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R
radicular: Pertaining to the root.
radiographic/surgical implant index: An appliance, designed to relate osteotomy or fixture position to existing anatomic structures.
radiograph: An image or picture produced on a radiation sensitive film, phosphorous plate, emulsion or digital sensor by exposure to ionizing radiation.
rebase: Process of refitting a denture by replacing the base material.
recalcification: Procedure used to encourage biologic root repair of external and internal resorption defects. See apexification.
reimbursement: Payment made by a third party to a beneficiary or to a dentist on behalf of the beneficiary, to offset expenses incurred for a service covered by the dental benefit plan.
reimplantation, tooth: The return of a tooth to its alveolus.
reinsurance: Insurance for third-party payers to spread their risk for losses (claims paid) over a specified dollar amount.
Relative Value System: Coded listing of professional services with unit values to indicate relative complexity as measured by time, skill, and overhead costs. Third-party payers typically assign a dollar value per unit to calculate provider reimbursement.
reline: Process of resurfacing the tissue side of a removable prosthesis with new base material.
removable partial denture: A removable partial denture is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth that can be removed by the patient.
resin, acrylic: Resinous material of the various esters of acrylic acid, used as a denture base material, for trays or for other restorations.
resin-based composite: See composite.
retail store dentistry: Refers to dental services offered within a retail, department or drug store operation. Typically, space is leased from the store by a separate administrative group that, in turn, subleases to a dentist or dental group providing the actual dental services. The dental operation generally maintains the same hours of operation as the store and appointments often are not necessary. Considered to be a type of practice, not a dental benefit plan model.
orthodontic retainer–Appliance to stabilize teeth following orthodontic treatment.
prosthodontic retainer–A part of a prosthesis that attaches a restoration to the abutment tooth, implant abutment, or implant.
retrograde filling: A method of sealing the root canal by preparing and filling it from the root apex.
retrospective review: A post-treatment assessment of services on a case-by-case or aggregate basis after the services have been performed.
revision: The act of revising; second or more surgical procedure for correction of a condition.
risk pool: A portion of provider fees or capitation payments withheld as financial reserves to cover unanticipated utilization of services in an alternative benefit plan.
root: The anatomic portion of the tooth that is covered by cementum and is located in the alveolus (socket) where it is attached by the periodontal apparatus; radicular portion of tooth.
residual root–Remaining root structure following the loss of the major portion (over 75%) of the crown.
root canal: The portion of the pulp cavity inside the root of a tooth; the chamber within the root of the tooth that contains the pulp.
root canal therapy: The treatment of disease and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions.
root planing: A definitive treatment procedure designed to remove cementum and/or dentin that is rough, may be permeated by calculus, or contaminated with toxins or microorganisms.
rubber dam: A barrier technique used to prevent the passage of saliva or moisture, or to provide an isolated operative field.