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.
- Evidence-Based DentistryAn approach to oral health care that requires the judicious integration of systematic assessments of clinically relevant scientific data relating to the patient's oral and medical condition and history, with the dentist's clinical expertise and the patient's treatment needs and preferences.
- EvulsionSeparation of the tooth from its socket due to trauma. See avulsion.
- ExcisionSurgical removal of bone or tissue.
- ExclusionsDental services not covered under a dental benefit program.
- Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)A type of preferred provider organization under which employees must use providers from the specified network of dentists to receive coverage there is no coverage for care received from a non-network provider except in an emergency situation.
- ExfoliativeRefers to a thin layer of epidermis shed from the surface.
- ExotosisOvergrowth of bone. See torus.
- Expiration DateIn dentistry, the date on which the dental benefit contract expires; the date an individual ceases to be eligible for benefits.
- Explanation Of BenefitsA written description of the service provided that is prepared when the term "by report" is included in a procedure code nomenclature; may be requested by a third-party payer to provide additional information for claims processing.
- Extended Care FacilityA facility such as a nursing home which is licensed to provide 24-hour nursing care service in accordance with state and local laws. Several levels of care may be provided—skilled, intermediate, custodial, or any combination.
- Extensions Of BenefitsExtension of eligibility for benefits for covered services, usually designed to ensure completion of treatment commenced prior to the expiration date. Duration is generally expressed in terms of days.
- ExtracoronalOutside the crown of a tooth.
- ExtractionThe process or act of removing a tooth or tooth parts.
- ExtraoralOutside the oral cavity.
- ExudateA material usually resulting from inflammation or necrosis that contains fluid, cells, and/or other debris.
- Facial The surface of a tooth directed toward . the cheeks or lips (i.e., the buccal and labial surfaces) and opposite the lingual surface.
- Family DeductibleA deductible that is satisfied by combined expenses of all covered family members. For example, a program with $25 deductible may limit its application to a maximum of three deductibles, or $75 for the family, regardless of the number of family members. See deductible.
- FascialRelated to a sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating or binding together muscles, organs and other soft tissue structures of the body.
- FeeThe monetary value ascribed to a procedure delivered by a dentist to a patient. There are various terms that include the word or concept of a fee that are defined as follows.
- Fee-For-ServiceA method of reimbursement by which the dentist establishes and expects to receive his or her full fee for the specific service(s) performed.