Mortenson Dental Partners Adopts Overjet’s IRIS in 147 Practices, Bringing AI-Native Imaging to 1 Million Patients Annually
Your comprehensive guide to dental terminology, procedures, technology, and more.
Tooth wear caused by external forces like aggressive brushing or biting hard objects.
A localized infection in the gums or tooth root, forming a painful pocket of pus that requires urgent treatment.
A tooth or implant used as a support for a dental prosthesis like a bridge or partial denture.
A technique using mild acid to roughen tooth enamel, improving the bond for fillings or sealants.
A plastic material commonly used to create dentures, crowns, or temporary dental restorations.
Bacteria that require oxygen to grow, commonly found on tooth surfaces and in early-stage plaque.
AI-enhanced software that reads dental X-rays to detect issues and assist in diagnosis with visual and data-based feedba...
The use of AI technology to improve diagnostics, workflows, and patient outcomes in dental clinics.
A drill-free technique using air and abrasive particles to remove small areas of decay or stains.
The part of the jawbone that surrounds and supports the roots of your teeth.
A surgical procedure that reshapes the jawbone to prepare for dentures or improve bone contour.
A silver-colored metal filling material made from a mix of metals, used to restore decayed teeth.
Bacteria that thrive without oxygen and are commonly found in deep gum pockets and abscesses.
Relief from pain without loss of consciousness, often achieved through medication like ibuprofen or nitrous oxide.
The part of a tooth covered by enamel, whether visible or below the gumline.
Medication used to block pain or sensation during dental procedures, administered locally or systemically.
The maximum dollar amount a dental insurance plan will pay for covered services within a benefit year.
A substance that kills or inhibits bacteria, used to disinfect oral tissues or instruments.
A minor surgery that removes the tip of a tooth’s root and surrounding infected tissue after a failed root canal.
The curved structure formed by the upper or lower set of teeth within the jaw.
A process where a policyholder allows their dental insurance company to pay benefits directly to the treating dentist in...
A completely knocked-out tooth due to trauma that may be reimplanted if properly preserved and treated quickly by a dent...
The complete dislodgement of a tooth from its socket due to trauma, often requiring emergency care.
Severe early childhood cavities caused by prolonged exposure to sugary liquids from bottles, often affecting front teeth...
Improper alignment of the teeth or jaws, also called malocclusion, that can affect chewing, speech, and jaw health.
The practice of billing a patient for the difference between the dentist’s full fee and the amount covered by insurance.
A metal ring cemented around a tooth to anchor braces or other orthodontic appliances.
A routine dental cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth to maintain oral health.
The 12-month period in which a dental insurance plan’s benefits, including annual maximums and deductibles, are applied.
A premolar tooth with two cusps, located between the canine and molar, used for chewing and grinding food efficiently.
The removal of a small sample of oral tissue to test for disease, such as cancer or infections.
An intraoral dental X-ray that captures the upper and lower back teeth to detect cavities, bone loss, and other oral hea...
A cosmetic dental procedure that lightens teeth by removing stains using peroxide-based whitening agents or laser treatm...
A cosmetic procedure using tooth-colored resin to repair chips, cracks, or gaps and improve the shape and appearance of ...
The loss of jawbone density and height, often due to periodontal disease or missing teeth.
An orthodontic appliance used to straighten teeth, fix alignment issues, and improve bite over time.
A fixed dental restoration that replaces missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent natural teeth or implants for support an...
A condition involving involuntary teeth grinding or clenching, often occurring during sleep, leading to tooth wear and j...
Refers to the surface of a tooth or area of the mouth that faces the inside of the cheeks.
Hardened plaque buildup on teeth caused by mineralized bacteria, leading to gum disease if not professionally removed.
A natural cavity within a tooth that houses nerves and blood vessels, often treated during root canal therapy to remove ...
A dental crown that covers a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its function, strength, and appearance while protectin...
Tooth decay caused by bacterial acids breaking down enamel, leading to cavities and potential tooth damage if untreated....
