A
abscess
A localized infection formed at the apex of the root tip.
abutment
A tooth, a root, or an implant used for the retention of a fixed or removable prosthesis.
allowed amount
For covered services, the allowed amount under the AARP Dental Insurance Plan, administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company is the lesser of the dentist’s submitted fee or the PPO maximum allowance if the dentist is a Delta Dental PPO™ Dentist or a Non-Delta Dental Dentist. For Delta Dental Premier® contracting dentists, the allowed amount is the lesser of the dentist’s submitted fee, the PPO maximum allowance or the Delta Dental Premier maximum allowance. For non-covered services, the allowed amount is zero.
amalgam
Material used to fill cavities in teeth. Dental amalgam is a mixture of silver, mercury and other metals.
annual deductible
The cumulative total amount members must pay toward treatment before their health care benefits are paid in a calendar year. Also called a deductible.
annual maximum
The most the AARP Dental Insurance Plan, administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company will pay toward dental care within a calendar year. Also called the maximum benefit.
anterior teeth
The teeth toward the front of the mouth, which include the incisors and cuspids.
apex
The anatomic area at the end of the tooth root.
apicoectomy
The surgical removal of the apical portion of the tooth through a surgical opening made in the overlying bone and gingival tissues. This procedure is often performed when an infection develops or persists after a root canal treatment.
authorization
The process by which Delta Dental determines whether a procedure or treatment is a referable benefit under the member’s plan.
B
benefit waiting period
The 12-month period of continuous enrollment that a member must complete before certain dental procedures become covered benefits.
benefits
Dental services provided under the terms of the contract as specified in the description of benefits and copayments.
bicuspids
The teeth with two rounded points located between the cuspids and molars; also known as premolars.
bleaching
A technique to lighten the color of heavily stained teeth. Considered a cosmetic procedure.
bonding
The technique to adhere a filling material to a tooth. Bonding materials may be used to repair chipped, cracked, misshapen, or discolored teeth or to fill in a gap between teeth.
bridges
Non-removable artificial teeth attached to adjoining natural teeth when one or a few teeth are missing.
bruxism
Involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, often during sleep.
C
calendar year
The period beginning on Jan.1 and ending on Dec. 31.
caries
Tooth decay. Also known as cavities.
cast restorations
A procedure that uses a model of the tooth to cast a restoration such as a crown, inlay or onlay to replace lost tooth structure.
centrals/laterals
The four front teeth. The centrals are the two upper and two lower teeth in the center of the mouth. The laterals are the teeth adjacent to the centrals.
claim form
A written or electronically submitted document to request payment for completed dental treatment or to request a pre-treatment estimate for proposed dental treatment. The claim form is also sometimes called an attending dentist’s statement.
contract
The agreement between Delta Dental and contractholder, including the application for the contract, the attached schedules, and any appendices, endorsements or riders. The contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.
contracted dentist
A dentist who has a contract with Delta Dental; also known as a participating or network dentist.
contract holder
AARP Dental Insurance Trust.
copayment
The amount charged to a member by a contract dentist for the benefits provided under this program.
covered services
See benefits.
crown
An artificial tooth-shaped covering made of metal, porcelain or porcelain fused to metal, used to restore teeth that have weakened from decay, are severely damaged or chipped.
cusp
The pointed or rounded part of a tooth’s biting surface.
cuspids
The teeth near the front of the mouth that come to a single point. Also known as eye teeth or canines.