Dental Terminology & Anatomy Flashcards

What does the prefix 'peri-' mean in dental terminology?

Answer: Around or surrounding

The prefix 'peri-' means around or surrounding, as in periodontium (tissues surrounding the tooth).

Which permanent teeth are most commonly congenitally missing (excluding third molars)?

Answer: Mandibular second premolars and maxillary lateral incisors

Mandibular second premolars and maxillary lateral incisors are the most frequently congenitally absent teeth, excluding third molars.

What is 'furcation' in dental anatomy?

Answer: The area where two or more roots divide on a multi-rooted tooth

The furcation is the area where roots diverge on multi-rooted teeth; furcation involvement is a key periodontal finding.

The term 'edentulous' means:

Answer: Missing all natural teeth

Edentulous means having no natural teeth remaining, whether in a single arch (partially edentulous) or entire mouth (completely edentulous).

What is the 'apex' of a tooth?

Answer: The tip of the root

The apex is the very tip of the root, where the apical foramen allows nerves and blood vessels to enter the pulp.

Which term describes inflammation of the gingival tissue?

Answer: Gingivitis

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva (gums) without loss of connective tissue attachment or bone.

What is 'cementum'?

Answer: The calcified tissue covering the root surface

Cementum is the calcified connective tissue covering the root surface, providing attachment for periodontal ligament fibers.