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3-D rendering
The process of converting digital information such as from a CBCT scan using modern 3D computer graphics processing into photorealistic images that can be visualized and manipulated on the computer screen.
See: 3-D volume,
3-D volumetric reconstruction
3-D scanner
Device that analyses a realworld object to collect data on its shape and or other attributes such as color or texture, and transforms this data into a digital format that can be used with computer software for exportation to 3-D printing or CAD CAM applications.
A
Abutment
The portion of a dental implant or a dental implant component that serves to support and/ or retain a prosthesis. It may consist of one or more pieces.
See: Anatomic healing abutment, Angulated abutment, Castable abutment, Custom abutment, Healing abutment, Multi-unit abutment, Nonangulated abutment, Prefabricated abutment, Prepable abutment, Temporary abutment, Transmucosal abutment, University of California at Los Angeles abutment (UCLA abutment), Zirconia abutment.
Abutment clamp
Forceps which usually engage the component circumferentially used to assist in the positioning and seating of an abutment on a dental implant platform.
Abutment driver
Instrument or device used to assist in the delivery and tightening of an abutment to a dental implant.
Abutment holder
Instrument that provides abutment retention for extraoral preparation and polishing procedures.
Abutment screw
A threaded fastener used to connect an abutment to a dental implant. It is usually torqued to a final seating position.
Abutment selection
A step in the prosthodontic treatment whereby a decision is made regarding the type of abutment to be used for the restoration based on dental implant angulation, interarch space, soft tissue (mucosal) height, planned prosthesis, occlusal factors (e.g., opposing dentition, parafunction), esthetics, and phonetic considerations.
Acellular
Devoid of cells.
Acellular dermal allograft
Allogenic skin graft, derived from a human cadaver consisting of a thin split-thickness of dermis, devoid of cellular content following a tissue preparation process.
Acetaminophen
Amide of acetic acid and p-aminophenol, a nonopioid analgesic and antipyretic drug, which may be administered orally or rectally.
Additive Manufacturing (AM)
Defined by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) as the “process of joining materials to make objects from STL files and 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodologies, such as traditional machining. The term AM encompasses many technologies including subsets like 3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping (RP), Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM),
layered manufacturing and additive fabrication.
See: Rapid prototyping,
3-D printing
Additive Manufacturing File (AMF)
Data format proposed for additive manufacturing by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). This file will describe the shape and composition of any 3D object to be fabricated on any 3D printer. Unlike its predecessor STL format, AMF has native support for color, materials, lattices, texture, and constellations.
“All-On-4”
The All-on-4 treatment concept is a technique for total rehabilitation of the edentulous patient or for patients with badly broken down teeth, decayed teeth or compromised teeth due to periodontal disease, placing four implants in either arch where the distal-most implants are placed in a tilted position to increase support for a fixed prosthesis usuallyplaced immediately on the day of surgery. All-on-4 is a registered trademark of Nobel Biocare.
Aluminum oxide
A metallic oxide.
1. Alpha single crystal: An
inert, highly biocompatible, strong ceramic material from which some dental implants
are fabricated.
2. Polycrystal: Constituent of dental porcelain used to increase viscosity and strength.
Alveolar bone
That part of the maxilla or mandible comprising the tooth-bearing and/or supporting part of the jaw bones.
See: Bone.
Alveolar defect
A deficiency in the contour of the alveolar ridge either in the vertical (apicocoronal) and/or horizontal (buccolingual, mesiodistal) direction.
Alveolus
Syn: Socket.
The bony socket in which a
tooth is attached via the periodontal ligament.
Amoxicillin
Broad spectrum antibiotic, a semi-synthetic derivative of ampicillin, with a superior absorption and a bioavailability of 70 to 80 percent with very low toxicity. It is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and may be combined with clavulanic acid to counteract the betalactamase destruction of penicillin by resistant bacteria.
It is the primary drug for antibiotic prophylaxis.
See: Clavulanic acid.
Analgesia
Absence of pain in response
to stimulation that would normally be painful.
Analgesic
Medicine used to relieve pain. Two general categories exist: opioid and nonopioid.
Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
Test assessing the statistical significance of the differences among the obtained means of two or more random samples from a given population.
Angiogenic
Which promotes or develops blood vessels, or promotes an increase in vascularization.
Ankylosis
Dental ankylosis is characterized by the fusion of the tooth root to the bone, preventing both eruption and orthodontic movement. The periodontal ligament is obliterated by a ‘bony bridge’ and the tooth root is fused to the alveolar bone.
Anodization
Electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of a metal (e.g., titanium). During the process, a dye may be used to color a dental implant component to facilitate its recognition.
See: Anodized surface.
Anodized surface
Treatment of a metal surface by the application of a voltage on a specimen (e.g., titanium) immersed in electrolytes (e.g., phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, or magnesium), in order to increase its oxide layer.
See: Anodization.
Anodontia
Congenital absence of teeth.
Anorganic bone matrix (ABM)
Xenogenic or allogenic bone substitute derived from the mineral portion of bone and used for intraoral grafting procedures. By chemical and physical processes, sterilized osteoconductive deproteinized particles are obtained with a porosity, crystalline structure, and chemical composition similar to normal bone.
Anorganic bovine bone matrix (ABBM)
Xenogenic bone substitute derived from the mineral portion of bovine bone and used for intraoral grafting procedures. By chemical and physical processes, sterilized osteoconductive deproteinized particles are obtained with a porosity, crystalline structure, and chemical composition similar to normal bone.
Anterior nasal spine
Triangular pointed projection at the anterior extremity of the intermaxillary suture.
It may serve as a source of autogenous bone for intraoral grafting procedures.
Anterior superior alveolar nerve
Branch of the infraorbital nerve arising within the infraorbital canal. It initially runs laterally within the sinus wall and then curves medially to exit the infraorbital foramen. It supplies the maxillary anterior teeth.
Anteroposterior spread
(AP spread)
Distance from the center of the most anterior dental implant to a line joining the distal aspects of the most distal dental implants. This measurement provides a guideline for the length of cantilever acceptable within the bilateral distal extensions of an implant-supported prosthesis.
Antibiotic
A natural, semisynthetic or synthetic antimicrobial agent used to prevent or treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms.
See: Antibiotic prophylaxis.
Antibiotic prophylaxis
Administration of an antibiotic prior to a surgical procedure (e.g., sinus graft) in order to prevent or reduce the incidence of postoperative infection. In patients with a risk of endocarditis, a standard protocol is recommended for certain dental procedures.
See: Antibiotic.
Antirotation
A feature or characteristic
that prevents the rotation of
two joint components.
Antral polyp
Multilocular, pendulous, irregularly shaped edematous space usually associated with rhino-sinusitis.
Antrolith
Calcified mass found in the maxillary sinus, resulting from the complete or partial encrustation of a foreign body (e.g., retained root).
Antroscope
An instrument for
illuminating and examining
the maxillary sinus.
Antrostomy
The surgical opening of an antrum for purposes of
drainage or grafting.
See: Sinus graft.
Antrum
Based on Greek “antron” meaning “cave”, a cavity or chamber within bone.
See: Sinus.
Articulator
An articulator is a mechanical device used to relate casts of the maxillary and mandibular arches, reproducing recorded positions of the mandible in relation to the maxilla. An articulator assists in the fabrication of fixed and removal prosthodontic restorations.
See: Virtual articulator
Artifact
Term used in medical/dental imaging to describe misrepresentation of tissue or bone structures seen in CT/CBCT images induced by discrepancies between the mathematical modeling and the actual physical imaging process. Since artefacts may interfere with the diagnostic process performed on CBCT data sets, every user should be aware of their presence.
See: Scatter, Beam hardening
Asepsis
Prevention from contact with microorganisms.
Aspergillus
Fungus responsible for maxillary sinus fungal infections (aspergillosis).
Attachment
A mechanical device for the fixation, retention and stabilization of a dental prosthesis. Consists of one or more parts, made of titanium, gold or plastic.
Attachment selection
A step in the prosthodontic treatment whereby a decision is made regarding the type of attachment to be used in the prosthesis based on implant angulation, interarch space, soft tissue (mucosal) height, and amount of retention needed.
Augmentation
Any procedure meant to correct a soft or hard tissue deficiency.
See: Bone augmentation.
Autogenous bone graft
Bone harvested from one site and transplanted to another site in the same individual.
Autogenous Demineralized Dentin Matrix (ADDM)
Dentin from non-endodontically treated teeth removed of all visible tissue debris are ground and treated to facilitate release of BMPs to induce differentiation of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells into osteogenic cells having the potential for stimulating bone formation. The resulting ADDM also provides a scaffold and space for the new bone formation.
See: Dentin grinder, Bone scaffold
Autogenous graft
Syn: Autograft, Autologous graft.
Tissue taken from one site and transplanted to another site in the same individual.
Avascular
Lacking blood vessels.
Avascular necrosis
Cell death that occurs as a result of inadequate blood supply.
Axonotmesis
Nerve injury with loss of axonal continuity, but with maintenance of the myelin sheath. Sensory and/or motor functions are impaired. Recovery may occur after one to three months. It may be caused by a drill violating the mandibular canal, an anesthetic needle penetrating the nerve trunk, or excessive reflection.
See: Neurapraxia, Neurotmesis.
Azalide
New generation of macrolide derivatives with improved pharmacokinetic properties, tissue penetration, and activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
See: Azithromycin.
Azithromycin
An azalide antibiotic which inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, and is effective against a wide range of gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria. It is used in the treatment of mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible organisms, and may be administered orally and intravenously.
See: Azalide.
B
Barrier membrane
Syn: Occlusive membrane.
Device which helps confine a grafted area. It is meant to prevent migration of grafting material and/or prevent ingrowth of unwanted
cells into a site.
Barrier membrane exposure
See: Exposure.
Basic multicellular unit (BMU)
Functional unit consisting of cellular elements responsible for bone formation and resorption (i.e., remodeling).
Beam hardening
Beam hardening is one of the most prominent sources of artifacts in CBCT imaging modalities. When there are dense objects within a CBCT scan, such as a dental implant embedded in bone, the type of energy from the object turns adjacent voxelsblack giving an appearance of radiolucency in the bone.
See: Artifact, Voxel, Scatter
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Short, recurrent episodes of vertigo when carrying out certain lateralization and extension movements of the head. In implant dentistry, it may be a postoperative complication following a surgery in the maxilla where osteotomes were used.
Beveled flap
Section of soft tissue outlined by a surgical incision made at an acute angle to the gingival or mucosal tissue.
Beveled incision
Cut made at an acute angle to the gingival or mucosal surface.
Bioabsorbable
Syn: Absorbable.
Property of a material to
degrade or dissolve in vivo. Breakdown products are incorporated into normal physiologic and biochemical processes (e.g., bioabsorbable membranes or sutures).
Bioactive
Having an effect on, or eliciting a response from, living tissue.
See: Bioinert.
Bioactive fixation
Stabilization involving direct physical and/or chemical attachment mechanism(s) between biological tissues and a dental implant surface at the ultra-structural level.
Bioactive glass
Absorbable alloplastic material composed of metal oxides: SiO2, Na2O, and P2O5. It has the ability to form a chemical bond with living tissues thereby helping stabilize a filled defect site and maintaining a rigid scaffold upon which cells can migrate and grow.
Bioceramics
Specially designed and fabricated ceramics for the
repair or reconstruction of diseased, damaged, or missing parts of the body.
Biocompatible
Property of a material to elicit
or perform without a negative host response (immune response or inflammation)
in a specific application. In general, biocompatibility is measured on the basis of allergenicity, carcinogenicity, localized cytotoxicity, and systemic response.
Biodegradable
Property of a material to
degrade when placed in a biologic environment.
See: Bioabsorbable.
Biointegration
The bonding of living
tissue to the surface of a biomaterial or implant, independent of any mechanical interlocking mechanism.
It is often used to describe
the bond to hydroxyapatite-coated dental implants.
See: Osseointegration.
Biologic width
The combined apicocoronal height of connective tissue and epithelial attachment. It exists around teeth as well as around dental implants once exposed to the oral cavity.
Biomaterial
Material used to replace part of a living system or to function in contact with a living system.
Biomechanical test
A test that measures the physical properties of any biomechanical device, device-tissue interface (e.g., bone-implant), or the properties of tissues themselves.
Biomechanics
Scientific field that deals with the mechanical properties of biologic structures as well as the interaction between mechanical devices and living tissues, organs, and organisms.
Biomimetic
The study of the structure and function of biologic systems as models for the design and engineering of materials and machines. To replicate or imitate a body structure (anatomy) and/or function (physiology).
Black triangle
Syn: Black space.
Condition when a void is present in the interproximal space apical to the contact point.
Blanching
To make or become white or pale, usually in reference to peri-implant or periodontal soft tissues (e.g., during prosthetic try-in/ insertion).
Block graft
Graft consisting of a monocortical piece of autogenous bone (e.g., chin or ramus), or a piece of bone replacement graft, usually stabilized in the recipient
site with screws.
Bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA)
A surgically implanted abutment to transmit sound by direct conduction through bone to the inner ear, bypassing the external auditory canal and middle ear.
A titanium prosthesis is surgically embedded into the skull with a small abutment exposed outside the skin.
Bone biopsy
Bone sample harvested from an area of interest for analysis.
Bone curettage
Surgical shaving or smoothing of the bone surface.
Bone “density”
1. Clinical: Tactile assessment of bone quality reflecting the percentage of calcified bone to marrow, determined during osteotomy preparation. Usually classified from D1 (dense) to D4 (porous). Other classifications exist.
2. Histological: The “density” is calculated from the percentage of all bone tissue that is constituted by mineralized bone.
3. Radiographic: An estimate of the total amount of bone tissue (as bone mineral) in the path of one or more x-ray beams, as measured by Hounsfield units. When in quotes, “density” is as defined in absorptiometry, and does not mean density as used in physics.
Bone derivative
A substance extracted from bone, such as bone morphogenetic proteins.
Bone-implant interface
Demarcation between the material surface (i.e., the dental implant) and the biological environment (i.e., bone).
Bone marrow
Non-mineralized tissue found within bone containing hematopoietic and/or
fatty tissues.
Bone “mass”
The amount of bone tissue, often estimated by absorptiometry, preferably viewed as a volume minus
the marrow cavity.
Bone matrix
The intercellular substance of bone consisting of collagenous fibers embedded in an amorphous ground substance and inorganic salts.
Bone mill
Device used to mechanically transform harvested autogenous bone into a suitable particle size, for grafting procedures.
Bone milling
A process used to particulate harvested bone into progressively smaller particles.
