risk factors are characteristics or exposures that are associated with a higher chance of developing a disease or oral condition. They are used in dentistry to estimate likelihood of problems like tooth decay (caries), gum disease (periodontitis), and oral complications. Some risk factors can be changed (like smoking), and others cannot (like age). Dentists use risk factors to guide prevention planning, monitoring, and treatment decisions.

A night guard (perio) is a removable dental appliance worn during sleep to manage bite forces in patients with periodontal (gum and bone) concerns. It typically fits over the upper or lower teeth like a thin, custom mouthpiece. It is most commonly used when tooth clenching or grinding could worsen tooth mobility, comfort, or restorative stability. It may be prescribed alongside periodontal therapy, occlusal (bite) evaluation, and maintenance care.

An occlusal guard (perio) is a tooth-colored, resin-based dental material placed on the biting (occlusal) surfaces of teeth. It is typically applied directly in the mouth and hardened with a curing light. Clinicians use it to create protective “bite stops,” small occlusal build-ups, or coverage that helps manage how teeth contact. It is commonly discussed in periodontal (gum and bone) cases where controlling bite forces may be part of overall care.

A fiber splint is a dental splint that uses strong fibers bonded with resin to stabilize teeth. It is commonly placed on the inside (tongue side) of teeth to reduce mobility or support healing. It is used in periodontal care, dental trauma management, and as a bonded retainer after orthodontics. It is typically designed to be conservative, meaning it aims to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.

periodontal splinting is a dental technique that stabilizes teeth that have become loose (mobile) by joining them to neighboring teeth. It is most commonly used when gum (periodontal) disease, trauma, or bite forces reduce tooth support. The goal is to make teeth function more comfortably by distributing forces across a group of teeth. Splints may be temporary or longer-term, depending on the clinical situation and materials used.

melanin depigmentation is a dental soft-tissue procedure that reduces dark brown or black areas on the gums caused by melanin pigment. It is most commonly used for cosmetic reasons when gum pigmentation is visible in the smile. It may be performed on the attached gingiva (the firm gum around teeth) and sometimes nearby oral tissues. Results and recurrence risk can vary by clinician and case.

gingival depigmentation is a dental procedure that reduces or removes dark pigment on the gums. It is usually done for cosmetic reasons when gum color is visible during smiling or speaking. It targets surface pigmentation rather than tooth structure. It is most often performed in periodontal (gum) and esthetic dentistry settings.

A diode laser is a dental laser device that produces a focused beam of light from a semiconductor. In dentistry, it is most commonly used on soft tissues such as gums (gingiva) and oral mucosa. Clinicians may use it to cut, contour, or disinfect tissues with controlled energy. It is also used as an adjunct tool during restorative, periodontal, and implant-related care.

An Er:YAG laser is a dental laser that emits light at a wavelength strongly absorbed by water and hydroxyapatite (a main mineral in teeth). It is used in dentistry for certain hard-tissue (tooth) and soft-tissue (gum) procedures. In practice, it may help dentists remove tooth structure or adjust tissues with controlled, focused energy. It is commonly discussed in the context of minimally invasive dentistry and laser-assisted restorative care.

PDT is a term some dental teams use to describe a **direct, tooth-colored restoration** placed chairside and **light-cured**. It typically refers to an **adhesive (bonded) resin material** used to fill, seal, or repair tooth structure. In everyday language, PDT is often thought of as a “white filling” or a small bonded repair. Naming and exact meaning can **vary by clinician and region**, so PDT may be used as shorthand in clinical notes rather than a universal label.