|
A |
|
|
Abrasion |
The loss of tooth structure caused by a hard
toothbrush, poor brushing technique or bruxism
(grinding or clenching the teeth) |
|
Abscess |
A localized infection in the bone or soft
gum tissues; usually occurs at the end of the root tip |
|
Abutment |
The natural tooth that remains to hold in
place a fixed or removable bridge |
|
ADA |
(American Dental Association) A
professional organization of dentists that promotes
the field of dentistry through education, research,
advocacy and the development of standards |
|
Air Abrasion |
The tiny particles of aluminum oxide
blasted in a stream of water at the
tooth to remove the decayed debris and ruined
enamel from cavities |
|
Allergy |
An unfavorable reaction to a
foreign substance or drug |
|
Alveolar Bone |
The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth |
|
Amalgam |
The most common material used in fillings; also known as "mercury" or "silver" |
|
American Dental Association |
(ADA) A professional organization of dentists
that promotes the field of dentistry through education,
research, advocacy and the development of standards |
|
Analgesia |
An agent that lessens pain without loss of
consciousness |
|
Anesthesia |
An agent that removes the sensation of pain
from the entire body, usually accompanied by
loss of consciousness; see general
anesthesia, IV sedation and local
anesthesia |
|
Annual Maximum |
The maximum dollar amount a program will pay
toward the cost of dental care incurred by
an individual or family during a specific time
period |
|
Anterior Teeth |
The six upper or six lower front teeth
(See illustration) |
|
Antibiotic |
A drug that stops or slows the growth of bacteria |
|
Apex |
The tip of the root of a tooth |
|
Apicoectomy |
The surgical removal of the root tip to treat a dead tooth |
|
Arch |
The alignment of the upper or lower teeth |
|
Alternate Benefit Provision |
A provision in an insurance contract that applies
when there are two or more clinically recommended dental
services available to correct the same dental
condition. The provision determines that the
insuring company will provide coverage for the
less expensive service available. |
|
Attrition |
The loss of structure due to natural wear |
|
Autoclave |
A device used to sterilize instruments with
pressurized steam |
|
B |
|
|
Base |
The cement placed under a dental restoration
to insulate the nerve chamber |
|
Bicuspid
or Pre-Molar |
The transitional teeth behind the cuspids (pointed
teeth at the corners of the mouth |
|
Biopsy |
The removal of a small piece of tissue for
microscopic examination |
|
Bite |
The way in which the upper and lower teeth meet
when closing the mouth |
|
Bitewing |
An x-ray that detects tooth decay |
|
Bleaching |
The whitening of natural teeth through chemical
or laser treatment |
|
Bonding |
The covering of a tooth surface with a
composite resin to correct stained or damaged teeth |
|
Braces |
The devices used by orthodontists to gradually
reposition teeth |
|
Bridge |
The prosthetic (false) teeth or row of teeth
that spans between two natural teeth
(See Illustration) |
|
Bruxism |
The involuntary grinding of teeth during sleep |
|
C |
|
|
Calcium |
The natural element needed for healthy teeth,
bones and nerves |
|
Calculus |
The hard residue that forms on teeth due to plaque
buildup, often stained yellow or brown; also
known as "tartar" |
|
Canker Sore |
A mouth sore, whitish in color, that often
appears with a red halo |
|
Cantilever Bridge |
A fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth on one end |
|
Cap |
A c ommon term for dental crown; see crown |
|
Caries |
Tooth decay; common cause of cavities |
|
Cavities |
A decay lesion or hole in a tooth |
|
Claim |
A statement sent to an insurance carrier that
lists the treatment performed, the date of that
treatment and an itemization of associated costs;
serves as the basis for payment of benefits |
|
Clasp |
A device that holds a removable partial denture
to stationary teeth |
|
Cleaning |
The removal of plaque and tartar from teeth,
generally above the gum line |
|
Composite Filling |
A tooth-colored filling |
|
Contract |
An agreement between your employer and your
insurance carrier that typically describes the
benefits of your dental plan |
|
Coordination of Benefits |
A provision in an insurance contract that applies
when a person is covered by more than one insurance
program – requiring that all insurance programs
coordinate with each other in paying benefits, to
eliminate duplication or overpayment |
|
Co-payment |
The part of the fee you owe the dentist after your
insurance carrier has paid its portion |
|
Cosmetic Dentistry |
The treatments performed to enhance appearance (e.g.,
bleaching, veneers) |
|
Covered Services |
Services for which payment is provided under the
terms of the dental benefit contract |
|
Cross Bite |
A reverse biting relationship of upper and lower
teeth (e.g., underbite) |
|
Crown |
A porcelain or gold cover for a decayed,
damaged or discolored tooth (See illustration) |
|
Curettage |
The removal of diseased tissue from a periodontal pocket |
|
Cuspids |
The large pointed teeth at the corners of
the mouth, located between the incisors and
bicuspids; also known as "canine"
or "eye teeth" |
|
Cusps |
The raised round parts on the chewing surface of the
teeth (See illustration) |
|
D |
|
|
DDS |
The abbreviation for Doctor of Dental Surgery |
|
DMD |
The abbreviation for Doctor of Medical Dentistry |
|
Decay |
The destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins
produced by bacteria |
|
Deciduous Teeth |
The first set of (usually) twenty teeth; also
known as "baby teeth" |
|
Deductible |
The amount you are responsible to pay before your benefit
plan pays the dentist |
|
Dental Floss |
A waxed or unwaxed piece of nylon string that is
inserted between the teeth and moved in an up/down
fashion to remove plaque or other food deposits |
|
Dental Implant |
A titanium cylinder surgically placed in the bone of
the upper or lower jaw to provide support for a dental
restoration or appliance |
|
Dentin |
The inner layer of tooth structure, located
immediately under the surface enamel |
|
Dentition |
The arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth (See illustration of primary dentition.)
(See illustration of permanent dentition) |
|
Denture |
A removable (partial or complete) set of
artificial teeth |
|
Diastema
|
The space between teeth |
|
DITSCAP |
(Department of Defense Information Technology
Security Certification and Accreditation Process)
A process/standard for protecting and securing
information systems |
|
E |
|
|
Enamel |
The hard tissue covering the portion of tooth above
the gum line; the hardest substance in the body |
|
Endodontics |
The branch of dentistry concerned with the treatment
of the dental pulp or nerve of the tooth; the most
common procedure is a root canal |
|
Endodontist |
A specialist who treats injuries, diseases and
infections of the tooth pulp |
|
Enrollee |
A person who receives benefits under a dental
benefit contract (also known as "member",
"insured", "covered person",
"beneficiary") |
|
EOB |
(Explanation of Benefits) A statement
notifying members/enrollees each time a dental
claim is processed |
|
Explanation of Benefits |
(EOB) A statement notifying members/enrollees
each time a dental claim is processed |
|
Extraction |
The removal of a tooth |
|
F |
|
|
Facing |
The tooth-colored overlay on the visible portion
of a crown |
|
Filling |
The restoration of lost tooth structure with
metal, porcelain or resin materials |
|
Flap Surgery |
The lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean
underlying tooth and bone structures |
|
Fluoride |
A naturally occuring element that strengthens
enamel, helping teeth resist decay |
|
Frenectomy |
The removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue
that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum,
or the tongue to the floor of the mouth |
|
G |
|
|
General Anesthesia |
An agent that removes pain from the body by loss of
consciousness or "deep sleep" |
|
Gingivectomy |
The surgical removal of gum tissue |
|
Gingivitis |
The inflammation of gum tissue; early stage of
gum disease |
|
Gum Recession |
The exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the
gums from abrasion, periodontal disease or surgery |
|
H |
|
Halimeter |
An instrument used in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic halitosis (bad breath) |
Halitosis |
The condition of bad breath |
| Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 |
(HIPAA) A law that established national standards to protect the privacy of health insurance information |
Heat Sterilization |
A procedure that kills all microorganisms on instruments when placed into a chamber and the temperature is raised |
HIPAA |
(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) A law that established national standards to protect the privacy of health insurance information |
Hygienist |
A type of dental professional qualified to clean and scale teeth; they also educate patients on proper dental care |
|
I |
|
Imaging |
A photograph of teeth stored in a computer and then displayed on a television monitor; a dentist can show you an image of your smile with new, repaired or whitened teeth |
Impacted Tooth |
A tooth that fails to erupt properly and remains fully or partially embedded and covered by bone or gum tissue (See illustration) |
Implant |
A fixed replacement for a missing tooth |
Impression |
A mold made of the teeth and soft tissues |
Incisors |
The four upper or lower single-cusped (pointed) front teeth designed for cutting food (See illustration) |
Inlay |
A custom-made, cast-gold alloy that is cemented to a previously prepared cavity in the tooth |
Interproximal |
The surfaces of adjoining teeth |
Interocclusal |
The space between upper and lower teeth |
Intraoral camera |
A small video camera used to view and magnify oral conditions; images may be viewed on a monitor or printed |
IV Sedation |
An anesthesia used for people who want to be asleep during dental procedures; often described as a "light" anesthesia; see anesthesia, local anesthesia) |
|
J |
|
| Jacket |
