Bone Graft / Bone Grafting

A surgical procedure that replaces missing or damaged bone tissue, often used in the jaw before dental implants. Graft sources can include the patient’s own bone (autograft), donor bone (allograft), animal-derived bone (xenograft), or synthetic materials (alloplast). The purpose is to create a scaffold that supports new bone growth.

Sinus Lift (Sinus Augmentation)

A specific type of bone grafting for the upper jaw. The sinus membrane is lifted, and bone graft material is placed beneath it to increase bone height and support dental implants.

Frenectomy (Frenulectomy)

A procedure to remove or release the frenum — a small fold of tissue under the tongue, between the lips, or inside the cheek. It's done to improve tongue or lip mobility, aid speech, or close gaps between teeth.

Socket Preservation (Alveolar Ridge Preservation)

Performed immediately after tooth extraction, this technique involves placing graft material into the empty socket and covering it with a barrier membrane to reduce bone loss and maintain jaw structure.

Dental Extraction

The surgical removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. This may be necessary when a tooth is decayed, impacted, or causes crowding.

All‑on‑4 (All‑on‑Four)

A procedure that supports a complete arch of teeth using just four strategically placed dental implants, often allowing immediate placement of a fixed prosthesis.

Expose & Bond (Impacted Tooth Exposure)

A surgical procedure to uncover an impacted or unerupted tooth, bond an orthodontic bracket to it, and guide it into position with orthodontic appliances.

Apicoectomy (Root‑End Surgery)

A microsurgical procedure to remove the tip of the tooth’s root, clean the area, and seal it to prevent reinfection.

Incision & Drainage (I&D)

A minor surgical procedure to relieve pus or pressure from an abscess by making an incision and draining the contents.

Tori Removal (Torus Removal)

Surgical removal of benign bony growths (tori) in the mouth that may interfere with function or prosthetic appliances.

Alveoloplasty

A surgical procedure to reshape and smooth the jawbone after tooth extraction to prepare for dentures or implants.

Fistula

An abnormal connection between the oral cavity and another space, such as the sinus (oroantral fistula).

Supernumerary (Extra) Teeth

Extra teeth beyond the normal number, which can cause crowding or eruption issues.

Debridement

The removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote healing.

Mucocele

A benign, mucus-filled swelling typically caused by a blocked salivary gland duct.

Cancer (Oral Malignancy)

Malignant growths in the mouth, such as squamous cell carcinoma, requiring surgical excision and possible adjunct therapies.

Dental Implant

A surgical component placed into the jawbone to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, denture, or facial prosthesis. Implants are typically made of titanium and fuse with the bone through osseointegration.

Orthognathic Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery that realigns or reconstructs the jaws to improve function, bite alignment, and facial aesthetics. It can address congenital conditions, injuries, or growth abnormalities.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery

Surgical procedures performed to correct disorders of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull. Indications include severe pain, restricted movement, or structural problems unresponsive to non-surgical treatments.

Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis)

A painful complication after tooth extraction where the blood clot at the site dissolves or dislodges, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. It delays healing and requires symptomatic treatment.

Abscess

A localized collection of pus caused by infection, which can occur in the teeth, gums, or jawbone. Treatment usually involves drainage and antibiotics.

Cyst

A fluid-filled sac that can form in the jawbone or soft tissues of the mouth, often requiring surgical removal to prevent damage to surrounding structures.

Pathology (Oral and Maxillofacial)

The study and diagnosis of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, and related structures. Includes analysis of tissue samples obtained via biopsy.

Trauma (Oral and Maxillofacial)

Injury to the face, mouth, or jaws caused by accidents, falls, sports injuries, or assaults. May involve soft tissue wounds, fractures, or tooth damage.

Orbital Fracture

A break in one or more bones surrounding the eye socket (orbit), often caused by blunt trauma to the face. It may require surgical repair to restore normal function and appearance.

Nasal Fracture

A break or crack in the bones of the nose, usually due to trauma. Treatment may involve manual realignment or surgery.

Mandibular Fracture

A break in the lower jawbone, often resulting from trauma. Treatment may involve wiring the jaw shut or surgical fixation with plates and screws.

Salivary Stones (Sialolithiasis)

Calcified structures that form in the salivary glands or ducts, blocking saliva flow. Symptoms include pain and swelling, especially during eating. Treatment may involve massage, sialogogues, or surgical removal.

General Dentist

A primary oral healthcare provider who diagnoses, treats, and manages overall oral health needs, including routine checkups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, preventive education, and basic restorative care.

Orthodontist

A dental specialist who diagnoses, prevents, and corrects misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances. They complete additional training beyond dental school in orthodontics.

Periodontist

A dental specialist focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, as well as the placement and maintenance of dental implants.

Oral Surgeon (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon)

A dental specialist trained in the surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving the mouth, jaws, face, and related structures. Procedures include extractions, implants, bone grafts, and corrective jaw surgery.

DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine)

A professional doctoral degree awarded to dentists in some dental schools. It is equivalent to a DDS degree, and both require the same education and licensing.

DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery)

A professional doctoral degree for dentists. It is equivalent to a DMD, with the same curriculum and qualifications, but the title varies depending on the dental school.

MD (Doctor of Medicine)

A professional degree awarded to physicians and surgeons. Some oral and maxillofacial surgeons hold both dental and medical degrees, enabling them to perform complex surgical procedures requiring advanced medical knowledge.

Abutment

A connector piece placed on top of a dental implant to support and retain a crown, bridge, or denture. Abutments can be prefabricated or custom-made to match the patient's restoration needs.

Torque Test

A diagnostic procedure used to check the stability and osseointegration of a dental implant by applying a specific amount of rotational force. A successful torque test indicates the implant is stable enough for restoration placement.

CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography)

A specialized type of X-ray that provides 3D images of the teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone structure in a single scan. Commonly used in implant planning, surgical evaluation, and diagnosis.

Panoramic X-ray

A two-dimensional dental X-ray that captures the entire mouth in a single image, including the teeth, jaws, nasal area, and sinuses. It is often used for evaluating impacted teeth, jaw disorders, and overall oral health.

PA X-ray (Periapical X-ray)

A detailed dental X-ray that shows the entire tooth from crown to root tip, including surrounding bone. Used to detect infections, bone loss, and other tooth-specific issues.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues. In dentistry, it can be used to assess temporomandibular joint disorders, soft tissue lesions, and tumors.

Crown

A custom-made dental restoration that completely covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth or is placed over an implant. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, resin, or a combination of materials.

Bridge

A fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants using crowns on either side.