CAD/CAM inlay: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A CAD/CAM inlay is a tooth-colored filling-like restoration that is designed on a computer and fabricated by a machine. It is made to fit inside the cusps (the pointed chewing parts) of a back tooth. Dentists commonly use CAD/CAM inlay for moderate tooth damage where a simple filling may not be ideal. It is typically bonded to the tooth with dental adhesive and resin cement.

eugenol contamination: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

eugenol contamination means eugenol (an oil from clove and related plants) is left on or within a tooth surface where a resin material needs to bond. It most often comes from eugenol-containing temporary fillings, temporary cements, or sedative dressings used between visits. In dentistry, the concern is that residual eugenol can interfere with how some resin-based materials set or adhere. It is mainly discussed when a temporary restoration is replaced with a resin composite filling or bonded restoration.

provisional cement: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

provisional cement is a temporary dental cement used to hold a restoration in place for a limited time. It helps secure things like temporary crowns, bridges, or trial restorations between appointments. It is designed to seal the tooth and restoration interface while still being removable later. The exact formulation and handling vary by material and manufacturer.

RMGI luting cement: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

RMGI luting cement is a **resin-modified glass ionomer** material used to **cement (lute)** dental restorations onto teeth. It combines features of **traditional glass ionomer cement** and **resin (plastic) chemistry** in one product. It is commonly used when placing **crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, posts, and orthodontic bands**. Its role is to help a restoration stay in place while also helping seal the tooth–restoration margin.

glass ionomer luting cement: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

glass ionomer luting cement is a dental “cement” used to seat (lute) indirect restorations onto teeth. It is commonly used to cement crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, and some orthodontic bands. It chemically bonds to tooth structure and can help seal the margin where the restoration meets the tooth. Many formulations can release fluoride over time, which may support tooth mineral balance around the margins.

luting agent: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

A **luting agent** is a dental material used to **cement** a restoration to a tooth or implant component. It acts like a thin “glue layer” that fills tiny gaps and helps hold the restoration in place. luting agent materials are commonly used for **crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, veneers, and posts**. Different luting agent types are chosen based on the restoration, tooth condition, and moisture control needs.

replacement vs repair: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

replacement vs repair describes two ways dentists manage an existing filling, crown, or other restoration that has a problem. Replacement means removing the old restoration and placing a new one. Repair means keeping most of the restoration and correcting only the damaged or defective area. It is commonly discussed when a filling chips, a margin stains, a crown edge opens, or decay is suspected around an old restoration.

re-seal: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

re-seal is a dental term commonly used to describe reapplying a thin resin material to restore a protective “seal” on a tooth surface or along a restoration edge. It is often associated with maintaining or repairing pit-and-fissure sealants on chewing surfaces of back teeth. It can also refer to sealing small defects, margins, or early wear areas on existing resin restorations. The exact meaning can vary by clinician, product name, and clinical situation.

sealant repair: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

sealant repair is the process of fixing a dental sealant that has partially worn, chipped, or detached. It typically involves adding new sealing material to restore coverage in pits and fissures (tiny grooves) on chewing surfaces. It is commonly used on molars and premolars, especially where a sealant was placed previously. The goal is to re-establish a protective barrier without always removing and replacing the entire sealant.

staining crack lines: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview

staining crack lines describes dark or colored lines that appear where tiny cracks or “craze lines” exist in tooth enamel. The color comes from pigments (for example, from foods, drinks, or tobacco) lodging in or along these microcracks. Clinically, the term is also used when discussing cosmetic or restorative methods to reduce how noticeable these lines look. It is most commonly discussed in aesthetic dentistry, routine exams, and treatment planning for front teeth.