Dental Glossary

Abscess

A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Dental abscesses can form at the tip of the tooth root (periapical) or in the gums (periodontal). Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and fever.

Adult Teeth

The second set of 32 teeth that replace baby teeth, also called adult teeth. Permanent teeth begin erupting around age 6 and should last a lifetime with proper care.

Annual Maximum

The maximum dollar amount your dental insurance will pay for covered services in a calendar year. Most plans have maximums between $1,000-$2,000. After reaching the maximum, you pay 100% of costs.

Also known as: yearly maximum, benefit maximum

Baby Teeth

The first set of 20 teeth that develop in children, also called primary teeth or deciduous teeth. Baby teeth usually begin appearing around 6 months and are gradually replaced by permanent teeth starting around age 6.

Also known as: primary teeth, deciduous teeth, milk teeth

Bad Bite

A misalignment of teeth or incorrect relation between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw closes. Types include overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Orthodontic treatment can correct malocclusion.

Benefit Maximum

The maximum dollar amount your dental insurance will pay for covered services in a calendar year. Most plans have maximums between $1,000-$2,000. After reaching the maximum, you pay 100% of costs.

Bleaching

A cosmetic procedure to lighten the color of teeth and remove stains. Professional whitening uses stronger bleaching agents than over-the-counter products for faster, more dramatic results.

Braces

Orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires, but ceramic (clear) and lingual (behind-teeth) options are also available.

Also known as: dental braces, orthodontic braces

Bridge

A dental prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap, with false teeth (pontics) attached between them.

Also known as: dental bridge, fixed partial denture

Calculus

Also called calculus, tartar is hardened plaque that has been left on the teeth for an extended period. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires professional cleaning.

Cap

A tooth-shaped "cap" placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns fully encase the visible portion of a tooth above the gum line.

Caries

A cavity, also called tooth decay or dental caries, is a permanently damaged area on the hard surface of your teeth that develops into tiny holes. Cavities are caused by bacteria, frequent snacking, sugary drinks, and inadequate cleaning.

Cavity

A cavity, also called tooth decay or dental caries, is a permanently damaged area on the hard surface of your teeth that develops into tiny holes. Cavities are caused by bacteria, frequent snacking, sugary drinks, and inadequate cleaning.

Also known as: tooth decay, dental caries, caries

Clear Aligners

Clear, removable aligners used to straighten teeth. Clear aligners use a series of custom-made trays that gradually shift teeth into place, offering a nearly invisible alternative to traditional braces.

Coinsurance

The percentage of dental costs you pay after meeting your deductible. For example, if your plan has 20% coinsurance for fillings, you pay 20% and insurance pays 80% of the covered amount.

Crooked Teeth

A misalignment of teeth or incorrect relation between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw closes. Types include overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Orthodontic treatment can correct malocclusion.

Crown

A tooth-shaped "cap" placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns fully encase the visible portion of a tooth above the gum line.

Also known as: dental crown, cap

Deciduous Teeth

The first set of 20 teeth that develop in children, also called primary teeth or deciduous teeth. Baby teeth usually begin appearing around 6 months and are gradually replaced by permanent teeth starting around age 6.

Deductible

The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for dental care before your insurance starts paying. Deductibles are typically annual and range from $50-$150 for individuals.

Deep Cleaning

A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line (scaling) and smooths the tooth root (planing) to help gums reattach to teeth. Used to treat gum disease.

Dental Bonding

A procedure where tooth-colored composite resin is applied to repair decayed, chipped, fractured, or discolored teeth. Bonding is also used to close gaps and change tooth shape.

Dental Braces

Orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires, but ceramic (clear) and lingual (behind-teeth) options are also available.

Dental Bridge

A dental prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap, with false teeth (pontics) attached between them.

Dental Calculus

Also called calculus, tartar is hardened plaque that has been left on the teeth for an extended period. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires professional cleaning.

Dental Caries

A cavity, also called tooth decay or dental caries, is a permanently damaged area on the hard surface of your teeth that develops into tiny holes. Cavities are caused by bacteria, frequent snacking, sugary drinks, and inadequate cleaning.

Dental Crown

A tooth-shaped "cap" placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns fully encase the visible portion of a tooth above the gum line.

Dental Implant

A titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. After healing, a crown is attached to the implant, creating a permanent replacement that looks and functions like a natural tooth.

Dental Radiograph

Images of your teeth, bones, and soft tissues used to find problems not visible during a visual exam. X-rays can reveal cavities between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, and abscesses.

Dental Sealant

A thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) to prevent cavities. Sealants fill in the grooves where food and bacteria collect, reducing cavity risk by up to 80%.

Dental Veneer

A thin shell of tooth-colored material (usually porcelain) bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. Veneers can fix discoloration, chips, gaps, and misshapen teeth.

Dental X-Ray

Images of your teeth, bones, and soft tissues used to find problems not visible during a visual exam. X-rays can reveal cavities between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, and abscesses.

Also known as: radiograph, dental radiograph

Dentin

The layer of tooth beneath the enamel. Dentin is softer than enamel and contains microscopic tubes. When enamel is damaged, these tubes allow heat, cold, and acidic foods to stimulate the nerves inside the tooth, causing sensitivity.

Enamel

The hard, outer layer of your teeth. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but it can be damaged by acids from food and bacteria. Once enamel is lost, it cannot regenerate.

Endodontic Treatment

A treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. During a root canal, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Despite its reputation, modern root canals are virtually painless.

Extraction

The removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. Extractions may be necessary due to severe decay, infection, crowding, or damage. Simple extractions are done on visible teeth; surgical extractions are for impacted teeth.