A crown for a front tooth, usually made of porcelain |
|
L |
|
Laminate |
A thin plastic or porcelain veneer produced in a dental laboratory and then bonded to a tooth |
Lasers |
An instrument used in dentistry for surgery, to cure (harden) restorative tooth materials and enhance tooth bleaching, as well as to remove tooth structure to eliminate disease |
Laughing Gas |
An odorless inhalation agent that produces relative sedation, reduces anxiety and creates a state of relaxation; also known as "nitrous oxide" |
Limiting Age of Coverage |
The age at which a dependent covered by a dental plan is no longer eligible to receive benefits; most dental plans offer an extension of benefits beyond the limiting age of coverage to student and handicapped dependents |
Local Anesthesia |
An agent that relieves the sensation of pain in a localized area; see anesthesia, IV sedation |
|
M |
|
| Malocclusion |
A misalignment of the upper and lower teeth; also known as "bad bite" |
Managed Care |
A program in which patient-dentist agreement and dentist reimbursement is administered by a separate, external organization |
Mandible |
The lower jaw |
Margin |
The point of contact between a restoration and the tooth structure |
Maryland Bridge |
A bridge that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth; requires minimum tooth reduction |
Maxilla |
The upper jaw |
Medicated Filling |
A provisional or temporary filling that incorporates a pallative or soothing medication to calm an inflamed tooth nerve |
Member |
A person who receives benefits under a dental benefit contract (also known as "enrollee", "insured", "covered person", "beneficiary") |
Molars |
The back teeth that are designed for grinding food before swallowing (See illustration) |
Mouthguard |
A removable appliance used to protect teeth from injury during athletic activities |
|
N |
|
| Nerve (Root) Canal |
The dental pulp; the internal chamber of a tooth |
| Network Dentist |
A dentist who has entered into a contractual agreement with United Concordia to provide dental care services for members |
Night Guard |
A removable acrylic appliance used to minimize the effects of grinding the teeth (bruxism) or joint problems (TMD); usually worn at night |
Nitrous Oxide |
A gas used to reduce patient anxiety; also known as "laughing gas" |
|
O |
|
Occlusion |
Closure; relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure |
Onlay |
A gold or porcelain inlay extended to cover the cusps for protection of the tooth |
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon |
A specialist who deals with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and deformities of the mouth and supporting structures |
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
Surgical procedures on the mouth including extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws |
Oral Cavity |
The mouth |
Oral Hygiene |
The process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related structures |
Oral Pathologist |
A dentist specializing in the study of oral diseases |
Oral Sedation |
Any substance taken orally (i.e., a pill or liquid) to reduce anxiety and relax the patient |
Oral Surgery |
Surgery of the mouth |
Orthodontics |
A dental specialty that treats misalignment of teeth; an
extended treatment that usually consists of braces or a retainer
Click here to view a separate glossary of orthodontic terms and procedures |
Overbite |
A vertical overlap of the front teeth |
Over Denture |
A denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants |
|
P |
|
Palate |
The general term that refers to the roof of the mouth |
Palliative Treatment |
A non-invasive relief of irritating conditions |
Panorex |
A single full mouth x-ray |
Partial Denture |
A removable appliance (prosthesis) that replaces some of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw |
Pathology |
The study of disease |
Pediatric Dentistry |
A dental specialty focusing on treatment of children’s teeth |
Pedodontist |
A dentist specializing in the treatment of children |
Periapical (PA) |
The region at the end of the roots of teeth |
Periodontal Chart |
The record measuring the depth of gum pockets around the teeth |
Periodontal Disease |
The general term for the inflammation or disease affecting the gums |
Periodontal Surgery |
The recontouring or esthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue |
Periodontics |
The treatment of diseases of the gum or bone (supporting structure) |
Periodontist |
A dentist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease |
Permanent Teeth |
The thirty-two adult teeth in a complete dentition |
Pit |
A small defect in the tooth enamel |
Plaque |
A sticky substance that forms on the surface of the teeth and harbors bacteria growth and acid formation beneath its surface, causing tooth decay; Plaque buildup can irritate the gums and cause periodontal disease |
Pontic |
A replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance |
Porcelain Crown |
An all-porcelain restoration covering the portion of tooth above the gum line |
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PRM) Crown |
