A B C D E F G H I J L M N O P Q R S T U V W X ZTo search this Glossary, press Ctrl & F and type the word you wish to find into the box.
A . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Abrasion
Loss of tooth structure caused by a hard toothbrush, poor brushing technique, or Bruxism (grinding or clenching the teeth).
Abscess
A swelling caused by an an infection resulting in a pus filled hole.
Abutment
Tooth, root or implant used to support an artificial tooth restoration.
Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG)
See ANUG.
Adhesive Dentistry
Contemporary term for dental restorations that involve "bonding" of composite resin or porcelain fillings to natural teeth.
Air Abrasion
A method of removing tooth decay without a drill and anesthesia, by using compressed air and fine sand particles.
Allergy
Unfavorable systemic response to a foreign substance or drug.
Alveolar Bone
The jaw bone that anchors the roots of teeth.
Alveolar Process
The part of the jaw that holds the teeth.
Alveoloplasty
A surgical procedure for recontouring alveolar structures, usually in preparation for a prosthesis.
Amalgam
Metal filling material, a mixture primarily of mercury and silver with small amounts of tin, zinc and copper. Usually called a silver filling.
Analgesia
Loss of pain sensation without loss of consciousness.
Partial or complete elimination of pain sensation; numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness.
The six upper or six lower front teeth.
Antibiotic
A drug that stops or slows the browth of bacteria.
ANUG (Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis)
A progressive painful infection with ulceration, swelling and sloughing off of dead tissue from the mouth and throat due to the spread of infection from the gums. Also known as trench mouth.
Apex
The end of the tooth root.
Apicoectomy
Amputation of the tip of the root.
Arch
The curved structure of the natural dentition or the ridge remaining after the loss of some or all of the natural teeth.
Assignment of benefits
When a covered person authorizes his or her health benefits plan to directly pay a health care provider for covered services. Traditional health insurance pays benefits directly to the covered person.
Attrition
Loss of structure due to natural wear.
A device that has a chamber where instruments are placed and steam under pressure is injected, in order to complete sterilization.
B . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
First set of teeth that is later replaced by permanent teeth.
Back Teeth
See Posterior Teeth.
Base
Cement placed under a dental restoration to insulate the nerve chamber.
Bell's palsy
Paralysis of the facial nerve resulting in the permanent or temporary immobilization of the eye on either side of the face. Usually caused by injury or infection
Benign
The mild character of an illness or the non-malignant character of a neoplasm.
Teeth between the canine teeth and molars (Premolars).
Bifurcation (Trifurcation)
Juncture of two (three) roots in posterior teeth.
Bilateral
Occurring on, or pertaining to, both right and left sides.
Biopsy
Process of removing tissue for laboratory evaluation.
Bite
Relationship of the upper and lower teeth on closure (occlusion).
Bitewing
X-rays used to reveal the crowns of several upper and lower teeth as they bite down.
Black Hairy Tongue
Elongated papillae on the tongue, promoting the growth of microorganisms.
Bleaching
Chemical or laser treatment of natural teeth for whitening effect.
Block Injection
Anesthesia of a nerve trunk that covers a large area of the jaw; a mandibular block injection produce numbness of the lower jaw, teeth, half the tongue.
Bonding
A cosmetic procedure in which teeth are coated with composite resin in order to cover stains or improve apperance.
Bone Resorption
Decrease in bone supporting the roots of teeth; a common result of periodontal (gum disease).
Braces
Devices used by Orthodontists to gradually reposition teeth.
Bridge
An artificial fixed or removable prosthesis replacing one or more teeth.
The habit of tooth grinding, usually during sleep, often resulting in loose or worn teeth, gum recession, destruction of the supportive bone and TMJ disorders.
Bruxomania
Persistent "nervous" grinding of the teeth while the patient is awake.
C . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Calcium
Chemical element needed for healthy teeth, bones and nerves.
Calculus
Hardened deposit of mineral salts formed around the teeth. See Tartar.
Canal
The narrow chamber inside the root of the tooth that contains the nerve and blood vessels.
Teeth next to the lateral incisors identified by pointed cusp used for tearing food.
Canker sores
Painful noncontagious sores, appearing whitish, often with a red halo, of ten to fourteen day duration, that form inside the mouth and on the lips.
Cantilever bridge
Fixed bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth only on one end.