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)
The (TGFβ) superfamily of growth factors which may stimulate osteogenesis by differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells capable of inducing bone formation in normally non-osseous tissues. It is produced by osteoblasts and stored in bone. BMP-2, 4, and 7 are known to promote de novo bone formation through the precess of osteoinduction.
See: Osteoinduction
Bone quality
A qualitative assessment of bone based on its density.
Bone reduction guide (bone reduction template)
A CT/CBCT-derived surgical guide used to assist in accurate reduction of excess bone in the mandible or maxilla to aid in
the placement of dental implants, and to facilitate prosthesis design.
Bone remodeling rate (BRR)
The turnover or replacement
of packets of bone tissue called basic multicellular units, or BMUs, in all or part of a
bone structure without a
change in shape.
Bone replacement graft
Any material other than autogenous bone, which is used as a hard tissue graft, in an attempt to stimulate new bone formation in an area where bone formerly existed.
Bone resorption
Loss of bone due to
osteoclastic activity.
Bone scaffold
The three-dimensional
structure created by bone or bone substitute, which maintains a volumetric space
for cellular growth.
See: Scaffold.
Bone scraper
Device used to harvest bone particles through surface shavings for grafting purposes.
Bone substitute
Synthetic or natural materials for grafting purposes. They include hard tissue replacement polymers, natural coral, hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, and various other biomaterials. They may be incorporated into surrounding tissue or gradually replaced by original tissue.
Bone trap
Device attached to an evacuation system, used to collect autogenous bone debris, through a process of filtration. Particles harvested may be used for grafting purposes.
Bruxism
Habit of involuntary grinding, clenching, or clamping the teeth. This generates forces that may damage teeth and/or implants.
Buccal index
An impression record of
the facial aspect of teeth
relative to a cast.
C
CAD/CAM
Acronym: <a href="#computer-aided-designcomputer-aided-manufacturing-cadcam">Computer-aided design/Computer-aided manufacturing
(CAD/CAM)</a>.
CAD/CAM dentistry
Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing in dentistry, is an area of dentistry utilizing milling technologies to produce a variety of different dental restorations, including crowns, veneers, inlays and onlays, fixed bridges, dental implant restorations and orthodontic appliances, with a variety of different materials.
Caldwell-Luc
Surgical procedure named after American physician George Caldwell and French laryngologist Henry Luc. Its original indication was for the relief of chronic sinusitis by improving drainage of the maxillary sinus through an incision into the canine fossa.
Callus
The tissue that forms between and around fractured bone segments to maintain structural integrity and facilitate bone regeneration.
Calvaria
The domelike superior portion of the cranium, derived from the membranous neurocranium, and consisting of the frontal and parietal bones and the squamous parts of the occipital and temporal bones. Bone may be harvested from this site for grafting purposes.
Calvarial graft
Autogenous bone graft harvested from the domelike superior portion of the cranium, most frequently from the parietal region, generally on the right side (nondominant hemisphere) behind the coronal suture, and approximately three centimeters lateral to the sagittal suture.
Cancellous bone
See: Bone.
Cantilever
A prosthetic extension supported on one side.
Case-control study
Study design used to identify factors that may contribute to a medical condition by comparing a group of patients who have that condition (experimental group) with a group of patients who do not (control group).
Case report
A type of documentation in which diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of a patient are described.
Case sequencing
The order of treatment for a patient undergoing dental implant therapy, including time of treatment as it relates to healing and prosthodontic restoration.
Case series
Analysis of a series of patients with a certain diagnosis and treatment of interest. There is no control group involved.
Chin graft
A bone graft harvested from the facial aspect of the mandibular symphyseal area, between the mental foramina, apical to the roots of the teeth, and usually above the lower border of the mandible.
Chisel
An instrument with a beveled cutting edge used for cutting or cleaving hard tissue.
Chi-square test
A statistical method used to determine whether observed frequencies are significantly different from expected frequencies and whether there is a statistically significant difference.
Chlorhexidine gluconate
A bis-biguanide antimicrobial, used as an oral rinse or local antiseptic. Its mechanism of action involves the lysis of bacterial membranes.
Clamping force
The result of the elastic deformation of a screw after application of torque drawing two components together.
See: Preload.
Clarithromycin
A semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic used in the treatment of orofacial infections caused by gram-positive cocci and susceptible anaerobes. Its mechanism of action involves the prevention of bacteria from growing by interfering with protein synthesis. Alternate drug used for antibiotic prophylaxis.
Clavulanic acid
A beta-lactamase inhibitor sometimes combined with penicillin group antibiotics to overcome certain types of antibiotic resistance.
See: Amoxicillin.
Clean technique
Surgical procedure that takes place in a clinic setting. All instruments, implants, grafts, and irrigation solution used are sterile. Surgeons wear sterile gloves, but hospital operating room level sterility is not achieved. The surgeons and assistants wear non-sterile attire and the patient is not necessarily covered by sterile drapes.
See: Sterile technique.
Clindamycin
Lincosamide antibiotic used in the treatment of orofacial infections caused by anaerobic bacteria. It is also active against aerobic bacteria, such as streptococci and staphylococci. Alternate drug used for antibiotic prophylaxis.
Clipping Function
A software application to virtually slice through a 3D volumetric reconstruction derived from CT/CBCT
data in various planes.
Cluster (implant) failure
The occurrence of multiple dental implant failures in one or a minute group of patients derived from a large pool of subjects.
CMOS device
Converts light into a digital signal using photosensitive pixels and on-chip circuitry used in CBCT scanners. CMOS technology has a limited photosensitive area and higher noise compared with a CCD. CMOS has several useful characteristics: It requires low power to operate, has high-speed readout, is capable of on-chip integration of electronic circuitry and produces digital signals without external converters.
CNC milling (CNC)
A specific form of computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining. Milling itself is a machining process similar to both drilling and cutting, and able to achieve many of the operations performed by cutting and drilling machines. Milling uses a rotating cylindrical cutting tool that can move along multiple axes, and can create a variety of shapes, slots and holes. In addition, the work-piece is often moved across the milling tool in different directions, unlike the single axis motion of a drill.
Coagulum
A clot or a coagulated mass.
Coaptation
The approximation of the
edges of a wound.
Cohort study
A longitudinal study in which a group, the cohort, is chosen for the presence of a specific characteristic at or during a specified time and followed over time to discover presumably related characteristics.
Collaborative accountability
Concept that captures the information from current CT/CBCT imaging technology with interactive treatment planning software to communicate the diagnosis and treatment plan to all members of the implant team to ensure consistent surgical and restorative outcomes.
Collagen
A molecule characterized by a triple helical structure and a high content of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. It is the major constituent of connective tissue fibers, the organic matrix of bone, dentin, cementum, and basal laminas. Collagen is synthesized by fibroblasts, chondroblasts, osteoblasts, and odontoblasts. Several types are found in the human body. Type 1 collagen is one of the first products synthesized by the body when bone formation occurs.
Collagen membrane
Bioabsorbable barrier membrane made from collagen (mainly type 1) with the following properties: well tolerated by surrounding tissues, semi-permeable, hemostatic, and chemotactic.
Commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti)
Biocompatible metal commonly used for dental implants. It is an alloy of approximately 99 wt.% titanium and small amounts (from 0.18 to 0.40 wt.%) of oxygen with trace amounts (less than 0.25 wt.%) of iron, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Commercially pure titanium is classified in multiple grades. The amount of oxygen determines the grade of the alloy.
See: Titanium (Ti),
Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V).
Compatible
Refers to the interchangeability of prosthetic components of one implant system to another.
Complication
An unfavorable condition, reversible or irreversible.
Composites (Dental)
Resins are types of synthetic materials which are used in dentistry as restorative material or adhesives. Synthetic resins evolved as restorative materials since they were insoluble, aesthetic, insensitive to dehydration, easy to manipulate and reasonably inexpensive. Composite resins are most commonly composed of Bis-GMA and other dimethacrylate monomers (TEGMA, UDMA, HDDMA), a filler material such as silica and in most current applications, a photoinitiator. Dimethylglyoxime is also commonly added to achieve certain physical properties such as flow ability. Further tailoring of physical properties is achieved by formulating unique concentrations of each constituent. An example for use in dental implants incorporates a hybrid technique which involves a screw-retained partial implant bridge which provides white esthetics and a gingival base made of ceramic material, which can then be covered with a composite overlay to create the final pink contours making the prosthetic gingival restoration more esthetic and predictable.
See: Artificial gingival.
Composite graft
Combination of different
grafting materials.
Compressive stress
Stress caused by a load (two forces applied toward one another in the same straight line) that tends to compress or shorten an object.
See: Bending stress, Stress.
Computer-aided design/Computer-aided manufacturing
(CAD/CAM)
Process for direct
preparation of an object from computer-acquired or computer-generated data.
Confocal microscopy
Confocal microscopy is an optical imaging technique for increasing optical resolution and contrast of a micrograph by means of adding a spatial pinhole placed at the confocal plane of the lens to eliminate out-of-focus light. It enables the reconstruction of three-dimensional structures from the obtained images.
See: Parallel confocal imaging technology
Configuration
Specific size and shape of a dental implant or component.
Connective tissue (CT)
A primary tissue with many different forms and functions, including support, storage, and protection. It is often recognized as distinct from other tissues due to its larger proportion of extracellular matrix.
Connective tissue attachment
The mechanism of attachment of the connective tissue to a tooth or a dental implant. Around the latter, the connective tissue fibers are generally parallel and circumferential to the implant surface and constitute the apical part of the biologic width.
Continuous wave mode (Cw-mode)
Type of operation in which the laser emits radiation energy as a constant, uninterrupted stream.
Coolant
A fluid used as an irrigating solution to reduce heat generated during drilling.
Coping design
Specific coping shape or pattern, or the method by which it is made or planned. The coping is specific for use within an implant system.
Correlation coefficient
Number between -1 and +1 which measures the degree to which two variables are linearly related. -1 indicates perfect linear negative relationship between two variables, +1 indicates perfect positive linear relationship and 0 indicates lack of any linear relationship.
Cortical bone pin
Machined from mineralized cortical allograft, pins formulated for dental surgical procedures provide a natural approach to space maintenance, especially for sites that have lost facial or buccal cortex. Cortical bones pins can be used instead of titanium screws which have to be removed.
Corticosteroid
Any of the steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex or their synthetic equivalents. They are involved in a wide range of physiologic systems such as stress response, immune response and regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, protein
catabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior.
See: Glucocorticoid.
Corticotomy
A surgical technique in
which only the bony cortex is surgically cut.
Countersink drill
Drill used to enlarge the coronal part of an osteotomy.
Cover screw mill
Instrument or device used
to remove excess bone growth over a cover screw.
Crestal
Pertaining to the crest
or the most coronal portion of the ridge.
Critical-size(d) defect (CSD)
Smallest osseous defect that does not completely heal by spontaneous bone regeneration. Its size varies by anatomic location and species.
Cross-arch stabilization
Syn: Bilateral stabilization.
Resistance against dislodging or rotational forces obtained by a prosthetic design that uses dental implants and/or natural teeth on opposite sides of a dental arch and which are splinted together.
See: Splinting.
Cross-sectional study
A type of study that involves the observation of a defined population at a single point in time or time interval.
Crown height space (CHS)
Distance from the crest of bone, to the plane of occlusion in the posterior region and to the incisal edge of the same arch in the anterior region, available for a prosthesis.
Crown-implant ratio
The ratio of the crown height to the length of a dental implant embedded in bone. The “crown height” extends from the most coronal bone to-implant contact to the most coronal aspect of the prosthetic reconstruction connected to that implant.
Cryotherapy
Extraorally, the postsurgical application of cold dressings to reduce inflammation and pain. Intraorally, the freezing of tissue with a cold device.
CTx/CTx Test
Abbr: C-telopeptide test for
type 1 collagen.
Certain research supports the use of the CTX test as predictive of osteonecrosis of the jaw bone in patients exposed to bisphosphonates.
Cutting resistance analysis (CRA)
The energy (J/mm3) required for a current-fed electric motor in cutting off a unit volume of bone during implant surgery, used to assess bone density.
Cytokine
Any of several regulatory proteins, such as the interleukins and lymphokines, that are released by cells of the immune system and act as intercellular or intracellular mediators in the generation of an immune response.
D
Data merge
Diagnostic information obtained from a CT/CBCT scan, combined with visual surface data from an intra-oral or desktop optical scanner.
Decortication
Intraoperative perforation or removal of cortical bone to induce bleeding and release of bone forming cells from the underlying marrow, routinely used in combination with onlay block grafts or guided bone regeneration procedures.
Definitive prosthesis
The final prosthetic reconstruction.
Dehiscence
1. Incomplete coverage or cleft-like absence of bone at a localized area around a tooth or a dental implant, extending for a variable distance from the crest.
See: Fenestration.
2. Premature opening of a primary soft tissue closure.
Demineralized bone matrix (DBM)
A composite of collagenous
and noncollagenous proteins and bone growth factors remaining after the extraction of minerals from the bone by a chemical process.
Dental implant
1. A biocompatible device placed within, or on, the bone of the maxilla or mandible, to provide support for a prosthetic reconstruction.
2. ISO definition: “A device designed to be placed surgically within or on the mandibular or maxillary bone to provide resistance to displacement of a dental prosthesis.” (ISO 1942-5)
Dentin grinder
A medical device with a rotating blade grinds a complete non-endodontically treated tooth removed of all visible tissue debris into 300 -1200um particles for the purpose of creating autogenous demineralized dentin matrix (ADDM). The remnants are then placed into a small vial and treated with a specific cleanser for 10 min. The cleanser is then removed and the particles cleansed with saline solution for 3 min. The saline is absorbed off and the material is ready for use as an autologous bone graft.
See: Autogenous Demineralized Dentin Matrix (ADDM), Bone scaffold.
Depassivation
Loss or removal of the surface oxide layer of a metal.
Depth gauge
Graduated instrument with markings designed to measure the vertical extent of an osteotomy preparation.
Dermal graft
Tissue graft from a human or animal cadaver, which has undergone a process of de-epithelialization and de-cellularization leaving an immunologically inert avascular connective tissue.
Design (implant)
The three-dimensional structure of a dental implant or component, with all the elements and characteristics that compose it: form, shape, configuration, surface macrostructure, and micro-irregularities.
Device orientation
The direction in which a distraction device is positioned, usually relative to the anatomical axis of the bone segments to be distracted.
