Facing
Tooth colored overlay on the visible portion of a crown; may be acrylic, composite or porcelain.

F.A.G.D.
Fellowship Academy of General Dentistry.

Fee Schedule
A set amount paid by the insurance company regardless of the doctor's fee.

Fluoride
Topical application of a gel or liquid that prevents decay.

F.M.X.
See Full Mouth X-rays.

Front Teeth
See Anterior Teeth.

Full Mouth X-rays (F.M.X.)
X-rays showing all the teeth. Includes 14 periapicals and 2 or 4 bitewings. Also known as a complete series.

Filling
Restoration of lost tooth structure with metal, porcelain or resin materials.

Fistula
Channel emanating pus from an infection site; a gum boil.

Flap surgery
Lifting of gum tissue to expose and clean underlying tooth and bone structures.

Freeway Space
Distance between the upper and lower teeth with the lower jaw in rest position.

Forceps
Instrument used for removal of teeth.

Forensic Dentistry
Practice of gathering legal evidence for body identification or judicial issues.

Fossa
Valley found on the sutrpface of posterior teeth.

Full Denture
removable dental prosthesis (appliance) replacing all upper or lower teeth.

Full Mouth Reconstruction
extensive restorations of natural teeth with crowns and or fixed bridges to manage bite problems.
Frenectomy
removal or reshaping of thin muscle tissue that attaches the upper or lower lips to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth.