Category: A

  • Axial loading

    Application of load, usually by the forces of occlusion, in the direction of the long axis of an implant body or tooth. Compare: Nonaxial loading.  

  • Axial inclination

    The relationship of the long axis of a body to a designated plane. In dentistry, the angle made by the long axis of a tooth, dental implant, or other object (i.e., implant guide pin) as it relates to a specified horizontal plane, such as the supporting bone or occlusal plane.  

  • Axial contour

    The shape of a body in the dimension of its long axis. For teeth, it is the outline of the vertical portion of a tooth from the cementoenamel junction to its height of contour.  

  • Avulsion fracture

    A separation of bone (or portion of bone) from its naturally occurring position by trauma or unintended force(s). The pulling away of the bony attachment site of tendons, ligament, joint capsule, or fascia. Avulsion fractures of tendons are usually caused by a forceful contraction of the muscle. Ligamentous avulsions are caused by forcing the joint…

  • Avulsion

    A forced and aggressive separation from the body; the action that results in a separation of a body part surgically or accidentally. Separation of a body part by tearing. The tearing away of a part or tissue of the body. Forcible tearing away of a part. An act of pulling away tissue or a body…

  • Average value articulator

    An articulator that permits motion based on three mean mandibular measurements: an intercondylar distance of 10–11 cm, a condylar guidance of 33°, and an incisal guidance of 9–12°. Also known as a mean value articulator or Class III articulator.  

  • Average axis facebow

    A device that transfers the relationship of the maxilla and the mandibular axis of rotation to an articulator by recording standard anatomic landmarks for determining the transverse horizontal axis of the face.  

  • Avascular necrosis

    Cell death that occurs as a result of inadequate blood supply. A condition in which tissue cells die because their supply of blood has been cut. Death of any tissue due to loss of blood supply, usually due to trauma or congenital blood vessel abnormalities. For example, fractures of the navicular bone of the wrist…

  • Avascular (nonvascular)

    Lacking in blood or lymphatic vessels. Avascular tissues may be normal, such as tooth enamel or some forms of cartilage, or may be a consequence of disease. Lacking in blood vessels; having poor blood supply. With no blood vessels, or with a deficient blood supply.  

  • Available bone

    Portion of an edentulous ridge that can be used for the placement of a dental implant.