Category: I

  • Innate immunity

    Nonspecific immunity present from birth (congenital). Responsible for the initial protection from infectious agents previously unseen by the host. Composed of soluble immune proteins (including complement) and phagocytes. Inborn or hereditary immunity. Those immune defenses against infection and cancer that are not determined by the specific responses of B or T lymphocytes. Innate immunity is…

  • Initial stability (syn)

    Primary stability. The degree of tightness of a dental implant immediately after placement in its prepared osteotomy. An implant is considered to have initial stability if it is clinically immobile at the time of placement.  

  • Initial occlusal contact

    The first contact of opposing teeth upon closure of the mandible.  

  • Inhalation administration

    A technique of administration in which a gaseous or volatile agent is introduced into the lungs and whose primary effect is due to absorption through the gas/blood interface.  

  • Infrastructure

    A metal, ceramic, or resin framework onto which a second framework or prosthesis will be placed or attached using chemical or physical means. The components of information technology, including computer hardware, software, networks, and peripheral devices that are used to connect and send signals to computers and users.  

  • Infraorbital artery

    A continuation of the internal maxillary artery, but often arises in conjunction with the posterior superior alveolar artery. While in the infraorbital canal, it gives off anterior superior alveolar branches which supply maxillary anterior teeth. It is one of the three primary arterial suppliers to the maxillary sinus.  

  • Infracture

    The controlled fracture of (a) a window prepared in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus or (b) the floor of the maxillary sinus through an osteotomy prepared in the ridge using an osteotome. The removal of nasal bones medially (inward), e.g., to narrow a widened nose.  

  • Infrabony

    Within the bone.  

  • Informed consent

    Principle of biomedical research stating that study participants have the right to know the risks and benefits involved in participating in a research study and that they may not be included in such studies without their explicit written consent. Permission by the patient for a medical procedure based on understanding the nature of the procedure,…

  • Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN)

    One of the terminal branches of the mandibular nerve, a division of the trigeminal nerve. It enters the mandibular canal branching to the lower teeth, periosteum, and gingiva of the mandible. A branch, the mental nerve, passes through the mental foramen to supply the skin and mucosa of the lower lip and chin.