Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Component connected to the apical part of an abutment to protect the base and allow the laboratory technician to polish the prosthesis and abutment without overreducing the base diameter or rounding the edges. Or an abutment analog or implant analog that is connected to the prosthesis and used to protect the intermediate connection surface during…

Implant surface intentionally made extremely smooth using abrasives or electrical polishing methods. Compare: Turned implant surface.  

A set of vertices in a 3D coordinate system. These vertices are usually defined by X, Y, and Z coordinates, and typically are intended to represent the external surface of an object. Point clouds are most often created by 3D scanners, which automatically measure a large number of points on the surface of an object,…

The furthermost anterior point on the mandible.  

Physiologic process that occurs in all paranasal sinuses during the growth period, causing them to increase in volume. The presence of air-filled cavities in bone, such as the sinuses of the skull. The formation of air-filled cavities, usually in bone (e.g., the paranasal sinuses and mastoid sinuses).  

Polymethylmethacrylate.  

Particulate marrow cancellous bone.  

A cusp that tends to force food into interproximal areas. A cusp of a tooth that tends to forcibly wedge food into interproximal areas, causing an impaction. Cusp points should be rounded, shortened, or reduced with a dental drill.  

A branching network; chiefly of nerves, lymphatics, or veins. Network, usually said of veins or vascular bundles. A network of either nerves, blood vessels, or lymphatic vessels. Network of intersecting nerves, blood vessels, or lymph vessels (e.g., brachial plexus). A tightly organized network of veins, lymphatic vessels, or nerves. For example, the brachial plexus refers…

The assumption of various distinct structural forms or shapes by a single organism or species. Variations in size or in shape of a given (usually bacterial) species, due to conditions of environment, the pressure of antagonistic substances, or an inherent tendency in some species (e.g., streptobacillus). The condition in which an individual assumes a number…