Tartar
Common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth; produces rough surface that attracts plaque.

T.M.D. or T.M.J.
Temperomandibular disorder; term given to condition characterized by facial pain and restricted ability to open or move the jaw.

T.M.J.
The temporomandibular joint, the point where the lower jaw attaches to the skull.

Third-party Provider
Insurance company, union, government agency that pays all or a part of cost of dental
treatment.

Tooth Bud
Early embryonic structure that becomes a tooth.

Tooth Whitening
A chemical or laser process to lighten the color of teeth.

Topical Anesthetic
Ointment that produces mild anesthesia when applied to tissue surface.

Torus
Common bony protuberance on the palate or lower jaw.

Transplant
Placing a natural tooth in the empty socket of another tooth.

Trauma
Injury caused by external force, chemical, temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment.

Trench Mouth
Gum disease characterized by severe mouth sores and loss of tissue. Also see ANUG.

U.C.R.
Usual, customary and reasonable fees.

Unerupted tooth
A tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct position in the dental
arch.