Abbreviations & Terminology

Question 1

FMD

Answer 1

Full mouth debridement involves the preliminary removal of plaque and calculus that interferes with the ability of the dentist to perform a comprehensive oral evaluation.

Question 2

SRP

Answer 2

Scaling and Root Planing Scaling is when your dentist removes all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below the gumline, making sure to clean all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. Root Planing, smoothing out your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth

Question 3

Prophy

Answer 3

Prophy- “dental prophylaxis,” a simple cleaning procedure for healthy patients designed to prevent gum disease.

Question 4

Perio

Answer 4

Perio-periodontal disease (gum disease) – Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the soft (gum tissue) and hard structures (bone) that support the teeth.

Question 5

Distal

Answer 5

Distal – The surface that is away from the midline of the face.

Question 6

Facial

Answer 6

Facial – The surface on anterior that faces the cheeks or lips. Can also use the terms:

Question 7

Buccal

Answer 7

Buccal – The surface on posterior teeth that face the cheeks.

Question 8

Incisal

Answer 8

Incisal – The biting edge of an anterior tooth.

Question 9

Lingual

Answer 9

Lingual – The surface that faces the tongue.

Question 10

Mesial

Answer 10

Mesial – The surface that is closest to the midline of the face.

Question 11

Occlusal

Answer 11

Occlusal – The chewing surface of posterior teeth.

Question 12

Proximal

Answer 12

Proximal – Tooth surfaces that are next to each other

Question 13

FSA

Answer 13

Flexible Spending Account – Employee reimbursement account primarily funded with employee designated salary reductions.

Question 14

Co-Payment

Answer 14

Co-Payment – Beneficiary’s share of the dentist’s fee after the benefit plan has paid.

Question 15

Frequency Limitation: 2 in 12 months

Answer 15

2 in 12 months (may only have 2 cleanings in any 12 month period)

Question 16

Frequency Limitation: 1 in 6 months

Answer 16

1 in 6 months. Must be scheduled 6 months +1 day to the last cleaning exactly (

Question 17

TP

Answer 17

TP- Treatment Plan – The dentist’s plan for the patient that outlines exactly what dental services is recommended and in what timeframe

Question 18

Pano

Answer 18

PANO – Panoramic x-rays, just like panoramic photos, are used to take images of your entire mouth area. It

Question 19

PA

Answer 19

PA– A periapical (PA) X-ray refers to a single X-ray that is taken to show a specific area of concern.

Question 20

BWX (Bite Wing Xrays)

Answer 20

BWX (Bite Wing Xrays) – x-rays that show teeth above the gum line and the height of the bone between teeth. Bitewings help diagnose gum disease and cavities between teeth. The bitewing X-ray is placed on the tongue side of your teeth and held in place by biting down on a tab. Normally four bitewings are taken as a set for an adult. two for children

Question 21

FMX

Answer 21

FMX – Full mouth X-rays or complete series– 20 images composed of 16 periapical and 4 bitewing images.

Question 22

Denture

Answer 22

Denture a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues.

Question 23

Bridge

Answer 23

Bridge-replaces missing teeth (not removable)

Question 24

Extraction

Answer 24

Extraction – removing a tooth (whole or in parts)

Question 25

Dental Implant

Answer 25

Dental Implant – a screw placed by oral surgeon in the gums to support an implant crown.

Question 26

Crown

Answer 26

Crown (Cap) – An artificial replacement that restores missing tooth structure by surrounding what tooth is left (not removable)

Question 27

Abscess

Answer 27

Abscess – Acute or chronic localized inflammation, probably with a collection of pus, usually secondary to infection.

Question 28

RX

Answer 28

Prescription

Question 29

Endo

Answer 29

Endo (inside) – Endodontic – Root Canal – Root canal treatment is a procedure to relieve dental pain and save your teeth, typically needed when there is inflammation or infection in the roots of a tooth. The procedure removes the pulp inside the tooth, cleans, disinfects and shapes the root canals, and places a filling to seal the space.

Question 30

Tooth Numbers

Answer 30

Tooth Numbers – Dental charts are normally arranged from the viewpoint of a dental practitioner facing a patient. The patient’s right side appears on the left side of the chart, and the patient’s left side appears on the right side of the chart. Therefore, teeth numbers 1 – 16 are on the upper jaw, right to left. Teeth numbers 17 – 32 are in the lower jaw, left to right. Teeth numbers 1, 16, 17, and 32 are your wisdom teeth.