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 dental calculus, tartar is hardened plaque that forms when minerals from saliva combine with bacterial deposits left on the teeth. Tartar typically develops within 48 to 72 hours if plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing. It commonly builds up along the gumline and between teeth, creating a rough surface that attracts even more plaque. Unlike soft plaque, tartar bonds tightly to tooth enamel and can only be removed during a professional teeth cleaning using specialized instruments called scalers. Left untreated, tartar buildup leads to gum irritation, gingivitis, and eventually periodontal disease.

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 dental calculus, tartar is hardened plaque that forms when minerals from saliva combine with bacterial deposits left on the teeth. Tartar typically develops within 48 to 72 hours if plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing. It commonly builds up along the gumline and between teeth, creating a rough surface that attracts even more plaque. Unlike soft plaque, tartar bonds tightly to tooth enamel and can only be removed during a professional teeth cleaning using specialized instruments called scalers. Left untreated, tartar buildup leads to gum irritation, gingivitis, and eventually periodontal disease.

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

Dentin is the calcified layer of tooth structure that lies beneath the enamel on the crown and beneath the cementum on the root, forming the bulk of each tooth. It is made up of thousands of microscopic channels called dentinal tubules that connect to the nerve-rich pulp at the center of the tooth. Because dentin is more porous and softer than enamel, it wears more easily once the outer enamel is thinned or damaged. Exposed dentin is the primary cause of tooth sensitivity — when the tubules are open to the surface, hot, cold, sweet, or acidic stimuli travel directly to the pulp nerve. Dentin is naturally yellowish in color, which is why it shows through thinning enamel and affects the overall shade of the tooth even after whitening treatments. Protecting your enamel through good oral hygiene and avoiding acidic foods is the best defense against dentin exposure and 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

Periodontitis, also called periodontal disease, is a serious bacterial infection of the gums and the structures that support the teeth. It begins when plaque and tartar accumulate below the gumline, triggering chronic inflammation that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and form infected pockets. As the disease advances, it destroys the bone and connective tissue anchoring your teeth, causing them to loosen and eventually fall out. Common symptoms include red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and tooth sensitivity. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, dry mouth, and poor oral hygiene. Treatment ranges from a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the infection.

Impacted Tooth

An impacted tooth is one that cannot fully erupt into its normal position because it is blocked by surrounding teeth, bone, or gum tissue. Impaction is most common with wisdom teeth (third molars) but can also affect canines and other teeth. Depending on the angle and depth, impacted teeth are classified as partially impacted (partially visible above the gum) or fully impacted (completely beneath the gum and bone). Symptoms include jaw pain, swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, bad breath, and sometimes no symptoms at all — the impaction is discovered only on X-ray. Left untreated, impacted teeth can cause cysts, infection, decay in adjacent teeth, and crowding. Treatment typically involves surgical extraction performed under local anesthesia or sedation, with a recovery period of several days to a week.

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

An overbite, sometimes called a deep bite, is a type of malocclusion where the upper front teeth vertically overlap the lower front teeth more than normal. A small amount of overlap of 2 to 3 millimeters is considered healthy, but a significant overbite can cause the upper teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth or the lower teeth to wear against the back of the upper teeth. Deep overbites are associated with jaw pain, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, accelerated enamel wear, and in some cases speech difficulties. Overbites can be caused by genetics, thumb-sucking or pacifier use in early childhood, or the early loss of back teeth. Treatment options include braces, clear aligners, or in severe skeletal cases, corrective jaw surgery.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis, also called periodontal disease, is a serious bacterial infection of the gums and the structures that support the teeth. It begins when plaque and tartar accumulate below the gumline, triggering chronic inflammation that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and form infected pockets. As the disease advances, it destroys the bone and connective tissue anchoring your teeth, causing them to loosen and eventually fall out. Common symptoms include red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and tooth sensitivity. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, dry mouth, and poor oral hygiene. Treatment ranges from a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the infection.

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

Periodontitis, also called periodontal disease, is a serious bacterial infection of the gums and the structures that support the teeth. It begins when plaque and tartar accumulate below the gumline, triggering chronic inflammation that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and form infected pockets. As the disease advances, it destroys the bone and connective tissue anchoring your teeth, causing them to loosen and eventually fall out. Common symptoms include red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and tooth sensitivity. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, dry mouth, and poor oral hygiene. Treatment ranges from a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the infection.

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 dental pulp is the soft, living tissue at the center of each tooth, housed in the pulp chamber and extending down through the root canals. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that nourish the tooth during development and provide sensation — the ability to feel heat, cold, and pressure. Once a tooth is fully formed, it can survive without the pulp, which is why a root canal can save a tooth while removing the infected tissue inside. When bacteria reach the pulp through deep decay or a crack, the result is pulpitis — an inflammation that causes throbbing pain, prolonged sensitivity to temperature, and sometimes visible swelling. If the infection spreads beyond the root tip, it can develop into a dental abscess. Symptoms of pulp damage should be evaluated promptly, as early treatment prevents the need for extraction.

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 dental calculus, tartar is hardened plaque that forms when minerals from saliva combine with bacterial deposits left on the teeth. Tartar typically develops within 48 to 72 hours if plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing. It commonly builds up along the gumline and between teeth, creating a rough surface that attracts even more plaque. Unlike soft plaque, tartar bonds tightly to tooth enamel and can only be removed during a professional teeth cleaning using specialized instruments called scalers. Left untreated, tartar buildup leads to gum irritation, gingivitis, and eventually periodontal disease.

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.