Cap
Common term for dental crown.
Capitation
A plan (usually DHMO's) where the dentist is contracted with the administrator to provide dental services to persons covered under the program in return for payment on a per-capita basis (per head).
Caries
Tooth decay or "cavities".
Cast or model
Reproduction of structures made by pouring plaster or stone into a mold.
Cast Post and Core
An anchoring pin or post that is cemented into the root of the tooth (after a root canal) when there is not enough remaining tooth to support a crown.
A decay lesion or hole in a tooth (Tooth decay or "caries)".
Cavitron
Dental tool that uses high frequency ultrasonic waves to clean teeth.
Cellulitis
Soft tissue infection causing extensive, hard swelling, a potentially dangerous condition requiring immediate attention.
Cementum
Hard tissue that covers the roots of teeth.
Chart
A log of dental or medical records.
Claim
A claim is a request for payment under the terms of a dental plan.
Clasp
A device that holds a removable partial denture to stationary teeth.
Cleaning
Removal of plaque and calculus (tarter) from teeth, generally above the gum line. See Prophylaxis.
Cleft Palate
Congenital deformity resulting in lack of fusion of the soft and/or hard palate, either partial or complete.
Clenching
The forceful holding together of the upper and lower teeth, which places stress on the ligaments that hold the teeth to the jawbone and the lower jaw to the skull.
COB
A tooth colored mixture of plastic resin and finely ground glass. Used to fill cavities in teeth.
Composite/Plastic Resin
White or tooth-colored filling material.
Coordination Of Benefits (COB)
This process becomes involved when the patient is covered by more than one plan. Coverage is then divided between the two plans using guidelines established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Dentistry
Any dental treatment or repair that is solely rendered to improve the appearance of the teeth or mouth.
Cross Bite
Reverse biting relationship of upper and lower teeth (under bite).
3/4 Crown
A crown, usually metal, that leaves part of the visible surface of the tooth intact.
The part of the tooth covered with enamel, the part that is normally visible above the gum line
Crown Lengthening
A surgical procedure exposing more tooth for restorative purposes by apically positioning the gingival margin and/or removing supporting bone.
Curettage
Removal of diseased tissue from a periodintal pocket.
Cusp
A pointed projection located on the chewing of biting surface of tooth.
Cuspids
See Canine teeth.
Cyst
A pathological cavity or space, containing fluid or soft matter.
D . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery - equivalent to DMD.
DMD
Doctor of Medical Dentistry - equivalent to DDS.
Debridement
Removing foreign matter or dead tissue.
Decay
Destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.
Deciduous Teeth/Milk Teeth
See baby teeth.
Deductible
The dollar amount that a plan member must pay for eligible dental expenses before a traditional dental plan kicks in with benefits.
Dental Caries
Decay, cavities
A thin, nylon string, waxed or unwaxed, that is inserted between the teeth to remove food and plaque.
A dental professional who specializes in cleaning the teeth by removing plaque, calculus, and diseased gum tissue. He/She acts as the patient's guide in establishing a proper oral hygiene program.
Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO)
A legal entity that accepts the responsibility of providing services at a fixed price. The enrollees in these plans must have dental care provided through designated doctors.
Dental Implant
A (usually) titanium cylinder surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to provide support for a dental restoration or appliance.
Dentin
The hard bonelike connective tissue making up the root of the tooth and the crown under the shell of enamel. Dentin has feeling through a series of tubules that act like nerves.
Dentition
The arrangement of natural or artificial teeth in the mouth.
Denture
A partial or full set of artificial removable teeth.
Denture Base
The part of the denture that holds the artificial teeth and fits over the gums.
Denturism
The production of dentures dispensed directly by laboratory technicians.
DHMO
See Dental Health Maintenance Organization.
Diagnostic
Procedures performed by the dentist to evaluate the condition of the teeth and mouth.
Diastema
Space between teeth.
Direct Restoration
A restoration fabricated inside the mouth.
DMO
See Dental Health Maintenance Organization.
Dry Socket
A localized inflammation of the tooth socket following an extraction due to infection or loss of a blood clot.
E . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Enamel
The extremely hard outer shell of the tooth. Enamel, like hair and fingernails, has no feeling.
Endodontics
An area of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp and the tissues at the root apex.
Endodontist
Specialist who treats injuries, diseases and infections of the tooth pulp.