A hole or damaged area in a tooth caused by untreated decay, erosion, or abrasion.
A layer of dental material placed under a filling to protect the tooth’s pulp from heat, pressure, or decay.
A hard, mineralized tissue covering tooth roots, helping anchor teeth to the jawbone by attaching to periodontal ligamen...
A specialized side-view X-ray of the skull used in orthodontics to assess jaw alignment, growth patterns, and treatment ...
A document that outlines the terms, benefits, exclusions, and limitations of a dental insurance policy.
A request submitted to a dental insurance provider for payment of covered dental services received by a patient.
A congenital condition where the roof of the mouth doesn't fully close during development, affecting speech and eating.
The percentage of the cost a patient must pay for a covered dental service after meeting their deductible.
A tooth-colored filling material used to repair cavities and restore the natural appearance of teeth.
A tooth-colored filling made of resin that blends with natural teeth for a more aesthetic restoration.
A tooth-colored, durable filling material used to restore cavities and repair minor tooth damage while blending naturall...
The agreed-upon rate that an in-network dentist accepts as full payment for a service from an insurance provider.
A process used when a patient has multiple dental insurance plans to determine which plan pays first and how costs are s...
A fixed dollar amount a patient must pay for a specific dental service, required at the time of treatment.
A dental treatment or procedure that is included under a patient’s insurance plan, either fully or partially paid for by...
A process where a dentist is verified and approved by an insurance company to be an in-network provider.
A condition where teeth overlap or twist due to lack of space in the jaw, often corrected with braces.
A protective, custom-made cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, function, and natural app...
A surgical procedure that removes gum tissue and/or bone to expose more of a tooth’s structure.
A dental procedure that removes infected gum tissue to promote healing and reduce periodontal disease progression.
A raised, pointed area on the chewing surface of molars and premolars that helps break down food for effective chewing a...
A pointed tooth located between incisors and premolars, also known as a canine, essential for tearing and guiding proper...
A fluid-filled sac that forms in the jawbone or soft tissues, often painless but requiring removal if it causes swelling...
A professional dental degree awarded to graduates who complete accredited training to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral ...
The removal of heavy plaque, tartar, or infected tissue to allow for accurate diagnosis or root canal treatment.
The breakdown of tooth structure caused by bacteria and acids, leading to cavities or infection.
The first set of teeth in children, also called baby teeth, which are later replaced by permanent teeth.
The amount a patient must pay out-of-pocket for dental services before their insurance plan begins covering costs.
Artificial intelligence used to analyze dental images, detect conditions, and support clinical decisions.
Software that uses AI to assist dentists by detecting oral health issues from digital images like X-rays and photos.
Standard vocabulary used to describe common dental issues, diseases, or abnormalities of the teeth and mouth.
Artificial intelligence software that analyzes dental images to detect conditions and assist in diagnosis.
The use of radiographs, photos, or scans to visualize teeth and oral structures for diagnosis and treatment.
Software used to capture, view, enhance, and store dental X-rays and images for diagnosis and treatment planning.
A professional cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and stains to prevent cavities and gum disease.
An artificial device used to replace missing teeth, such as dentures, bridges, or implants.
Digital tools used in dental offices for imaging, patient records, scheduling, billing, and treatment planning.
A digital tool for capturing, viewing, and analyzing dental X-rays, often integrated with imaging and AI systems.
A hard, yellowish layer beneath enamel that makes up most of the tooth and contains microscopic tubules leading to the n...
Family members, such as children or spouses, who are eligible for dental coverage under a primary policyholder’s insuran...
A professional dental degree equivalent to DDS, awarded to graduates qualified to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral heal...
A condition where saliva production is reduced, causing discomfort and increasing the risk of decay and gum disease.
A painful condition after tooth extraction where the blood clot dislodges, exposing bone and nerves.
Having two dental insurance plans that provide benefits for the same individual, often coordinating benefits to reduce o...
A disturbance in the normal function of oral structures, often referring to issues in the jaw or bite.
