When it comes to dental treatments, it might sometimes sound like your dental benefit plan is speaking a different language. If your dentist mentions these terms, you can ask questions, but your dental plan documents may not give you the answers you need immediately. That’s why we created this guide to terms frequently used in dental benefit plans and the more common terms most non-dentists use when talking about them. Want to learn more about a particular topic? Click the link for more information.
Dental Term:
Amalgam Restoration
Commonly Known As:
Silver Filling
Dental Term:
Bruxism
Commonly Known As:
Tooth Grinding
Dental Term:
Composite Restoration
Commonly Known As:
Tooth Colored Filling
Dental Term:
Crown
Commonly Known As:
Cap
Dental Term:
Endodontics
Commonly Known As:
Root Canals
Dental Term:
Extraction
Commonly Known As:
Tooth Removal
Dental Term:
Gingivitis
Commonly Known As:
Early Gum Disease
Dental Term:
Gingivoplasty / Gingivectomy
Commonly Known As:
Gum Surgery
Dental Term:
Impacted Tooth
Commonly Known As:
Tooth Buried in Bone
Dental Term:
Maxillofacial Surgeon
Commonly Known As:
Oral Surgeon
Dental Term:
Orthodontics
Commonly Known As:
Braces
Dental Term:
Osseous Surgery
Commonly Known As:
Bone Surgery
Dental Term:
Partial Denture
Commonly Known As:
Removable Bridge
Dental Term:
Periodontitis
Commonly Known As:
Advanced Gum Disease
Dental Term:
Prophylaxis
Commonly Known As:
Teeth Cleaning
Dental Term:
Radiographs
Commonly Known As:
X-Rays
Dental Term:
Restorations
Commonly Known As:
Fillings
Dental Term:
Scaling and Root Planing
Commonly Known As:
Deep Cleaning
Dental Term:
Sealants
Commonly Known As:
Plastic Coating on Teeth