Abutment
A tooth or implant used to support a prosthesis. A crown unit used as part of a fixed bridge.

Abscess
A localized inflammation due to a collection of pus in the bone or soft tissue, usually caused by an infection.

Abutment
A tooth or implant used to support a prosthesis. A crown unit used as part of a fixed bridge.

Accident
An event or occurrence which is unforeseen and unintended.

Accident Insurance
A form of insurance against loss by accidental bodily injury.

Adverse Selection
The tendency of persons who present a poorer-than-average risk to apply for, or continue, insurance to a greater extent than do persons with average or better-than-average expectations of loss.

Agent
An insurance company representative licensed by the state who solicits, negotiates or effects contracts of insurance, and provides service to the policyholder for the insurer.

Agent-brokers
Career agents who place business with companies other than their primary companies. Also known as agents of other companies, surplus brokers, or simply brokers.

Alveoloplasty
A surgical procedure used to recontour the supporting bone structures in preparation of a complete or partial denture.

Amalgam
A dental filling material, composed of mercury and other minerals, used to fill decayed teeth.

Anesthetic
A class of drugs that eliminates or reduces pain. See local anesthetic.

Anterior
Refers to the teeth and tissues located towards the front of the mouth (upper or lower incisors and canines).

Apex
The tip or end of the root of the tooth.

Apicoectomy
The amputation of the apex of a tooth.

Applicant
The party applying for an insurance policy.

Application
A form that must be completed by an individual or other party who is seeking insurance coverage. This form provides the insurance company with much of the information it will need to decide whether to accept or reject the risk.