TRICARE DENTAL PROGRAM - UNITED CONCORDIA - DENTAL HEALTH - GLOSSARY OF DENTAL TERMS - O

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Glossary of Dental Terms

A-N O P Q-R S T-U-V W-X-Y-Z

Simply click on the letter above to get the definition of dental terms.

O

Occlusion	Closure; relationship of the upper and lower teeth upon closure

Onlay	A gold or porcelain inlay extended to cover the cusps for protection of the tooth

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon	A specialist who deals with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and deformities of the mouth and supporting structures

Oral Cavity	The mouth

Oral Hygiene	Process of maintaining cleanliness of the teeth and related structures

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery	Surgical procedures on the mouth including extractions, removal of cysts or tumors, and repair of fractured jaws

Oral Pathologist	Dentist specializing in the study of oral diseases

Oral Sedation	Any substance taken orally (i.e., a pill or liquid) to reduce anxiety and relax the patient

Oral Surgery	Surgery of the mouth

Orthodontics	Dental specialty that treats misalignment of teeth. Treatment usually consists of braces or a retainer (click here to view a glossary of orthodontic terms and procedures)

Overbite	Vertical overlap of the front teeth

Over Denture	Denture that fits over residual roots or dental implants

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P

Palate	The general term that refers to the roof of the mouth

Palliative Treatment	Non invasive relief of irritating conditions

Panorex	A single full mouth x-ray

Partial Denture	A removable appliance (prosthesis) that replaces some of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw

Pathology	Study of disease

Periapical (PA)	Region at the end of the roots of teeth

Pediatric Dentistry	Dental specialty focusing on treatment of children's teeth

Periodontal Disease	The general term for the inflammation or disease affecting the gums

Periodontal Surgery	Recontouring or esthetic management of diseased gum and supporting tissue

Periodontics	The treatment of diseases of the gum or bone (supporting structure)

Periodontist	A dentist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease

Periodontal Chart	Record measuring the depth of gum pockets around the teeth

Permanent Teeth	(Usually) thirty-two adult teeth in a complete dentition

Pit	A small defect in the tooth enamel

Plaque	A sticky substance that forms on the surface of the teeth and harbors bacteria growth and acid formation beneath its surface, causing tooth decay. Plaque buildup can irritate the gums and cause periodontal disease

Pontic	Replacement tooth mounted on a fixed or removal appliance

Porcelain Crown	All porcelain restoration covering the portion of tooth above the gum line

Porcelain Fused to Metal PRM) Crown	Restoration with metal coping (for strength) covered by porcelain (for appearance)

Porcelain Inlay or Onlay	Tooth-colored restoration made of porcelain, cemented or bonded in place

Porcelain Veneers	A thin layer of porcelain bonded to a natural tooth to replace lost tooth structure, close spaces, straighten teeth or change color and/or shape

Post	Thin metal rod inserted into the root of a tooth after root canal therapy; provided retention for a "coping" that replaces lost tooth structure and retains crown

PPO or PDO	Preferred provider (dental) organization which a health care (dental) provider may join, offering fee-for-service treatment at reduced fees

Preventive Services	Dental procedures concerned with the prevention of dental diseases by protective and educational measures. May include exam, cleanings, x-rays and fluoride
Prophylaxis	The professional cleaning and removal of plaque, stains, and calculus on the teeth

Prophy Jet	Air polishing for stain removal

Prosthodontics	The restoration of natural teeth and replacement of missing or lost teeth. Common procedures are crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants

Prosthodontist	A dentist that specializes in the restoration of natural teeth and replacement of teeth. Expertise includes, but is not limited to: crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, TMD-jaw joint problems, and oral cancer reconstruction

Pulp	The nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue inside a tooth. (See Illustration)

Pulp Chamber	The opening in the center of the crown of a tooth which contains the pulp (nerve tissue) and stretches to the tip of the root

Pulpectomy	Complete removal of the pulp (commonly done in children's teeth)

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Q-R

Quadrant	One fourth of the mouth or half of the bottom or top section of the mouth

Reimplantation	Insertion and temporary fixation of partially or completely dislodged tooth or teeth, resulting from traumatic injury

Reline	Acrylic restoration of denture base

Restoration	Replacement of portion of a damaged tooth

Retained Root	Partial root structure remaining in jaw after extraction or fracture of a natural tooth

Retainer	An appliance for maintaining the positions of the teeth and jaws immediately after the completion of orthodontic treatment

Root	Tooth structure that connects the tooth to the jaw

Root Canal	A procedure used to save an abscessed tooth in which the pulp chamber if cleaned out, disinfected, and filled with a permanent filling

Root Planing	Deep cleaning of the teeth to remove hardened plaque below the gumline. This periodontal procedure is usually performed one quadrant at a time

Root Resection	Removal of a portion of diseased root structure, retaining the remaining natural tooth

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S

Saliva	Clear lubricating fluid in the mouth

Saliva Ejector	Suction tube placed in the mouth to remove saliva

Salivary Glands	Located under tongue and in cheeks that produce saliva

Scaling	A treatment for gum disease involving removal of hardened plaque (tartar or calculus) from teeth

Sealant	Plastic coating applied to grooves of the teeth to prevent decay

Space Maintainer	Dental device that holds the space lost through premature loss of baby teeth

Splint	Connection of two or more teeth so they function as a stronger single structure

Supernumary Tooth	Extra tooth

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T-U-V

Tartar	Calcified plaque that forms from mineral salts in the saliva and deposits on the teeth

TMD Temporomandibular Disorders	Problems associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) which connects the lower jaw with the skull. Typically associated with pops and pain in the joint

Third-Party Provider	Insurance company that pays all or a part of the cost of dental treatment

Tooth Whitening	A chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth

UCR	Usual, customary and reasonable fees

Ultrasonic Cleaning	Cleaning that uses high frequency sound waves to gently remove deposits, such as tartar and stain, from the teeth

Unerupted Tooth	A tooth that has not pushed through the gum

Veneers	Plastic or porcelain facing which is bonded directly to a tooth to improve its a ppearance, producing a very natural appearance

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W-X-Y-Z

Whitening	A process which lightens the color of teeth

Wisdom Teeth	The third set of molars, the last teeth to come in, usually erupt at age 18-25

Xerostomia	Dry mouth or decrease in the production of saliva

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