Diagnostic wax-up
Laboratory procedure in which teeth are created in wax according to the planned restoration. It may be used to evaluate the feasibility of a proposed plan and to fabricate a radiographic template, a surgical guide, or laboratory guides.
Digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM)
An standard of conformity used by the majority of imaging hardware (CT/CBCT) and software manufacturers for handling, storing, printing, and transmitting information in medical digital diagnostic imaging. It allows three-dimensional imaging data from different manufacturers to be used in third party software for visualization, surgical evaluation, and creation of CAD/CAM models and appliances. DICOM enables the integration of digital diagnostic imaging modalities into a picture archiving and communication system (PACS).
See: PACS
Digital impressions
The use of intraoral optical scanners to acquire tooth morphology, gingiva morphology, and occlusion in a digital format for the purpose of aiding in the diagnosis and treatment planning phase, fabricating a dental prosthesis, for orthodontic applications, or to fabricate surgical templates for dental implants or oral surgery procedures. Currently, all of the various chairside intraoral digital scanning devices are based on optical principles such as blue light-emitting diodes, blue laser technology, multiple single images that are stitched together, and continuous acquisition (streaming) of optical images. Optical scanners depend upon a reflective surface and may require a contrasting medium or powder to acquire the surface representation of the tooth morphology.
See: Intraoral scanner, digital workflow, CAD/CAM
Digital radiography
A form of X-ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors (digital image capture device) are used instead of traditional photographic film. Advantages include time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing and the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images. Also, less radiation can be used to produce an image of similar contrast to conventional radiography.
See: Sensor (Digital X-ray), Sensor (CBCT), Intraoral digital X-ray sensor
Digital workflow
The clinical and laboratory steps to acquire intraoral and/or extraoral patient information in a digital format for the purpose of aiding in the diagnosis and treatment planning phase, from initial chairside scanning to the fabrication of a dental prosthesis in the dental laboratory.
See: Intraoral scanner, CAD/CAM, 3-D printing, 3-D scanner, Data merge
Direction indicator
Device inserted into an osteotomy in order to assess its orientation or position relative to adjacent teeth and anatomic structures. Also used to verify and assist in achieving parallelism in the preparation of multiple osteotomies.
Distraction parameters
Biological and biomechanical variables that affect the quality and quantity of bone formed during distraction osteogenesis.
Distraction rate
The total amount of distraction in millimeters performed per day.
Disuse atrophy
Diminution in dimension and/or density of bone, resulting from inadequate loading by physiologic forces.
Dolder bar
Prefabricated U-shaped bar used to connect teeth, tooth roots, or implant abutments to provide support and retention using a sleeve incorporated into the intaglio surface of a removable prosthesis.
Donor site
Area of the body from which a graft is harvested. Examples include skin, mucosa, connective tissue, and bone.
Drill
A cutting instrument used to create holes by rotary motion.
Drill stop
Device attached to a drill to control the depth of an osteotomy.
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
Test measuring bone mineral “density” (BMD). Two low-dose x-ray beams with differing energy levels
are aimed at the patient’s bones. By subtracting the soft tissue absorption, the BMD can be determined from the absorption of each beam by bone.
Dynamic loading
Situation where a dental implant is subject to a force which varies in magnitude and/or direction (e.g., during occlusal function)
See: Static loading.
E
Edentulism
The condition of missing one or more teeth, partial or complete loss of teeth.
Edentulous
Without teeth.
Edentulous space
Area previously occupied by a tooth or teeth.
Electric discharge method (EDM)
Syn: Spark erosion.
A precision metal removal process, using a series of electrical sparks, to erode material from a workpiece in a liquid medium under carefully controlled conditions.
Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
A type of additive manufacturing for metal parts. It is often classified as a rapid manufacturing method. The technology manufactures parts such as crown copings by melting metal powder layer by layer with an electron beam in a high vacuum. Unlike some metal sintering techniques, the parts are fully dense, void-free, and extremely strong.
See: Additive Manufacturing (AM), Rapid prototyping
Emergence profile
The part of the axial contour of a tooth or prosthetic crown that extends from the base of the sulcus past the free soft tissue margin. The emergence profile extends to the height of contour of the crown, producing a straight or convex profile in the apical third of the axial surface.
Enamel matrix derivative (EMD)
Sterile protein aggregate from enamel matrix, amelogenins, the precursor of enamel of developing teeth. The proteins are harvested from around developing pig embryo teeth, with special processing procedures.
Endosseous ramus frame implant
A full-arch, endosseous implant set into both rami and the symphyseal area of the mandible with a horizontal connecting bar that sits along the gingival tissues, thus forming a U-shaped design when viewed from the occlusal.
See: Ramus implant
Endosteum
Tissue lining the medullary cavity of bone. It is composed of a single layer of osteoprogenitor cells and a small amount of connective tissue.
Engaging
Feature of a dental implant or prosthetic component that incorporates an anti-rotation mechanical design.
Envelope flap
Flap that is elevated from a horizontal linear incision, parallel to the free gingival margin, with no vertical incision. It may be sulcular or submarginal.
Epithelium
Tissue lining the intraoral mucosal surfaces, extending into the sulcus and adhering to a dental implant or tooth.
Eposteal implant
Device that receives its primary bone support by means of resting upon bone.
See: Subperiosteal implant.
Erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er-YAG laser)
A solid-state laser containing an Er-YAG crystal which emits a wavelength of 2940 nanometers. It is mainly used in bone surgery.
Esthetic zone
Any dento-alveolar segment visible upon full smile. The relationship of the three components involved in the smile (i.e., gingiva, lips, teeth) determines whether a particular smile is considered high or low.
Etching
Use of acids or other agents (etchants) to increase the surface area of a dental implant or other materials.
Exclusion criteria
The specific characteristics that prevent a participant from entering a clinical trial or study group.
See: Inclusion criteria.
Exfoliation
The loss of implanted materials or devices.
Extender
A surgical component used as an intermediary piece between the handpiece or wrench and another component (e.g., drill, implant mount) to increase the effective reach of the latter.
External hexagon
A hexagonal connection interface of the platform of a dental implant extending coronally. It prevents gross rotation of the attached component.
External irrigation
Method of irrigation during the drilling of osteotomies for the placement of dental implants from an external device, whereby the cooling solution is directed at the drilling bur during preparation of the osteotomy. This method delivers the cooling solution at the entrance of the osteotomy. The cooling solution may be delivered through tubing connected to the handpiece and drilling unit, or it may be from a hand-held system.
External oblique ridge
Bony ridge on the buccal aspect of the mandibular molars which serve as a source of autogenous bone for intraoral grafting procedures.
Exudate
Fluids, cells, and cellular debris that have escaped from blood vessels and are deposited in tissues or on tissue surfaces, usually as a result of inflammation.
F
Facebow
A dental instrument that is used in the field of prosthodontics / restorative dentistry. Its purpose is to transfer functional and aesthetic components from patient’s mouth to the dental articulator. Specifically, it transfers the relationship of maxillary arch and temporomandibular joint to the casts.
See: Articulator
Facial prosthesis
Maxillofacial articifial replacement for a part of the face missing due to traumatic injury, surgical intervention due to carcinoma related lesions, or congenital defects. Facial prosthetics may be stabilized or fixated with the support of specially designed dental implants.
Facing
Usually a tooth colored material such as a porcelain laminate veneer, or resin bonded veneer to the visible surface of a prepared natural tooth or prosthetic replacement. The material may also be pink in color to replace missing gingival tissue on implant supported restorations.
See: Veneer
Failure rate
The percentage of failures in a study or clinical trial, of a procedure or device (e.g., dental implant), according to defined criteria.
Fatigue
Progressive weakening of a structure by accumulating embrittlement and crack formation/propagation.
Fatigue failure
A structural failure caused by multiple loading episodes when all loads lie below the structure’s ultimate strength. Typically, such failures occur after multiple loading episodes.
Fatigue fracture (failure)
Structural failure caused by repetitive stresses, which cause a slowly propagating crack to cross the material.
Feldspathic Porcelain
Highly translucent, esthetic material for restorations fabricated with the traditional veneering porcelain
powder and liquid brush build-up technique. Opaquer can be added by the laboratory when necessary to cover dark stain cases.
Fibroblast
Cell found within connective tissues responsible for synthesis of collagen and ground substance.
Fibronectin
A high-molecular weight (~440kDa) glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix that binds to membrane-spanning receptor proteins called integrins. Similar to integrins, fibronectin binds extracellular matrix components such as collagen, fibrin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (e.g. syndecans), helping to promote cellular adhesion and/or migration, and are involved in aggregation of platelets.
Fibrous
Composed of or containing fibers.
Fibrous connective tissue
Composed of parallel bundles of collagen fibers, found in the dermis, tendons, and ligaments. Also called dense connective tissue.
Fiducial markers
Specialized markers that are supplemented onto the operative field prior to the imaging scan and are used during surgery as the key reference points for the patient’s registration procedure, or during surgical guide fabrication for the transfer of information from software-based planning.
See: Registration
Finite element analysis (FEA)
Computer software method used to study stresses and strains on mechanical parts or components. Virtual prototyping software, often a component of computer-aided design software programs, which automatically generates the simulated mechanical loads for FEA.
Fistula
An abnormal passage or communication, usually between two internal organs or leading from an internal organ to the surface of the body.
1. Oroantral fistula: An opening between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus.
2. Orofacial fistula: An opening between the cutaneous surface of the face and the oral cavity.
3. Oronasal fistula: An opening between the nasal cavity and the oral cavity.
Flank angle
The angle made by the flank of a screw thread with a line perpendicular to the axis of the screw.
Flapless implant surgery
Surgical technique where no soft tissue flaps are raised or when a circular piece of tissue is removed to permit placement of a dental implant.
Flat panel detectors
A square or rectangular amorphous plate with a scintillator that replaces film, used in cone-beam computed tomography.
Fracture
Failure caused by growth of a crack.
Framework
Supporting structure of a prosthetic reconstruction.
Free-standing implant
A dental implant that is not splinted to adjacent teeth or implants.
Freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA)
Bone harvested from donor cadavers, washed, immersed in ethanol, frozen in nitrogen, freeze-dried and ground to particles ranging in diameter from 250 to 750 microns. It acts primarily through an osteoconductive process.
Freeze-drying
Syn: Lyophilization.
A method of tissue preparation in which the specimen is frozen and then dehydrated at low temperature in high vacuum.
Frenectomy
Surgical incision of a muscle attachement, or frenulum, including its attachment to the underlying bone due to functional or esthetic needs of the patient. The procedure can be accomplished with a scalpel blade, or laser.
Full arch bridge/prosthesis
Restoring the entire arch: Patients who are missing, or need to remove all teeth in one or both jaws, can be restored with a fixed full-arch prosthesis
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
An additive manufacturing technology commonly used for modeling, prototyping, and production applications. FDM works on an “additive”principle by laying down material in layers. A plastic filament or metal wire is unwound from a coil and supplies material to an extrusion nozzle which can turn the flow on and off. The nozzle is heated to melt the material and can be moved in both horizontal and vertical directions by a numerically controlled mechanism, directly controlled by a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software package. The model or part is produced by extruding smallbeads of thermoplastic material to form layers as the material hardens immediately after extrusion from the nozzle.
See: Additive Manufacturing (AM), 3-D printing, Rapid prototyping
Fusobacterium nucleatum
Fusobacterium nucleatum is an oral bacterium, indigenous to the human oral cavity, that plays a role in periodontal and peri-implant disease. This organism is a key component of periodontal plaque due to its abundance and its ability to coaggregate with other species in the oral cavity
G
Gingiva
Part of the masticatory mucosa, which covers the alveolar process and surrounds the cervical portion of teeth. It consists of an epithelial layer and an underlying connective tissue layer called the lamina propria.
Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)
An inflammatory exudate that can be collected at the gingival margin or within the gingival crevice. The biochemical analysis of the fluid offers a non invasive means of assessing the host response in periodontal disease.
Gingival recession
Syn: Marginal tissue recession.
The exposure of the roots of the teeth caused by a loss of gingival tissue and/or retraction / displacement of the gingival margin from the crown of the teeth apical to the cementoenamel junction, or the implant-abutment connection.
Gingival sulcus
The gingival sulcus is an area of potential space between a tooth and the surrounding gingival tissue and is lined by sulcular epithelium. The depth of the sulcus is bounded by two entities: apically by the gingival fibers of the connective tissue attachment and coronally by thefree gingival margin. There is also a gingival sulcus surrounding the implant-abutment-tooth complex emerging from the bone, surrounded by soft tissue.
Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c test (HbA1c test)
Syn: Glycated hemoglobin
A1c test.
Lab test which reveals average plasma glucose concentration over a period of three months. Specifically, it measures the number of glucose molecules attached to hemoglobin. Results are expressed as a percentage, with 4 to 6% considered normal.
Graft
Material or tissue used for implantation or transplantation.
Grafting material
A substance, natural or synthetic, used to enhance or repair a tissue defect or deficiency.
Grit blasting
Delivery to a dental implant surface of a high velocity stream of abrasive particles propelled by compressed air, designed to increase surface area.
Guided bone regeneration (GBR)
Bone regenerative technique that uses physical means (e.g., barrier membranes) to seal off an anatomic site where bone is to be regenerated. The goal is to direct bone formation and prevent other tissues (e.g., connective tissue) from interfering with osteogenesis.
Guide pin
1.Device placed within a dental implant osteotomy to assist in determining the location and angulation of the site relative to adjacent teeth, implants or other landmarks.
2. Extended occlusal or abutment screws used during prosthesis fabrication in the laboratory.
Guided tissue regeneration
(GTR)
Dental surgical procedures that use barrier membranes to direct the growth of new bone and gingival tissue at sites with insufficient volumes or dimensions of bone or gingiva for proper function, esthetics or
prosthetic restoration.
H
Handpiece motion tracker
An array of active emitters or passive reflectors that are attached to a surgical instrument to enable their localization within the operative field by an overhead detector.
Harvest
To gather or collect hard or soft tissue for grafting purposes.
Haversian canal
Freely anastomosing channels within cortical (dense) bone containing blood and lymph vessels, and surrounded by concentric bone lamellae.
Healing by first (primary) intention
Syn: Primary closure.
Healing of a wound in which the edges are closely re-approximated. Union or restoration of continuity occurs directly with minimal granulation tissue and scar formation.
Healing by second (secondary) intention
Syn: Secondary closure.
Healing of a wound in which a gap is left between its edges. Union occurs by granulation tissue formation from the base and the sides. This requires epithelial migration, collagen deposition, contraction, and remodeling during healing.
Healing period
Syn: Healing phase.
