EUC-ODON key terms

Distance from the cementoenamel junction to the base of the gingival sulcus or pocket, measured with a periodontal probe. It reflects cumulative periodontal destruction and does not change with reversible gingival swelling.

Distance from the gingival margin to the base of the sulcus or pocket. It is influenced by inflammation and recession, so it must be interpreted together with the gingival margin position.

Presence of bleeding after gentle probing of the sulcus, recorded as a percentage of sites. It indicates current inflammation and, when persistently absent, is a strong predictor of periodontal stability.

Classification of periodontitis by severity and extent of destruction, using interdental CAL loss, radiographic bone loss, tooth loss and complexity factors. It describes how far the disease has progressed in a given patient.

Classification of periodontitis by rate of progression and risk, based on bone loss relative to age, smoking status and glycaemic control. It guides prognosis and the intensity of supportive care.

Use of a barrier membrane to exclude gingival connective tissue and epithelium from a periodontal defect, allowing slower-migrating periodontal ligament and bone cells to repopulate the root surface.

Vertical periodontal defect in which the base of the pocket lies apical to the adjacent alveolar crest. Its depth and morphology influence the decision between regenerative surgery and other approaches.

Direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant, without intervening fibrous tissue. It is the biological basis of implant stability and long-term success.

Reversible inflammation confined to the soft tissue around an implant, with bleeding on probing but without progressive bone loss. It is the implant analogue of gingivitis and is a warning sign.

Inflammatory condition around an implant characterised by bleeding and suppuration plus progressive loss of supporting bone beyond expected crestal remodelling. It requires diagnosis, risk-factor control and often surgical or non-surgical therapy.

Distance from a coronal reference point to the intended apical limit of root canal preparation and obturation, usually the apical constriction or 0.5–1 mm short of the radiographic apex.

Narrowest part of the root canal near the cementodentinal junction, where the canal diameter is minimal. It is the preferred apical stop for instrumentation and filling.

Device that measures electrical impedance between the endodontic file and the oral mucosa to estimate the file tip's position relative to the apical foramen, reducing reliance on radiographs alone.

Three-dimensional filling of the prepared canal space with a core material, usually gutta-percha, and a sealer, aiming to prevent microleakage and bacterial recolonisation after cleaning and shaping.

Use of NaOCl solution to dissolve necrotic tissue, disinfect the canal and lubricate instrumentation. Concentration and volume vary; extrusion beyond the apex can cause severe tissue injury.

Restorative foundation placed in a prepared root canal to retain a coronal restoration when insufficient sound tooth structure remains. It requires adequate remaining dentine and root length.

Mechanical reinforcement gained when a crown's metal or ceramic collar encircles a continuous band of sound tooth structure of at least 1.5–2 mm, resisting lever forces on the restored root.

Resistance of a cemented or bonded crown to dislodgement along its path of insertion. It depends on taper, surface area, preparation height, cement type and the presence of auxiliary features.

Vertical relationship between the maxilla and mandible when the teeth or occlusal rims are in contact. It is assessed clinically and may be altered during full-mouth rehabilitation.

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

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of mandibular third molars for eruption status, angulation, root morphology and proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve, to decide on retention or extraction.

Damage to the inferior alveolar nerve during surgery, causing altered sensation in the lower lip and chin. Risk is assessed radiographically and informed consent should address it explicitly.

Post-extraction pain caused by loss of the blood clot from the socket, leaving exposed bone. It typically presents a few days after surgery with severe pain and an empty socket.

Surgical separation of the maxilla at a level above the tooth apices, allowing repositioning of the maxilla in three dimensions during orthognathic surgery for skeletal discrepancies.

Mandibular ramus osteotomy in which the mandible is split sagittally to permit advancement or setback of the tooth-bearing segment, commonly combined with maxillary surgery.

Measurement of skeletal, dental and soft-tissue relationships on standardised lateral head radiographs, used to diagnose skeletal patterns, plan orthognathic surgery and assess treatment change.

Estimation of remaining facial growth from cervical vertebral maturation or hand-wrist radiographs, used to time growth-modifying orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery.

Removable or fixed device that alters mandibular position to influence dentofacial growth in growing patients with Class II malocclusion, typically worn during active growth.

Structured evaluation of factors predicting future caries, including diet, fluoride exposure, oral hygiene, saliva, past caries and medical history, used to tailor prevention and recall intervals.

Approach that preserves sound tooth tissue by preventing disease, remineralising early lesions and using the least invasive restoration when operative care is required, with regular reassessment.

Topical agent that arrests active carious lesions through silver's antimicrobial action and fluoride's remineralising effect. It stains arrested lesions black and is used where drilling is unsuitable.

Removal of the coronal pulp while preserving the radicular pulp, used in primary or immature permanent teeth with reversible pulpitis or vital pulp exposure to allow continued root development.

Clinical condition with an increased risk of malignant transformation, such as leukoplakia, erythroplakia or oral submucous fibrosis. It requires biopsy, risk assessment and long-term surveillance.

Removal of a representative tissue sample, including the most suspicious area and adjacent normal tissue, for histopathological diagnosis of a lesion before definitive treatment.

Malignant neoplasm arising from oral mucosal epithelium, often presenting as an ulcer with indurated margins. Staging and multidisciplinary treatment planning determine prognosis.

Three-dimensional X-ray imaging producing high-resolution images of hard tissues with lower dose than conventional CT. It is used for implant planning, endodontics and impacted teeth.

Controlled adjustment of fluoride concentration in public drinking water to reduce dental caries at population level. It is a population-wide measure whose benefits and ethical issues are debated.

Patient's voluntary agreement to treatment after receiving adequate information about diagnosis, options, risks, benefits and consequences of declining, documented and obtained without coercion.

Systematic, contemporaneous documentation of patient history, findings, treatment and communication. Records support continuity of care and serve as legal evidence in complaints or litigation.