Filling

A dental restoration used to repair a cavity or damaged tooth. The decayed or damaged portion is removed and filled with materials like composite resin (tooth-colored), amalgam (silver), gold, or porcelain.

Fixed Partial Denture

A dental prosthetic used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap, with false teeth (pontics) attached between them.

Fluoride

A natural mineral that helps prevent cavities and can reverse early stages of tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.

Gingivitis

A common, mild form of gum disease that causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and is reversible with proper brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning.

Gum Disease

A serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone supporting your teeth. If untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. It is caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar.

Impacted Tooth

A tooth that fails to fully emerge through the gum. Impaction is most common with wisdom teeth and can cause pain, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth. Treatment usually involves extraction.

Malocclusion

A misalignment of teeth or incorrect relation between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw closes. Types include overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Orthodontic treatment can correct malocclusion.

Also known as: bad bite, crooked teeth

Milk Teeth

The first set of 20 teeth that develop in children, also called primary teeth or deciduous teeth. Baby teeth usually begin appearing around 6 months and are gradually replaced by permanent teeth starting around age 6.

Orthodontic Braces

Orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires, but ceramic (clear) and lingual (behind-teeth) options are also available.

Overbite

A type of malocclusion where the upper front teeth overlap significantly over the lower front teeth. A slight overbite is normal, but a deep overbite can cause problems and may need orthodontic treatment.

Periodontal Disease

A serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone supporting your teeth. If untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. It is caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar.

Periodontal Scaling

A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line (scaling) and smooths the tooth root (planing) to help gums reattach to teeth. Used to treat gum disease.

Periodontitis

A serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone supporting your teeth. If untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. It is caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar.

Also known as: gum disease, periodontal disease

Permanent Teeth

The second set of 32 teeth that replace baby teeth, also called adult teeth. Permanent teeth begin erupting around age 6 and should last a lifetime with proper care.

Also known as: adult teeth, secondary teeth

Plaque

A sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. When you eat or drink, bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Regular brushing and flossing removes plaque before it can cause damage.

Porcelain Veneer

A thin shell of tooth-colored material (usually porcelain) bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. Veneers can fix discoloration, chips, gaps, and misshapen teeth.

Premium

The amount you pay for your dental insurance coverage, typically monthly or yearly. Premiums are paid regardless of whether you use dental services.

Primary Teeth

The first set of 20 teeth that develop in children, also called primary teeth or deciduous teeth. Baby teeth usually begin appearing around 6 months and are gradually replaced by permanent teeth starting around age 6.

Pulp

The soft tissue inside your tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp helps grow the root of your tooth during development. If the pulp becomes infected, a root canal may be necessary.

Radiograph

Images of your teeth, bones, and soft tissues used to find problems not visible during a visual exam. X-rays can reveal cavities between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, and abscesses.

Retainer

A custom-made device worn after braces or Invisalign treatment to keep teeth in their new position. Retainers can be removable or permanently bonded behind the teeth.

Root Canal

A treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. During a root canal, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Despite its reputation, modern root canals are virtually painless.

Also known as: endodontic treatment, root canal therapy

Root Canal Therapy

A treatment to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth. During a root canal, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Despite its reputation, modern root canals are virtually painless.

Scaling and Root Planing

A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line (scaling) and smooths the tooth root (planing) to help gums reattach to teeth. Used to treat gum disease.

Also known as: deep cleaning, periodontal scaling

Secondary Teeth

The second set of 32 teeth that replace baby teeth, also called adult teeth. Permanent teeth begin erupting around age 6 and should last a lifetime with proper care.

Space Maintainer

A dental appliance used to hold space for a permanent tooth when a baby tooth is lost prematurely. Space maintainers prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space.

Tartar

Also called calculus, tartar is hardened plaque that has been left on the teeth for an extended period. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires professional cleaning.

Also known as: calculus, dental calculus

Teeth Whitening

A cosmetic procedure to lighten the color of teeth and remove stains. Professional whitening uses stronger bleaching agents than over-the-counter products for faster, more dramatic results.

Also known as: bleaching, tooth whitening

Third Molars

The third set of molars that typically emerge between ages 17-25. Many people need wisdom teeth removed due to impaction, crowding, or infection. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth.

Tooth Decay

A cavity, also called tooth decay or dental caries, is a permanently damaged area on the hard surface of your teeth that develops into tiny holes. Cavities are caused by bacteria, frequent snacking, sugary drinks, and inadequate cleaning.

Tooth Whitening

A cosmetic procedure to lighten the color of teeth and remove stains. Professional whitening uses stronger bleaching agents than over-the-counter products for faster, more dramatic results.

Underbite

A type of malocclusion where the lower teeth extend past the upper front teeth. Underbites can affect chewing and speech and are typically treated with braces or surgery in severe cases.

Veneer

A thin shell of tooth-colored material (usually porcelain) bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. Veneers can fix discoloration, chips, gaps, and misshapen teeth.

Also known as: dental veneer, porcelain veneer

Waiting Period

The time you must wait after enrolling in a dental plan before certain services are covered. Preventive care often has no waiting period, while major procedures may require 6-12 months.

Wisdom Teeth

The third set of molars that typically emerge between ages 17-25. Many people need wisdom teeth removed due to impaction, crowding, or infection. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth.

Also known as: third molars

Yearly Maximum

The maximum dollar amount your dental insurance will pay for covered services in a calendar year. Most plans have maximums between $1,000-$2,000. After reaching the maximum, you pay 100% of costs.