Dental Terminology

FMX

16 periapical and 4 bitewing images

VBW

similar to regular bitewing but turned vertically to show more of the teeth- 7 images

PAN

used to take images of the entire mouth

PA

single x-ray that is taken to show a specific area of concern

TXp

dentist’s plan for the patient

prophy

hygiene service for someone that has generally gums and teeth

SRP

deep cleaning below the gumline used to treat gum disease

perio

inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bones that surround the teeth

balance billing

billing a patient for the difference between the dentist’s charges and the amount reimbursed under the patient’s dental benefit plan

co-payment

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

coverage

benefits available to an individual covered under a dental benefit plan

deductible

amount the patient is responsible for paying before services are covered by their insurance plan

maximum plan benefit

the reimbursement level determined by the administrator of a dental benefit plan for a specific dental procedure

flexible spending account

employee reimbursement account primarily funded with employee designated salary reductions

Maxilla

upper jaw

Mandible

lower jaw