A term used to describe the complete loss of natural teeth in one or both jaws, requiring dentures or implants for resto...
The date when a dental insurance policy begins, allowing the policyholder to start using coverage for covered services.
The hard, outermost layer of a tooth that protects against decay and damage but cannot regenerate once eroded or worn do...
A dental specialty focusing on diagnosing and treating diseases of the tooth pulp and performing root canal therapy to s...
A dental specialist focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the tooth pulp and root canals.
The loss of tooth enamel caused by acid from food, drink, or stomach acid—not bacteria.
The surgical removal of soft or hard tissue from the mouth, often to treat disease or prepare for other procedures.
Specific dental treatments or services that are not covered by a dental insurance policy, requiring the patient to pay f...
A statement from a dental insurance provider detailing what was covered, what was paid, and what the patient owes after ...
A dental procedure to remove a tooth due to decay, infection, trauma, or overcrowding, often performed surgically for im...
A list of fixed fees that a dentist agrees to charge for specific procedures under a dental insurance contract.
A dental material used to restore the shape and function of a tooth damaged by decay or minor fractures.
An abnormal pus-draining passageway from a dental infection to the gum surface, often indicating an abscess needing trea...
A protective fluoride coating painted onto teeth to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
A cosmetic condition causing white or brown enamel stains due to excessive fluoride intake during tooth development in c...
A break or crack in a tooth caused by injury, biting hard objects, or weakened enamel.
A complete set of dental X-rays that shows all teeth, roots, and surrounding bone structures.
An open space between teeth, often between the upper front teeth, which may be genetic or result from tooth loss.
The soft, pink tissue surrounding the teeth, also known as gums, which protects tooth roots and supports overall oral he...
A surgical procedure that removes excess or diseased gum tissue to treat gum disease or improve the appearance of the gu...
A mild but reversible form of gum disease causing inflammation, redness, and bleeding due to plaque buildup along the gu...
A surgical reshaping of gum tissue to improve appearance or create a healthier gum contour.
A surgical procedure where tissue is placed to repair or rebuild areas of the gums or bone.
A collection of employees or members covered under a single dental insurance plan, typically provided by an employer or ...
A condition where gum tissue pulls away from teeth, exposing roots, increasing sensitivity, and raising the risk of deca...
Persistent bad breath caused by bacteria, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, or underlying medical conditions such as gum dis...
Excessive or prolonged bleeding in the mouth, often due to injury, surgery, gum disease, or underlying health conditions...
A federal law that protects patient privacy and ensures the secure handling of health and dental records.
A denture placed in the mouth right after tooth extraction, providing instant tooth replacement.
A tooth that fails to fully erupt due to lack of space, misalignment, or obstruction, often requiring extraction or orth...
A titanium post surgically placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root and support a crown, bridge, or denture...
A dentist who has a contract with a dental insurance company to provide services at discounted, pre-negotiated rates.
The sharp-edged front teeth used for cutting food, with four in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw, essential for c...
A custom-made dental restoration placed within a tooth’s cavity to repair decay or damage, usually made of porcelain, co...
The space between adjacent teeth where plaque and food particles can accumulate, requiring flossing or interdental clean...
Refers to anything located or occurring inside the mouth, such as tissues, teeth, or dental procedures.
Refers to the surface of front teeth that faces the lips, typically used when describing incisors and canines.
A thin, custom-made porcelain or composite shell bonded to the front of teeth to enhance appearance by correcting stains...
An abnormal change in oral tissue, such as a sore, ulcer, or growth, which may indicate infection, trauma, or underlying...
The total amount a dental insurance plan will pay for a specific service or treatment over a patient’s lifetime.
Restrictions in your plan that limit how often or how much dental services are covered.
Relates to the inner surface of teeth that faces the tongue, typically used for lower teeth descriptions.
The tooth surface facing the tongue, important for speech, hygiene, and orthodontic treatment.
A misalignment of teeth or improper bite that affects chewing, speech, and aesthetics, often requiring orthodontic treat...