The time allocated for healing following a surgery, before the next procedure is performed at the same site.
Heat necrosis
Cell death due to effectively prolonged exposure of bone to elevated temperature, such as during osteotomy preparation.
Hematoma
A localized mass of extravasated blood, usually clotted, that is relatively or completely confined within an organ or tissue, a space or a potential space.
Hematopoietic stem cell
The precursor of a mature blood cell that is defined by its ability to replace the bone marrow system following its obliteration (e.g., by gamma-irradiation) and can continue to produce mature blood cells.
Hemorrhage
Escape of blood from the circulatory system, bleeding which is often excessive and may be difficult to control.
Hemostasis
The arrest of bleeding, either physiologically, surgically, or mechanically.
Hex
The hexagonal shape of a connection interface, internal hex, or external hex.
Hexed
A component or a dental implant with a hexagonal connection interface.
Histomorphometry
The quantitative study of the microscopic organization and structure of a tissue (e.g., bone), especially by computer-assisted analysis of images acquired from a microscope.
Hollow basket implant
A root-form dental implant with a central internal channel penetrating the implant body from/at its apical aspect.
Host response
The local or systemic response of the host organism to an implanted material or device.
Hounsfield unit (HU)
A unit of x-ray attenuation used for computed tomography scans as a measurement of bone density. The Hounsfield unit is a way to characterize radiation attenuation in different tissues and thus making it easier to define what a given finding may represent. It measures radiodensity and is a quantitative scale. Each volume pixel or voxel is assigned a value on a scale on which air is -1000, distilled water at standard pressure and temperature (STP) is defined as 0, and radiopaque structures such as compact bone will be in the range of +1000 and greater. Godfrey N. Hounsfield invented the first CT scanner in 1972.
See: Voxel, Computed tomography (CT)
Howship’s lacuna
Minute depressions in the surface of a bone undergoing resorption.
Hybrid implant
An endosseous, root-form dental implant, with different surface geometries or textures at different levels.
Hydroxyapatite (HA)/Ca10(PO4)(OH)2
General term for calcium hydroxylapatite. Primary inorganic and natural component of bone, also used as an alloplast. Hydroxyapatite is also used to coat some dental implant surfaces.
See: Alloplast.
Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)
Alloplastic material made of hydrosoluble monomer, which can polymerize under various circumstances
at low temperatures. It can be used to prepare various hydrogels to immobilize proteins or cells for grafting purposes.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
Treatment modality where a patient is placed in a pressurized chamber (hyperbaric chamber) that allows for the delivery of oxygen in high concentrations for therapeutic benefits. It is sometimes used prior to implant therapy for patients who underwent radiation therapy in the head and neck areas, to reduce the risks of osteoradionecrosis.
Hyperesthesia
A dysesthesia consisting of increased sensitivity, particularly a painful sensation from a normally painless touch stimulus.
Hyperplasia
Excessive enlargement of a tissue or structure due to an increase in the number of cells.
Hypodontia
Congenital absence of a tooth or teeth.
Hypoesthesia
Syn: Hypesthesia.
A dysesthesia consisting of abnormally decreased sensitivity, particularly to touch.
I
Iliac crest
Superior part of the ilium used as a source of autogenous bone.
See: Iliac graft.
Iliac graft
A bone graft harvested from the crest of the iliac bone. The bone can be removed from the anterior iliac crest posterior to the anterosuperior iliac spine or the posterior ilium. The graft may be cancellous, cortical, or corticocancellous.
Image Stitching
The process of combining multiple photographic images, or CT/CBCT images with overlapping fields of view to produce a segmented panorama or high-resolution image, or a field of view image
See: Stitching.
Implant
A biocompatible alloplastic material or device that is surgically placed into orofacial tissues and used for anchorage, functional, therapeutic, and/or esthetic purposes.
Implant anchorage
Use of a dental implant as support for orthodontic tooth movement or arch expansion.
Implant body
Syn: Implant root, Implant shaft.
Portion of a root-form dental implant available for bone-to-implant contact.
Implant collar
The most coronal part of a dental implant, just apical to the edge of it’s platform, which can be of differing thickness and having the same surface treatment as the remaining portion of the implant or have a different surface finish specified by the manufacturer. Some root-form implants do not have a collar.
Implant component
One of the structural sections that make up the implant-abutment complex.
Implant diameter
The longest linear measurement in millimeters of the cross section of a dental implant.
Implant drill
Rotary cutting tool used for creating an osteotomy.
Implant fracture
The breakage of a dental implant into two or more parts.
Implant head
For subperiosteal or blade implants, refers to the segment of the implant above the neck and used to connect to the prosthetic reconstruction. Also called abutment.
Implant interface
The area of contact between tissues (e.g., bone, connective tissue) and the surface of a dental implant.
Implant mount
Device secured to the implant to facilitate the delivery of a dental implant to its prepared surgical osteotomy site, and can be used to rotate the implant to the pre-determined depth with the appropriate torque driver. The implant mount is then removed from the implant and the position confirmed.
Implant periapical lesion
Radiolucency localized at the apex of a root-form dental implant. It can be asymptomatic or symptomatic. The symptoms of the acute form may include a fistula with purulent exudate and/or pain on palpation.
Implant placement
Surgical steps involved in the drilling of the osteotomy and delivery of the implant into the bone either as a two-stage procedure where the implant will be covered with gingival tissues and allowed to integrate, or as a one-stage procedure with a transmucosal healing collar, with or without a soft tissue flap.
Implant prosthesis
Any prosthesis (fixed, removable, or maxillofacial) that utilizes dental implants in part or whole for retention, support, and stability.
Implant prosthodontics
Portion of implant dentistry dealing with the diagnosis, presurgical planning, construction, and placement of fixed or removable prostheses on any dental implant device.
Implant scaler
Instrument used for plaque removal and debridement of the peri-implant sulcus. A variety of nonmetallic, plastic, graphite, nylon, or teflon-coated instrument tips are recommended for titanium surfaces.
Implant selection
Process of choosing the type and size of a dental implant, based on site anatomy, surgical approach, and planned prosthetic reconstruction.
Implant stability
Clinical evaluation of the degree of fixation of a dental implant.
Implant stability quotient (ISQ)
ISQ
is a number (based on a scale from 1 to 100) which measures the lateral stability of the dental implant and thereby indirectly the degree of osseointegration achieved through linear mapping of resonance frequency analysis (RFA). While the actual values are expressed in Hertz, the ISQ number has been developed to facilitate communication regarding implant micromobility through a more user-friendly scale using implant-specific SmartPegs. (ISQ x 1,000 = RFA in Hz)
Implant-tissue-supported prosthesis
An overdenture that derives its support from a combination of intraoral tissues and dental implants. This type of restoration is always removable and may be either partial or complete arch.
See: Fixed prosthesis, Removable prosthesis.
Implant type
The classification of dental implants according to gross body geometry and mode of placement.
Impression coping
A device that registers the position of a dental implant or dental implant abutment in an impression. It may be retained in the impression (direct) or may require a transfer from intraoral usage to the impression after the attachment of the corresponding analog (indirect).
Incisive foramen
One of several openings of the incisive canals into the incisive fossa.
Inclusion criteria
The specific characteristics that all participants must have to enter a clinical trial or study group.
See: Exclusion criteria.
Infection
Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, which may be clinically inapparent or result in local cellular injury due to competitive metabolism, toxins, intracellular replication, or antigen-antibody response.
Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN)
One of the terminal branches of the mandibular nerve, a division of the trigeminal nerve. It enters the mandibular canal branching to the lower teeth, periosteum, and gingiva of the mandible. A branch, the mental nerve, passes through the mental foramen to supply the skin and mucosa of the lower lip and chin.
Inflammation
Localized reaction of the body tissues to invasion by pathogenic micro-organisms, or to trauma by wounds, burns or chemicals, which serves to destroy, dilute, or wall off both the injurious agent and the injured tissue. It may be acute or chronic and is characterized by some or all five cardinal
signs: redness, swelling, pain, a rise in temperature, and loss
of function.
Infrastructure
The implants and/or teeth supporting a prosthetic reconstruction.
Initial stability
Syn: Primary stability.
The degree of tightness of a dental implant immediately after placement in its prepared osteotomy. An implant is considered to have initial stability if it is clinically immobile at time of placement.
Insulin-like growth factors (IGF)
Peptides that behave similarly to insulin and stimulate cell proliferation.
See: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Interdental papilla
Portion of the free gingiva occupying the interproximal space confined by adjacent teeth in contact.
See: Papilla.
Interimplant distance
The horizontal distance between the platforms of two adjacent dental implants.
Interimplant papilla
The soft tissue occupying the interproximal space confined by adjacent implant-supported fixed partial dentures in contact.
See: Papilla.
Interlock
An intracoronal attachment used to segment a prosthetic reconstructions.
Intermaxillary relationship
See: maxillomandibular relationship.
Internal irrigation
Method of irrigation during the drilling of osteotomies for the placement of root-form dental implants, whereby the cooling solution passes inside the shaft of the drilling bur and is delivered through an exit at the working end. This method delivers the cooling solution inside the osteotomy.
Intraoral (internal) distraction device
A device that is located inside the oral cavity, used in distraction osteogenesis. The device can be attached to the bone (bone-borne), to the teeth (tooth-borne), or simultaneously to the teeth and bone (hybrid).
Intramembranous ossification
Bone formation in which connective tissue serving as a membrane becomes a template for bone deposition without any intermediate formation of cartilage.
Intraosseous vessels
Vessels embedded in the bone, especially in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus
In vitro
Outside the living organism or natural system. Usually refers to artificial experimental systems such as cultures or cell-free extracts.
In vivo
Within the living organism or natural system.
Irrigation
1. Technique of using a solution, usually physiologic saline, to cool the surgical bur and flush away the surgical debris.
2. Act of flushing an area with a solution.
See: External irrigation, Internal irrigation.
Ischemia
Deficiency of blood in an area due to a functional constriction or actual obstruction of a blood vessel(s).
Isotropic surface
Surface textures that are randomly distributed so the surface is identical in all directions.
See: Anisotropic surface.
J
Joint-separating force
Force attempting to disengage parts joined by a screw.
Junctional epithelium
The epithelium adhering to the surface of a dental implant or tooth surface at the base of the sulcus. It constitutes the coronal part of the biologic width. It is formed by single or multiple layers of nonkeratinizing cells. The junctional epithelial cells have a basal membrane and hemidesmosomal attachments to the implant or tooth surface.
See: Epithelial attachment.
K
Kaplan-Meier analysis
A statistical method used to estimate a population (e.g., dental implants) survival curve from a sample. Survival over time can be estimated, even when patients drop out or are studied for different lengths of time.
Knife-edge ridge
Term used to describe a sharp or narrow morphology of a residual ridge in the mandible or maxilla usually a result of progressive resorption.
L
Laser
Acronym: Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.
An optical device that transforms light of various set of frequencies into radiation energy (a beam) as a result of controlled stimulated emission. Certain properties are common such as monochromacy, coherence, and collimation.
Laser etching
Application of a laser beam to selectively ablate a material from a surface (e.g., dental implant).
Laser phototherapy (LPT)
The clinical use of nonionizing laser sources for non-surgical applications.
Laser welding
Technique of joining pieces of metal (e.g., a bar) through the use of a laser beam. The beam provides a concentrated heat source, allowing for high strength, narrow, and deep welds.
Leukocyte and Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF)
A second generation autologous chairside preparation (platelet concentrate) derived from whole venous blood through a specific process of gradient density centrifugation that limits the degree of blood manipulation, and does not require a platelet activator. It produces dense fibrin matrix that incorporate leukocytes, platelets and high concentrations of growth factors. When compressed, the resulting fibrin matrix is strong, pliable, and can be sutured for use as a stand-alone product to improve wound healing and promote tissue regeneration. The resulting matrix can also be incorporated into particulate bone graft materials to improve handling characteristics of the particulate material.
Life table analysis
Statistical method to describe the survival (e.g., dental implants) in a sample. The distribution of survival times is divided into intervals. For each interval, one can compute the number and proportion of cases that entered the respective interval “alive”, the number and proportion of cases that failed in the respective interval (i.e., number of cases that “died”), and the number of cases that were lost to follow-up or censored in the respective interval.
Lingual
Relating to, near, or on the side toward the tongue. Often used to designate part of a tooth surface or position of an anatomical region.
Lingual artery
Branch of the carotid artery, with a distribution to the undersurface of the tongue, terminating as the deep artery of the tongue, and with subdivisions to the suprahyoid and dorsal lingual branches and the sublingual artery.
Lingual nerve
Branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. It lies inferior to the lateral pterygoid and medial and anterior to the inferior alveolar nerve. It supplies sensory innervations to the mucous membrane of the anterior two thirds of the tongue and the gingiva on the lingual side of the mandibular teeth.
Lip-Lift
Placing a radiolucent object like a cotton roll under the lip during a CBCT scan to aid in diagnosing the thickness of facial or buccal cortical plate, soft tissue coverage, or post graft procedures, while defining the vestibule.
Lip Line
Defined as an imaginary line following the lower border of the upper lip when stretched due to smiling.
Classified as High, Medium, and Low, the position of the lip is a reference to plan for esthetics and function during restorative treatment.
Lithium Disilicate
Glass ceramic substructure with approximately 70% lithium disilicate crystals. The surface may be veneered with traditional feldspathic porcelains to provide a more esthetic appearance. Can be fabricated with a lost-wax process of pressing and also supplied in CAD/CAM blocks.
Long buccal nerve
Branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. It passes anteriorly between the heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle and descends inferiorly to the anterior border of the masseter muscle. It supplies the skin over the buccinator muscle as well as the mucous membrane lining its inner portion and the buccal gingiva of the mandibular molars.
Longitudinal study
A study in which observations on subjects are made at two or more points in time.
Lost-wax casting technique
The process of investing a wax or plastic pattern in a refractory mold which is placed into an oven at high heat to melt the pattern. The resulting void is then filled with molten metal, resulting in a casting.
M
Macrointerlock
Fixation by mechanical interlocking between bone and dental implant macro-irregularities such as threads, holes, pores, grooves, etc., which have dimensions in the range of 50 microns or greater.
Magnetic attachment
Non-mechanical retentive element mainly used for retention of overdentures, or for maxillofacial prosthetics dependent on the attraction properties of rare-earth alloys.
Maintenance
Procedures performed at selected time intervals to assist in the maintenance of the prosthetic reconstruction, periodontal and peri-implant tissue health.
Malpositioned implant
A dental implant placed in a position creating restorative, biomechanical, and/or esthetic challenges for an optimal restorative result.
