maxillary tuberosity

maxillary tuberosity,

a rounded eminence on the posterior surface of the body of the maxilla, behind the root of the third molar. It becomes prominent after the eruption and growth of the third molars.

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maxillary (mak´siler´ē),

adj pertaining to the superior jaw.

maxillary antroplasty

(mak´siler´ē an´trōplas´tē),
n the addition of bone or other material to the antral floor of the sinus for the purpose of accommodating dental implants.

maxillary arch,

n the upper dental arch and its supporting bone.

maxillary artery,

n (internal maxillary artery), an artery that arises from the external carotid artery just below the level of the mandibular neck in the substance of the parotid gland. Its many branches include the middle meningeal, lower alveolar, temporal, pterygoid, masseteric, and buccal arteries, and the posterior superior alveolar and infraorbital arteries.

maxillary deficiency,

n a maxilla whose structure is incomplete, such as in a cleft palate.

maxillary fracture,

n a break in one or both of the maxillary bones; frequently sustained in automobile accidents and contact sports injuries.

maxillary labial frenum,

n a vertical band of oral mucosa located between the midlines of the maxillary central incisors, which connects the attached gingiva to the upper lip and safeguards against any excessive motions.

maxillary nerve,

n See nerve, maxillary.

maxillary retrusion,

n See retrusion, maxillary.

maxillary sinus,

n See sinus, maxillary.

maxillary sinusitis,

n an inflammation of the mucosa lining the air sac in the maxillary bone. It can mimic in symptoms a pulpal infection of the maxillary posterior teeth.

maxillary torus

(mak´siler´ē tor´s),
n See palatal torus.

maxillary tuberosity,

n See tuberosity, maxillary.

maxillary vein,

n a path of drainage for the pterygoid plexus of veins in the upper neck region. It is posterior to the mandibular condyle and merges with the superficial temporal vein in the parotid gland to form the retromandibular vein.

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tuberosity (toobros´itē),

n a protuberance or elevation from the surface, usually of a bone.

tuberosity, maxillary,

n the most distal aspect of the maxillary alveolar process, with its posterior border curving upward and distally.

tuberosity reduction,

n a surgical excision of excessive fibrous or bony tissue in the area of the maxillary tuberosity before the construction of prosthetic appliances.