Longmeadow Family Dental Care Longmeadow Family Dental Care

Glossary

Our glossary features any dental term you need to know, from A to Z. Still confused about something? Give us a call — we’re happy to help.

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  • With reference to endodontics, refers to the sealing of the canal(s) of tooth roots during root canal therapy procedure with an appropriately prescribed material such as gutta percha in combination with a suitable luting agent.
  • A disc or plate which closes an opening; a prosthesis that closes an opening in the palate.
  • Pertaining to the biting surfaces of the premolar and molar teeth or contacting surfaces of opposing teeth or opposing occlusion rims.
  • An intraoral radiograph made with the film, phosphorous plate, emulsion or digital sensor being held between the occluded teeth.
  • A surface of a posterior tooth or occlusion rim that is intended to make contact with an opposing occlusal surface. (The Journal of Prosthodontic Dentistry; The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms; July 2005, page 57)
  • Any contact between biting or chewing surfaces of maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth.
  • Refers to tooth-forming tissues.
  • Adjustment of tooth length, size, and/or shape; includes removal of enamel projections.
  • A dental restoration made outside the oral cavity that covers one or more cusp tips and adjoining occlusal surfaces, but not the entire external surface. It is retained by luting cement. (American College of Prosthodontics; The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms)
  • The annual period in which employees can select from a choice of benefit programs
  • This type of dental benefits plan allows covered patients to receive care from any dentist and allows any dentist to participate. Any dentist may accept or refuse to treat patients enrolled in the plan. Open panel plans often are described as freedom of choice plans.
  • Re-approximation of fractured bony segments accomplished through cutting the adjacent soft tissues and bone to allow direct access.
  • Removal of the operculum.
  • The flap of tissue over an unerupted or partially erupted tooth.
  • Pertaining to the mouth.
  • A dental specialist whose practice is concerned with recognition, diagnosis, investigation and management of diseases of the oral cavity, jaws, and adjacent structures.
  • Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of pathology that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of(...)
  • A dental specialist whose practice is concerned with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region.
  • Oral and maxillofacial radiology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of radiology concerned with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of(...)
  • A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, deformities, defects and esthetic aspects of the oral and maxillofacial regions.