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.

bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis is a jawbone condition linked to bisphosphonate medicines that affect bone remodeling. It involves areas of jawbone that do not heal normally and can become exposed or painful. The term is commonly used in dentistry and oral surgery when evaluating patients who take bisphosphonates for bone diseases. It helps clinicians describe a specific medication-associated risk around dental extractions and other jawbone injuries.

osteomyelitis is an infection and inflammation of bone and bone marrow. In dentistry, it most commonly refers to infection involving the jawbones (the mandible or maxilla). It is a medical diagnosis used to describe how an infection behaves in bone, not a filling material or procedure. The term helps clinicians communicate severity, likely causes, and typical management pathways.

sequestrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a **sequestrum**, which is a piece of **dead bone** that has separated from healthy bone. It is most commonly discussed in oral and maxillofacial care when dead bone occurs in the jaws after infection, reduced blood supply, or other medical causes. The goal is to clear out non-viable bone so surrounding tissues can heal more predictably. It may be performed in outpatient or hospital settings, depending on the extent and the patient’s overall health.

bone smoothing is a dental surgical step where uneven jawbone is reshaped to create a smoother contour. It is most commonly performed on the alveolar bone (the bone that supports teeth) after extractions or during pre-prosthetic surgery. The goal is to reduce sharp edges and bony irregularities that can irritate gum tissue or interfere with a denture or other restoration. It may be done as a small adjustment or as part of a broader treatment plan, depending on the case.

retrograde filling is a small “root-end” filling placed at the tip of a tooth’s root. It is most commonly used during endodontic (root canal) surgery, such as an apicoectomy. Its plain purpose is to seal the root canal from the root tip side when a standard root canal approach is not enough. It helps reduce leakage of bacteria and fluids between the root canal system and surrounding tissues.