The lower jawbone, the strongest and largest bone in the face, supporting teeth and enabling chewing, speaking, and faci...
The upper jawbone that holds the upper teeth, supports the face, and connects to the skull, playing a vital role in chew...
The highest amount a dental insurance plan will reimburse for a specific procedure, based on the provider’s contracted f...
An individual enrolled in a dental insurance plan, eligible to receive benefits under the policy.
Large, multi-cusped teeth in the back of the mouth used for grinding and chewing food.
Common anatomical terms used to describe the parts, structures, and orientation of the mouth.
A protective dental device worn over the teeth to prevent injury during sports or reduce damage from teeth grinding and ...
A unique 10-digit identification number assigned to healthcare providers, including dentists, for billing and record-kee...
A group of dentists who have contracted with an insurance company to provide services at discounted rates to insured mem...
A custom-made or over-the-counter device worn at night to protect teeth from grinding (bruxism) and reduce jaw pain or T...
A colorless, odorless gas used in dentistry as a mild sedative to reduce anxiety and discomfort during procedures, also ...
Refers to the chewing surface of back teeth where upper and lower teeth come into contact.
Occlusion
A custom-made dental restoration that covers a damaged tooth’s surface, including one or more cusps, to restore function...
A designated period when individuals can enroll in, change, or renew their dental insurance plan without needing a quali...
The surgical removal of gum tissue covering a partially erupted tooth, often a wisdom tooth.
A flap of gum tissue over a partially erupted tooth, often seen with wisdom teeth and prone to infection.
Pertaining to the mouth, including all structures inside such as teeth, gums, tongue, and soft tissues.
A dental specialist who performs surgery on the mouth, jaw, face, and skull, including extractions and complex procedure...
The mouth, including the lips, teeth, tongue, gums, cheeks, and palate, responsible for chewing, speaking, and digestion...
A dentist who does not have a contract with an insurance company, resulting in higher costs and potential balance billin...
A dental misalignment where the upper front teeth overlap excessively over the lower front teeth, sometimes affecting fu...
A horizontal overlap where the upper front teeth protrude beyond the lower front teeth.
The roof of the mouth, divided into the hard and soft palate, playing a key role in speech, chewing, and separating the ...
A wide-view dental X-ray that captures the entire mouth, including teeth, jawbones, and sinuses, to detect abnormalities...
A removable dental appliance that replaces some missing teeth while anchoring to remaining natural teeth.
A dental specialist who provides oral care for infants, children, and teenagers, focusing on prevention, growth, and dev...
Inflammation and infection around a dental implant, leading to gum and bone loss if untreated.
Refers to the area surrounding the tip of a tooth’s root, often examined for infections, abscesses, or bone loss using p...
Inflammation of the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth, often affecting wisdom teeth and causing pain, swelling...
A localized pus-filled infection in the gum pocket, often caused by gum disease or trapped debris.
A serious gum infection caused by plaque buildup, leading to inflammation, gum recession, bone loss, and potential tooth...
A deep space between the gum and tooth caused by gum disease, where bacteria accumulate, leading to infection and potent...
A dental specialty focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease and supporting structures of the teeth, i...
A serious gum infection that damages soft tissue and bone, often leading to tooth loss if untreated.
An artificial replacement tooth used in a dental bridge to fill the space of a missing tooth and restore function and ae...
A strong, tooth-colored ceramic material used in crowns, veneers, and bridges for durable and natural-looking dental res...
A metal or fiber rod placed inside a root canal-treated tooth to support a dental crown and strengthen the remaining too...
A cost estimate provided by an insurance company before dental treatment, detailing coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.
The amount a policyholder pays, typically monthly, to maintain active dental insurance coverage.
Dental care focused on preventing problems like cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss before they occur.
Common clinical terms that describe dental treatments, surgical procedures, and restorative care.
Insurance company guidelines that determine how claims are evaluated, approved, or denied based on plan rules.