Enzootics
The dental specialty that deals with injuries to or diseases of the pulp, or nerve, of the tooth.
Equilibration
Reshaping of the occlusal surfaces of teeth to create proper contact between the upper and lower teeth; also know as occlusal adjustment.
Epidemiology
Study of the incidence of disease in a population.
Erosion
Wearing down of tooth structure, caused by chemicals (acids).
Eruption
When a tooth emerges or pushes through the gums.
Excision
Surgical removal of bone or tissue.
Exfoliate
Process of shedding deciduous (baby teeth).
Exodontia
Practice of dental extractions.
Exostosis
The overgrowth of normal bone.
Explorer
Sharp instrument used to detect decay on the surface of teeth.
Extraction
Removal of a tooth.
Extrusion
The jutting of a tooth beyond it's correct position.
Eyeteeth
The four upper and lower canine (cuspid) teeth.
F . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Facial
The surface of a tooth directed toward the face (including the buccal and labial surfaces).
Facing
Tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown.
Fee Schedule
A set amount paid by the insurance company that is unrelated to the doctor's fee.
Filling
Restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain or resin materials.
Channel emanating pus from an infection site; a gum boil.
One or more false teeth (pontics) attached to the adjacent tooth or teeth by a crown or crowns.
Flap Surgery
Lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures.
Fluoride
A chemical compound used to prevent dental decay, utilized in fluoridated water systems and/or applied directly to the teeth.
Floss
See Dental Floss.
Forceps
Instrument used for removal of teeth.
Forensic Dentistry
The practice of gathering legal evidence for body identification or judicial issues.
Fracture
The breaking of a part, especially of a bony structure; breaking of a tooth.
Freeway Space
The distance between the upper and lower teeth with the lower jaw in rest position.
Frenectomy
Removal of connective tissue between the front teeth to allow spaces to close, restore proper shape of gum tissue or free the tongue for normal function.
Frenum
Muscle fibers covered by a mucous membrane that attaches the cheek, lips and or tongue to associated dental mucosa.
Front Teeth
See Anterior Teeth.
Full Crown
A metal, plastic or porcelain restoration that covers the whole crown of the tooth. Sometimes called a cap.
Full Denture
Plastic or porcelain teeth on a plastic base replacing all of the upper and/or lower natural teeth.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
Extensive restorations of natural teeth with crowns and or fixed bridges to manage bite problems.
Full Mouth X-Rays
A combination of 14 or more periapical and 4 bitewing films of the back teeth. This series of x-rays reveals all the teeth (their crowns and roots) and the alveolar bone around them.
G . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
General Anesthesia
Medication that relieves the sensation of pain on the whole body. General anesthesia renders you unconscious.
Geographic Tongue
Benign changes in the usual color and texture of tongue; does not require treatment.
Gingiva
Gum tissue.
Gingivectomy
Removal of gum tissue to promote proper maintenance.
Gingival Hyperplasia
An overgrowth of gingival tissues.
Gingivitis
Beginning gum disease, inflammation of the gingiva.
Graft
A piece of tissue or material placed in contact with tissue to repair a defect.
GTR (Guided Tissue Regeneration)
A new technique for replacing bone tissue.
Gum Boil
See Fistula.
Gum Recession
Exposure of dental roots due to shrinkage of the gums as a result of abrasion.
H . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Halimeter
An instrument used in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic halitosis.
Halitosis
Bad breath, caused by tooth decay, gum disease, digestive problems, smoking or some systemic diseases.
Heat Sterilization
A procedure that involves a chamber into which instruments are placed and which raises the temperature for a period of time to kill all microorganisms. See Autoclave.
Hematoma
Swelling of effused blood beneath tissue surface.
Hemisection
Surgical separation of a multirooted tooth so that one root and/or the overlaying portion of the crown can be surgically removed.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Disinfecting solution used in dental irrigation procedures or as mouth rinse.
Hygienist
I . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Imaging
A photograph of teeth stored in a computer and then displayed on a television monitor. The Dentist is able to show you an image of your smile with new, repaired or whitened teeth.
Impacted tooth
See Impaction.
Unerupted tooth that is tipped or blocked so that it cannot come in normally.
Impaction (soft tissue)
Impacted tooth just under gum line.
Impaction (partially bony)
Impacted tooth partly covered by bone.
