A frenectomy (surgical) is a minor oral surgery that removes or releases a frenum (a small fold of tissue). A frenum can attach the lip or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth. The goal is to reduce tension or restriction caused by that tissue band. It is commonly discussed in dentistry, periodontics, orthodontics, pediatrics, and oral surgery.
The ridge recontouring technique is a way to reshape ridge-like tooth anatomy, most often the marginal ridges of back teeth or the edge-and-line-angle contours of front teeth. The ridge recontouring approach is commonly done by adding and sculpting tooth-colored resin (composite) to restore normal shape and contact with neighboring teeth. The ridge recontouring term is sometimes used more broadly in dentistry (for example, reshaping an edentulous gum/bone ridge), but this overview focuses on the bonded, tooth-surface procedure that uses restorative materials. The ridge recontouring goal is to improve tooth form, function, and cleanability while keeping the treatment conservative when possible.
vestibuloplasty is a surgical procedure that increases the depth of the oral vestibule (the space between the lips/cheeks and the gums). It is most commonly used as part of pre-prosthetic surgery to help dentures fit and function more predictably. It can also be used to improve soft-tissue anatomy around natural teeth or dental implants in selected cases. The goal is usually to create more stable, accessible gum and mucosal tissues for comfort and hygiene.
torus mandibularis removal is a dental surgical procedure that reduces or removes a benign bony growth (a “torus”) on the inner side of the lower jaw. These bony prominences typically form along the lingual (tongue-side) surface of the mandible, often near the premolars. The procedure is commonly considered when the torus interferes with oral function, comfort, or dental appliances such as dentures. In many people, mandibular tori are left untreated because they are non-cancerous and often symptom-free.
torus palatinus removal is a dental surgical procedure to reduce or remove a bony growth on the roof of the mouth (the hard palate). The growth itself is called a *torus palatinus* (a benign bone prominence). The procedure is most commonly used in oral surgery and prosthodontic planning (for dentures or other appliances). It is typically considered when the torus interferes with function, comfort, or dental treatment.
tori removal is a dental surgical procedure that reduces or removes extra bony growths in the mouth called *tori* (singular: *torus*). These bony areas most commonly appear on the roof of the mouth (torus palatinus) or on the tongue-side of the lower jaw (torus mandibularis). It is typically done when the bony prominence interferes with oral function, comfort, or planned dental appliances.
pre-prosthetic surgery is a group of oral surgical procedures done to prepare the mouth for a dental prosthesis. A dental prosthesis can include complete dentures, partial dentures, or implant-supported restorations. The goal is to create healthier, smoother, and more stable gums and bone where a prosthesis will sit or attach. It is commonly considered when anatomy, healing patterns, or prior tooth loss make a prosthetic fit less predictable.
osteoradionecrosis is a condition where jawbone tissue becomes non-healing and breaks down after radiation therapy to the head and neck. It most often involves the mandible (lower jaw), but it can affect the maxilla (upper jaw) as well. The term is commonly used in dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and oncology to describe a specific radiation-related bone complication. In plain terms, it means “radiation-associated death of bone” with delayed or absent healing.
radiation osteonecrosis is bone tissue death that can occur after therapeutic radiation, most often in the head and neck region. In dentistry, it is most commonly discussed when radiation affects the jawbones and healing after dental procedures. It reflects reduced bone repair capacity caused by radiation-related changes in blood supply and cells. The term is used in clinical records, consultations, and treatment planning for patients with a history of radiotherapy.
MRONJ stands for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. It describes a condition where jawbone tissue becomes exposed or damaged and does not heal as expected in certain medication contexts. The term is most commonly used in dentistry, oral surgery, oncology, and osteoporosis care. It helps clinicians discuss risk and coordinate care when patients take specific bone-targeting or cancer-related medications.