Basic Terminology

Question 1

NP

Answer 1

New patient- never seen by office before

Question 2

FMX

Answer 2

Full Mouth X-rays- 20 images of 16 periapical and 4 bitewing

Question 3

BW

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

VBW

Answer 4

Vertical Bitewings – these are similar to the regular bitewing x-rays but are turned vertically to show more of the teeth and the height of the bone between teeth. With vertical bitewings, typically 7 images are taken as a set.

Question 5

Occlusal

Answer 5

Occlusal x-rays show the roof or floor of the mouth and are used to find extra teeth, teeth that have not yet broken through the gums, jaw fractures, a cleft palate, cysts, abscesses or growths.

Question 6

PAN

Answer 6

Panoramic x-rays, just like panoramic photos, are used to take images of your entire mouth area. It shows the position of fully emerged, emerging, and impacted teeth, all in one image.

Question 7

PA

Answer 7

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

Question 8

TXP

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Prophy

Answer 9

Prophylaxis – A “prophy” or “cleaning” is a hygiene service for someone that generally has healthy gums and teeth. Prophylaxis involves removing plaque, calculus & stains from teeth.

Question 10

SRP

Answer 10

Scaling and Root Planing – (sometimes called a Deep Cleaning or Perio Therapy) is a deep cleaning below the gumline used to treat gum disease. Root planing is a procedure that involves removing tartar, bacteria, and toxic deposits from the root of a tooth, all the way down to where the gum attaches to the tooth.

Question 11

Perio

Answer 11

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 12

Co-Payment

Answer 12

Patient’s share of the dentist’s fee after the benefit plan has paid.

Question 13

Coverage

Answer 13

Benefits available to an individual covered under a dental benefit plan.

Question 14

Deductible

Answer 14

Sometimes referred to as co-insurance is the amount the patient is responsible for paying before services are covered by their insurance plan.

Question 15

Maximum Plan Benefit

Answer 15

The reimbursement level determined by the administrator of a dental benefit plan for a specific dental procedure. This may vary widely by geographic region or by benefit plans within a region.

Question 16

FSA- Flexible Savings Account

Answer 16

Employee reimbursement account primarily funded with employee designated salary reductions.