supragingival calculus

calculus /cal·cu·lus/ (kal´ku-lus) pl. cal´culi   [L.] an abnormal concretion, usually composed of mineral salts, occurring within the animal body.cal´culous

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biliary calculus  gallstone.

dental calculus  calcium phosphate and carbonate, with organic matter, deposited on tooth surfaces.

lung calculus  one formed in the bronchi by accretion about an inorganic nucleus, or from calcified portions of lung tissue or adjacent lymph nodes.

oxalate calculus  a urinary calculus made of calcium oxalate; some have tiny sharp spines and others are smooth.

renal calculus  one in the kidney.

salivary calculus 

1. sialolith.

2. supragingival c.

struvite calculus  a urinary calculus of crystals of struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate).

supragingival calculus  that covering the coronal surface of the tooth to the crest of the gingival margin.

urinary calculus  one in any part of the urinary tract.

uterine calculus  uterolith; a concretion in the uterus.

vesical calculus  one in the urinary bladder.

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supragingival calculus.

See calculus.

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calculus (dental) (kal´kyls),

n a hard deposit on the exposed surfaces of the teeth and any oral prosthesis within the oral cavity. It is composed of calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium phosphate, and other elements within an organic matrix composed of plaque, desquamated epithelium, mucin, microorganisms, and other debris. Factor in the initiation and continuation of periodontal disease. The colloquial term is tartar.

Advanced calculus.

calculus, identification of, by air application,

n the use of compressed air to dry the periodontium and visualize minimal amounts of calculus, which are otherwise difficult to see, especially subgingivally.

calculus record,

n a written accounting of the number and distribution of calculus deposits on tooth surfaces that becomes part of the patient's permanent chart and is used to monitor progress and plan treatment.

calculus, subgingival,

n the calculus deposited on the tooth structure and found apical to the gingival margin within the periodontal pocket. Usually darker and denser than supragingival calculus. Older term is
serumal calculus.

calculus, supragingival,

n the calculus deposited on the teeth coronal to the gingival margin. Usually lighter in color (unless stained) and less dense than subgingival calculus. Older term is
salivary calculus.