A professional dental cleaning that removes plaque, tartar, and stains to prevent cavities and gum disease and maintain ...
A dental specialty focused on restoring and replacing missing or damaged teeth using crowns, bridges, dentures, and impl...
Any personal medical or dental information that is protected under HIPAA laws to ensure patient privacy and data securit...
The soft, living tissue inside a tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, responsible for tooth no...
A protective dental treatment applied to exposed or nearly exposed pulp to promote healing and prevent the need for a ro...
The central cavity inside a tooth that houses the pulp tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, extending into the root canals...
The complete removal of diseased pulp tissue from inside a tooth, typically as part of root canal therapy.
Inflammation of the pulp inside a tooth, causing pain and sensitivity, often due to deep decay, trauma, or repeated dent...
One of the four sections of the mouth used to group and identify teeth during exams and treatments.
An image produced using X-rays to examine teeth, bone, and surrounding oral structures for diagnosis and treatment plann...
A process of replacing the entire acrylic base of a denture while keeping the existing teeth to improve fit and stabilit...
A condition where gum tissue pulls back from the teeth, exposing roots, causing sensitivity, and increasing the risk of ...
Gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, exposing roots and increasing sensitivity and risk of decay.
A cosmetic dental procedure that reshapes teeth or gums by removing small amounts of enamel or gum tissue for a more bal...
A process of adding new material to the inner surface of a denture to improve its fit and comfort due to gum and bone ch...
A dental appliance that replaces some missing teeth and can be taken out and reinserted by the patient.
A process where the body breaks down and absorbs bone or tooth structure, often leading to tooth loss or changes in jaw ...
A custom-made appliance worn after braces to keep teeth in their corrected position and prevent shifting.
The part of a tooth embedded in the jawbone, anchoring it in place and housing nerves and blood vessels within the root ...
A dental procedure that removes infected pulp from inside a tooth’s root, cleans and seals the canal, and prevents furth...
A dental procedure that removes plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from teeth and below the gumline to prevent gum di...
A thin, protective coating applied to the grooves of back teeth to prevent cavities by sealing out bacteria and food par...
Thin protective coatings applied to molars to prevent cavities by sealing out plaque and food particles.
A temporary dental filling that soothes an irritated tooth nerve and relieves pain while determining if further treatmen...
A straightforward procedure to remove a visible tooth without surgical tools or sectioning.
A dental device that keeps space open for a permanent tooth when a baby tooth is lost early, preventing misalignment.
Inflammation of the mouth’s soft tissues, causing redness, swelling, and discomfort, often due to infections, irritants,...
Refers to the area under the tongue, often relating to glands or medication placement in dental and medical settings.
Salivary glands located beneath the lower jaw that produce saliva to aid in digestion and oral health.
Extra teeth that develop beyond the normal number, potentially causing crowding, misalignment, or impacted teeth.
The removal of a tooth that requires cutting into gum or bone, often for impacted or broken teeth.
A stitch placed by a dentist or surgeon to close a wound or surgical site inside the mouth.
Hardened plaque that forms on teeth when not removed properly, leading to gum disease and requiring professional cleanin...
A short-term, removable dental appliance worn after tooth loss or extraction while waiting for a permanent denture.
A hinge-like joint connecting the jawbone to the skull, allowing movement for chewing, speaking, and facial expressions.
A disorder affecting the TMJ, causing jaw pain, clicking, stiffness, and difficulty in movement, often linked to stress ...
The date when a dental insurance policy ends, after which the policyholder no longer has coverage.
A harmless, bony growth that develops in the mouth, commonly found on the roof of the mouth or the lower jaw near the to...
Describes a tooth that has not yet broken through the gum line or become visible in the mouth.
A tooth that remains beneath the gumline and does not emerge into its proper position, often requiring monitoring or ext...
A thin, custom-made shell of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its shape, color, an...
A required time before certain dental insurance benefits become active, often applied to major services like crowns or d...
A condition known as dry mouth, caused by reduced saliva flow, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increas...