Glossary

A

Abscess

Encapsulated collection of pus in the tissue, in the jaw area often originating from an inflamed tooth.

All-on-X

Fixed teeth for a whole jaw carried by just a few implants – usually four to six. The rear implants are often placed at an angle to make the best possible use of the available bone; this often avoids bone grafting. See also: All-on-X and zygomatic implants · Dental implants

Apicoectomy (root tip resection)

Surgical removal of an inflamed root tip together with the surrounding inflamed tissue when root canal treatment alone is not enough. The aim is to keep the tooth. See also: Oral surgery

Arthrocentesis (jaw joint lavage)

Minimally invasive procedure in which the jaw joint is rinsed with sterile fluid through fine cannulas. This washes out inflammatory substances; pain and mobility can improve as a result. I perform this procedure at University Hospital St. Pölten. See also: TMJ treatment

Arthroscopy of the jaw joint

Examination of the jaw joint through a small opening with a thin camera; the joint can be rinsed and treated at the same time. See also: Arthrocentesis

Augmentation (bone and soft tissue grafting)

Building up jawbone or gum tissue when there is not enough of the body's own tissue for an implant or a stable restoration. The patient's own bone, bone substitute material and membranes are used; for soft tissue, usually the patient's own connective tissue. See also: Sinus lift · Dental implants

B

Backward planning

“Planning in reverse” in implantology: first it is determined where and how the final teeth should sit; the position, angle and number of implants follow from this. It is based on digital data such as CBCT images and scans. See also: CBCT · Dental implants

Basal cell carcinoma

The most common form of light skin cancer, mainly on sun-exposed areas of the face. It rarely spreads to other parts of the body but grows into the surrounding tissue. See also: Local flap

Biopsy (tissue sample)

Taking a small tissue sample that is examined under the microscope to classify a change reliably.

Blepharoplasty

The medical term for eyelid surgery: surgical removal of excess skin and, if necessary, bulging fat tissue on the upper or lower eyelid. See also: Eyelid surgery

Bone block grafting

Form of bone grafting for larger defects: a block of the patient's own bone or bone substitute material is fixed to the jaw and heals in there. See also: Augmentation

Botulinum toxin (Botox)

Active substance that temporarily inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle. In small, precisely placed amounts it relaxes overactive muscles – medically, for example, the chewing muscles in bruxism, aesthetically the muscles of facial expression. The effect wears off after a few months. See also: Botox

Broken nose (nasal bone fracture)

Fracture of the bony nose, often with a crooked nose, swelling and obstructed nasal breathing. See also: Rhinoplasty

Bruxism

Unconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep. It can lead to tooth wear, tension in the chewing muscles, headaches and jaw joint problems. See also: TMD · Occlusal splint

C

CBCT (cone beam computed tomography)

Three-dimensional X-ray technique for the jaw and face. It shows bone, tooth roots, the course of nerves and the maxillary sinus in 3D and is used, for example, to plan implants or difficult extractions precisely. See also: Orthopantomogram

Cheekbone fracture (zygomatic fracture)

Fracture of the cheekbone, often with a depressed cheek, numbness or restricted mouth opening.

Cleft lip and palate

Congenital cleft of the upper lip, jaw and/or palate, which is closed in several operations from infancy onwards.

Craniomaxillofacial surgery

Surgery of the facial skeleton: procedures on the skull, jaw and face, for example after accidents or for malformations or misalignments.

Craniosynostosis

Premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures in infancy, which can lead to an abnormal skull shape. See also: Craniomaxillofacial surgery

Cyst

Fluid-filled cavity surrounded by a capsule. In the jaw, cysts develop for example at root tips or around unerupted teeth; they usually grow slowly and are generally removed surgically.

D

Distraction osteogenesis

Procedure in which a bone is divided and slowly pulled apart over weeks with a device; new bone forms in the gap.

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis)

Wound-healing disorder after a tooth extraction: the blood clot that closes the empty tooth socket (alveolus) breaks down early or does not form properly. Typically, pain increases a few days after the procedure; the wound is then cleaned and treated in the practice. See also: Wisdom tooth removal

Dysgnathia (jaw misalignment)

Abnormal development of the size, shape or position of the jaws in relation to each other, for example a pronounced overbite, underbite or open bite. Its surgical correction is called orthognathic surgery. See also: Orthognathic surgery

E

Endoscopic surgery

Surgical technique using an optical instrument (endoscope) through small openings. In oral and maxillofacial surgery it is used, for example, in the maxillary sinus or the jaw joint.

Extraction

The medical term for removing a tooth. If a tooth is badly destroyed, broken off or impacted in the bone, it is removed surgically. See also: Oral surgery · Osteotomy

F

Frenectomy (frenulum correction)

Cutting or repositioning a short or unfavourably attached lip or tongue frenulum.

