Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Failure of a body part to form. The absence of an organ, resulting from a failure in embryonic development. Nondevelopment of a part or an organ; also called agenesia. Absence or lack of development of an organ in an embryo. Examples of agenesis include the absence of ovaries (ovarian agenesis), a defective development of part…

A wasting or decrease in size or physiological activity of the body related to the normal aging process.  

Environmental conditions that contain atmospheric levels of oxygen. Used in reference to microorganisms that grow optimally under these conditions.  

A microorganism that can live and grow in the presence of molecular oxygen. An organism that requires oxygen to live (respire). Growing or proceeding only in the presence of oxygen. Organisms which require oxygen or air for growth. Micro-organisms able to reproduce in an oxygenated environment. If oxygen is essential the organism is described as…

The attachment of a substance to the surface of another. The condensation of gases, liquids, or dissolved substances on the surfaces of solids. It includes adsorptive phenomena of bacteria and viruses as well as of tissues treated with exogenous drugs and chemicals. The adhesion of liquid gaseous, or dissolved substances to the surface of a…

Modification of a tooth or prosthetic restoration to improve its appearance, fit, or function. The dynamic process wherein the thoughts, feelings, behavior, and biophysiological mechanisms of the individual continually change to adjust to the environment. Functional, often transitory, alteration or accommodation by which one can better adapt oneself to the immediate environment and to one’s…

Studshaped attachment in which the stud (easily replaced) serves as the patrix and the matrix consists of a metal housing. The base of the patrix can be cast to or soldered as part of a coping, and the matrix can be incorporated into the dental prosthesis. The patrix is adjustable using a special tool to…

A dental articulator that is adjustable in the sagittal and horizontal planes to duplicate or simulate recorded mandibular jaw movements.  

The anterior guide portion on a dental articulator that allows for variable (individualized) settings that provide guidance for the occlusion in protrusive and lateral protrusive movements.  

Supplemental or additional therapeutic treatments used in conjunction with the primary treatment. In periodontics, it generally refers to procedures other than scaling and root planing and surgical therapy, such as chemotherapy, occlusal therapy, and restorative care.