Dental terminology #1 Flashcards
abscess
Acute or chronic localized inflammation, probably with a collection of pus, associated with tissue destruction and, frequently, swelling
acute periradicular or acute apical abscess
An inflammatory reaction to pulpal infection and necrosis characterized by rapid onset, spontaneous pain, tenderness of the tooth to pressure, pus formation and eventual swelling of associated tissues.
chronic periradicular or chronic periapical abscess
An inflammatory reaction to pulpal infection and necrosis characterized by gradual onset, little or no discomfort and the intermittent discharge of pus through an associated sinus tract.
abutment
A term with different meanings depending on the clinical scenario.
implant case – the fixture that is placed between the implant body (aka implant post) and the restorative prosthesis (e.g., single crown; denture).
natural tooth case – the tooth used as the support for one end of a denture.
abutment crown
Artificial crown also serving for the retention or support of a dental prosthesis.
accession
Addition of a test specimen, previously collected by a health care provider, to a laboratory specimen collection; recording of essential specimen identification data in a laboratory-maintained file in chronological order of laboratory specimen acquisition; assignment to the specimen of an identification code.
acid etching
Use of an acidic chemical substance to prepare the tooth enamel and or dentin surface to provide retention for bonding.
adhesion
State in which two surfaces are held together by chemical or physical forces or both with or without the aid of an adhesive. Adhesion is one aspect of bonding.
adhesive
Any substance that joins or creates close adherence of two or more surfaces. Intermediate material that causes two materials to adhere to each other.
adjunctive
A secondary treatment in addition to the primary therapy.
adult dentition
permanent dentition.
allogenic
Belonging to the same species, but genetically different. See graft.
alloplastic
Refers to synthetic material often used for tissue augmentation or replacement.
alloy
Compound combining two or more elements having properties not existing in any of the single constituent elements. Sometimes used to refer to amalgam.
alveolar
Referring to the bone to which a tooth is attached.
alveoloplasty
Surgical procedure for recontouring supporting bone, sometimes in preparation for a prosthesis.
amalgam
An alloy used in direct dental restorations. Typically composed of mercury, silver, tin and copper along with other metallic elements added to improve physical and mechanical properties.
anesthesia
A procedure that controls the patient’s level of anxiety or pain. Delivery of an anesthesia inducing agent by a dentist or other health care practitioner is regulated by state dental boards.
anatomical crown
That portion of tooth normally covered by, and including, enamel.
ancillary
Subordinate or auxiliary to something or someone else; supplementary.
analgesia
the diminution or elimination of pain.
anxiolysis
the diminution or elimination of anxiety.
deep sedation
a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function may be impaired. Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation may be inadequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.
general anesthesia
a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function is often impaired. Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and positive pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug-induced depression of neuromuscular function. Cardiovascular function may be impaired.