L.A. Speak : Toothsayers: Dentists’ Terms

drilling, filling and billing: the dental business in a somewhat cynical nutshell. ‘It’s all drilling, filling and billing; no wonder we have such a high suicide rate.”

Frigidaires: n. bad caps on front teeth. “I love seeing the stars flashing their Frigidaires on Oscar night.”

garbage dump: n. the mouth of a dental patient with unbelievably bad oral hygiene. “My poor hygienist--she’s going to need oxygen after detoxing that garbage dump.” Also: grungemouth.

gum gardener: n. periodontist.

pluggin’ pewter: v. replacing silver fillings.

pulp popper: n. endodontist, a specialist in dental pulp.

red eye: v. to strike a tooth nerve while drilling. “It’s a shame Mr. Banks was so unforgiving. After all, I didn’t red-eye the guy on purpose.”

robomouth: n. a person with implanted false teeth.

rodeo dentistry: n. treating an uncooperative child. “Get out the lasso for Donna; it’s rodeo dentistry time.”

shovel jaw: n. a patient with a protruding lower jaw.

slappin’ plastic: v. placing tooth-colored composite fillings. “I’m worn out; I spent the whole afternoon slappin’ plastic.”

squirt and jerk: to give a Novocain injection, then extract teeth.

wire bender: n. orthodontist.