2016 Glossary - 49

occlusion n: closure of maxillary and mandibular teeth
together in a static position.
occlusion analysis n: a study of a patient's masticatory system of a patient that evaluates how the teeth
come together in functional and parafunctional
activities. The goal is to discover how all aspects of
the system, including teeth, jaws, muscles of mastication, and joints, work together to create either a
healthy physiologic occlusion or an unhealthy disease-producing occlusion.
occlusion record n: a record of the relationship of the
maxilla and the mandible as they occlude in any position.
occlusion rim n: a surface that attaches to a denture
base that can be used to record the occluding relationship between the maxilla and the mandible and
that may facilitate the arrangement of denture teeth
as a step toward the creation of a denture.
oligodontia n: a condition in which fewer than a complete set of teeth are formed; oftentimes the teeth
that are present may be smaller than normal
onlay graft n: a method of attempting to add de novo
bone to the height or width or other dimension of
an existing bony structure, for example, onto the alveolar ridge, by adding autologous or another form
of bone or bone-forming substitute subperiosteally
onto the native bone.
opacity n: a condition characterized by imperviousness to light.
opaque n: a material that does not allow light to pass
through; not transparent or translucent.
open bite n: lack of contact between opposing teeth
in centric occlusion.
opening movement n: the change in position of the
mandible as the maxillary and mandibular jaws separate upon opening.
open occlusal relationship n: lack of contact between
opposing teeth in centric occlusion.
opportunistic infection n: an infection that develops
in an immune compromised patient that is caused
by endogenous, normally nonpathogenic, flora.
oral flora n: the microbiota of the oral cavity.

oral mucosa n: keratiinized and nonkeratinized mucosa that lines the oral cavity.
oral orifice n: the opening of the oral cavity through
the face.
oral sepsis n: infection of oral origin that causes systemic toxicity.
orbital prosthesis: prosthesis to replace the orbital
contents and/or adjacent structures
oroantral fistula n: see under fistula.
orofacial fistula n: see under fistula.
oronasal fistula n: see under fistula.
oropharynx n: the portion of the pharynx that lies between the upper edge of the epiglottis and the soft
palate.
orthodontic ligature n: see ligature.
orthognathous adj: having a straight profile, neither a
protruding or a receding jaw profile.
orthopantograph n: a panoramic radiograph.
orthopedic craniofacial prosthesis n: an active maxillofacial appliance used to preserve or position the
craniofacial osseous sections that are misaligned due
to trauma or craniofacial anomalies.
orthotic device n: in dentistry, a bite plate used in
treatment of temporomandibular disorders.
osseointegrated implant n: see under implant, oral.
osseointegration n: the osseous contact to the surface
of a dental implant. Much of the contact is formed by
osseous cellular hemidesmosomes. Macroscopically,
the osseous formation engages the microscopically
rough surface of the dental implant much like a Velcro connection, thereby making movement of the
implant unlikely without a large dislodging force. Titanium dioxide is biological molecular surface that is
engaged by the osseous cells.
osseous adj: bony
osseous coagulum n: the combination of bone fragments or elements and a blood clot.
ossification n: process of becoming bone or transforming into bone; woven bone to lamellar bone.
ossifying fibroma n: see fibroma.
osteotomy n: the surgical use of rotary or osteotomes
to form a receptor site for placement of an implant;
JOI Glossary

2016 Glossary

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2016 Glossary