L

L

labial: Pertaining to or around the lip. See facial.

laminate veneer: A thin covering of the facial surface of a tooth usually constructed of tooth colored material used to restore discolored, damaged, misshapen or misaligned teeth.

least expensive alternative treatment (LEAT): A type of cost containment measure used by many third-party payers, also known as Least Expensive Professionally Acceptable Alternative Treatment clause. Under a LEAT clause, when there are multiple treatment options for a specific condition, the plan will only pay for the least expensive treatment.

lesion: An injury or wound; area of diseased tissue.

liability: An obligation to pay an amount in money, goods, or services to another party.

limitations: Restrictive conditions stated in a dental benefit contract, such as age, length of time covered, and waiting periods, which affect an individual’s or group’s coverage.  The contract may also exclude certain benefits or services, or it may limit the extent or conditions under which certain services are provided.  See exclusions.

limited oral evaluation: See evaluation

line angle: An angle formed by the junction of two planes; used to designate the junction of two surfaces of a tooth, or of two walls of a tooth cavity preparation.

lingual: Pertaining to or around the tongue; surface of the tooth directed toward the tongue; opposite of facial.

local anesthesia: See definition under anesthesia.

locus: A site or location.