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.
- 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
- Intentional ReimplantationThe intentional removal, radicular repair and replacement of a tooth into its alveolus.
- Interim ProsthesisA provisional prosthesis designed for use over a limited period of time, after which it is to be replaced by a more definitive restoration.
- International Classification Of Diseases (ICD)Diagnostic codes designed for the classification of morbidity and mortality information for statistical purposes for the indexing of hospital records by disease and operations and for data storage and retrieval.
- InterproximalBetween the adjoining surfaces of adjacent teeth in the same arch.
- Intracoronal Referring to "within" the crown of a tooth.
- IntraoralInside the mouth.