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Dentistry vocabulary · Gums and Oral Hygiene

Mobility

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

/moʊˈbɪləti/nounCommon term

In dentistry, mobility means: Movement of a tooth in its socket. A tiny amount is normal, but increased mobility can be a sign of bone loss, infection or injury.

In Turkish: mobilite, diş sallanması

How it is used

Recorded on periodontal charts as grade 1, 2 or 3 (for example in Miller's classification). Dentists test mobility with the handles of two instruments. Patients say their tooth is loose or wobbly.

Example sentences

  1. The lower incisors show grade 2 mobility.

  2. Mobility has reduced since the teeth were splinted.

Common collocations

  • tooth mobility
  • grade 2 mobility
  • increased mobility
  • check mobility
  • periodontitisA serious gum disease in which infection destroys the bone and tissues that hold the teeth. Pockets form, teeth may loosen, and lost bone does not grow back by itself.
  • periodontal pocketAn abnormally deep space between the gum and the tooth root, caused by periodontitis. The healthy gap is about 1 to 3 mm deep; pockets are deeper.
  • probeA thin hand instrument for examining teeth and gums. A periodontal probe has millimeter marks to measure pocket depth; a sharp probe (explorer) checks surfaces and filling margins.
  • gingival recessionShrinking back of the gum from the tooth, which exposes part of the root. It can be caused by gum disease, brushing too hard or thin gum tissue.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Gums and Oral Hygiene

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