Interradicular Bone
Interradicular bone is the alveolar bone between the roots of multi-rooted teeth. Learn its role in periodontal health, furcation disease, and treatment.
Category: Dental Anatomy
Dental anatomy is the foundation every clinical decision rests on — knowing where a structure sits, what it does, and how it relates to neighboring tissues. This section of the Rebrief Dental Glossary catalogs the anatomy of the tooth and its supporting structures: enamel, dentin, cementum, and dental pulp inside the tooth itself; the alveolar bone, alveolar process, and alveolar crest of the supporting socket; and the periodontal ligament, gingiva, and gingival sulcus that hold and protect each tooth in place. We cover surface and directional terminology — buccal, lingual, mesial, distal, occlusal — that lets clinicians describe lesions and restorations precisely. You’ll find detailed entries on tooth-specific structures (apical foramen, apical delta, cervical line, cuspal ridge), individual tooth designations across the permanent dentition, and the soft-tissue landmarks that define the periodontium. Each term entry includes a working clinical definition, the anatomical context that matters in practice, and links to related conditions and procedures elsewhere in the glossary. Whether you’re a dental student building a vocabulary, a hygienist refreshing landmarks for a charting course, or a practicing clinician documenting a case, this is a quick reference for the structural terms that show up in records, consults, and patient education materials. Browse alphabetically below or search across the full glossary.
Interdental Papilla
Learn what the interdental papilla is, why it matters for gum health, and how its loss signals periodontal disease. Essential dental anatomy explained.
Incisal Edge
The incisal edge is the cutting tip of anterior teeth, vital to bite function, phonetics, and smile aesthetics — and a key indicator of wear or erosion.
Hard Palate
The hard palate is the bony roof of the mouth separating oral and nasal cavities — essential for speech, swallowing, and maxillary dental treatment.
Gingival Margin
The gingival margin is the free edge of gum tissue at the tooth surface — a critical landmark for diagnosing recession and periodontal disease.
Distal Surface
The distal surface is the tooth face directed away from the dental midline. Learn how it shapes cavity classification, charting, and proximal contacts.
Gingival Sulcus
The gingival sulcus is the natural groove between your gum tissue and tooth surface. Learn why probing depth matters and how it signals gum health or disease.
Furcation
Furcation is where a tooth’s roots diverge from the root trunk. Learn how furcation involvement signals periodontal bone loss and why early detection protects your teeth.
Dentinal Tubules
Dentinal tubules are microscopic dentin channels connecting the pulp to the tooth surface, driving sensitivity, caries risk, and restorative bonding outcomes.
Cuspal Ridge
Cuspal ridges are linear enamel elevations extending from cusp tips. Discover their types, clinical significance, and role in restorative dental treatment.