Functional analysis

Systematic examination of the jaw joints, chewing muscles and bite: mobility, joint sounds, muscle tenderness and tooth contact. It is the basis for diagnosing and treating TMD. See also: TMD

G

General anaesthesia

A sleep-like state induced by medication in which consciousness and pain perception are switched off. It is carried out and continuously monitored by specialists in anaesthesia. See also: Local anaesthesia

Genioplasty (chin surgery)

Surgical change to the shape, length or position of the chin, for example by repositioning the bony chin. It can be done on its own or together with orthognathic surgery.

H

Hyaluronic acid

Substance found naturally in the skin, connective tissue and joints that can bind a lot of water. Prepared as a gel, it is used as a filler to restore volume and soften wrinkles; the body gradually breaks it down again. See also: Dermal fillers · Hyaluronidase

Hyaluronidase

Enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. The body produces it itself – which is why the effect of hyaluronic acid fillers wears off over time. As a medication, hyaluronidase can be used to dissolve a filler in a targeted way. See also: Hyaluronic acid

I

Impacted and retained teeth

A retained tooth has not erupted, or only partly, into the mouth. If it also lies at an angle or horizontally in the jaw, it is called an impacted tooth. Wisdom teeth are most commonly affected. See also: Wisdom tooth removal

Implant (dental implant)

Artificial tooth root, usually made of titanium, less often of zirconia, that is placed in the jawbone. Once healed, it carries a crown, a bridge or a denture. See also: Dental implants · Osseointegration

Implantology

Field concerned with replacing lost teeth with implants – from planning with three-dimensional X-rays and placing the implants, including any necessary bone grafting, to restoration with a crown, bridge or fixed teeth. See also: Dental implants · All-on-X and zygomatic implants · Implant

Indication

Medical reason that makes a particular examination or treatment sensible or necessary. Some procedures require an additional specialist report, for example an ophthalmologist's report before medically justified eyelid surgery.

J

Jaw fracture

Fracture of the lower or upper jaw, usually after an accident or fall. Pain, swelling and a changed bite are typical. See also: Osteosynthesis

Jaw joint dislocation

Dislocation of the lower jaw: the condyle slips forward out of the joint socket and the mouth can no longer be closed. See also: TMD

Jaw joint prosthesis

Artificial replacement of a severely destroyed jaw joint, usually custom-made for the patient.

Jaw repositioning surgery

Surgical correction of jaw misalignment (German: Umstellungsosteotomie): the upper and/or lower jaw is divided, moved into the planned position and fixed with small titanium plates. The procedure is combined with orthodontic treatment and carried out under general anaesthesia at University Hospital St. Pölten. See also: Orthognathic surgery · Dysgnathia

L

Le Fort I osteotomy

Operation on the upper jaw: it is divided horizontally above the tooth roots and can then be moved into the planned position. See also: Jaw repositioning surgery

Local anaesthesia

An anaesthetic makes the treatment area temporarily numb. You stay awake; you will usually still feel pressure or touch. See also: General anaesthesia

Local flap

Closing a tissue defect with skin or mucosa from the surrounding area that is moved or rotated. See also: Reconstructive surgery

M

Medical history

Taking a medical history in conversation: current complaints, past and existing illnesses, medications, allergies and previous treatments. It is the basis for careful treatment planning.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

Death of jawbone associated with certain medications, for example for osteoporosis or bone metastases (e.g. bisphosphonates). Always mention such medications before dental treatment. See also: Osteomyelitis

Microvascular tissue transfer

Transplantation of skin, muscle or bone together with blood vessels from another part of the body, which are connected to vessels in the face under the microscope. See also: Reconstructive surgery

N

Nasolabial fold

Fold running diagonally from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. It often deepens with age and can be softened, for example, with hyaluronic acid. See also: Dermal fillers

Neck dissection

Surgical removal of lymph nodes in the neck for malignant tumours of the head and neck.

O

Occlusal splint

Custom-made, removable plastic splint, usually worn over the teeth at night. It relieves the jaw joint and chewing muscles and protects the teeth from wear caused by grinding or clenching. See also: TMD · Bruxism

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS)

Medical specialty that treats diseases, injuries and malpositions of the teeth, jaw and face surgically. In Austria, specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery have usually studied both medicine and dentistry – hence the double title “Dr. Dr.” or “DDr.”. See also: What does an oral and maxillofacial surgeon do? · CV

Oral cancer (oral cavity carcinoma)

Malignant tumour of the oral mucosa, for example of the tongue, floor of the mouth or cheek. Changes that persist for more than two weeks should be investigated. See also: Biopsy · Neck dissection

Oral surgery

Surgical procedures in the mouth, such as tooth extractions, wisdom tooth removal, apicoectomies, gum procedures or the placement of implants. It is part of oral and maxillofacial surgery and is also called dental surgery. See also: Oral surgery · Wisdom tooth removal · Implantology

Orbital floor fracture

Fracture of the thin floor of the eye socket. It can cause double vision or a sunken eye. See also: Cheekbone fracture

