swelling means an increase in the size or fullness of a tissue area. In dentistry, swelling is commonly discussed in the gums, cheeks, lips, jaw, and floor of the mouth. It is a clinical sign (something observed), not a diagnosis by itself. Dentists use the term swelling when documenting findings and narrowing down possible causes.

ecchymosis is the clinical term for a bruise caused by blood leaking into tissues under the skin or mucosa. It often looks like a flat, purple-blue discoloration that gradually changes color as it resolves. Dentists and physicians use the word ecchymosis in chart notes to describe bruising around the face, lips, or inside the mouth. In dental settings, it may be seen after trauma, injections, surgery, or minor soft-tissue injury.

A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside of a blood vessel. It usually forms when a small vessel breaks and blood pools into nearby tissues. In dental care, a hematoma most commonly appears after injections, trauma, or oral surgery. Clinicians use the term to describe and document this type of bleeding-related swelling and bruising.

hemorrhage means bleeding that occurs when a blood vessel is damaged. In dental settings, hemorrhage can range from mild gum bleeding to heavier bleeding after surgery or trauma. Clinicians use the term to describe the amount, source, and control of bleeding during care. Understanding hemorrhage helps explain why dentists focus on dryness and visibility during many procedures.

dysesthesia is an abnormal, unpleasant sensation that a person may describe as burning, tingling, “electric,” or painful. It is a sensory symptom, not a dental material or a specific procedure. The term is used in medicine and dentistry when symptoms suggest nerve involvement, especially in the face and mouth (the trigeminal nerve system). In dental settings, dysesthesia may be discussed after procedures or injuries that can affect sensory nerves.

paresthesia is an altered sensation described as tingling, “pins and needles,” burning, or unusual numbness. It is a symptom—not a disease—and it can be temporary or persistent. In dentistry, paresthesia is most often discussed when sensation changes involve the lips, tongue, chin, cheeks, or gums. The term is used in patient descriptions, dental charts, and clinical communication about sensory nerve function.

lingual nerve injury is damage to the lingual nerve, a sensory nerve that supplies feeling to the front part of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. It can change normal sensation, including numbness, tingling, burning, or altered taste. It is most often discussed in dentistry and oral surgery because the lingual nerve runs close to common treatment areas in the lower jaw. Clinicians use the term when documenting symptoms, explaining risks, and planning follow-up after dental procedures.

inferior alveolar nerve injury is damage or irritation affecting the inferior alveolar nerve, a major sensory nerve in the lower jaw (mandible). It can change feeling in the lower teeth, gums, lower lip, and chin on the affected side. It is most often discussed in dental care because the nerve runs inside the mandibular canal near common treatment areas. It may occur after dental procedures, facial trauma, or swelling/infection near the nerve.

A nerve injury is a disturbance to how a nerve carries sensation (feeling) or motor signals (movement). In dentistry, nerve injury most often refers to altered feeling in the lip, chin, tongue, or gums after dental treatment or trauma. The term is also used for irritation of the tooth’s internal nerve tissue (the dental pulp), which can cause sensitivity or pain. Clinicians use the concept of nerve injury to describe symptoms, track recovery, and communicate risk around procedures near nerves.

A radial forearm free flap is a piece of living tissue moved from the forearm to another body area using microsurgery. It is “free” because its blood vessels are disconnected and then reconnected to new vessels at the reconstruction site. In oral and maxillofacial care, it is commonly used to rebuild soft-tissue defects in the mouth and throat after disease or injury. The goal is to restore lining, shape, and function (such as speech and swallowing) as much as possible.