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