Mandibular flexure
The medial deformation in the body of the mandible due to the contraction of the pterygoid muscles during opening and protrusion.
Mandibular foramen
The opening into the mandibular canal on the medial surface of the ramus of the mandible giving passage to the inferior alveolar nerve, artery, and vein.
Mandibular movement
Muscle and ligament activated border and/or intraborder movements of the lower jaw. The types of movements are, rotational, horizontal axis, frontal axis, sagittal axis, and translational.
Mandibular ramus
A quadrilateral process projecting upward and backward from the posterior part of the body of the mandible, and ending on the other end at the temporomandibular joint in a saddle-like indentation (sigmoid notch) between the coronoid and condylar processes. It may serve as a source for bone grafting.
Mandibular staple implant
Syn: Transmandibular implant.
Form of transosseous dental implant whereby a plate is fixed at the inferior border of the mandible. Retentive pins are placed partially into the inferior border with two continuous screws going transcortically and penetrating into the mouth in the canine areas and used as abutments.
Mandibular symphysis
The line of fusion of the lateral halves of the body of the mandible, which splits inferiorly to form the mental protuberance. It may serve as a source for bone grafting.
Mandibular torus
See: Torus.
Marking bur
Rotary cutting tool used to score the bone at the site of an osteotomy.
Master cast
The definitive stone or epoxy cast used by the dental laboratory technician for the fabrication of a prosthesis, or by the clinician with an in-house milling device.
Master impression
Using standard materials for a physical intra-oral impression to receive a negative likeness for the fabrication of a cast to fabricate a prosthetic restoration. Can also be achieved with an intra-oral scanner creating a virtual cast.
Mastication
The process by which food is crushed and ground by teeth. It is the first step of digestion, and it increases the surface area of foods to allow more efficient break down by enzymes. During the mastication or chewing process, the food is positioned by the cheek and tongue between the teeth for grinding.
Matrix
1. An intricate network of natural or synthetic fibers that aids in the reinforcement and development of tissues by supplying a scaffold on which cells may grow, migrate, and proliferate.
2. The female part of an attachment.
See: Attachment, Patrix.
Mattress suture
Suture made by a double penetration of the flap(s), not crossing over the incision line. It is aimed at holding together the deeper tissues in order to reduce the tension of a flap upon approximation. It may be done in a horizontal or vertical direction.
Maxilla
Two paired bones forming the upper jaw and palate of the mouth. The two halves are fused at the intermaxillary suture to form the upper jaw, containing the frontal, palatine, alveolar, and nasal processes.
Maxillary retention cyst
A secretion cyst, not usually seen radiographically, that is caused by blockage of the seromucinous gland duct. As secretions collect, they expand the duct, producing a cyst that is encompassed by respiratory or cuboidal epithelium. It may be located on the sinus floor, near the ostium, or within antral polyps. It may be caused by sinus infections, allergies, or odontogenic infections.
See: Maxillary pseudocyst.
Maxillary rhino-sinusitis
A bacterial infection within the maxillary sinus with radiographic signs of an air-fluid level at its acute stage. Symptoms include purulent nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and facial pain. As condition progresses from acute to chronic, anaerobic bacteria become the predominant pathogens. It is considered chronic if it does not resolve in six weeks and/ or becomes recurrent.
Maxillary sinus
Syn: Antrum of Highmore, Maxillary antrum.
Air cavity in the body of the maxilla that is lined by the Schneiderian membrane consisting of a pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium. It normally lies superior to the roots of the maxillary premolars and molars and generally extends anteroposteriorly from the canine or premolar region to the molar or tuberosity region. Anatomically, it is a pyramidal cavity, with thin bony walls corresponding to the orbital, alveolar (floor), facial, and infra-temporal aspects of
the maxilla. Its apex extends into the zygomatic process. Its base is medial, forming the lateral wall of the
nasal cavity. It communicates with the nasal cavity through an opening in the middle meatus called the ostium. The floor is formed by the maxillary alveolar process and partly by the hard palate. The floor exhibits recesses and depressions in the premolar and molar regions. Each sinus usually has a volume of about 15 milliliters.
See: Alveolar recess, Maxillary sinus septum.
Maxillary sinus septum
Syn: Underwood cleft or septum.
Anatomic spine-like bony structure or web formation present in some maxillary sinuses. It may divide the inferior portion of the sinus into sections or loculi.
See: Alveolar recess.
Maxillary sinus hypoplasia (MSH)
Developmental pathology characterized by the underdevelopment of the maxillary sinus. It is diagnosed radiologically by a centripetal opacification of the maxillary antrum. It may be congenital or a direct result from trauma, infection, surgical intervention, or irradiation of the maxilla during the development of the maxillary bone.
Maxillary torus
See: Torus.
Maxillary tuberosity
The most distal aspect of the maxillary ridge, bilaterally. It may be used as a source of autogenous bone or serve for support of a prosthesis.
Maxillectomy
Complete surgical removal of the maxilla.
Maxillofacial prosthesis
Restoration replacing oral, stomatognathic, or
craniofacial structures with a fixed or removable prosthesis. Support and retention can be provided by natural teeth, surrounding tissues, and/or endosseous implants.
Mean (arithmetic)
Measure of central tendency that is calculated by adding all the individual values in the group and dividing by the number of values in the group.
Medical-grade calcium sulfate (MGCS)
Bioengineered form of calcium sulfate, a bone substitute used for intraoral grafting procedures. The shape and size of the hemihydrate crystals are modified to ensure a controlled and slower resorption profile.
See: Calcium sulfate (CaSO4).
Medullary bone
See: Bone.
Megapascal (MPa)
A unit of pressure or stress equal to one million pascals. It is equivalent to 145 psi(lb/ in2) or 9.87 kg/cm2.
Mental foramen
The anterior opening of the mandibular canal on the lateral aspect of the body of the mandible in the region of the first premolar, giving passage to the mental neurovascular bundle.
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)
Mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, are multipotent stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including: osteoblasts (bonecells), chondrocytes (cartilage cells), myocytes (muscle cells) and adipocytes (fat cells).
Metronidazole
An antibiotic (C6H9N3O3) used in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible organisms, particularly anaerobic bacteria and protozoa.
Microinterlock
Fixation by mechanical interlocking of bone to micro-irregularities at textured dental implant surfaces, including those created by grit-blasting, coating, ion bombardment, which have dimensions in the range of less than ten microns.
Micromotion
Micromotion of dental implants has been defined as minimal displacement of an implant body relative to the surrounding tissue which cannot be recognized with the naked eye. It is the distance the implant moves (measured in micrometers) when subjected to a lateral load (measured in Newtons). Excessive micromotion may interfere with the process of osseointegration of dental implants.
Middle superior alveolar nerve
Branch of the infraorbital nerve arising at the infraorbital groove. It runs downwards and forward in the lateral wall of the sinus to supply the maxillary premolars.
Misfit
The imprecise or mismatching of two mating parts or components.
Mode
Score or value that occurs most frequently in a distribution.
Modeling (bone)
Independent sites of formation and resorption that result in the change of the shape or size of bone. It occurs during growth, and during healing.
Modulus of elasticity
Syn: Elastic modulus.
Ratio of stress over strain, when the deformation is elastic. It is a measure of stiffness or flexibility of a material. A stiff material has a high modulus of elasticity and a flexible material has a low modulus of elasticity. Also called Young’s modulus.
Moment
The magnitude of force applied to a rotational system at a distance from the axis of rotation.
Monolithic zirconia (MZ)
Single crowns, bridges, and full-arch bridges are CAD CAM milled from a solid blocks of zirconia., which results in high strength restorations reducing chipping and breakage.
See: Zirconium (Zr),
zirconium oxide.
Morse taper connection
An internal connection interface consisting of a converging circular surface, which forms a mechanical
locking friction-fit. Also known as a cold weld.
Motion artifact
The acquisition time of state-of-the-art CBCT provides sufficient time for a human head to perform some minor movement, i.e. the action of swallowing. If an object moves during the scanning process,the computer reconstruction does not account for that movement, therefore affecting the clarity and accuracy of the image.
See: Artifact, Scatter
Motion-sensing device (implant)
Tool evaluating the relative mobility of a dental implant in relation to its surrounding bone.
Mucocele (oral)
A swelling of connective tissue consisting of a collection of fluid called mucin. This occurs because of a ruptured salivary gland duct usually caused by local trauma (damage), in the case of mucus extravasation phenomenon, and an obstructed or ruptured salivary duct (parotid duct) in the case of a mucus retention cyst. Although the term cyst is often used to refer to these lesions, mucoceles are not strictly speaking true cysts because there is no epithelial lining. It would be more accurate to classify mucoceles as polyps (i.e. a lump).
Mucosa
The epithelial lining of body cavities opening to the outside, consisting of a mucous membrane.
See: Oral mucosa.
Mucosal peri-implant tissues
The soft tissues (epithelium and connective tissues) surrounding the exposed portion of a dental implant.
Mucous retention cyst
A cyst caused by an obstruction of a duct, usually belonging to the parotid gland or a minor salivary gland
Multi axis machines
The most advanced CNC milling-machines can add two or more axes in addition to the three normal axes (XYZ). Horizontal milling machines also have a C or Q axis, allowing the horizontally mounted work piece to be rotated, essentially allowing asymmetric and eccentric turning. The fifth axis (B axis) controls the tilt of the tool itself. When all of these axes are used in conjunction with each other, extremely complicated geometries, such as CAD CAM abutments or monolithic full arch zirconia restoration can be milled with these machines.
See: CAD/CAM, CNC milling (CNC).
Multicenter study
A clinical trial conducted according to a single protocol, but at more than one research center, and therefore, carried-out by a group of investigators.
Mylohyoid ridge
Horizontal bony extension on the lingual aspect of the mandibular premolars and molars that is an attachment for the mylohyoid muscle which forms the floor of the mouth.
N
Narrow Ridge Implant (NRI)
Plate form, 2nd stage implant for narrow ridge cases.
Nasopalatine nerve
A branch from the pterygopalatine ganglion that passes through the sphenopalatine foramen, across the roof of the nasal cavity to the nasal septum, and obliquely downward to and through the incisive canal. It innervates the anterior part of the hard palate and the mucosa of the nasal septum.
Natural tooth intrusion
Apical movement of a tooth produced by an external force or trauma. Phenomenon reported in the dental literature when splinting natural teeth to a dental implant with a fixed prosthesis.
Navigation surgery
Syn: Computer-aided navigation, Implant guided surgery, Navigation, Surgical navigation.
A distinct surgical modality in which the intraoperative localization of the surgical instrument is fed back visually onscreen in reference to the preoperative diagnostic imaging of the patient by employing patient registration algorithms and motion tracking technology. In implant dentistry, the implant drilling and placement are guided by imaging displaying real-time reconstruction of the intraoperative localization of the dental drill relative to the pre-acquired CT imaging of the anatomic structures. The dental drill is piloted according to a preplanned drilling-path or implant position by means of onscreen direction indicators.
See: Registration
Nd:YAG laser
Abbr: Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser.
A solid-state laser containing
a Nd:YAG crystal which emits at a wavelength of 1064 nanometers. It is mainly used in soft tissue surgery.
Necrosis
Death of cells and tissues
due to loss of blood supply, bacterial toxins, or physical and chemical agents.
Neoplasm
Abnormal tissue mass that when malignant could metastasize locally or systemically.
Neurapraxia
Mild nerve injury caused by compression or retraction. There is no violation of the nerve trunk and no axonal degeneration. Spontaneous recovery of the motor and/or sensory functions most often occurs within one to four weeks from the time of injury.
Neurotmesis
Nerve injury involving a complete severance of the nerve trunk, leading to Wallerian degeneration. Sensory and/or motor functions are impaired. The potential for recovery is remote. In implant dentistry, this may be caused by an incision of the nerve or any of the factors leading to axonotmesis.
Newton (N)
Unit of force. It is equal to the amount of force required to give a mass of one kilogram an acceleration of one meter per second squared.
Newton centimeters (Ncm)
Unit of rotational torque.
Nonabsorbable
The property exhibited by non-autogenous substances that demonstrate no in vivo degradation over time.
See: Nonresorbable.
Nonaxial loading
Refers to forces applied to a dental implant off its long-axis.
Nonengaging
Feature of a dental implant or prosthetic component that does not incorporate an anti-rotation mechanical design.
Nonhexed
A component or a dental implant without a hexagonal connection interface.
Nonlamellar bone
See: Bone.
Nonocclusal loading
The restoration is not in occlusal contact with the opposing dentition in maximal intercuspal position or in excursions. However, the cheeks, tongue, lips, and food, may touch the restoration.
Nonresorbable membrane
A material that does not breakdown in the oral cavity such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTF), therefore requiring a second procedure to remove it from he sit.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Class of medication with analgesic (nonopioid), antipyretic, and antiinflammatory effects. Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid.
Nonsubmerged implant
One-stage implant placement procedure incorporating a transmucosal component to assist soft tissue healing, and obviate the need for a second surgical procedure.
Nonthreaded implant
A dental implant without external threads on its body and neck.
Nonworking side
Segment of the dental arch that is opposite the side where teeth occlude during mandibular movement.
O
Occlusal adjustment
Modification of the biting surfaces of a tooth, or teeth to improve function or morphology.
Occlusal guard
Removable appliance designed to minimize the damaging effects of bruxism and other deleterious occlusal habits to dental implants, natural dentition, and prosthetic reconstructions.
Occlusal loading
The restoration is in occlusal contact with the opposing dentition in maximal intercuspal position and/or excursions.
Occlusal table
Collective surface anatomy of the posterior teeth inclusive of molar and premolar cusps, inclined planes, marginal ridges, grooves, and fossae.
One-stage grafting procedures
Simultaneous implant placement where primary stability is achieved, followed immediately by grafting procedures to fill the remaining defect and/or support the soft tissue.
One-stage surgery
A surgical protocol consisting of placing an endosseous root-form dental implant in bone and leaving it in contact with the oral environment during the healing process, thus eliminating a second surgical procedure.
Open-tray impression
Syn: Direct impression.
Impression technique that uses an impression coping with retentive features around which a rigid elastic impression material is injected. To remove the impression, the impression coping is first unthreaded through an opening on the occlusal surface of the tray.
Opioid
Morphine-like centrally acting analgesic, the primary medication used to treat moderate to severe pain.
Orientation jig
A laboratory fabricated device, used to maintain the correct positional relationship of a component when transferring it from the cast to the mouth.
O-ring
Doughnut-shaped, resilient overdenture attachment that possesses the ability to bend with resistance and return to its approximate original shape. It attaches to a post with a groove or undercut area.