Impaction (completely bony)
Impacted tooth completely covered by bone.
Implant
Tooth replacement inserted into the bone in order to provide structure for an artificial fixed restoration.
Impression
Mold made of the teeth and soft tissues.
Incision and Drainage
Surgical incision of an abscess to drain suppuration (pus).
Incisors
The four front teeth used for cutting food (central and lateral).
Infiltration
Local anesthetic procedure effective for upper teeth and soft tissue; placement of anesthetic under the gum, allowing it to seep into bone.
Inlay
Cast Metal, ceramic or lab cured composite filling cemented to the tooth but not completely covering the chewing surface.
Immediate Denture
A denture constructed for placement immediately after removal of all remaining teeth.
Interocclusal
Space between upper and lower teeth.
Interproximal
Between the adjoining surfaces of adjacent teeth.
Intraoral
Inside the mouth.
Intraoral camera
A small video camera used to view and magnify oral conditions; images may be viewed on a monitor or printed.
Anthesia used for people who want to be asleep during dental procedures. It is sometimes described as a "light" anesthesia. See Anesthesia or Local Anesthesia.
J . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Jacket
Crown for a front tooth, usually made of porcelain.
Jaw
A common name for either the maxilla or the mandible.
L . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Laminate
A laminate is a thin plastic or porcelain veneer produced in a dental laboratory and then bonded to a tooth to improve its appearance.See Veneer.
Laser
Dental lasers are a family of instruments, some used for surgery, some to cure restorative tooth materials and enhance tooth bleaching, and others to remove tooth structure to eliminate disease.
Laughing Gas
See Nitrous Oxide.
Lesion
Injury of bodily tissue due to infection, trauma or neoplasm.
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 students and handicapped dependents.
Lingual
The area pertaining to or around the tongue.
Relieves the sensation of pain in a localized area. See Anesthesia or IV Sedation
Local Anesthetic
The injection given in the mouth to numb the areas where a tooth or area needs a dental procedure. Often referred to as novocaine.
M . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Malar
Pertaining to the cheek bone.
Malocclusion
Abnormal contact between upper and lower teeth (bad bite).
Managed Care
Program whereby patient-dentist agreement and dentist reimbursement is administered by a separate, external organization.
Mandible
The lower jawbone.
Margin
Interface between a restoration and tooth structure.
Maryland Bridge
A bridge that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth; requires minimum tooth reduction.
Mastication
Process of chewing food.
Maxilla
The upper jawbone.
Maxillofacial
Relating to the lower half of the face.
Maxillofacial Surgeon
See Oral Surgeon.
Medicated Filling
A provisional or temporary filling which incorporates a pallative or soothing medication to calm an inflamed tooth nerve.
Meniscus
Capsular cushion between temporomandibluar joint and glenoid fossa.
Mesial
Toward the front of a tooth or the dental arch (towards the midline).
Milk Teeth/Deciduous Teeth
See baby teeth.
Molars
Back teeth used for grinding food. The furthest (third) molars are also known as wisdom teeth.
Opportunistic fungal infection after administration of antibiotic; not uncommon in the mouth.
Mouthguard
A removable appliance used to protect teeth from injury during athletic activities.
Mucoa
See Mucous Membrane.
Mucogingival Junction (MGJ)
Meeting of thick, protective gingival tissue around the teeth and the friable mucous lining of the cheeks and lips.
The lining of the oral cavity; also called mucosa.
N . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Nerve
Tissue that conveys sensation, temperature, position information to the brain.
Nerve Root Canal
Dental pulp; the internal chamber of a tooth.
A removable acrylic appliance to minimize the effects of grinding (bruxism) or joint problems (TMJ). Usually worn at night to prevent grinding or relieve joint pain. Also known as an occlusal guard.
A gas used as an anesthetic in dentistry and other medical procedures. Sometimes known as laughing gas.
Non-precious Metal
Metal that contains no gold or platinum.
A generic name for the many kinds of anesthetics used in the dental injection, such as Xylocaine, Lidocaine, or Novocaine. Also see local anesthesia.
NSAID
Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, often used as a dental analgesic
O . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Occlusal Guard
See Nightguard.
Any contact between biting or chewing surfaces of upper and lower teeth.
Onlay
Like an inlay, but covering the chewing surface.
Obturator
A prosthesis that closes an opening in the palate.
