Dental Insurance Glossary: O

Obturator
A disc or plate which closes an opening; a prosthesis that closes an opening in the plate.
Occlusal
Pertaining to the biting surfaces of the premolar and molar teeth or contacting surfaces of opposing teeth or opposing occlusion rims.
Occlusal Radiograph
An intraoral radiograph made with the film being held between the occluded teeth.
Occlusion
Any contact between biting or chewing surfaces of maxillary (upper) and mandibular (lower) teeth.
Odontogenic Cyst
Cyst derived from the epithelium of odontogenic tissue (developmental, primordial).
Odontoplasty
Adjustment of tooth length, size, and/or shape; includes removal of enamel projections.
Onlay
An indirect restoration made outside the oral cavity that overlays a cusp or cusps of the tooth, which is then luted to the tooth.
Open Reduction
Re-approximation of fractured bony segments accomplished through cutting the adjacent soft tissues and bone to allow direct access.
Operculectomy
Removal of the operculum.
Operculum
The flap of tissue over an unerupted or partially erupted tooth.
Oral
Pertaining to the mouth.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, deformities, defects and esthetic aspects of the oral and maxillofacial regions.
Oral Pathology
The specialty of dentistry and pathology concerned with recognition, diagnosis, investigation and management of diseases of the oral cavity, jaws, and adjacent structures.
Orthodontic Retainer
Appliance to stabilize teeth following orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontist
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to the interception and treatment of malocclusion of the teeth and their surrounding structures.
Orthognathic
Functional relationship of maxilla and mandible.
Osteoplasty
Surgical procedure that modifies the configuration of bone.
Osteotomy
Surgical cutting of bone.
Other Insurance Paid
The amount paid by other insurance coverage for covered health care service charges.
Overdenture
A removable prosthetic device that overlies and may be supported by retained tooth roots or implants.