See: Ball attachment.
Oro-antral fistula
A communication between the maxillary sinus and the oral cavity with an epithelialized tract.
Osse(o)
Syn: Osteo.
Pertaining to bone or containing a bony element.
Osseointegration
The direct contact between living bone and a functionally loaded dental implant surface without interposed soft tissue at the light microscope level. The clinical manifestation of osseointegration is absence of mobility.
Osseous coagulum
Mixture of small autogenous bone particles and blood collected during surgery.
Osteoblast
A fully differentiated cell that functions in the formation of bone tissue. Osteoblasts synthesize the collagen and glycoproteins that form the bone matrix, and also produce inorganic salts. With growth, they develop into osteocytes.
Osteoclast
Large multinucleated cell, arising from mononuclear precursors of hematopoietic lineage, that functions in the resorption of osseous tissue.
Osteoconduction
Bone growth by apposition from the surrounding bone. Process by which a material provides scaffolding along which bone growth can occur.
See: Osteoinduction.
Osteocyte
An osteoblast that has become embedded within bone matrix, occupying a flat oval cavity (bone lacuna). Cells found in bone lacunae send, through canaliculi, slender cytoplasmic processes that make contact with processes of other osteocytes and osteoblasts.
Osteogenesis
The formation and development of bone.
Osteogenetic
1. Forming bone.
2. Concerned in bone formation.
Osteogenic
Syn: Osteogenous.
Promoting the development and formation of bone, exclusively resulting from the action of osteoblasts.
Osteoid
1. Resembling bone.
2. The non-mineralized bone matrix laid down by osteoblasts. It is later calcified, with the inclusion of osteoblasts as osteocytes within lacunae, in bone.
Osteology
The scientific study of bones.
Osteolysis
Bone resorption and dissolution, involving the loss or removal of calcium, as part of an ongoing disease process.
Osteon
The basic unit of structure of compact bone, comprising a Haversian canal and its concentrically arranged lamellae, of which there may be 4 to 20, each 3 to 7 microns thick, in a single (Haversian) system. Such units are mainly directed in the long axis of the bone.
Osteonectin
A phosphoprotein, found in bone and blood platelets, which binds both collagen and calcium and serves as a regulator of mineralization.
Osteoplasty
A surgical procedure to
modify bone anatomy by selective removal.
See: Ostectomy.
Osteopontin
An acidic calcium-binding phosphoprotein with a high affinity for hydroxyapatite, involved in bone min-
eralization.
Osteoprogenitor cell
An undifferentiated cell that possesses the ability to transform into an osteoblast.
Osteotome
An instrument, circular in
cross-section, used to expand a dental implant osteotomy apically and/or laterally, with or without grafting.
Ostium (maxillary sinus)
An opening which connects the maxillary sinus to the middle meatus of the nasal cavity
Overdenture (implant)
Removable partial or complete denture, which may be implant-supported, or implant-tissuesupported. The prosthesis is retained by attachments.
Oxidized surface treatment
Modification of the surface properties of titanium dental implants by alteration of the titanium oxide layer thickness.
Oxycodone
Semisynthetic opioid
analgesic, recommended for moderate to severe pain. It may be used as a single agent or combined with products
such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
P
PACS
Abbr: Picture archiving and communication system.
A medical imaging technology which provides economical storage of, and convenient access to, images from multiple modalities.
Palatal vault
Superior surface of the hard palate.
Pamidronate
Intravenous nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate used for the treatment of osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, and certain cancers affecting bone (e.g., multiple myeloma). Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of osteoclast migration and maturation.
Panoramic radiograph
A single radiographic view of
the maxilla and mandible extending from the left to the right glenoid fossae.
Papilla preservation
Surgical and prosthetic measures taken to maintain and/or reduce trauma to the interproximal tissue.
Parallel confocal imaging technology
Confocal is a principle by which light is filtered by passing it through a small pinhole. Only the light re-
flected from the object at the proper focal distance will pass through the pinhole. Therefore, only those rays that are in focus will return through the filtering device. Certain intra-oral scanners expand upon this concept by simultaneously projecting 100,000 beams of parallel red light rays with each individual scan.
See: Intraoral scanner, Confocal microscopy.
Paresthesia
Spontaneous or evoked abnormal sensations that are not painful but may be unpleasant, such as tingling, burning, prickling, or numbness. It is usually caused by nerve injury and is sometimes a consequence of surgical procedures.
Partially edentulous
State where one or more teeth are missing, but not all.
See: Edentulous.
Passivation
A process by which metals
and alloys are made more resistant to corrosion through treatment to produce a thin
and stable oxide layer on the external surfaces.
Passive fit
Adaptation of a prosthetic reconstruction that does not induce strain between two or more supporting elements.
Patient motion tracker
An array of active emitters or passive reflectors that
are attached to a patient to enable their localization within the operative field by an overhead detector.
Penicillin
Any of a large group of natural or semisynthetic antibacterial antibiotics derived directly or indirectly from strains of fungi of the genus Penicillium and other soil-inhabiting fungi grown on special culture media. They exert a bactericidal as well as bacteriostatic effect on susceptible bacteria by interfering with the final stages of the synthesis of peptidoglycans, a substance in the bacterial cell wall. They can be classified according to their differing antibacterial spectrum: penicillin G and congeners (penicillin C), anti-staphylococcal penicillins (methicillin, dicloxacillin), extended spectrum penicillins (ampicillin and amoxicillin), and extended spectrum penicillins with beta-lactamase inhibitors (amoxicillin and clavulanate, ampicillin and sulbactam).
See: Amoxicillin, Clavulanic acid.
Percutaneous implant
Used for the treatment of maxillofacial defects with implants placed extraorally within the bone and through the skin to support maxillofacial prosthesis.
Peri-implant crevicular epithelium
Nonkeratinized epithelium lining the mucosal crevice.
Peri-implantitis
Term for inflammatory reactions in the hard and soft tissues, with loss of supporting bone, surrounding a dental implant exposed to the oral environment.
Peri-implant mucositis
Reversible inflammatory reactions in the soft tissues surrounding a dental implant exposed to the oral environment, with no bone loss.
Periodontal biotype
Expression relating the morphology of the periodontium to tooth form. Two categories exist.
1. Thick flat gingival (periodontal) biotype: the buccal marginal gingival is comparatively thick, the papillae are usually short, the bone of the buccal cortical wall is thick, and the vertical distance between the interdental bone crest and the buccal bone is short (about two millimeters). The clinical crowns of teeth are usually short and square, and roots are wide and short.
2. Thin scalloped gingival (periodontal) biotype: the buccal marginal gingival is delicate and may often be located apical of the cemento-enamel junction (receded), the papillae are high and slender, the buccal bone wall is often thin and the vertical distance between the interdental bone crest and the buccal bone is long (> four millimeters). The clinical crowns of teeth are usually long and tapered, and roots are narrow and long.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal diseases describe pathologic processes that can affect one or more of the periodontal tissues/ structures (e.g. alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum and gingiva). While there are many different periodontal diseases that can affect the tooth-supporting tissues/structures, by far the most common ones are plaque-induced inflammatory conditions, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.Periodontal disease ranges from the mildest stage, known as gingivitis, to severe stage, known, as periodontitis.
Periodontal ligament (PDL)
A group of specialized connective tissue fibers that essentially attach a tooth, and root cementum to the surrounding alveolar bone providing absorption, mobility and force distribution during mastication.
Periodontal probe
A manual instrument which is calibrated in millimeters used to measure the gingival sulcus or pocket depths around a tooth or an implant during routine periodontal or peri-implant clinical examination.
Periosteal release
Act of severing periosteal fibers to enhance the mobility of a flap.
Periotome
Instrument used to sever the periodontal ligament fibers prior to tooth extraction.
Permucosal
Through the mucosa.
Pick-up impression
To insure accuracy of fit and the master cast, the prosthetic framework which is seated onto the implants or abutments is impressed, and then becomes embedded into the impression. The same process can occur to fabricate a master cast when the framework has been sectioned and soldered.
See: solder index, Master cast.
Piezoelectric bone surgery
Surgical technique using an ultrasonic device operating at a modulated frequency that is designed to cut or grind bone but not damage the adjacent soft tissues.
Pinhole Surgical Technique
The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive way to repair gum shrinkage through a pinhole in the gingiva using special instrumentation that does not require cutting, stitches, or second surgical site.
Plaque
A biofilm or mass of bacteria that adheres to surfaces within the mouth.
Plasma Rich in Grown Factors (PRGF)
A second generation autologous chairside preparation derived from whole venous blood through a specific process of gradient density centrifugation. After careful pipetting and activation with calcium chloride, the protocol yields a fibrin membrane of elastic consistency containing platelets and high concentrations of growth factors, yet free from inflammatory leukocytes. The membranes can be used as a standalone product to improve wound healing and promote tissue regeneration.
Plasma spray
A surface treatment involving high temperature deposition of metal or ceramic powders that are totally or partially melted and then rapidly resolidified, forming a dense or porous coating.
Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF)
Growth factors released by platelets that initiate connective tissue healing including bone regeneration and repair. They also increase mitogenesis, angiogenesis, and macrophage activation.
Platelet gel
A concentrate of platelets derived from a patient’s blood and mixed with calcium and thrombin to form a gel which may be used during surgery.
Platelet-poor plasma (PPP)
Refers to a lesser concentration of active platelets that remain from the separation process in which the formation of platelet-rich plasma is derived.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
A second generation autologous chairside preparation derived from whole venous blood through a specific process of gradient density centrifugation. After careful pipetting and activation with calcium chloride, the protocol yields a fibrin membrane of elastic consistency containing platelets and high concentrations of growth factors, (PDGF, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, IGF, VEGF, FGF-1, and fibrin when added to a graft mixture), yet free from inflammatory leukocytes. The membranes can be used as a stand-alone product to improve wound healing and promote tissue regeneration.
Pneumatization
Physiologic process that occurs in all paranasal sinuses during the growth period, causing them to increase in volume.
See: Sinus pneumatization (maxillary).
Polished surface
A machined surface that is made smoother.
Polishing cap
Component connected to the apical part of an abutment to protect the base and allow the laboratory technician to polish the prosthesis and abutment without over-reducing the base diameter or rounding the edges.
Polyglactin
A type of multifilament braided material made of purified lactides and glycolides used to fabricate absorbable sutures or membranes.
Polyglycolic acid (PGA)
A polymer of glycolic acid used to fabricate absorbable sutures or membranes.
Polylactic acid (PLA)
A polymer of lactic acid used to fabricate absorbable sutures or membranes.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
Synthetic polymer of methyl methacrylate, used as bone cement with an in situ polymerization.
Positioned flap
A flap that is moved apically, coronally, or laterally to a new position.
Posterior lateral nasal artery
Branch of the sphenopalatine artery which is located close to, or within the lateral wall of the nasal cavity (medial wall of the maxillary sinus). Its subdivisions supply the medial and posterior walls of the maxillary sinus. It is one of the three primary arterial suppliers to the maxillary sinus.
See: Infraorbital artery, Posterior superior alveolar artery.
Posterior superior alveolar artery
Branch of the internal maxillary artery, at the pterygopalatine fossa. This branch descends on the maxillary tuberosity and gives off numerous subdivisions that enter the alveolar process to supply the maxillary sinus membrane and posterior teeth. It is one of the three primary arterial suppliers to the maxillary sinus.
See: Infraorbital artery, Posterior lateral nasal artery.
Posterior superior alveolar nerve
Branch of the maxillary nerve which arises within the pterygopalatine fossa, courses downward and forward, passing through the pterygomaxillary fissure, and enters the posterior aspect of the maxilla. It innervates the maxillary sinus, the molars, the buccal gingiva and the adjoining portion of the cheek.
See: Anterior superior alveolar nerve.
Postoperative maxillary sinus cyst
See: Secondary maxillary mucocele.
Preemptive analgesia
The use of analgesic medications before the onset of noxious stimuli.
Preliminary cast
An initial, pre-operative impression of the of the pre-existing condition of the teeth and associated structures used for study and diagnosis, custom tray fabrication, or diagnostic wax-up.
Preload
Energy transferred to a screw when a torque is applied during tightening. This stretching keeps the screw threads tightly secured to the screw’s mating counterpart and holds them together by producing a clamping force between the screw head and its seat.
Prepable abutment
An abutment that can be prepared and modified from its original manufactured design.
Preprosthetic
Performed or occurring before insertion of a prosthesis.
Press-fit
State of retention of a dental implant at the time of its insertion that results from the slight compression of the oseotomy walls by the implant body.
Pressure necrosis
Cell death due to insufficient local blood supply from pressure. In implant dentistry, it refers to the loss of bone that occurs following the application of excessive pressure by the insertion of a dental implant.
Primitive bone
See: Bone.
Probing depth
The distance from the free mucosal or gingival margin to the base of the peri-implant or periodontal sulcus as measured by a periodontal probe.
Processing analog
Syn: Processing jig.
A duplicate of either the male or female part of an attachment that is incorporated into a working model.
Profiler (bone)
Bur that removes bone around the platform of a root-form dental implant to allow the connection of components to the implant. Different profiler diameters are used to accommodate a desired component diameter.
Profilometer
Device for tracing and recording at high magnification the roughness of a surface.
Progenitor cell
An undifferentiated cell that possesses the ability to transform into one or more types of cells.
Progressive maxillary sinus hypoplasia
An uncommon clinical
entity that represents a persistant decrease in sinus volume resulting from centripetal retraction of the maxillary sinus walls.
Proprioception.
The perception of movement and spatial orientation arising from stimuli within the body itself. In the oral cavity these stimuli are detected by mechanoreceptors within the periodontal ligament (PDL)
that provide highly sensitive neural feedback.
See: Periodontal ligament (PDL).
Prospective study
A study planned to observe events that have not yet occurred.
See: Retrospective study.
Prosthesis
Syn: Restoration.
An artificial replacement of a missing part of the body.
Protocol
A detailed plan describing the proposed execution of an activity such as surgical protocol, prosthetic protocol, and research protocol.
Pterygoid implant
A root-form dental implant that has its origin in the region of the former second maxillary molar and its end point encroaches in the scaphoid fossa of the sphenoid bone. The implant follows an intrasinusal trajectory in a dorsal and mesio-cranial direction, perforating the posterior sinusal wall and the pterygoid plates.
Pullout force
Force needed to displace an implant along its long axis and opposite from its direction of placement.
Pulsed mode
Type of operation in which the laser emits radiation energy in the form of pulses.
