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Edentulous: A term to describe the absence of teeth in either the upper or the lower arch.
Eligibility: Determining if a patient is eligible for benefits. This is usually confirmed before treatment begins.
Enamel: A hard calcified tissue that covers the anatomical crown of teeth.
Endo: See endodontics.
Endodontics (endo): The treatment of diseases or injuries relating to the root canals and pulp chambers of the teeth. The most common endodontic procedure is a root canal.
Endodontist: A dentist who specializes in root canals and the treatment of diseases or injuries relating to the root canals and pulp chambers of the teeth.
Erosion: Loss of tooth structure due to chemical rather than bacterial action.
Exclusion: Services not covered by a dental policy.
Exfoliate: To fall out. (Deciduous teeth exfoliate and permanent teeth erupt into the space they leave behind.)
Exodontia: The branch of dentistry dealing with the removal of teeth.
Explorer: A fine pointed instrument used be dental professionals to examine the teeth. Contrary to popular belief, dentists mostly use the side of the explorer's sharp tip to "feel" the tooth surface rather that to "poke" the tooth.
Extraoral: Outside of the mouth. For example, neck pads are said to be extraoral products since they go outside of the mouth.
Extraoral Photo: Facial photographs.
Extrusion: Tooth movement in the direction of eruption. Natural extrusion is when teeth naturally move to make contact with another tooth on the opposing arch. Mechanical extrusion when dentists use orthodontic forces to pull teeth so that it extends farther out.
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