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Dentistry vocabulary · Examination and X-rays

Dental chart

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

nounCore term

In dentistry, dental chart means: A diagram of all the teeth on which the dentist records which teeth are present, missing, decayed or filled, and what treatment is needed.

In Turkish: diş şeması, dental şema

How it is used

Most clinics now use digital charting in their practice software. Dentists chart the mouth and call out findings such as 'twenty-six, mesial caries' while the assistant records them. Gum measurements go on a separate periodontal chart.

Example sentences

  1. Can you update the dental chart? Thirty-six now has an MOD composite.

  2. According to the dental chart, the upper left second molar was extracted in 2019.

Common collocations

  • update the dental chart
  • periodontal chart
  • chart the teeth
  • digital charting
  • quadrantOne of the four quarters of the mouth: upper right, upper left, lower left and lower right. In an adult each quadrant has eight permanent teeth.
  • mesialDescribes the side of a tooth that faces towards the midline of the dental arch, the line between the two central incisors. It is the opposite of distal.
  • distalDescribes the side of a tooth that faces away from the midline of the dental arch, towards the back of the mouth. It is the opposite of mesial.
  • check-upA routine visit at which the dentist examines the teeth, gums and mouth to find problems early, often together with X-rays and a cleaning.

More terms: Examination and X-rays

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.