Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
zygomatic implant
A long dental implant anchored in the zygomatic bone for patients with severe maxillary bone loss.
facial asymmetry
Deviation from normal bilateral symmetry of facial structures, often requiring surgical correction in severe cases.
facial reanimation
Surgical procedures aimed at restoring facial muscle function and symmetry following facial nerve paralysis or injury.
fibrous dysplasia
A benign bone disorder where normal bone is replaced by fibrous tissue and immature bone.
forced duction test
Clinical examination technique to assess mechanical restriction of extraocular muscle movement.
free flap
Tissue transferred with its blood supply that requires microvascular anastomosis at the recipient site.
Frey syndrome
Post-surgical complication following parotidectomy characterized by gustatory sweating over the affected cheek area.
genioplasty
Surgical reshaping or repositioning of the chin for functional or aesthetic purposes.
glossectomy
Surgical removal of part or all of the tongue, typically performed for malignant tumors or severe trauma.
guided bone regeneration
A surgical technique using barrier membranes to promote bone formation in deficient areas.
hemifacial microsomia
Congenital condition characterized by underdevelopment of one side of the face.
hypoglossal nerve
Cranial nerve XII responsible for motor innervation of intrinsic and most extrinsic tongue muscles.
IAN
Major branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve providing sensation to the lower teeth and lip.
inferior alveolar nerve
Major nerve branch providing sensation to the lower teeth, lip, and chin.
interdental wiring
Technique using wires between teeth to provide stabilization and jaw immobilization.
intermaxillary fixation
Temporary stabilization technique that maintains occlusal relationships by connecting the upper and lower jaws.
keratocyst
Developmental cyst characterized by a keratinized epithelial lining and aggressive growth pattern.
Le Fort classification
System for categorizing midface fracture patterns based on anatomical lines.
Le Fort I osteotomy
Horizontal maxillary osteotomy that separates the tooth-bearing segment from the upper facial skeleton.
Ludwig's angina
A rapidly spreading cellulitis of the floor of the mouth that can cause life-threatening airway obstruction.
mandibular ramus
The vertical portion of the lower jaw bone extending upward from the body of the mandible.
mandibulectomy
Surgical removal of part or all of the mandible (lower jaw bone), typically performed for tumor resection or severe trau...
marsupialization
A surgical technique creating a permanent opening to drain large cysts while preserving surrounding structures.
masticatory space infection
Serious odontogenic infection involving the deep fascial spaces of the head and neck used for mastication.
maxillary advancement
Surgical procedure to move the upper jaw forward to correct midface deficiency and improve facial balance.