abarticulation
The displacement or dislocation of a bone from its normal position (e.g. the temporomandibular joint).
Abbé flap
[R. Abbé (1851–1928), American surgeon; J. A. Estlander (1831–81), Finnish surgeon] A full thickness flap of tissue taken from the middle portion of usually the lower lip and transferred to the upper ...
ABCDE
A mnemonic for a step-by-step assessment of an athlete who collapses on the field of play. A = Airway and cervical spine (ensure that the airway is clear; suspect a cervical spine injury if the ...
aberrant
Deviating from the normal. Usually applied to a blood vessel or nerve that fails to follow its normal course.
abfraction
The loss of tooth structure in the cervical region of the crown of a tooth. Some research studies suggest that this is owing to flexural forces applying an excessive biomechanical loading to one or ...
abrasion
1. The non-bacterial loss of tooth tissue due to frictional wear by extrinsic agents. Common causes are toothbrushing, particularly with abrasive pastes, pipe smoking, and pencil chewing. The lesions ...
abrasive
A material used to smooth or roughen a softer material by mechanical wear. It may be delivered in a high pressure stream of air (air abrasion) or by adhesion to strips, discs, wheels, or points. An ...
abscess
A localized accumulation of pus in a cavity caused by tissue breakdown as a result of infection or foreign materials. It is a tissue defence reaction to prevent the spread of infection to other parts ...
absorbable gelatin(e) sponge
A material applied topically to aid haemostasis, usually following a dental extraction. It provides a structure for clot formation.
absorption
The passage of one substance to another by penetration or solution. For example, the passage of liquids into the mucosa, skin, or dental materials.