Oroantral communication

Opening between the mouth and the maxillary sinus that can occur, for example, after an upper back tooth is removed. It is usually closed with a gum flap so that the sinus does not become inflamed. See also: Extraction

Orthodontics

Dental specialty that corrects malpositioned teeth and jaws with fixed or removable braces or aligners. In pronounced jaw misalignment, treatment is combined with orthognathic surgery. See also: Dysgnathia

Orthognathic surgery

Branch of oral and maxillofacial surgery that corrects misalignments of the upper and lower jaw surgically – usually together with orthodontic treatment. The jaw bones are divided, repositioned and fixed (osteotomy). See also: Orthognathic surgery · Dysgnathia

Orthopantomogram (OPG, panoramic X-ray)

Overview X-ray showing all teeth, both jaws and the jaw joints in one image. If a three-dimensional view is needed, a CBCT is added. See also: CBCT

Osseointegration

The firm fusion of an implant with the surrounding jawbone during the healing period. Only then can the implant bear full load; depending on the bone, this usually takes a few weeks to months. See also: Dental implants

Osteomyelitis

Inflammation of the bone and bone marrow, in the face usually of the lower jaw.

Osteosynthesis

Stabilisation of a broken or surgically divided bone, in the face usually with small titanium plates and screws.

Osteotomy

Targeted surgical cutting or removal of bone. In dentistry the term also refers to the surgical removal of a tooth lying in the bone, for example an impacted wisdom tooth. See also: Jaw repositioning surgery · Wisdom tooth removal

Otoplasty (ear pinning)

Operation in which protruding ears are brought closer to the head by reshaping the ear cartilage.

Outpatient / inpatient

Outpatient treatment does not involve an overnight stay – you go home the same day. With inpatient treatment you stay in hospital for a few days, for example after orthognathic surgery.

P

Parotidectomy

Partial or complete removal of the parotid gland, usually because of a tumour. The facial nerve running through the gland is preserved.

Pericoronitis

Inflammation of the gum around a tooth that has not fully erupted, typically a wisdom tooth. Pain, swelling and restricted mouth opening are common. See also: Wisdom tooth removal

Periodontitis

Bacterial inflammation of the tooth-supporting tissues in which the gums and jawbone recede. Untreated, it can lead to loosening and loss of teeth.

PRF (platelet-rich fibrin)

Concentrate of fibrin, platelets and white blood cells obtained from your own blood. It is prepared in a centrifuge after a small blood sample and can support wound and bone healing as well as skin regeneration. See also: PRF treatment

R

Reconstructive surgery

Restoring shape and function, for example after tumour operations, accidents or with malformations – for example with the patient's own bone or tissue from another part of the body.

Replantation (putting a tooth back in)

Re-inserting a tooth knocked out in an accident. The chances are better the moister the tooth is kept and the sooner it is treated.

Rhinoplasty

Surgical correction of the nose to change its shape and/or function – for example with a nasal hump, a crooked nose or obstructed nasal breathing. See also: Rhinoplasty

S

Sagittal split osteotomy

Operation on the lower jaw: it is split lengthwise on both sides so that the tooth-bearing part can be moved forwards or backwards. See also: Jaw repositioning surgery

Salivary stone (sialolithiasis)

Calcification in the duct of a salivary gland. A painful swelling of the gland when eating is typical.

Scar revision

Surgical improvement of a conspicuous or bothersome scar, for example by cutting it out and re-suturing it with little tension.

Sinus lift

Bone grafting in the back of the upper jaw: the lining of the maxillary sinus is carefully lifted and the space created is filled with bone or bone substitute material so that implants can find sufficient hold there. See also: Augmentation

Surgically assisted palatal expansion

Widening of an upper jaw that is too narrow in adults: the bone is weakened in a targeted way so that an orthodontic appliance can expand it. See also: Orthodontics

T

TMD (temporomandibular disorder)

Umbrella term for functional disorders in the interplay of the jaw joint, chewing muscles and bite (in German: CMD). Typical symptoms are pain, clicking in the joint, restricted mouth opening or tension extending to the head and neck. See also: TMJ treatment · Functional analysis

Trismus (restricted mouth opening)

Restricted mouth opening, usually temporary due to swelling or tension in the chewing muscles, for example after wisdom tooth removal. If it persists, it should be examined by a doctor. See also: Wisdom tooth removal

V

Vestibuloplasty

Surgical deepening of the vestibule (the space between the lip or cheek and the jaw ridge), for example so that a denture holds better or implants are surrounded by firm gum.

Z

Zirconia

Very strong, tooth-coloured ceramic (zirconium dioxide). It is used for crowns and bridges and as a metal-free alternative to titanium implants. See also: Implant

Zygomatic implant

Particularly long implant anchored in the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) rather than in the upper jawbone alone. It is an option for severe bone loss in the upper jaw; I perform this procedure at University Hospital St. Pölten. See also: All-on-X and zygomatic implants · Dental implants