kinywa)

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

Uchapishaji wa 3D katika meno

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

Uchunguzi wa periodontal na kipimo cha mifuko

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

X-ray ya dijitali

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

Akili bandia katika matibabu ya meno

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

Historia ya kuhifadhi rekodi za meno

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

Kupunguza kutokuhudhuria na kughairi miadi ya meno

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

Matibabu ya meno kwa mbali

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

Mifumo ya kuhesabu meno (FDI, Universal, Palmer)

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

Ridhaa ya habari katika matibabu ya meno

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

Sheria za faragha ya data ya afya (GDPR, HIPAA, PIPEDA)

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

Tovuti ya mgonjwa

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