Dental glossary — terms beginning with R

Retrograde root filling, the root canal is filled from the root tip after the tip has been exposed surgically.

Recession, the receding of the gum without any symptoms of inflammation. Recession can be caused by brushing too vigorously. Gingival recession means exposed, non-inflamed tooth necks, which mostly occur in isolation at individual teeth.

Roll flap technique, a surgical technique for making use of surplus tissue.

Roxolid^®, a metal alloy of 15 per cent zirconium and 85 per cent titanium used in dental implants. The tensile and fatigue strength of implants made from this titanium-zirconium alloy exceeds that of comparable titanium implants. Because the alloy is so strong, implants of reduced diameter can be manufactured. Roxolid^® is a registered trademark of the implant manufacturer Straumann.

Retrognathic bite, a distal bite, in which the lower row of teeth sits too far back in relation to the upper.

Radiograph, X-rays are used to see through the human body. Radiographs can reveal such things as fractures, tumours, and heart and lung conditions.