Category: N
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Nonanatomic teeth
Artificial teeth with occlusal surfaces that are not anatomically correct. These teeth are designed in accordance with mechanical principles and are not intended for anatomic duplication.
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Nonadjustable articulator
An articulator that has limited hinge opening and closing arcs about a fixed axis. Casts are arbitrarily mounted without use of a facebow. The maximum intercuspal position is the only reproducible position using this type of articulator. It does not allow for adjustments to duplicate mandibular movements.
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Nonabsorbable
The property exhibited by nonautogenous substances that demonstrate no in vivo degradation over time.
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Nominal implant length/diameter
The length or diameter of a dental implant as written on the manufacturer’s label.
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Noma
A rapidly progressive, polymicrobial, opportunistic infection occurring in immunocompromised or nutritionally deficient patients. Fusospirochetal organisms have been implicated. Acute ulceration of mucous membranes of the mouth or genitals, most often seen in undernourished children; it often leads to destruction of underlying bone and connective tissue. A gangrenous disorder of the mouth (cancrum oris) or the…
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Nodule
A small, solid collection of tissue. Similar to a papule, but greater than either 5 mm or 10 mm in both width or depth. Small knob on a root containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria; Small swellings on a leaf (petiole, midrib, lamina or margin) that contain bacteria. A small node that can be detected by touch, e.g.,…
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Nociceptor
A sensory receptor preferentially sensitive to noxious or potentially noxious stimuli. A sensory receptor that transmits a pain signal when stimulated. Nerves that receive and transmit painful stimuli. A sensory nerve which carries pain to the brain. a peripheral nerve responsible for perception of pain. A free nerve ending that is a receptor for painful…
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Nociceptive pathway
An afferent neural path (conduit) initiating at a peripheral site in the body and ending in the central nervous system’s somatosensory cortex where the original peripheral stimulus is perceived as pain.
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Nociceptive
Caused by or responding to a painful stimulus. Referring to nerves which carry pain to the brain. Describing nerve fibers, endings, or pathways that are concerned with the condition of pain.
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Noble metal alloy
A dental casting material that consists of gold, palladium, and silver with lesser amounts of iridium, ruthenium, and platinum. These metal alloys are used for inlays, onlays, complete metal crowns, and backings for ceramic baking. An alloy of two or more metals, one of which is a noble metal (gold, silver, platinum, or palladium). Noble-metal…