dental term numero quartorze

facebow

metal orthodontic arch bow device that attaches to intraoral and buccal tubes; headgear

facial

pertaining to the surface of the cheeks and lips (face)

facultative anaerobes

bacteria that grow best without oxygen but do not require its absence

fauces

constricted opening leading from the mouth and oral pharynx, composed of tissue pillars; area where tonsils are located

febrile pulse sound

normal pulse rate becoming weak and feeble upon illness or prostration

Federation Dentaire Internationale

one method of tooth numbering, in which each quadrant has a specific starting number to designate that area

felony

serious crime, more punishable than a misdemeanor or petty crime

festoon

to trim and finish off

fiber

thread-like film element

fibroblasts

fiber-forming cells that develop the parieodontium

fibroma

benign tumor of the connective tissue

filament

tungsten coil in the cathode focusing cup to generate the electrons

file

a thin, rough, serrated instrument used in RCT; a business device for records arrangement

file cabinet

furniture used to hold business files; files differ in size and shape

file folder

thick envelope folder with tab used to contain patient records and other data

file guide

heavy cardboard sheet used to divide file draw into

filiform

smallest, hair-like papillae covering the tongue's entire dorsal aspect

film holding instrument

device used to hold radiographic film in place for proper exposure

film safe container

lead-lined container used to hold X-ray film before or after exposure

film speed

comparison rate of exposure time needed by the film for proper exposure

filter

aluminum disc placed between the collimeter attachment and the exit spot to filter X-rays

finger sweep

placement of a finger into the mouth to locate and wipe out airway obstruction

first-class mail

letters, postcards, statements, business reply, and larger marked envelopes

fiscal year

any twelve-month period set by an agency or company for accounting scheduling

fissure

groove or natural depression; slit or break

fistula

pathway for pus escape; opening in tissue for pus drainage

fixed fee

fixed schedule of fees for a specific service that provider agrees to accept

fixing

a chemical process of making a radiographic image permanent

flagella

small, whip-like hairs providing movement for some bacteria

flange

projecting rim or lower edge of a prosthesis

floss

string or thread composed of silk, nylon, Teflon, or synthetic materials; used to remove plaque buildup

floss holder

device used to hold floss; useful for people with limited use of hands

fluoride

decay preventive, natural element that strengthens teeth tissues

fluorosis

reaction to overfluoridation; also called mottled teeth

flux

agent employed to protect alloy from oxidation during the heating process

focal spot

target or area where the X-ray beam is projected

fog

clouded, darkened, or blemished X-ray film result; caused by multiple factors

foliate

tissue bits located on the posterior, lateral edges of the tongue

fomes

inanimate objects that absorb and transmit infection, such as a doorknob

fomites

plural of fomes

fontanel

literally "little fountain"; baby's soft spot on the skull

foramen

an opening or hole in the bone for passage of nerves and vessels

forceps

plier-like instrument used to remove teeth

forensic dentist

specialist in pathological evidence for legal procedures