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.

- Imaging, Diagnostic This would include, but is not limited to, CAT scans, MRIs, photographs, radiographs, etc.
- Immediate DentureProsthesis constructed for placement immediately after removal of remaining natural teeth.
- Impacted Tooth An unerupted or partially erupted tooth that is positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue so that complete eruption is unlikely.
- ImplantMaterial inserted or grafted into tissue.
- Implantation, ToothPlacement of an artificial or natural tooth into an alveolus.
- Inappropriate Fee Discounting PracticesIntentionally engaging in practices which would force a dentist, who does not have a participating provider agreement, to accept discounted fees or be bound by the terms and conditions set forth in the participating provider contract. Some examples of inappropriate fee discounting practices(...)
- Incentive ProgramA dental benefit program that pays an increasing share of the treatment cost, provided that the covered individual utilizes the benefits of the program during each incentive period (usually a year) and receives the treatment prescribed. For example, a 70%-30% copayment program in the first(...)
- IncisalPertaining to the biting edges of the incisor and cuspid teeth.
- Incisal AngleOne of the angles formed by the junction of the incisal and the mesial or distal surfaces of an anterior tooth called the mesioincisal and distoincisal angle respectfully.
- Incision And DrainageThe procedure of incising a fluctuant mucosal lesion to allow for the release of fluid from the lesion.
- IncisorA tooth for cutting or gnawing located in the front of the mouth in both jaws.
- Indemnity Plan A non-network dental plan that reimburses the member or dentist at a certain percentage of charges for services rendered, often after a deductible has been satisfied. Indemnity plans typically place no restrictions on which dentist a member may visit. Indemnity plans are also referred to as(...)
- IndigentThose individuals whose income falls below the poverty line as defined by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
- Indirect Pulp CapProcedure in which the nearly exposed pulp is covered with a protective dressing to protect the pulp from additional injury and to promote healing and repair via formation of secondary dentin.
- Indirect RestorationA restoration fabricated outside the mouth.
- Individual Practice Association (IPA)A legal entity organized and governed by individual participating dentists for the primary purpose of collectively entering into contracts to provide dental services to enrolled populations.
- Inhalationa technique of administration in which a gaseous or volatile agent is introduced into the lungs and whose primary effect is due to absorption through the gas/blood interface.
- InlayAn intracoronal dental restoration, made outside the oral cavity to conform to the prepared cavity, which restores some of the occlusal surface of a tooth, but does not restore any cusp tips. It is retained by luting cement. (American College of Prosthodontics; The Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms)
- InsuredPerson covered by the program. See beneficiary.
- Insurer The party in an insurance contract that promises to pay a benefit if a specified loss occurs. Usually an insurance company