Chapter 17 Oral Pathology - Key Terms and Concepts

A comprehensive set of practice flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on oral pathology.

What is Dentinogenesis Imperfecta?

A rare genetic disorder affecting tooth development that weakens the dentin, leading to discolored, translucent, and weak teeth prone to wear and fracture.

What is Melanin Pigmentation in the oral cavity?

Hereditary discoloration caused by accumulation of melanin produced by melanocytes in the oral lining.

What characterizes Fissured Tongue?

A benign condition with deep grooves or furrows on the top surface of the tongue.

What are Mandibular Tori?

Non-cancerous hard bony growths on the inner surface of the lower jaw, beneath the tongue, often on both sides.

What is a Torus Palatinus?

A bony outgrowth on the midline of the hard palate influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

What are Maxillary Tori?

Common bony outgrowths from the maxilla that project inwards or outwards from the alveolar bone.

What is Median Rhomboid Glossitis?

A red, smooth, diamond-shaped area on the midline of the back of the tongue where papillae are absent.

What is Radiographic Diagnosis?

Use of radiographs to diagnose diseases and conditions of teeth.

What is Periapical Pathology?

Any disease or abnormality located in the periapical region around the apex of a tooth's root.

What is Internal Resorption?

The body's cells dissolve the tooth's internal structure, such as dentin within the root canal or pulp chamber.

What is a Third Molar Impaction?

Wisdom teeth failing to erupt properly due to lack of space, becoming stuck in gum or bone.

What is a Therapeutic Diagnosis?

A diagnosis made when a condition can be identified and treated based on clinical exam, history, and response to therapy, without biopsy.

What is Angular Cheilitis?

Inflammation with deep cracks or fissures at the corners of the mouth, often with redness, dryness, oozing, and crusting.

What is Microscopic Diagnosis?

A diagnosis based on detailed examination of a tissue biopsy under a high-powered microscope.

What is Brush Biopsy?

A diagnostic technique using a specialized brush to collect cells from all epithelial layers.

What is Laboratory Diagnosis?

Using biopsies or other tissue/fluid samples for specialized tests and microscopic examinations to provide a definitive diagnosis.

What is Surgical Diagnosis?

A diagnosis made from findings of a surgical procedure to distinguish benign from potentially harmful conditions.

What is a Static Bone Cyst?

A well-defined radiolucent depression on the inner lingual surface of the lower jaw, commonly found in men.

What is a Differential Diagnosis?

A process where two or more possible causes are identified and a differential diagnosis is made.

What is Acute Inflammation?

Inflammation with minimal tissue injury, short duration, and rapid repair of tissue.

What is Chronic Inflammation?

Inflammation resulting from ongoing injury or irritation to the tissue.

What is a Lesion in the oral cavity?

A broad term for abnormal tissue in the oral cavity.

What is an Ulcer?

A lesion that extends below the mucosal surface, i.e., an open sore.

What is an Erosion of soft tissue?

Loss or wearing away of superficial soft tissue on the mucosa.

What is an Abscess?

A localized collection of pus in a circumscribed area.

What is a Cyst?

A closed sac or pouch lined with epithelium that contains fluid or semisolid material.

What is a Vesicle (Blister)?

A small fluid-filled lesion containing watery fluid.

What is a Pustule?

A blister-like lesion that contains pus.

What is a Hematoma?

A localized collection of blood within tissue resembling a blister.

What is Plaque in the oral mucosa?

Any patch or flat area that is slightly raised from the surface.

What are Raised vs Flat Lesions?

Raised lesions are elevated above the mucosal surface; flat lesions are in the same plane as surrounding tissue.

What are Nodules, Granulomas, and Tumors?

Types of lesions; nodules and granulomas are inflammatory or rounded masses, while tumors are abnormal growths.

What is Leukoplakia?

A white or gray patch on the oral mucosa that cannot be classified as another lesion and is considered potentially malignant.

What is Lichen Planus?

A chronic inflammatory, autoimmune disease affecting mucosa.

What are Fordyce Granules?

White sebaceous glands appearing as small raised bumps inside the mouth; normal anatomy.

What is Candidiasis?

A superficial infection by Candida albicans, associated with antibiotics use, diabetes, xerostomia, and weakened immunity; can be an AIDS manifestation.

What is Pseudomembranous Candidiasis?

Candida overgrowth with white creamy patches that can be scraped off, leaving a red surface.

What is Chronic Hyperplastic Candidiasis?

A rare, persistent form with thickened white plaques that cannot be scraped off.

What are Aphthous Ulcers?

Aphthous stomatitis or canker sores; recurrent ulcers inside the mouth or on lips (RAU).

What are Minor RAU and Major RAU?

RAU minor: <6 episodes per year, heals in 7–10 days. RAU major: larger, deeper ulcers that take longer to heal.

What is Cellulitis in oral infections?

Spreading inflammation through soft tissue or an organ; can cause rapid swelling, fever, and pain, and may spread to eye or brain.

What is Glossitis?

General term for inflammation and changes in the tongue's topography.

What is Black Hairy Tongue?

Elongated filiform papillae due to imbalance of oral flora, often after antibiotic use.