Glossary

Category: M

  • Magnet attachment system

    Retentive mechanism that is nonmechanical but dependent on the attraction properties of rare earth composition, such as samariumcobalt, and a ferromagnetic alloy. Elements consist of a magnet and a keeper, which is made of a ferromagnetic alloy.  

  • Magnet

    Certain metals or ferromagnetic alloys that demonstrate an attractive or repulsive force between these materials. Any body that has the property of attracting iron. This may be a natural iron oxide or a mass of iron or steel that has this property given to it artificially. A piece of iron may be magnetized by passage…

  • Macula

    A small spot, perceptibly different in color from the surrounding tissue. It is neither elevated nor depressed from the surface. Small colored spot or thickening. A small spot or a colored area. A part of the retina. Same as macule. A small coloured area, e.g. a macula lutea. An area of hair cells inside the…

  • Macrophage‐derived angiogenic factor (MDAF)

    Macrophage‐derived factor that promotes proliferation of new blood vessels. It is released by hypoxic macrophages at the edges or outer surfaces of wounds and initiates revascularization in wound healing.  

  • Macrophage

    A large phagocytic cell of the monocyte series. Important as an antigenpresenting cell and as a producer of certain cytokines, i.e., interleukin‐1 and gammainterferon, and growth factors. A type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells. A phagocytic cell that is…

  • Macromotion

    Motion that is substantial in nature. It is generally applied to the implant body in situations where implant stability is lacking at the time of placement or as a result of loss of osseointegration.  

  • Macro‐interlock

    Fixation by mechanical interlocking between bone and dental implant macro‐irregularities such as threads, holes, pores, grooves, etc., which have dimensions in the range of 50 microns or greater.  

  • Macroglossia

    Macroglossia

    Excessive size of the tongue. The condition of having an unusually large tongue. Macroglossia is defined as enlargement of the tongue. Diagnosing macroglossia is a judgment call on the part of the examiner. Unlike the case in numerous assessments of body proportions (height, weight, head circumference, distance between the pupils of the eye, etc.), there…

  • Machined surface (syn)

    Turned surface. A dental implant surface that results from the milling process of a metallic rod. The scratches of the tooling on the implant form a machined pattern of lines and grooves.  

  • Median jaw relation

    Any jaw relation when the mandible is in the median sagittal plane.