2016 Glossary - Cover3

by Fusobacterium nucleatum infection. It is usually
associated with necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis
and referred to as trench mouth.
visceral pain n: deep somatic pain that results from the
activation of nociceptors of the mucosal linings, walls
of hollow viscera, parenchyma of organs, glands, dental
pulps, and vascular structures. These visceral structures
may not respond to stimuli that normally evoke pain,
such as cutting or burning; however, they are sensitive
to distention (stretch), ischemia, and inflammation.
visible spectrum n: the portion of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum detectable by the human eye.
It is referred to as light or visible light and involves
wavelength from approximately 390 to 700 nm.
vitalometer n: an instrument used in determining pulp
vitality that measures a tooth's response to variable
intensities of electrical stimulus.

andering abscess n: a localized abscess formed by pus burrowing along
fascial planes and forming fingerlike
projections that may discharge exudate at a distance from the primary focus of infection. Also known as a migrating abscess.
wax v: the process of contouring wax into a needed
shape, such as making a wax base for a trial-fit denture.
wax pattern n: a wax form that represents an item to
be made
wedge procedure n: a surgical technique designed to
remove unwanted or excessive soft tissue from an
edentulous area (ie, maxillary tuberosity).
whiting n: washed and ground pure white chalk (calcium carbonate) used for polishing dental materials
wire splint n: a dental appliance used to stabilize trauma-induced or periodontally involved teeth that are
loose. The wire is attached to the mobile tooth (or
teeth) and then also fixed to stable teeth on either or
both sides of the mobile tooth (teeth). An appliance
that consists of 1 component attached to each dental arch that are connected by intermaxillary wires or
elastic bands and is used to reduce or stabilize maxillary or mandibular fractures.

Wolff's Law n: theory which states that a bone in a
healthy person will develop or adjust to a shape or
structure that is most suited to resist the loads (forces) being applied to it.
work n: force moved over a distance.
work authorization n: a signed prescription that the
dentist provides to the dental laboratory specifying
the type of dental appliance or prosthesis to be made
and the materials to be used for its construction.
working articulation n: the points of occlusal contact
of the teeth on the side toward which the mandible
is moved.
working contacts n: an obsolete term for the points
of occlusal contact the opposing teeth make on the
side toward which the mandible has been moved.
working model n: the dental cast used to construct a
dental appliance or prosthesis.
working occlusal surface n: an obsolete term for the
external area of a tooth or teeth on which mastication occurs.
working occlusion n: an obsolete term referring when
the mandible is moved from its centric occlusal position; it is the occlusal contacts made on the side toward which the mandible is moved.
working side n: when the mandible is moved from its
centric occlusal relationship into a lateral excursion
it is the side toward which the mandible is moved.
working side condyle n: when the mandible is moved
into a lateral excursion it is in reference to the condylar process (the rounded protuberance at the superior
end of the mandible that forms the articulation with the
skull) on the side toward which the mandible is moved.
working side condyle path n: when the mandible is
moved into a lateral excursion it is the path the condyle travels on the working side.
working side contacts n: when the mandible is moved
from its centric occlusal relationship into a lateral excursion it is the point(s) of contact made by the teeth
on the side toward which the mandible is moved.
wound n: loss of integrity of a tissue due to injury, trauma, or surgery.
wrought adj: shaped into a form by use of hands or
tools.
JOI Glossary

2016 Glossary

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2016 Glossary