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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  • The passage which transmits vessels and nerves through the jaw to branches that distributes them to the teeth.
  • Fixed partial denture featuring conservative retainers which are resin bonded to abutments.
  • The upper jaw
  • The reimbursement level determined by the administrator of a dental benefit plan for a specific dental procedure. This may vary widely by geographic region or by benefit plans within a region.
  • A federal assistance program established as Title XIX under the Social Security Act of 1965 which provides payment for medical care for certain low income individuals and families. The program is funded jointly by the state and federal governments and administered by states.
  • The reasonable and appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care (including supplies, appliances and devices) as determined and prescribed by qualified, appropriate health care providers in treating any condition, illness, disease, injury, or birth developmental malformations. Care is(...)
  • Substance or combination of substances intended to be pharmacologically active, specially prepared to be prescribed, dispensed or administered by authorized personnel to prevent or treat diseases in humans or animals.
  • Pharmacological substance especially prepared to be applied on tissues of the oral cavity.
  • A federal insurance program enacted in 1965 as Title XVIII of the Social Security Act that provides certain inpatient hospital services and physician services for all persons age 65 and older and eligible disabled individuals. The program is administered by the Centers for Medicare and(...)
  • An individual enrolled in a dental benefit program. See beneficiary.
  • Nearer the middle line of the body or the surface of a tooth nearer the center of the dental arch.
  • (source: ADA Council on Scientific Affairs).The noble metal classification system has been adopted as a more precise method of reporting various alloys used in dentistry. The alloys are defined on the basis of the percentage of metal content and listed in order of biocompatibility.
  • Mechanical removal of a small amount of tooth structure to eliminate superficial enamel discoloration defects.
  • A minute living organism, such as a bacterium, fungus, yeast, virus or rickettsia.
  • a minimally depressed level of consciousness, produced by a pharmacological method, that retains the patient's ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond normally to tactile stimulation and verbal command. Although cognitive function and coordination may be(...)
  • a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is(...)
  • Teeth posterior to the premolars (bicuspids) on either side of the jaw; grinding teeth, having large crowns and broad chewing surfaces.
  • A positive reproduction of a body part formed on a cast from a negative impression.
  • Individually molded device designed primarily to be worn for the purpose of helping prevent injury to the teeth and their surrounding tissues. Sometimes called a mouth protector.
  • Lining of the oral cavity as well as other canals and cavities of the body; also called "mucosa."