Glossary of Terms

Diagnostic: Evaluation of a patient’s dental needs based on observation, examination, x-rays and other tests.  The diagnosis is then linked to treatment plan for the patient.

Preventive Services: This category includes dental cleanings; oral hygiene instructions to promote good home care and prevent dental disease; fluoride application to strengthen teeth; sealants to prevent tooth decay; and space maintainers to prevent tooth movement.

Restorative Treatment: These procedures restore teeth to normal form and function and are usually comprised of materials that are metal (dental amalgam) as well as white - tooth colored materials (composites).

Crowns: Restorations of the teeth that usually cover the remaining tooth structure to strengthen the tooth and replace lost tooth structure.  Crowns are made in a variety of materials including metals, porcelain, and porcelain with metal.  

Endodontics:  These procedures treat the diseased "inside" of the tooth, or nerve and eliminate any infection, which may be present.  Following endodontic (root canal) treatment, a crown is usually needed to strengthen the weakened tooth.

Periodontics:  Procedures related to treatment of the supporting structures of the teeth (gums, underlying bone) including scaling beneath the gum and sometimes surgery to allow for a healthy environment to retain the teeth.

Prosthetics:  Procedures related to the replacement of teeth with removable appliances like dentures or partial dentures.

Bridges: The replacement of missing teeth with attached or fixed replacements including the crowns on either side of the space.

Oral Surgery: Surgery to remove teeth, reshape portions of the bone in the mouth, or biopsy suspect areas of the mouth.