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Systemet Posted 14 years ago
Vocabulary

Can we "heal" a tooth?

I know we can heal wounds, but what about teeth? Of course we go to a dentist to have them drilled and filled, but can we say that we go to a dentist to heal (or some related word, like treat or fix) our teeth?
  

Top answer

No, because teeth do not heal (= get better); decay, etc is simply removed and replaced by artificial materials. However, your gums can heal. Of course, other words are used for teeth: fix is a common one.

— Mister Micawber

  • No, because teeth do not heal (= get better); decay, etc is simply removed and replaced by artificial materials.
  • However, your gums can heal.
  • Of course, other words are used for teeth: fix is a common one.
  • The teeth are not treated: the cavities are treated .
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4 Answers
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No, because teeth do not heal (= get better); decay, etc is simply removed and replaced by artificial materials. However, your gums can heal. Of course, other words are used for teeth: fix is a common one. The teeth are not treated: the cavities are treated.
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Treat, fix but not heal.
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Thank you guys, I can see what the problem could be. Do any other possibilities come to your mind, so that I could expand my vocab? Emotion: smile
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Sorry, no other common general terms spring to mind. We usually have more specific reasons for going to the dentist: to have our teeth cleaned or whitened, to have a cavity filled, to have a root canal, or get a crown, bridge or implant.
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