P-value
Probability that a test statistic will assume a value as extreme as or more extreme than that seen under the assumption that the null hypothesis is true.
Q
Quality of Life
The standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group.
Quality of Life Index
The Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI) is an attempt to measure the quality of life or well-being of a country. The value is the average of three statistics: basic literacy rate, infant mortality, and life expectancy at age one, all equally weighted on a 0 to 100 scale, as used in the dental literature.
R
Radiographic marker
A radiopaque structure of known dimension or a material incorporated in, or applied to, a radiographic template
to yield positional or dimensional information.
Radiographic template
A guide derived from a diagnostic wax-up and worn during the radiographic exposure to relate the tooth position to the anatomical structures. It serves to assist in the diagnosis and planning phase for dental implants.
Radionecrosis
Osteonecrosis induced by radiation usually due to radiotherapy to treat
a malignancy of the head and neck region.
Radiopaque
A material that is opaque to X-rays or similar radiation.
Ramus frame implant
Full arch mandibular implant with a tripodal design that consists of a horizontal supragingival connecting bar with endosseous units placed into the rami and another vertical portion into the symphyseal area.
Ramus implant
Type of blade implant placed into the anterior border of the ramus of the mandible.
Random assignment
Syn: Randomization.
Procedure by which each subject has an equal probability of being assigned to each different treatment condition in a study.
Random controlled trial
A prospective study of the effects of a particular procedure or material, in which subjects are randomly assigned to either of two groups: test or control. The test group receives the procedure or material, while the control group receives a standard procedure, or material, a different test procedure or a placebo.
Range
Statistical measure of dispersion. The highest and lowest values in a distribution.
Ratchet
A wrench used with threaded implants to facilitate final implant seating.
Reattachment
The act or process of reattaching something, or something that has been reattached. The repair of epithelial and connective tissue to root surfaces and bone such as after traumatic injury. Should not be confused with new attachment.
Reamer
Tool designed to finish the mating surface of a metal cylinder/coping, specifically the screw seat interface.
Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)
Osteoinductive protein produced by recombinant
DNA technology.
Record
Information or data recorded in any medium (eg, handwriting, print, photographs, video, or any electronic form). It provides evidence of what was planned, the treatment provided, and results. Part of the patient chart.
Record base
Occluding surfaces fabricated on interim or final denture bases for the purpose of making maxillomandibular relation records and arranging teeth.
Re-entry
The surgical reopening of a site to improve or observe results from an initial procedure.
See: Stage-two surgery.
Regenerate maturation
The completion of mineralization and remodeling of the regenerate tissue.
Regeneration
Reproduction or reconstitution of a lost or injured part to its original state.
See: Repair.
Regional acceleratory phenomenon (RAP)
A local response to a stimulus in which tissues form two to ten times more rapidly than the normal regeneration process. The duration and intensity of RAP are directly proportional to the kind and amount of stimulus and the site where it was produced.
Registration
Syn: Coregistration.
The process of transforming different sets of data into one coordinate system., such as for dental implant planning. Data may be photographs, data from different imaging devices, optically scanned data converted to STL files. Generally it involves matching features in a set of images using a direct alignment method. A preliminary procedure in the digital workflow for dental implant planning or navigation surgery in which the patient data is synchronized against the pre-acquired imaging scan by the use of fiducial markers.
Rejection
Immune response of a host organism to a transplanted organ, biological tissue, or medical device.
Remodeling (bone)
The turnover of bone in small packets by BMUs (basic multicellular unit of bone remodeling).
Remount index
A record base that allows the maxillary and mandibular casts to be mounted on an articulator for assessment and adjustment.
Repair
Healing of a wound by tissue that does not fully restore the architecture or function of the part that was lost.
See: Regeneration.
Residual ridge
Portion of the alveolar ridge that remains after the alveoli have disappeared from the alveolar process, following extraction of teeth.
Resin
A class of thermoplastic resins produced by polymerization of acrylic or methacrylic acid or their derivatives; used in the fabrication of medical and dental prostheses and appliances. Resin is also used in the process of 3-D printing and stereolithography.
Resonance frequency analysis (RFA)
Technique for clinical measurement of implant stability/mobility. A measurement is registered from a transducer attached to the abutment or implant. The device records the resonance frequency arising from the implant-bone interface (change in amplitude over induced frequency band).
Resorbable membrane
A barrier placed within a surgical site to facilitate healing, which degrades by enzymatic activity or by hydrolyses in a variable amount of time depending upon the material composition of the membrane.
Resorption
The loss of substance or bone by physiologic or pathologic means.
See: Bone resorption.
Restorative dentistry
The study, diagnosis and integrated management of diseases of the teeth and their supporting structures and the rehabilitation of the dentition to functional and aesthetic requirements of the individual.
Retrievability
Refers to the capability of removing a prosthesis undamaged.
Retrospective study
A study designed to observe events that have already occurred.
See: Prospective study.
Reverse torque test (RTT)
Test used to assess the extent of osseointegration, specifically the shear strength at the bone-implant interface, by applying a rotational force in a direction opposite to that used to place the implant.
Revolutions per minute (Rpm)
Unit of rotational speed at which a bur or drill turns.
Ridge augmentation
Increasing the dimension of an existing alveolar ridge.
Ridge defect
A deficiency in the contour of an edentulous ridge. The deficiency can be in the vertical (apicocoronal) and/or horizontal (buccolingual, mesiodistal) direction.
Ridge expansion
Surgical widening of a residual ridge in the lateral direction (buccolingually) with osteotomes and/or chisels, to accommodate the insertion of a dental implant, and/or bone graft.
Ridge mapping
Penetration of anesthetized soft tissue with a graduated probe or caliper at several sites and transposing the information to a diagnostic cast. The shape of the residual ridge is reproduced by trimming back the stone of the cast to the corresponding depth of soft tissue.
See: Ridge sounding.
Rigid fixation
Clinical term that implies absence of observed mobility.
Risedronate
Oral nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and treatment of Paget’s disease. Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of osteoclast formation and activity.
Risk assessment
The process by which qualitative or quantitative assessments are made regarding the likelihood of adverse events occurring as a result of exposure to specified health hazards or absence of beneficial influences.
Risk factor
An environmental, behavioral, or biological condition that, if present directly increases the probability of a disease or an adverse event occurring, thereby affecting the outcome of a treatment modality.
Risk indicator
A probable risk factor that has not been confirmed by longitudinal studies.
Rotational freedom
The amount that an abutment can rotate when connected to an implant.
Round bur
Circular bur used to mark a site for an osteotomy or to decorticate bone. It may also be used in the outline of a lateral window access for the purpose of sinus grafting.
R value
A two-dimensional roughness parameter calculated from the experimental profiles after filtering. Ra: The arithmetic average of the absolute value of all points of the profile, also called central line average height. Rt: The maximum peak-to-valley height of the entire measurement trace.
S
Sandwich Technique
A method of augmentation of deficient alveolar ridges based upon the positive properties of different materials positioned in layers to enhance the outcomes of bone grafting.
Scalloped implant
A root-form dental implant with the level of the implant-abutment junction more coronal interproximally than facially or lingually.
Scatter
Scatter is an opaque streaking type artifact seen in CT/CBCT images that are caused by photons that are diffracted from their original path after interaction with dense intraoral objects such as metal fillings or crown restoration which can interfere with the diagnostic process as it can mask underlying anatomic structures.
See: Artifact
Screw preload
Clamping or stretching
force that occurs across the interface of implant components being attached together via screw tightening.
Screw tightening
Act of turning a threaded component into an access hole until resistance is encountered.
Segmentation
The process of partitioning an CT/CBCT image into different parts. In medical imaging, these segments often correspond to different tissue classes or objects based on density values or degrees of radiopacity within a scan., ie separating teeth and roots from surrounding bone.
Sensor (CBCT)
The sensors used in CBCT machines are amorphous silicon (α-Si) flat panels, CMOS flat panels or image intensifiers coupled to a CCD.
See: CMOS device, CCD,
image intensifiers.
Sensor (Digital X-ray)
Instead of X-ray film, digital radiography uses a digital image capture device or sensor. This gives advantages of immediate image preview and availability; elimination of costly film processing steps; a wider dynamic range, which makes it more forgiving for over and under-exposure; as well as the ability to apply special image processing techniques that enhance overall display quality of the image with computer software.
See: Digital radiography.
Scintillators
Used in CBCT scanners to convert x-rays into visible light, or with solid-state sensors, such as a CMOS device, which detect the scintillator’s emission.
See: CMOS device.
Sensory mapping
The process of evaluation and delineation of a cutaneous, mucous, or gingival area presumably affected by an altered sensation or dysesthesia.
Sequential drilling
The use of drills in a specific order to gradually prepare and increase the diameter of an osteotomy prior to dental implant insertion, usually based on manufacturer’s drilling protocol.
Sharpey’s fibers
A matrix of connective tissue consisting of bundles of strong collagenous fibers connecting periosteum to bone. They are part of the outer fibrous layer of periosteum, entering into the outer circumferential and interstitial lamellae of bone tissue.
Shear stress
Stress caused by a load (two forces applied toward one another but not in the same straight line) that tends to slide one portion of object over another.
See: Stress.
Short implant
Implants with normal diameters but decreased length. Usually used in multiples to support mandibular overdentures.
Silent sinus syndrome (SSS)
Rare clinical entity characterized by unilateral enophtalmos and hypoglobus secondary to thinning and inward bowing of the maxillary sinus roof in the absence of signs or symptoms of intrinsic sinonasal inflammatory disease. The obstruction of the ostium of the ostiomeatal complex results in hypoventilation of the maxillary sinus.
Silicone
A class of synthetic materials that are polymers with a chemical structure based on chains of alternate
silicon and oxygen atoms, with organic groups attached to the silicon atoms. Such compounds are typically resistant to chemical attack and insensitive to temperature changes and are used to make rubber, plastics, polishes, lubricants, and in some dental impression materials.
Simulation
Simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time. The act of simulating requires that a physical or virtual model be developed; this model represents the key characteristics or behaviors/functions of the selected physical or abstract system or process. As in the simulated placement of dental implants using interactive treatment planning software; practicing and planning prior to treating actual patients.
See: Virtual tooth/teeth, Virtual Surgical Planning, Rapid prototyping.
Simultaneous placement
The insertion of a root-form dental implant in conjunction with another surgical procedure performed at the same site (e.g., grafting).
Single-tooth implant
A replacement of one
natural tooth root and clinical crown with a stand alone
dental implant.
Sintered (porous) surface
A dental implant surface produced when spherical powders of metallic or ceramic materials become a coherent surface layer with the metallic core of an implant body. Porous surfaces are characterized by pore size, pore shape, pore volume, and pore depth, which are affected by the size of the spherical particles used
and the temperature and pressure conditions of the sintering chamber.
Sintering
Heating a powder below the melting point of any component such as to permit agglomeration and welding of particles by diffusion alone, with or without applied pressure. Recent developments in CAD CAM dentistry use special partially sintered ceramic (zirconia), glass-bonded ceramic (“Vitablock”) or glass-ceramic (“ips e.max” lithium disilicate) formed into machinable blocks, which are fired again after milling.
See: CAD/CAM, Zirconia, ips e.max, Lithium Disilicate.
Sinus
Air space within bone.
Sinusitis (maxillary)
Inflammation of the sinus. Signs include sensitivity of teeth to percussion, fever and facial swelling. Symptoms include nasal congestion, postnasal discharge, facial pain/ headache, rhinorrhea, halitosis, popping of ears, and muffled hearing.
Sinus pneumatization (maxillary)
Maxillary sinus enlargement. With aging, and especially after loss of maxillary teeth and reduction of masticatory forces acting on the maxilla, the sinus walls get gradually thinner as a result of the increase in size of the maxillary sinus.
See: Pneumatization.
Site development (implant)
Process by which the quantity and quality of soft and/or hard tissues are augmented at a site prior to dental implant placement.
Smile line
An imaginary line that follows the contour of the upper lip during the act of smiling. In an ideal smile line, the edges of the upper teeth should be parallel to your lower lip when smiling.
See: Lip Line.
Socket shield technique
A piece of root remaining vestibularly between the implant and the buccal bone plate to preserve hard and soft tissue.
Soft tissue augmentation
Grafting procedure accomplished using a variety of different methods for the purpose of increasing soft tissue volume.
Soft-tissue defect
A limitation in the natural appearance of the soft tissue due to inadequate volume as a result of trauma, infection, scarring, or insufficient underlying bony.
Solid screw
A root-form threaded dental implant of a circular cross section without any vents or holes penetrating the implant body.
SonicWeld Rx
Takes advantage of the unique thermoplastic properties of resorbable polymer with cutting edge ultrasonic technology. Lateral/vertical bone augmentation.
Splinting
Joining of two or more teeth or implants into a rigid or nonrigid unit by means of fixed or removable restorations or devices.
See: Cross-arch stabilization.
Staged protocol
A treatment sequence where one procedure is performed, followed by another at a later time.
Standard deviation (SD)
A measure of the variability, or dispersion of a distribution of scores. The more scores cluster around the mean, the smaller the standard deviation.
See: Standard error (SE).
Standard error (SE)
The standard deviation of the values of a given function of the data, over all possible samples of the same size. It is calculated by dividing the standard deviation of the sample by the square root of the number of subjects in the sample.
See: Standard deviation (SD).
Standard Tessellation Language or Standard Triangulation Language (STL)
Abbr: Standard Tessellation Language or Standard Triangulation Language
A file format native to rapid prototyping, stereolithography, and CAD software. This file format is supported by many software packages; used for rapid prototyping and computer-aided manufacturing. STL files describe only the surface geometry of a three dimensional object without any representation of color, texture or other common CAD model attributes.
Static loading
Situation where a dental implant is subject to a force which is constant in magnitude and direction (e.g., during its use for orthodontic anchorage).
See: Dynamic loading.
Stem cell
Undifferentiated cell of embryogenic or adult origin that can undergo unlimited division and give rise to one or several different cell types.
Stepped implant
An endosseous, root-form dental implant, with parallel-sided walls of different diameter joined together thus forming a series of steps of decreasing diameter corono-apically.
Stereolithographic model
A three-dimensional reconstruction of the maxilla or mandible generated from a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) according to information derived from software-based planning.
Sterile technique
Surgical procedure performed under sterile conditions. It takes place under hospital operating room conditions and follows operating room protocol for setup, instrument transfer and handling, and personnel movement. Surgical scrubs, head covers, shoe covers, and sterile gowns are worn.
See: Clean technique.
