Oral Surgery Glossary

A connector piece that attaches a dental implant to the final crown or restoration.

Medication used during surgery to prevent pain and manage comfort and anxiety.

Also known as: Occlusion

How the upper and lower teeth meet and align when the mouth is closed.

A surgical procedure that adds bone or bone-like material to the jaw.

Surgical placement of bone-like material to rebuild or strengthen the jawbone.

An initial appointment to discuss concerns, evaluate health, and determine appropriate treatment options.

Also known as: Orthognathic Surgery

Surgical procedures to correct irregularities of the jaw bones and realign the jaws and teeth.

X-rays, 3D scans, or other imaging techniques used to visualize teeth, bone, and facial structures for accurate diagnosis and planning.

A small, biocompatible titanium post placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge.

The clinical evaluation process to determine if a patient has appropriate bone, gum health, and overall health for implant surgery.

The ongoing professional and home care required to keep dental implants and surrounding tissues healthy.

The process of a tooth moving through the gums and becoming visible in the mouth.

The area of the jawbone and gum tissue where a tooth has been removed.

Any physical injury to the face, including the jaw, facial bones, teeth, and soft tissues.

A comprehensive treatment using multiple dental implants to support a fixed or removable prosthesis replacing all teeth in an upper or lower jaw.

The use of 3D imaging and digital planning to create a custom surgical guide, assisting the surgeon in precise implant placement.

A procedure where a dental implant is placed into the jawbone during the same surgical visit as the tooth extraction.

A third molar that does not fully emerge into its expected position due to lack of space, angle, or other anatomical factors.

The custom-made artificial tooth that is attached to a dental implant via an abutment.

A dental bridge that is anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth, used to replace several missing teeth.

Trauma affecting the upper or lower jawbone, potentially involving fractures or joint damage.

Medication injected directly into the treatment area to numb it, allowing the patient to remain awake and comfortable.

A comprehensive record of a patient's past and current health conditions, medications, and allergies, crucial for safe surgical planning.

A surgical specialist recognized by the dental profession to treat diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and oral tissues.

Injuries specifically affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws, and facial regions requiring specialist care.

A diagnostic procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed from the mouth for laboratory analysis.

An abnormal change in the tissue of the mouth, such as a sore, ulcer, or lump.

The specialized field concerned with identifying and managing diseases affecting the mouth and jaw regions.

Medication taken by mouth prior to a procedure to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

The clinical term for corrective jaw surgery, addressing skeletal and dental irregularities.

The natural biological process where the jawbone heals and fuses directly to the surface of a dental implant.

A wisdom tooth that has only partially broken through the gum tissue, which can create areas difficult to clean and prone to infection.

A medical document written by a pathologist detailing the findings from a tissue sample analysis.

Specific guidance provided to a patient detailing how to care for themselves after a surgical procedure.

Specific guidance provided to a patient detailing how to prepare safely for an upcoming surgical procedure.

A recommendation from a primary care dentist or physician directing a patient to a specialist for evaluation or treatment.

Procedures designed to restore missing bone or soft tissue, often to support dental implants or improve oral health.

The collaborative planning between an oral surgeon and a restorative dentist to ensure surgical and prosthetic goals align.

A dental professional who focuses on repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth, often coordinating with oral surgeons for the final implant crown or prosthesis.

A procedure to maintain the natural contour of the jawbone after tooth loss, preventing bone resorption.

The use of medication to calm a patient or reduce anxiety during a medical or dental procedure.

Also known as: Sinus Augmentation

A surgical procedure that adds bone to the upper jaw near the molars and premolars to support dental implants.

A bone grafting procedure performed immediately after tooth extraction to protect the empty socket and support future restorative options.

Scheduled appointments after a procedure to monitor healing and assess treatment progress.

The continuous observation of a patient's vital signs (like heart rate and oxygen levels) during surgery and anesthesia.

A procedure requiring a more detailed surgical approach to remove a tooth, often due to position, impaction, or limited remaining tooth structure.

Also known as: TMD

Conditions causing pain or dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.

Also known as: TMJ

The sliding hinge joint connecting the jawbone to the skull, allowing the mouth to open, close, and chew.

The clinical term for a wisdom tooth, the last teeth to develop at the back of the mouth.

The identification of a condition based on the microscopic examination of a tissue sample.

A clinical assessment of the jaw joints, muscles, and bite to understand the cause of jaw pain or dysfunction.

The removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone, performed when a tooth is unsalvageable or as part of a larger treatment plan.

Ongoing specialist assessment and care following initial emergency treatment for a facial injury.

A detailed, individualized strategy outlining the recommended procedures, sequencing, and coordination needed to address a patient's health concerns.

A surgical procedure to extract one or more third molars, often recommended to address impaction, crowding, or oral health concerns.