Operculum
The flap of tissue over an unerupted or partially erupted tooth.
Oral
Pertaining to the mouth.
Oral Cavity
The mouth.
Oral Hygiene
Process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related structures.
Oral Mucosa
The pink-red tissues that line the mouth.
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, deformities and defects of the mouth.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Surgical procedures on the mouth including extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws.
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.
Orthodonticts
Branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis of missaligned teeth.
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to preventing and treating malocclusion of the teeth.
Osseous & Mucogingival Surgery
Removal and reshaping of bone and gum tissue.
Osseointegration
The process by which bone heals around an implant.
Osteoplasty
Surgical procedure that modifies the configuration of bone.
Orthognathic
The functional relationship between the maxilla and the mandible.
Overbite
A vertical overlaping of the upper teeth over the lower teeth.
Overdenture
Denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants.
Overjet
Horizontal overlap of the front teeth.
P . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Palate
The hard and soft tissues forming the roof of the mouth.
Palliative
Treatment that relieves pain but is not curative.
Panorex
An x-ray taken outside of the mouth that shows all the teeth on one film.
Papillae
Small projections on the surface of the tongue.
Parasthesia
A partial loss of sensation; may be temporary or permanent.
Parotid Glands
Major salivary glands located in front of and below the ears.
Replacement of missing teeth on a plastic base or metal bar.
Pathology
Study of disease.
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to treatment of children from birth through adolescence; formerly known as a pedodontist.
Pedodontist
Pellicle
A thin nonbacterial film from saliva that covers the teeth.
Periapical (PA)
The area that surrounds the root tip of a tooth.
Periapical X-Ray
An x-ray that shows several entire teeth (crowns and roots) and includes a small amount of the periapical bone (surrounding the root tips).
Pericoronitis
An inflammation of the gum tissue around the crown of a tooth, usually the third molar.
Perio Pocket
The pocket that forms when the gums detach from the side of the tooth.
Periodontal Abscess
An infection in the gum pocket that can destroy hard and soft tissues.
Periodontal
Relating to the gums and bone structure that surrounds and supports teeth.
Periodontal Chart
Record measuring the depth of gum pockets around the teeth.
Inflammatory process of the gingival tissues and/or periodontal membrane of the teeth, resulting in an abnormally deep gingival sulcus, possibly producing periodontal pockets and loss of supporting alveolar bone.
Periodontal Pocket
Pathologically deepened gingival sulcus; a feature of periodontal disease.
Periodontal Surgery
Recontouring or esthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue.
Periodontics
The treatment of diseases of the gum or bone (supporting structure).
Periodontist
A dental specialist treating the gums and supporting soft and hard tissues retaining natural teeth and the surgical placement of dental implants.
Periodontitis
Advanced gum disease, inflammation of the ligament that attaches the tooth to the bone.
Periradicular
The area which surrounds a portion of the root of the tooth.
Permanent First and Second Molars
The adult first and second molars, are the sixth and seventh teeth from the center of the mouth to the back of the mouth.
Permanent Molars
The adult first, second and third molars.
Permanent Dentition
See Permanent Teeth.
The thirty-two adult teeth in a complete dentition. Also known as the permanent dentition.
Pin Build-up
Pins and support material placed into the tooth structure under crowns or fillings for strength.
Pit
A small defect in the tooth enamel; junction of four formative lobes of a developing tooth.
Placebo
Inert medication or treatment that produces psychological benefit.
Plaque
A thin film on the the surface of teeth made up of material in saliva containing bacteria.
Policyholder
The individual or group to whom an insurance contract is issued.
Pontic
The false tooth on a fixed bridge, usually metal, porcelain, or a combination of the two.
Porcelain
Tooth colored ceramic material fired in a high temperature oven. Used to make crowns, bridges and veneers when esthetics is important.
Porcelain Crown
All porcelain restoration covering the coronal portion of tooth (above the gum line).
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crown
Restoration with metal coping (for strength) covered by porcelain (for appearance).
Porcelain Inlay or Onlay
Tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain, cemented or bonded in place.
Porcelain Veneers
A thin layer of porcelain, fabricated by a laboratory) bonded to a natural tooth to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth or change color and/or shape.
Post
A metal or carbon fiber support used to reinforce a tooh that has had a root canal therapy.
