Category: D

An artificial tooth root that is surgically anchored into the jaw, or placed over it, to replace a permanent tooth, a dental bridge, or full dentures. There are two kinds of dental implants: the most common implant can be embedded directly into the jawbone to function as the natural roots of a tooth. The other…

Also known as ptosis or blepharoptosis, drooping of one or both upper eyelids can be an acquired or congenital condition. There are many different causes of drooping eyelids. It sometimes can be associated with eye movement abnormalities or pupillary problems. These include injuries, tumors, inflammation, and disease (such as diabetes mellitus, type 1 or type…

The hard, outer layer that covers and protects the teeth. Dental enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. Enamel protects the less durable, underlying parts of the teeth: the dentin, pulp chamber, root canals, and nerves. Eroded enamel allows decay-causing substances to penetrate the more vulnerable inner parts of the tooth; this leads…

A symptom of infection in or damage to any of several parts of the ear. A discharge of blood or fluid from the ear following increasing pain and hearing loss may indicate a ruptured or perforated eardrum. Also known as otorrhoea, ear discharge refers to the flow of fluid from the ear. This discharge can…

One of the learning disabilities characterized by difficulty with written symbols. Dyslexia is not necessarily linked with low intelligence.  

Tiny insects that are related to spiders and ticks and can cause allergic reactions in sensitized people who inhale their microscopic body parts or fecal matter. Dust mites, which live on fabrics such as mattress bedding, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, and carpeting that collect dust, may produce mild symptoms of allergic rhinitis or bring on…

Lung diseases caused by exposure to dust. Dust diseases are caused by industrial and mining dusts that are made up of particles small enough to be inhaled into the lungs and become embedded in lung tissue. These dusts may have varying effects on the body that range from minor to severe injury and in some…

A legal document signed by a mentally competent adult, delegating decision-making responsibilities for his or her health care or property to another person or agent. It includes a statement specifying that the agent can continue to make decisions when the individual becomes incapacitated.  

Inflammation of the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine into which the stomach empties). In some cases, duodenitis has no symptoms. Sometimes, there may be discomfort in the upper abdomen, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting. Inflammation of the duodenum, usually resulting from Helicobacter pylori or the use of alcohol, tobacco, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.…

A symptom of certain diseases or a side effect of some medications that interfere with the ability of the salivary glands to function properly. The medical term is xerostomia. While dry mouth is a symptom rather than a disease, it can present significant health problems. It may contribute to poor nutrition, tooth decay, and other…