O

occlusion – lineup of upper and lower teeth surfaces when mouth is closed, also known as “bite”

onlay – prosthetic restoration that covers the occlusal (biting/chewing) surface of a tooth, but not the whole tooth

operculectomy – surgical removal of the operculum

operculum – tissue flap covering partially or fully unerupted tooth

oral – referring to the mouth

oral and maxillofacial surgeon – specialist with at least 4 additional years of specialized training beyond the dental degree, diagnoses and treats oral diseases, injuries, deformities, defects, or other issues, including surgical treatments of the oral and maxillofacial areas

oral and maxillofacial surgery – surgical treatment of the mouth, jaw, and related areas, may include extraction, repair of defects or fractures, removal of tumors or cysts, and others

oral cavity – the inside of the mouth

oral hygiene – establishment and maintenance of habits designed to keep mouth, gums, and teeth healthy

oral pathologist – dental specialist who focuses on study, diagnosis, and management of diseases affecting the oral cavity, jaws, and other connected areas

oral pathology – the study, diagnosis, and management of diseases affecting the oral cavity, jaws, and other connected areas

orthodontics – dental specialty concerned with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of malocclusion and other neuromuscular or skeletal abnormalities of the orofacial structure

orthodontist – dental specialist who focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of malocclusion and other neuromuscular or skeletal abnormalities of the orofacial structure

orthognathic – refers to the functional relationship between the mandible and maxilla (upper and lower jaws)

osseous – refers to bone tissue

osteoplasty – surgical procedure that modifies bone structure

osteotomy – surgical procedure involving the cutting of bone structure

overbite – orthodontic issue, when upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower

 

How Can We Help You?

Dentist in Virginia Beach

Our dental office in Virginia Beach provides a variety of services, including cosmetic restorative, and preventive dentistry. We are experts is developing custom solutions for the most complex dental problems and concerns.

Schedule Appointment

What Our Clients Are Saying

Dentist in Virginia Beach

Jennifer Roberts

Dr. Rutledge and his staff are both professional and kind. They are extremely welcoming and personable. I feel very confident in their abilities of providing excellent dental care, and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a dentist in the area

- Jennifer Roberts

Deborah C.

Very understanding and patient. Spent a lot of time getting to know me before ever looking in my mouth. I’m going back to take care of the problems I’ve let linger for far too long.

- Deborah C.

Phyllis W.

First visit I was warmly greeted by staff and Dr. My hygienist took time to know me and my concerns. She was very experienced and good at what she does. Thank you Karen! See you next time!

- Phyllis W.

*Smiles pictured thanks to our actual patients.

Read More Testimonials

Read Our Virginia Beach Dental Blog

Dentist in Virginia Beach

Is Undiagnosed TMD Causing You Neck And Shoulder Pain?

September 9, 2020

Do you have frequent headaches or migraines, earaches or tinnitus, tender jaw muscles, or a dull aching facial pain? Do you often have neck and shoulder pain? Does your jaw lock or stray to one side when you open your mouth? These aches and pains may be related to the jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint or “TMJ,” and the muscles that work to move the joint. These painful conditions are often called “TMD” for temporomandibular disorders.

More >>
A Letter To Our Patients...

March 21, 2020

Dear Friends, Families, and Valued Patients, As part of your... More >>

Virginia Beach VA Dentist |...

August 26, 2019

Taking care of your dentures can seem like an added chore. Don’t... More >>

Virginia Beach VA Dentist |...

August 22, 2019

When you are traveling, it can be challenging to keep up with your... More >>

Virginia Beach VA Dentist |...

August 14, 2019

Loose teeth, bad breath, and painful, bloody gums - these... More >>

Smile Gallery

Dentist in Virginia Beach

James Rutledge Dentistry | 2025 Pleasure House Rd. | Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Phone: (757) 464-0271