| dentistry, operative | That phase of clinical dentistry concerned with the restoration of parts of existing teeth that are defective through disease, trauma, or abnormal development, to the state of normal function, health, and esthetics, including preventive, diagnostic, biological, mechanical, and therapeutic techniques, as well as material and instrument science and application. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| operative | 1. Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects; as, an operative motive. "It holds in all operative principles." (South) 2. Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious; as, an operative dose, rule, or penalty. 3. <surgery> Based upon, or consisting of, an operation or operations; as, operative surgery. Origin: Cf.L. Operativus, F. Operatif. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| operative dentistry | Usually, the individual restoration of teeth by means of metallic or nonmetallic materials. Synonym: restorative dentistry. (05 Mar 2000) |
| operative myxoedema | Myxoedema developing after thyroidectomy. (05 Mar 2000) |