A restoration with metal coping (for strength) covered by porcelain (for appearance) |
Porcelain Inlay or Onlay |
A tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain, cemented or bonded in place |
Porcelain Veneers |
A thin layer of porcelain bonded to a natural tooth to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth or change color and/or shape |
Post |
The thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy; provided retention for a "coping" that replaces lost tooth structure and retains crown |
PPO or PDO |
(Preferred Provider Organization) A preferred provider (dental) organization that health care (dental) provider may join, offering fee-for-service treatment at reduced fees |
| Preferred Provider Organization |
(PPO or PDO) Preferred provider (dental) organization that health care (dental) provider may join, offering fee-for-service treatment at reduced fees |
Preventive Services |
The dental procedures concerned with the prevention of dental diseases by protective and educational measures; may include exam, cleanings, x-rays and fluoride |
Prophy Jet |
Air polishing for stain removal |
Prophylaxis |
The professional cleaning and removal of plaque, stains, and calculus on the teeth |
Prosthodontics |
The restoration of natural teeth and replacement of missing or lost teeth; common procedures are crowns, bridges, dentures and dental implants |
Prosthodontist |
A dentist that specializes in the restoration of natural teeth and replacement of teeth; expertise includes, but is not limited to: crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint problems and oral cancer reconstruction |
Provider |
The dentist or specialist |
Pulp |
The nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue inside a tooth (See illustration) |
Pulp Chamber |
The opening in the center of the crown of a tooth which contains the pulp (nerve tissue) and stretches to the tip of the root |
Pulpectomy |
The complete removal of the pulp (commonly done in children’s teeth) |
|
Q |
|
Quadrant |
One-fourth of the mouth or half of the bottom or top section of the mouth |
|
R |
|
Radiograph |
An image produced on photographic film by radiation, such as x-rays passed through an object; also known as "x-rays" |
Reimplantation |
An insertion and temporary fixation of partially or completely dislodged tooth or teeth, resulting from traumatic injury |
Reline |
An acrylic restoration of a denture base |
Restoration |
The replacement of the damaged portion of a tooth |
Retained Root |
A partial root structure remaining in jaw after extraction or fracture of a natural tooth |
Retainer |
An appliance for maintaining the positions of the teeth and jaws immediately after the completion of orthodontic treatment |
Root |
The tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw |
Root Canal |
A procedure used to save an abscessed tooth in which the pulp chamber is cleaned out, disinfected, and filled with a permanent filling |
Root Planing |
The deep cleaning of the teeth to remove hardened plaque below the gum line; usually performed one quadrant at a time |
Root Resection |
The removal of a portion of diseased root structure, retaining the remaining natural tooth |
|
S |
|
Saliva |
The clear, natural lubricating fluid in the mouth |
Saliva Ejector |
The suction tube placed in the mouth to remove saliva during dental procedures |
Salivary Glands |
The mouth's natural receptors, located under the tongue and in cheeks, that produce saliva |
Scaling |
A treatment for gum disease involving removal of hardened plaque (tartar or calculus) from teeth |
Sealant |
A plastic coating applied to grooves of the teeth to prevent decay |
Space Maintainer |
The dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth |
Splint |
The connection of two or more teeth so they function as a stronger single structure |
Subscriber |
An insured, member or enrollee |
Supernumerary Tooth |
An extra tooth |
|
T |
|
Tartar |
The calcified plaque that forms from mineral salts in the saliva and deposits on the teeth |
Third-Party Provider |
An insurance company that pays all or a part of the cost of dental treatment |
TMD
Temporomandibular Disorders |
The problems associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) which connects the lower jaw with the skull; typically associated with pops and pain in the joint |
Tooth Whitening |
A chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth |
|
U |
|
UCR |
Usual, customary and reasonable fees |
Ultrasonic Cleaning |
A cleaning that uses high frequency sound waves to gently remove deposits, such as tartar and stain, from the teeth |
Unerupted Tooth |
A tooth that has not pushed through the gum |
|
V |
|
Veneers |
The plastic or porcelain facing which is bonded directly to a tooth to improve its appearance, producing a very natural appearance |
|
W |
|
Whitening |
A process that lightens the color of teeth |
Wisdom Teeth |
The third set of molars, the last teeth to come in, usually erupt at age 18-25 |
|
Z |
|
Zerostomia |
Dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva
|
|
