platelet-rich plasma is a concentrated portion of a patient’s own blood that contains a higher level of platelets than usual. Platelets release signaling proteins (often called growth factors) involved in early wound healing. In dentistry, it is most often used as an adjunct during oral surgery and regenerative procedures. It is prepared chairside by drawing blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate its components.

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platelet-rich fibrin is a blood-derived material made from a patient’s own blood. It forms a soft, jelly-like fibrin matrix (a natural “mesh”) that can be placed in surgical sites. It is commonly used in dental and oral surgery to support healing of gums and bone. It is prepared chairside by drawing blood and processing it in a centrifuge.

biologics are therapeutic products made from living systems, such as human cells, proteins, or biologically derived materials. In dentistry, biologics are commonly used to support healing and tissue regeneration in the gums, bone, and around implants. They can be applied during surgical procedures or used as part of regenerative periodontal or implant treatment plans. The exact product and technique vary by clinician and case.

EMD is a tooth-colored restorative material used for direct dental repairs. It is commonly placed to restore small-to-moderate areas of tooth damage. EMD is typically shaped in the mouth and then hardened with a curing light. The exact formulation and intended use can vary by material and manufacturer.

enamel matrix derivative is a biologically derived dental material used to support periodontal (gum and bone) healing. It contains proteins associated with early tooth development, delivered in a gel-like carrier. Dentists commonly use it during periodontal surgery to encourage regeneration around teeth. It is most often discussed in the context of treating periodontal defects rather than filling cavities.

furcation regeneration is a periodontal (gum and bone) procedure intended to rebuild lost support in the furcation area of a multi‑rooted tooth. A furcation is the space where the roots of a molar or some premolars divide. This treatment is commonly used when gum disease has caused bone loss between roots. It is typically performed by a periodontist or a dentist trained in periodontal surgery.

A **one-wall defect** is a tooth defect where only **one supporting cavity wall** remains after decay, fracture, or removal of an old restoration. In simple terms, it means **most of the “box” of tooth structure is missing**, making the tooth harder to rebuild. Dentists most often describe a one-wall defect during **restorative dentistry** planning (fillings, core build-ups, and preparation for crowns or onlays). It matters because fewer remaining walls can reduce natural support and make shaping a durable restoration more challenging.

A **two-wall defect** is a descriptive dental term for a defect bordered by **two remaining “walls”** of hard tissue. In periodontics, it commonly refers to a **bony defect** around a tooth where **two bone walls remain**. In restorative dentistry, clinicians may also use it to describe a **tooth structure defect** (a cavity or fracture) where **only two tooth walls remain** to help plan a filling or buildup. The meaning depends on context, and terminology may vary by clinician and case.

A three-wall defect is a dental defect shape where three “walls” of tooth or bone remain and one wall is missing. In periodontics, it most often describes an intrabony (vertical) bone defect around a tooth that still has three bony walls. In restorative dentistry, it can also describe a cavity or preparation with three surrounding tooth walls. The “three-wall” description matters because the remaining walls help contain materials and stabilize healing.