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Glossary |
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A
Abscess - Acute or chronic, localized inflammation, with a collection of pus.
Abutment - A tooth or implant used to support a dental prosthesis.
Alveolar - Referring to the bone to which a tooth is attached.
Alveoloplasty - A surgical procedure for recontouring alveolar structures, usually in preparation for a prosthesis.
Amalgam - A mixture of metals used in dental restorations (commonly referred to as a silver filling).
Analgesia - Loss of pain sensation without loss of consciousness.
Anesthesia - Partial or total absence of sensation to stimuli. There are three types of anesthesia:
General Anesthesia - A controlled state of unconsciousness, accompanied by a loss of ability to independently maintain airway and respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command.
Intravenous Conscious Sedation - A depressed level of consciousness that retains the patient's ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and to respond appropriately to physical stimulation or verbal accompanied by a loss of ability to independently maintain airway and respond purposefully to physical stimulation or command.
Local Anesthesia - Elimination of sensations, especially pain, in one part of the body by the topical application or regional injection of an anesthetic drug.
Anniversary Date - The day and month that the patients' insurance first became effective, and on which coverage renews.
Anterior - Refers to the teeth and tissues located in the front of the mouth - upper and lower incisors and canines.
Apex - The tip or end of the root of a tooth.
Apicoectomy - Removal (amputation) of the apex of a tooth.
Arch - The curved structure of the natural dentition or the ridge remaining after the loss of some or all of the natural teeth.
Assignment Of Benefits - A clause in the policy that allows the insured person to direct the payment by the carrier to the dentist. The insured person does this by signing the assignment box on the claim form, or by signing a "signature on file" form.
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