Kuwait Board Prosthodontics flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Ferrule effect

A 1.5–2 mm circumferential collar of dentin above the preparation margin that encircles the core. It increases fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth by resisting lever forces on the crown.

Centric relation

A maxillomandibular relationship where the condyles articulate with the thinnest avascular portion of their discs, in the anterior-superior position against the articular eminences, independent of tooth contact.

Kennedy Class I

A removable partial denture classification describing a bilateral edentulous area located posterior to the remaining natural teeth. It is the most common distal-extension situation.

Osseointegration

Direct structural and functional connection between ordered living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant, without intervening soft tissue, as defined by Brånemark.

Transformation toughening

A strengthening mechanism in zirconia where stress-induced phase transformation from tetragonal to monoclinic increases volume, creating compressive stresses that resist crack propagation.

PICO framework

A structured approach to formulating a clinical question: Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome. It guides literature searching and evidence appraisal in evidence-based practice.

Autoclave sterilization

Steam under pressure at 121°C and 15 psi for 15–20 minutes (gravity type), or 132°C for 4 minutes (flash). Monitored with biological indicators such as Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores.

Xerostomia

Subjective sensation of dry mouth resulting from reduced salivary flow. It increases caries risk, compromises denture retention, and is common in elderly patients on multiple medications.

Intraoral scanner trueness

The closeness of a digital scan to the actual geometry of the scanned object. It differs from precision, which measures reproducibility across repeated scans.

Balanced occlusion

An occlusal scheme for complete dentures with bilateral simultaneous contacts in centric relation and in all excursive movements, stabilizing the denture bases during function.

Neutral zone

The potential space between the lips and cheeks on one side and the tongue on the other, where forces are balanced. Teeth placed here improve denture stability.

Platform switching

Use of an abutment with a smaller diameter than the implant platform. It shifts the inflammatory infiltrate away from crestal bone and reduces marginal bone loss.

Peri-implant mucositis

Reversible inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding an implant, without progressive bone loss. It is the precursor of peri-implantitis if untreated.

RDC/TMD Axis I

The diagnostic classification of temporomandibular disorders into Group I muscle disorders, Group II disc displacements, and Group III arthralgia, arthritis, and arthrosis.

Stabilization splint

A removable full-arch appliance with a flat occlusal plane, adjusted in centric relation, worn at night to reduce parafunctional loading and protect the dentition.

Lithium disilicate

A glass-ceramic with flexural strength of approximately 360–450 MPa. It is etchable with 5% hydrofluoric acid, bondable, and suitable for single crowns and anterior fixed prostheses.

Zirconia etching

Zirconia is not etched with hydrofluoric acid. Bonding requires airborne-particle abrasion with alumina and application of an MDP-containing primer for chemical adhesion.

Posterior palatal seal

A 1–1.5 mm compressible seal placed between the vibrating line and the fovea palatinae on the maxillary denture. It improves retention and reduces gagging.

Bisphosphonate osteonecrosis

Exposed necrotic bone in the maxillofacial region in a patient on bisphosphonates or denosumab, often after extraction. Elective surgery should be avoided in high-risk patients.

Informed consent

Documented agreement after the patient receives diagnosis, treatment options including no treatment, risks, benefits, and costs. It must be voluntary and signed.

Sensitivity and specificity

Sensitivity is the proportion of true positives detected; specificity is the proportion of true negatives correctly identified. High sensitivity rules out disease; high specificity rules it in.

Number needed to treat

The reciprocal of the absolute risk reduction. It represents the number of patients who must be treated for one additional patient to benefit.

Facebow record

A registration transferring the maxillary arch position relative to the hinge axis to the articulator. It improves occlusal accuracy during mounting and analysis.

Crown-to-root ratio

The ratio of clinical crown length to supporting root length. Ideal is 1:2; 1:1 is the minimum acceptable for a single crown; less than 1:1 indicates compromised support.

Miller mobility grades

Grade I is less than 1 mm buccolingual movement; Grade II is 1–2 mm; Grade III is greater than 2 mm with vertical depression. Grade III usually contraindicates fixed abutment use.

Finish line chamfer

A 1.0–1.2 mm rounded finish line used for metal-ceramic and all-ceramic crowns. It provides adequate bulk for ceramic and is less destructive than a shoulder.

Provisional restoration

An interim restoration that maintains occlusal contact, marginal seal, and pulpal protection. Bis-acryl or PMMA is used for periods longer than two weeks.

Lekholm–Zarb density

A classification of bone density from Class 1 dense cortical to Class 4 low-density trabecular bone. Class 4 requires underpreparation or a wider implant for stability.

CBCT implant planning

Cone-beam computed tomography measures bone width and height and locates the inferior alveolar nerve and maxillary sinus. It supports surgical guide fabrication.

Milling shrinkage compensation

CAD/CAM software enlarges a zirconia framework by approximately 20–25% before milling to compensate for sintering shrinkage, ensuring the final restoration fits.

Fluoride varnish

A high-concentration topical fluoride applied to root surfaces in elderly patients with root caries. It remineralizes enamel and dentin and reduces caries progression.

Biological indicator

A sterilization monitoring device containing Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. It is used weekly to verify autoclave efficacy and is the most reliable sterilization check.