Okuzeka
Dentistry vocabulary · Teeth and Oral Anatomy

Occlusal

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

/əˈkluːzəl/adjectiveCommon term

In dentistry, occlusal means: Describes the biting or chewing surface of a back tooth, or anything to do with the way the upper and lower teeth meet.

In Turkish: okluzal, çiğneme yüzeyine ait

How it is used

Abbreviated O in charting. Dentists talk about occlusal surfaces, occlusal caries, occlusal adjustment and occlusal splints (night guards). On front teeth the biting edge is called incisal, not occlusal.

Example sentences

  1. The occlusal fissures on these molars are deep and stained.

  2. Check the occlusal contacts with articulating paper before she leaves.

Common collocations

  • occlusal surface
  • occlusal caries
  • occlusal splint
  • occlusal adjustment
  • occlusal contacts
  • occlusionThe way the upper and lower teeth fit together when the jaws close, and how they touch during chewing and other jaw movements.
  • molarOne of the large, wide teeth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food. Adults have up to twelve, including the four wisdom teeth.
  • fissure sealantA thin plastic coating painted into the deep grooves (fissures) on the biting surfaces of back teeth, so that food and bacteria cannot collect there and cause decay.
  • 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.
  • bruxismThe habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, often during sleep and without the person knowing. It can wear teeth down and cause jaw pain and headaches.

More terms: Teeth and Oral Anatomy

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level:

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