Author: Glossary

A property of a material that allows it to be softened by the application of heat and returned to the hardened state on cooling; thermoplasticity. Concerning or being softened or made malleable by heat.  

Heat‐induced expansion of a material or substance.  

The treatment of a person to help cure a disease or disorder. A term which, when used alone, as in “the patient is undergoing therapy,” means that the patient is being treated. When used with a modifier, as in “speech therapy,” the term means a specific treatment method or technique. A term used in connection…

An appliance that assists in the treatment of periodontal disease.  

Transforming growth factor beta.  

Transforming growth factor.  

Process of increasing the surface area.  

A surface that has been altered or modified from its original machined state. A dental implant surface can be altered by addition or by reduction.  

Method for adding detail, surface texture (a bitmap or raster image), or color to a computer‐generated graphic or 3D model.  

Permanent labeling of osteoid (bone matrix) as it mineralizes in a two‐phase process. With up to 80% of complete mineral uptake regulated by osteoblasts, the remaining 20% is regulated by osteocytes. The osteoid zone is separated from the mineralized part of the bone by a layer called the mineralization front. This layer is able to…