Stippling
The presence of a minutely lobulated surface on the attached gingiva, like that of an orange peel; it is a normal adaptive process, varying from one person to another. Its absence or reduction can indicate gingival disease.
Strain
Change in dimension of an object when subjected to an external force (stress).
Stress concentration
The point at which the stress is substantially higher than elsewhere due to the geometry of the stressed object or the point of application of the force.
Stripped threads
Broken or distorted threads of a screw or the internal threads of a root-form dental implant.
Subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG)
Surgical transplantation of harvested autogenous connective tissue to a recipient area for the purpose of epithelial keratinization, to gain root coverage, to improve esthetics, and/or correct ridge deficiencies.
Sublingual artery
A branch of the lingual artery, with distribution to the extrinsic muscles of the tongue, the sublingual gland, and the mucosa of the region, and
with anastomoses to the artery of the opposite side and the submental artery.
Subtractive Manufacturing (SM)
Conventional machining is a form of subtractive manufacturing, in which a collection of material-
working processes utilizing power-driven machine tools, such as saws, lathes, milling machines, and drill presses, are used with a sharp cutting tool to physically remove material to achieve a desired geometry.
See: CAD/CAM, CNC milling (CNC).
Subtraction radiography
A technique used to detect radiographic density change at two points in time to detect bone formation or loss.
Success criteria
Conditions established by a study protocol for the evaluation of a procedure as a success.
Superimposition
Superimposition is the placement of an image or video on top of an already-existing image or video, usually to ascertain changes over time i.e. comparing before and after results Can be useful in digital radiography, CT, and CBCT imaging modalities
Suppuration
The formation of pus.
Surface characteristics (implant)
The topography of a surface is defined in terms of form, waviness and roughness. Roughness describes the smallest irregularities in the surface, while form relates to the largest structure or profile. Waviness and roughness are often presented together under the term texture. Two types of dental implant surfaces are usually distinguished: machined and textured.
See: Machined implant surface, Textured surface.
Surgical bed
Site surgically prepared to receive a graft.
Surgical guide
A guide, used to assist in the preparation for and placement of dental implants which can be derived from CT/CBCT imaging data, or laboratory fabricated from a diagnostic wax-up to help define drilling position, trajectory, angulation, and depth control. There are three basic types of surgical guides derived from CT/CBCT scans: (1) bone-supported (bone-borne), (2) soft-tissue / mucosal-supported (mucosal-borne), and (3) tooth-supported (tooth-borne)
See: Surgical template, Stereolithographic guide
Suture
1. Material used in closing a surgical or traumatic wound (e.g., silk, catgut, polyglycolic acid).
2. Act of uniting a wound through suturing.
3. The fixed and fibrous union of two bones.
S value
A three-dimensional roughness parameter calculated from topographical images. Sa: The arithmetic average of the absolute value of all points of the profile. It is a height descriptive parameter; Scx: A space descriptive parameter; Sdr: The developed surface area ratio.
System (implant)
1. A product line of implants with specific design, surgical protocol, instrumentation, and matching prosthetic components. An implant system may represent a specific concept, inventor, or patent.
See: Configuration.
2. ISO definition: “Dental implant components that are designed to mate together. It consists of the necessary parts and instruments to complete the implant body placement
and abutment components.” (ISO 10451)
Systematic review
Process of systematically locating, critically appraising, and synthesizing evidence from scientific studies, using appropriate statistical techniques, to draw conclusions based on data summaries and report what is known and not known.
T
Tapered implant
An endosseous, root-form dental implant, with a wider diameter coronally than apically. The sides of the implant converge apically. It may be threaded,
or nonthreaded.
Telescopic coping
A thin cast cover fabricated for a prepared tooth or implant abutment, which acts as an under substructure for a prosthesis.
Temporary anchorage device (TAD)
A temporary implant used as an aid for orthodontic tooth movement. Miniscrew, osseointegrated palatal or retromolar dental implant, placed to control tooth movement during
orthodontic treatment.
Tensile stress
Stress caused by a load (two forces applied away from one another in the same straight line) that tends to stretch or elongate an object.
See: Stress.
Tension-free flap closure
The capacity of a surgical flap to be passively repositioned into its original position, and to maintain that position without the intervention of operator or the placement of sutures.
Textured surface
A surface that has been altered or modified from its original machined state. A dental implant surface can be altered by addition or by reduction.
See: Additive surface treatment, Machined implant surface, Subtractive surface treatment, Surface characteristics (implant).
Texturing
Process of increasing the surface area.
See: Textured surface.
Thread
An extruding feature of the body of threaded dental implants. Thread depth, thickness, pitch, face angle, and helix angle are varying geometric parameters. Basic thread geometries include: V-thread, reverse buttress thread, and power (square) thread.
Thread angle
The angle between the flanks, measured in an axial plane section.
Thread crest
The prominent part of a thread, whether internal or external.
Thread depth
The distance between the major and minor diameter of the thread.
Thread flank
An angled side of the body of a thread that connects the root to the crest.
Thread lead
The distance a screw thread advances axially in one turn.
Thread pitch
The distance from a point on the screw thread to a corresponding point on the next thread measured parallel to the axis.
Thread root
The bottom of the groove between the two flanking surfaces of the thread whether internal or external.
Three-dimensional volume rendering
Volume rendering has existed since the mid-1980s but is now widely available on CBCT imaging devices. All 3D rendering techniques represent a 3D volume of data in one or more two-dimensional (2D) planes, conveying the spatial relationships inherent in the data with use of visual depth cues. Three-dimensional volume rendering generates clinically accurate and immediately available images from the full CT or CBCT data set without extensive editing, allowing the radiologist and clinician to address specific questions concerning patient care by interactively exploring different aspects of the data set. In addition, with specific software, the 3D volume rendering can be exported as an STL file for rapid prototyping, and 3D printing of biomedical models.
See: Standard Tessellation Language or Standard Triangulation Language (STL), Rapid prototyping, 3-D printing, Surgical guide
Tibia
The inner and larger bone of the leg below the knee. It articulates superiorly with the femur and head of the fibula and inferiorly with the talus. It may serve as a source for bone grafting.
Tissue bank
Laboratory specialized in the harvesting, processing, and sterilization of tissues from humans or animals into graft materials.
Tissue Conditioner
Non-surgical methods of improving the patients’ denture foundation tissues, including the use of tissue rest, occlusal correction, temporary soft liners and/or improvement of hygiene. Tissue conditioning is usually considered prior to performing a permanent reline and or making final impressions for complete or partial dentures, or after a surgical procedure to protect the underlying tissue.
Tissue conditioning
Process of restoring health to oral stress-bearing soft tissues following surgical or mechanical trauma using the occluding prostheses to transmit continuous stress of force and motion to the basal-seat tissues. A tissue conditioner is often used.
See: Tissue Conditioner.
Tissue engineering
The application of the principles of life sciences and engineering to develop biological substitutes for the restoration or replacement of tissues.
Tissue-integrated prosthesis
Term originally proposed by P.I. Branemark and colleagues to describe a full-arch prosthesis fabricated for an edentulous arch.
Titanium (Ti)
Titanium is a chemical element, Symbol Ti, and anatomic number of 22, atomic weight of of 47.90, and specific gravity of 4.5. The metal has two useful properties including corrosion resistance and the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metallic element. Commercially pure titanium (grade 4 Ti) is 99% pure Ti.
See: Commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti), Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V).
Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V)
A biocompatible medical alloy used for the fabrication of dental implants and their components. Its physical properties are superior to most commercially pure titaniums. The most common titanium alloy used for the fabrication of dental implants is Ti-6Al-4V, which contains approximately 90% titanium, 6% aluminum, and 4% vanadium.
See: Commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti), Titanium (Ti).
Titanium oxide
1. Surface layer of varying surface composition (e.g., TiO2, TiO4) immediately formed upon exposure of pure metallic titanium and titanium alloy to air. This corrosion-resistant layer protects the dental implant against chemical attack in biological fluids.
2. Metal oxide blasted on implant surfaces to increase the surface area.
Titanium plasma sprayed (TPS)
A process involving high temperature deposition of titanium powders that are totally or partially melted and then rapidly resolidified, forming a dense or porous coating.
See: Plasma spray.
Tomograph
The radiographic equipment used in tomography.
Tomogram
A type of x-ray revealing a particular layer or “slice” of the mouth while blurring out other layers. This x-ray examines structures that are difficult to clearly see because other nearby structures are superimposed, blocking the view.
Torque
1. A force that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion.
2. A measurement of an instrument capacity to do work or to continue to rotate under resistance to rotation. It is expressed in Newton centimeters (Ncm).
Torus
An exophytic bony prominence or exostosis mainly occurring at the midline of the hard palate (palatal), or on the lingual aspect of the mandible in the canine-premolar area (mandibular). It may be used as a source of autogenous bone.
Trabecular bone
See: Bone.
Transepithelial
Going through or across the epithelium.
Transitional prosthesis/restoration
A temporary prosthesis to replace a missing tooth or teeth during the course of treatment.
Transmucosal
A component or structure extending from internal anatomy and passing through or across the oral mucosa to the external environment.
Transmucosal abutment
Any prosthetic component that connects an implant to the oral cavity through the soft tissue.
Transmucosal loading
The pressure exerted through the soft tissue on a submerged dental implant, usually by a removable denture.
Treatment plan
The course of therapy designed for a patient.
Trephine
Surgical act of creating a circular opening.
Trephine drill
Hollow drill used to remove a disc or cylinder of bone or other tissue.
Tripodization
The placement of three or more dental implants with a non-linear alignment of their platforms.
T-test
Commonly used statistical method to evaluate the differences in means between two groups.
Turnover (bone)
The process of older bone being replaced by new bone, often expressed as percent per year.
Twist drill
A rotary cutting instrument with several grooves in its body used to create or widen an osteotomy.
U
Unit load
The part of the total load on a bone, carried by a square unit of its cross section or surface, that causes a corresponding strain and stress. It is arithmetically equal to the total load divided by the cross section area of the bone carrying it.
V
Valsalva maneuver
Act performed by attempting to forcibly exhale while keeping the mouth and nose closed. It is an assessment tool, used during a surgery, to evaluate the loss of integrity of the Schneiderian membrane.
Variance
Measure of statistical dispersion about the mean. The larger the variance, the further individual values of the random variable (observations) tend to be from the mean, on average.
See: Standard deviation (SD), Standard error (SE).
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF)
Factors with potent angiogenic, mitogenic, and vascular permeability, which enhance activities specific for endothelial cells.
Vascularization
The process of infiltration by blood vessels; regarded as a critical support for the health and maintenance of living tissue or the healing of a graft.
See: Angiogenesis.
Vascular supply
The source of blood to a tissue or organ.
Veneer
A coating usually of resin or ceramic material attached to the facial or buccal surface of a natural tooth, crown, or pontic restoration by bonding, cementation, or mechanical retention.
Vertical dimension
Available distance between the incisal and/or occlusal surfaces of the teeth or trial wax occlusion rims during phonetics and speech.
See: Vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO)
Vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO)
Also known as occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) is a term used in dentistry to indicate the superior-inferior relationship of the maxilla and the mandible when the teeth or wax rims are situated in maximum intercuspation or contact.
Vertical incision
A cut made in the soft tissue in the apicocoronal direction to allow elevation and mobilization of a flap.
Vestibular
The mouth, consists of two regions, the vestibule and the oral cavity proper. The vestibule is the area between the lateral or buccal surfaces of the teeth, residual ridges, lips and cheeks; may also refer to the space between the lingual surfaces of the teeth or residual ridges and the tongue.
Virtual articulator
A computer software simulation based on the input of real patient data, allowing analyses with regard to static and dynamic occlusion as well as to jaw relation, useful in prosthetic, restorative, and implant dentistry.
See: Articulator
Virtual reality (VR)
A term that applies to computer-simulated environments that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world, as well as in imaginary worlds. Most current virtual reality environments are primarily visual experiences, displayed either on a computer screen or through special stereoscopic displays, but some simulations include additional sensory information, such as sound through speakers or headphones, and tactile information.
Virtual Surgical Planning
Pre-surgical manipulation of 3D models of the surgical site to predict outcomes, design surgical guides, simulate the actual surgery, or to develop options. Generally limited to movement of bone, specifically in craniofacial and orthopedic surgery, but techniques are available for orthognathic and maxillofacial surgery.
Virtual tooth/teeth
Computer simulation of single or multiple teeth via software as and aid to planing implant(s). Software applications capable of designing prosthetic restorations virtually by means of CAD CAM fabrication for natural teeth or for dental implants
Vital bone content
The percentage of newly formed bone in a histological section obtained from a healed bone grafted site.
Volkmann’s canal
Passages containing arteries. They run within the osteons perpendicular to the Haversian canals, interconnecting the latter with each other and the periosteum.
See: Haversian canal.
Voxel
Volumetric pixel or Volumetric Picture Element is a volume element, representing a value on a regular grid in three dimensional space as a unit of measure in Computed Tomography and CBCT. Isotropic being cube shaped (CBCT) and Orthotropic being rectangular (CT).
W
Wolff’s Law
A principle stating that bone, either normal or abnormal, will develop the structure most suited to resist those forces acting on it.
Wound
Any break in the continuity of a tissue.
Wound healing
The process by which skin or other body tissue repairs itself after trauma. Healing occurs over time in three separate phases: inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation.
X
Y
Z
Zirconia abutment
An esthetic alternative to metal implant abutments due to the white color of zirconia. Zirconia abutments can be custom milled, or stock abutments from a specific manufacturer, available in a variety of configurations with or without pre-machined margins.
See: Abutment, Stock abutment, Angulated abutment.
Zirconium (Zr)
A steel-gray hard ductile metallic element with a high melting point that occurs widely in combined forms. It is highly resistant to corrosion, and is used especially in alloys and in refractories and ceramics.
Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2)
Syn: Zirconia.
White crystalline oxide of zirconium occurring in nature as the mineral baddeleyite. It is an amorphous, odorless, tasteless powder or crystalline solid, used as an opaquing agent for dental porcelain, and other ceramic processes. In implant dentistry, it is used for the fabrication of all-ceramic abutments, substructures of fixed partial dentures, crown copings, and dental implants.
Zoledronate
A very potent intravenous nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate used to prevent skeletal fractures in patients with cancers such as multiple myeloma and prostate cancer. It is also used to treat hypercalcemia caused by cancer.
Zygomatic implant
A root-form dental implant that has its origin in the region of the former first maxillary molar. Its end point engages the zygomatic bone. The implant is directed in a lateral and upward direction with an angulation of approximately 45 degrees from a vertical axis, following an intrasinusal trajectory.