Medical dictionary

What is densitometry?Bone densitometry refers to special scanning techniques used to visualise bone structure and analyse bone mineral density (BMD). As opposed to other X-ray techniques, densitometry emphasises quantification of the bone, with a shorter scanning time and precise results, allowing doctors to monitor bone loss in patients. The standard method of bone densitometry is the dual-energy

What are dental bone grafts? Dental bone grafts are performed in dentistry to increase the volume of bone in the jaw before an implant is placed. It is a technique that is required when a patient does not have enough healthy bones in their mouth, which are capable of supporting dental implants. The deterioration of the mouth's natural bones may be caused by gum disease,

What is a dental crown? A dental crown is a type of prosthesis made to measure that completely covers the damaged natural tooth, with the aim of restoring function and aesthetics. Dental crowns are made of metal, ceramics or porcelain fused on metal. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia. Why is a dental crown placed? A dental crown can be used with several obje

What are dental implants?   A dental implant is the attachment of an artificial component to the jaw bone that replaces the root of a lost tooth. To implant it, the dentist must nail a titanium screw into the maxillary bone, on which a prosthetic crown (an artificial tooth) is placed. This surgical procedure can be classified into several types, depending on the phases in which it is

What is dental implant maintenance? Dental implant care is essential for their proper functioning. Implants that are not properly fixed like real teeth can lead to gum inflammation, infection or bone loss. Lack of proper care may also result in periodontal disease of the implants, known as peri-implantitis, where inflammation and infection occur around the implant. Dental implant mainten

What is dental monitoring? Dental monitoring uses a smartphone app synced to computer software used in a dental clinic. This synchronisation allows the clinic to inform patients, via the app, that they need to send a photo of their Invisalign aligners, for example. The clinic would then assess these images to check if the patient's teeth are straightening and moving as plann

What is dental phobia? Dental phobia or dental anxiety is a fear of dentistry and dental care. This fear can develop so much that individuals may avoid seeking necessary dental care and treatment, even when experiencing pain and dental issues. While most phobias are irrational or excessive, in some situations what is termed “dental phobia” may be based on a previous

What is dental sleep medicine? Dental sleep medicine is an area of special interest within dentistry where certified dentists are trained to use oral appliance therapy (OAT) to treat sleep disordered breathing (SDB). This includes the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Dentists work alongside a team of medical sleep specialists and other healthcare professionals in or

What is dental trauma? Dental trauma is physical injury to the teeth, gums, the alveolar bone (the bone that holds the tooth sockets), or the soft tissue of the mouth, including the lips and tongue. There are several types of injury that fall under the category of dental trauma, including the following: Chipped tooth Tooth fractures, including root fractures, enamel fractures, etc. To