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.
- Fee ScheduleA list of the charges established or agreed to by a dentist for specific dental services.
- Filling A lay term used for the restoring of lost tooth structure by using materials such as metal, alloy, plastic or porcelain.
- Fixed Partial DentureA prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth cemented or otherwise attached to the abutment teeth or implant replacements.
- Fixed ProsthesisNon-removable dental prosthesis which is solidly attached to abutment teeth, roots or implants.
- Fixed-Removable ProsthesisCombined prosthesis, one or more parts of which are fixed, and the other(s) attached by devices which allow their detachment, removal and reinsertion by the dentist only.
- Flexible BenefitsA benefit program in which an employee has a choice of credits or dollars for distribution among various benefit options, e.g., health and disability insurance, dental benefits, childcare, or pension benefits. See cafeteria plans; flexible spending account.
- Flexible Spending AccountEmployee reimbursement account primarily funded with employee designated salary reductions. Funds are reimbursed to the employee for health care (medical and/or dental), dependent care, and/or legal expenses, and are considered a nontaxable benefit.
- ForamenNatural opening into or through bone.
- FractureThe breaking of a part, especially of a bony structure; breaking of a tooth.
- Franchise DentistryRefers to a system for marketing a dental practice, usually under a trade name, where permitted by state laws. In return for a financial investment or other consideration, participating dentists may also receive the benefits of media advertising, a national referral system, and financial and(...)
- Freedom Of ChoiceThe concept that a patient has the right to choose any licensed dentist to deliver his or her oral health care without any type of coercion.
- FrenumMuscle fibers covered by a mucous membrane that attaches the cheek, lips and or tongue to associated dental mucosa.
- Full FeeThe fee for a service that is set by the dentist, which reflects the costs of providing the procedure and the value of the dentist's professional judgment. A contractual relationship does not change a dentist's full fee. It is always appropriate to report the full fee for each service reported(...)
- FurcationThe anatomic area of a multirooted tooth where the roots diverge.
- Gate Keeper System A managed care concept used by some alternative benefit plans, in which enrollees select a primary care dentist, usually a general practitioner or pediatric dentist, who is responsible for providing non-specialty care and managing referrals, as appropriate, for specialty and ancillary care.
- General Anesthesiaa drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function is often impaired. Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and positive pressure ventilation may be(...)
- Genetic Test Laboratory technique used to determine if a person has a genetic condition or disease or is likely to get the disease.
- GingivaSoft tissues overlying the crowns of unerupted teeth and encircling the necks of those that have erupted.
- GingivectomyThe excision or removal of gingiva.
- GingivitisInflammation of gingival tissue without loss of connective tissue.