There are quite a lot of abbreviations out there for quite a lot of things. When your Moreno Valley dentist is talking about your oral health and your journey through dental care, of course, there are some ways of abbreviating details that you should probably know about. Why? Well, these abbreviations come up quite frequently, so when you’re already aware of them, it can make learning, researching, buying dental hygiene products, discussions with us, and more, much easier for you!

ADA

When we talk about the ADA or you see it printed, we’re discussing the American Dental Association. This is a non-profit that represents dentists and strives to protect consumers as they choose care for their oral health. Your Moreno Valley dentist explains that the ADA is often the final say on the efficacy and safety of treatments, products, and more.

DDS

This is the abbreviation for the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. When you see that your dentist’s name (or a practice name) includes these letters, that is what it is referring to! Becoming a dentist requires three plus years of school time in undergraduate school, followed by a four-year dental program in graduate school.

TMJ

Your Moreno Valley dentist suggests you remember that TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is a clinical way of describing your jaw joint. It’s the structure that gives motion to your mouth and that hinges your jaw to your cranium. It’s something that comes up frequently, as it allows you to chew, eat, sing, and more. When something is wrong with one or both, it’s called TMJ disorder (which is treatable). When both function well, you’re in good shape!

Become Familiar With Dental Lingo By Asking About It

If there’s something we throw out there while you’re visiting us that you don’t understand, remember that we are happy to stop and explain! You will quickly pick up on dental terms, so don’t worry. Give us a call in Moreno Valley, CA to schedule a consultation with your dentist. We are proud to serve patients from Riverside, Temecula, Moreno Valley, Corona, and all surrounding California communities. To schedule an appointment, contact one of the following locations nearest to you:

Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.

Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.

Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest in Riverside, CA at (951) 776-9001.

Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.

Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.

Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.