A Routine Dental Checkup

Rahul visits the dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning, and learns he needs a small filling for a cavity.

Meanings in Rahul, Dentist

Key words and phrases

dentista doctor who treats teeth and gumsThe dentist checked all his teeth carefully.

cavitya small hole in a tooth caused by decayHe has a small cavity in one of his back teeth.

fillingmaterial used to fill a cavity in a toothThe dentist put a filling in his tooth.

cleaningthe process of removing plaque and tartar from teethRegular cleaning keeps your teeth healthy.

X-rayan image used to see inside the teeth and jawThe dentist took an X-ray to check the cavity.

gum diseasean infection of the tissue around the teethPoor brushing can lead to gum disease.

flossa thin thread used to clean between teethRemember to floss every night before bed.

sensitive teethteeth that hurt when exposed to hot, cold, or sweet foodHe has sensitive teeth when he eats ice cream.

numbunable to feel anything, often from anaesthesiaHis mouth felt numb after the injection.

checkupa routine examination to check overall healthHe goes for a dental checkup every six months.

root canala procedure to remove infected tissue from inside a toothHe needed a root canal for his infected tooth.

tooth extractionthe removal of a tooth from its socketThe dentist recommended a tooth extraction for the broken molar.

bracesa device used to straighten crooked teethShe wore braces for two years to fix her smile.

plaquea sticky film of bacteria that forms on teethBrushing twice a day removes most plaque.

tartarhardened plaque that builds up on teeth over timeTartar buildup can only be removed by a dentist.

mouthwasha liquid used to rinse the mouth and freshen breathUse mouthwash after brushing for extra freshness.

wisdom toothone of the last molars to grow, usually in early adulthoodHis wisdom tooth needed to be removed.

toothachepain felt in or around a toothHe came in with a severe toothache.

crowna cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shapeThe dentist fitted a crown over his broken tooth.

enamelthe hard outer layer covering a toothAcidic drinks can wear down tooth enamel.

Useful sentences

Ask How often should I come for a checkup?
Answer You should visit every six months.
Ask Do I have any cavities?
Answer Yes, you have a small one in your back tooth.
Ask Will the filling hurt?
Answer No, we'll numb the area first with an injection.
Ask Why are my teeth sensitive to cold food?
Answer It could be early signs of enamel wear, we'll check with an X-ray.
Ask Should I floss every day?
Answer Yes, flossing daily helps prevent gum disease.
Ask Do I need a root canal for this tooth?
Answer Not yet, but we'll monitor it closely.
Ask Is my wisdom tooth causing this toothache?
Answer Yes, it's growing at an awkward angle.
Ask How can I remove tartar buildup at home?
Answer You can't, tartar needs to be removed by a dentist.
Ask Should I use mouthwash every day?
Answer Yes, it helps reduce plaque and freshens breath.
Ask Will I need a crown for my broken tooth?
Answer Yes, it will protect the tooth and restore its shape.

Dialogue

DentistLet's start with a routine cleaning and checkup today.

RahulSure. I've noticed some sensitivity in my back tooth lately.

DentistLet me take an X-ray to check that properly.

DentistYou have a small cavity there. We'll need to do a filling.

RahulWill it hurt during the procedure?

DentistNot at all, I'll numb the area first, you won't feel a thing.

RahulThat's a relief. Is there any plaque or tartar you noticed?

DentistA little tartar near the gum line, we'll clean that today too.

RahulGreat, and should I be using a mouthwash regularly?

DentistYes, it will help protect your enamel between visits.

Common mistakes

Saying "I have tooth pain from cold" instead of "my teeth are sensitive to cold."
Saying "do filling" instead of "get a filling done" or "have a filling put in."
Saying "clean the teeth" as a one-time casual act instead of the noun form "a cleaning" used for the dental procedure.
Saying "tooth is paining" instead of "I have a toothache" or "my tooth hurts."
Saying "remove the tooth" instead of "extract the tooth" or "get the tooth extracted" in a formal dental context.
Saying "put crown" instead of "get a crown fitted" or "have a crown put on the tooth."

Quick quiz

1. What is a "cavity"?

2. A thin thread used to clean between teeth is called ___.

3. Complete: "His mouth felt ___ after the injection."

4. A procedure to remove infected tissue from inside a tooth is called a ___.

5. What is "tartar"?

6. One of the last molars to grow, usually in early adulthood, is called a ___.

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