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.
- RadicularPertaining to the root.
- RadiographAn image or picture produced on a radiation sensitive film, phosphorous plate, emulsion or digital sensor by exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Radiographics/Surgical Implant IndexAn appliance, designed to relate osteotomy or fixture position to existing anatomic structures.
- RebaseProcess of refitting a denture by replacing the base material.
- RecalcificationProcedure used to encourage biologic root repair of external and internal resorption defects. See apexification.
- ReimbursementPayment made by a third party to a beneficiary or to a dentist on behalf of the beneficiary, to offset expenses incurred for a service covered by the dental benefit plan.
- Reimplantation, ToothThe return of a tooth to its alveolus.
- ReinsuranceInsurance for third-party payers to spread their risk for losses (claims paid) over a specified dollar amount.
- Relative Value SystemCoded listing of professional services with unit values to indicate relative complexity as measured by time, skill, and overhead costs. Third-party payers typically assign a dollar value per unit to calculate provider reimbursement.
- Reline Process of resurfacing the tissue side of a removable prosthesis with new base material.
- Removable Partial DentureA removable partial denture is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth that can be removed by the patient.
- Removable ProsthesisComplete or partial prosthesis, which after an initial fitting by a dentist, can be removed and reinserted by the patient.
- Residual RootRemaining root structure following the loss of the major portion (over 75%) of the crown.
- Resin, Acrylic Resinous material of the various esters of acrylic acid, used as a denture base material, for trays or for other restorations.
- Resin InfiltrationApplication of a resin material engineered to penetrate and fill the sub-surface pore system of an incipient caries lesion to strengthen, stabilize, and limit the lesion's progression, as well as mask visible white spots.
- Retail Store DentistryRefers to dental services offered within a retail, department or drug store operation. Typically, space is leased from the store by a separate administrative group that, in turn, subleases to a dentist or dental group providing the actual dental services. The dental operation generally(...)
- Retrograde FillingA method of sealing the root canal by preparing and filling it from the root apex.
- Retrospective ReviewA post-treatment assessment of services on a case-by-case or aggregate basis after the services have been performed.
- RevisionThe act of revising; second or more surgical procedure for correction of a condition.
- Risk PoolA portion of provider fees or capitation payments withheld as financial reserves to cover unanticipated utilization of services in an alternative benefit plan.