Santa Monica Family Dentist

F

filling – term commonly used to describe a material such as metal, resin, or porcelain used to restore lost or damaged tooth structure

fistula – a boil in the gums, infected with pus

fixed denture/prosthesis – prosthetic which is attached to adjacent teeth or dental implants to be non-removable by the patient

flap surgery – surgical lifting of the gum tissue in order to expose and clean tooth and bone structures beneath

forceps – tool that may be used in the removal of teeth

fracture – crack or break in bone or tooth structure

frenectomy – surgical reshaping or removal of small amount of muscle tissue attaching lips to gums or tongue to mouth floor, generally done to improve function

frenum – thin muscle tissue that attaches cheek, lip, and/or tongue within the mouth