Post-core
Post and buildup to replace lost tooth structure and retain crown.
Post-crown
Single structure that combines post-core and crown.
Refers to teeth and tissues towards the back of the mouth (distal to the canines): maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars.
PPO
See Preferred Provider Organization.
Precision Attachment
An interlocking device integrated into a fixed or removable prosthesis to help keep the prosthesis in place.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
A network of dentists who have agreed to accept discounted fees for patients covered by a specific dental program.
Preventive Services
Dental procedures concerned with the prevention of dental diseases by protective and educational measures. May include exam, cleanings, x-rays and fluoride.
See Bicuspids.
Prognosis
The anticipated outcome of treatment.
Prophylaxis
Cleaning of the teeth for the prevention of periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Prophy Jet
Air polishing for stain removal.
Tooth cleaning and polishing in the absence of gum disease.
Prosthesis
An artificial appliance for the replacement for a body part.
Prosthetic
See Prosthodontics.
Branch of dentistry that deals with replacement of damaged or missing teeth.
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 who renders treatment to the patient.
Pulp
The soft tissue in the center of the tooth that holds the nerves and blood supply.
Pulp Cap
Medication placed over the exposed area of a live pulp (nerve) to promote healing of the pulp.
Pulp Chamber
The center or innermost portion of the tooth containing the pulp.
Pulpectomy/Pulpotomy
Removal of all or part of the nerve of the tooth.
Pulpitis
Inflammation of the pulp; common cause of toothache.
Pyorrhea
Older term for periodontal (gum) disease.
Q . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Quadrant
One of the four equal sections into which the dental arches can be divided; begins at the midline of the arch and extends back to the last tooth (right and left sides of both arches).
R . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Radiographs
X-ray films that help the dentist to detect beginning caries and gum disease that is not easily visible to the eye.
Ranula
A cyst that can develop under the tongue on the floor of the mouth.
Rebase
The process of refitting a denture by replacing the base material.
Receded Gums
A condition characterized by the abnormal loss of gum tissue due to infection or bone loss.
Referral
When a dental patient from one office is sent to another dentist, usually a specialist, for treatment or consultation.
Reimplantation
Insertion and temporary fixation of partially or completely avulsed tooth or teeth, resulting from traumatic injury.
Reline
New plastic bonded into the denture to reestablish the fit since the underlying bone and gum tissue shrink over time.
Resin Filling
Resorption
The breakdown and assimilation of the bone that supports the tooth, i.e. bone loss.
Restoration
Replacement of portion of a damaged tooth.
Removable Appliance
Removable orthodontic appliances used to effect simple tipping movements of one tooth or several.
Removable Partial Denture
See Partial Denture.
Retained Root
Partial root structure remaining in jaw after extraction or fracture of a natural tooth.
Retainer
A removable dental appliance, usually used in orthodontics, that maintains space between teeth or holds teeth in a fixed position until the bone solidifies around them.
Retrograde Filling
A method of sealing the root canal by filling it from the root apex.
Root
The part of the tooth below the gum line that anchors the tooth into the jawbone.
Root canal
Space in the root of tooth that contains pulp tissue.
Root Canal Filling
Reshaping and filling the nerve space in the root of the tooth after the death of the nerve.
Root Canal Therapy
Process of removing pulp of a tooth and filling it with an inert material.
Removal of calculus, reshaping and smoothing the surface of the root, the basic treatment for periodontitis.
Root Resection
Removal of a portion of diseased root structure, retaining the remaining natural tooth.
Rubber Dam
Soft latex sheet used to establish isolation of one or more teeth from contamination by oral fluids and to keep materials from falling to the back of the throat.
S . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Saliva
Clear lubricating fluid in the mouth containing water, enzymes, bacteria, mucus, viruses, blood cells and undigested food particles.
Saliva ejector
Suction tube placed in the mouth to remove saliva.
Salivary glands
Located under tongue and in cheeks, produce saliva.
Scaling
The removal of plaque, calculus and stain from teeth. See Root Planing.
Sealant
A clear application of acrylic placed over the biting surface of the tooth to prevent decay.
Secondary Dentin
Reparative tooth structure produced by the pulp in response to tooth irritation.
Secondary Plan
When a patient is insured by two plans, the plan that is billed second is the secondary plan.
Sedative Base
Medication placed on top of pulp to help restore vitality of tooth.
