MO (mesio-occlusal)
- Usually refers to dental caries or a restoration located at the mesial and extending onto the occlusal surface.
MOD (mesio-occlusal-distal)
- Includes those 3 surfaces of the tooth
- Generally refers to the location of a filling/restoration.
Molars
- Posterior teeth
- Have a broad chewing or grinding surface
- There are 12 molars – 6 maxillary (3 right and 3 left) and 6 mandibular (3 right and 3 left). This includes the 3rd molars or wisdom teeth
Mucogingival Junction (MGJ)
- On the facial side of a tooth, a scalloped line where the attached gingiva and the alveolar mucosa come together.
Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
- A treatment for an infection of the periodontium that is sometimes the least invasive and very cost-effective. Non-surgical periodontal therapy typically includes debridement (also called scaling and root planing) to carefully remove the primary etiologic factor in the disease – bacterial biofilm and toxins (dental plaque) and calculus (tartar). Often non-surgical periodontal treatment also includes adjunctive therapy such as local delivery of antimicrobials and host modulation based upon the needs of the individual patient.
- Periodontal patients require ongoing maintenance therapy to maintain health. Non-surgical therapy has limitations and if periodontal health is not attained, surgery may be indicated.
Occlusal
- Toward the chewing surface of posterior teeth
Occlusion
- The way the teeth fit together when both arches come together (occlude)
Odontectomy
Oral Biofilm/Microbial Plaque
- Dense, nonmineralized mass of bacterial colonies in a gel-like matrix
- Adheres to tooth and root surfaces and oral appliances.
Periodontium (Periodontal)
- All of the supporting structures of the teeth, including gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone.
- Periodontal refers to the periodontium.
- Maintaining health and function of the periodontium is probably the most significant factor in how long the dentition will last!
Periodontal Ligament
- The fibrous connective tissue that supports, surrounds, and attaches the roots of the teeth to alveolar bone.
- Consists of several fiber groups, including Sharpey’s fibers.
Periodontal Probe
- A slender instrument with a blunt or slightly bulbous end that is used to explore and measure the depth of the sulcus or pocket.
- Calibrated in various increments of millimeter markings depending on the type of probe.
Periodontal Probing Depths
- Measurement of the deepness of a sulcus or periodontal pocket.
- Used to distinguish a sulcus (0-3 mm) from a pocket (4+ mm).