Okuzeka
Dentistry vocabulary · Examination and X-rays

Quadrant

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

/ˈkwɑːdrənt/nounCommon term

In dentistry, quadrant means: One 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.

In Turkish: kadran, bölge, çeyrek çene bölgesi

How it is used

Used in charting, treatment plans and tooth numbering. In the FDI system the first digit is the quadrant (1 upper right through 4 lower right) and the second is the tooth, so 36 is the lower left first molar.

Example sentences

  1. We'll do the deep cleaning one quadrant at a time under local anesthetic.

  2. The upper left quadrant needs two fillings.

Common collocations

  • upper right quadrant
  • lower left quadrant
  • quadrant by quadrant
  • per quadrant
  • dental chartA diagram of all the teeth on which the dentist records which teeth are present, missing, decayed or filled, and what treatment is needed.
  • 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.
  • permanent teethThe second and final set of teeth, which replace the primary teeth. Adults have 32, including the four wisdom teeth, and they have to last for life.
  • scalingProfessional removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth, above and below the gum line, using ultrasonic and hand instruments.

More terms: Examination and X-rays

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