Sequstrum
Loosened spicule of bone pushed to the surface.
Sialodochoplasty
A surgical procedure for the repair of a defect and/or restoration of a portion of a salivary gland duct.
Sialolithotomy
A surgical procedure by which a stone within a salivary gland or its duct is removed.
Sinusitis
Infammation of the sinus that may mimic dental pain.
Six-year Molar
The first permanent tooth to erupt, usually between the ages of five and six.
Socket
The hole in the jawbone into which the tooth fits.
Space Maintainer
Dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth.
Specialists
Providers whose practices are limited to treating a specific disease.
Speech Therapy
Treatment to correct a speech impairment that resulted from birth or from disease, injury or prior medical treatment.
Splint
A device used to support, protect, or immobilize oral structures that have been loosened, replanted, fractured or traumatized. Also refers to devices used in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.
Stainless Steel Crown
A pre-made metal crown, shaped like a tooth, that is used to temporarily cover a seriously decayed or broken down tooth. Used most often on children's teeth.
Stayplate
Plastic plate with teeth and clasps (usually temporary).
Stomatitis
Inflammation of the membranes in the mouth.
Subgingival Curettage
Removal of calculus and diseased tissue from the root and the cuff of soft tissue around the root.
Sublingual Glands
Major salivary glands located in the mucosa on the floor of the mouth.
Submandibular Glands
Walnut-sized major salivary glands located beneath the tongue.
Supernumerary Tooth
Extra tooth.
Suppuration
Bacterial contamination of tissue exudate; pus.
Surgical Extraction
Extraction of a tooth that requires opening a gum tissue flap, removal of bone and placing sutures (stitches).
Suture
Stitch used to repair incision or wound.
T . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
A salivary deposit of calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and organic matter on natural or artificial teeth. See calculus.
Temporary Removable Denture
An interim prosthesis designed for use over limited period of time.
TMD Temporomandibular Disorders
Problems associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) which connects the lower jaw with the skull. Typically associated with pops and pain in the joint.
A missaligment of the joint connecting upper and lower jaw resulting in muscle and joint pain in the jaw area.
The last of the three molar teeth, also called wisdom teeth. There are four third molars, two in the lower jaw and two in the upper jaw, one on each side.
Third-Party Provider
Insurance company that pays all or a part of the cost of dental treatment.
Thrush
See Moniliasis.
Tooth Bud
Early embryonic structure that becomes a tooth.
Tooth Whitening
A chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth.
Topical Anesthetic
Ointment that produces mild anesthesia when applied to tissue surface.
Topical Fluoride
Liquid or gel placed on teeth to help prevent caries.
Torus
A bony elevation or protuberance of normal bone. Usually seen on the upper palate behind the front teeth or under the tongue inside the lower jaw.
Transplant
Placing a natural tooth in the empty socket of another tooth.
Trauma
Injury caused by external force, chemical, temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment.
Gum disease characterized by severe mouth sores and loss of tissue.
Trismus
Limited ability to open the mouth, usually due to inflammation.
U . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
UCR
Usual, Customary or Reasonable.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
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 and assumed its correct position in the dental arch.
Usual, Customary or Reasonable (UCR)
The amount reimbursed to providers based on the prevailing fees in a specific area.
V . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Veneer
Plastic or porcelain facing bonded directly to a tooth to improve its appearance. See Laminate.
Vertical Dimension
Arbitrary space between upper and lower jaws upon closure; may decrease over time due to wear, shifting or damage to the teeth.
Virgin Teeth
Teeth that have no decay or fillings.
W . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Wax-Up
A wax form that is a model of an object to be fabricated.
Whitening
A process which lightens the color of teeth.
Wisdom Teeth
The third molar, or eighth tooth from the center of mouth to the back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth are often impacted (obstructed from erupting) and have to be extracted. They usually erupt at age 18-25 (when "wisdom is attained"). See Third Molar.
X . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
X-ray
See Radiograph.
Xerostomia (pronounced Zerostomia)
Dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva.
Z . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Top
Zygomatic Bone
Quadrangular bone on either side of face that forms the cheek prominence.
Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided above are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, governmental, or other professional advice. We do not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service, health plan, or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in the website. Replies, comments, or information gathered on BarricksInsurance.com website may not be accurate but are intended to be helpful.
