Occlusal Interference Detection
Occlusal interference detection finds disruptive bite contacts linked to enamel wear, TMJ dysfunction, and bone loss. Key diagnostic methods explained.
Category: Dental Imaging & Diagnostics
Dental imaging and diagnostics is where clinical findings become measurable. This section of the Rebrief Dental Glossary defines the imaging modalities, diagnostic tests, and assessment frameworks that drive treatment decisions. Imaging entries cover the full spectrum: bitewing, periapical, panoramic, and cephalometric x-rays; CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) for 3D volumes; intraoral scanning for digital impressions; and the DICOM standards that move images between systems. Diagnostic entries cover the clinical examination itself (periodontal exam, cold sensitivity test, percussion testing, tooth vitality assessment), risk-assessment tools (caries risk evaluation, bite force analysis), and the AI-assisted diagnostic tools increasingly built into modern practices. We also cover the radiation-safety vocabulary (ALARA, scatter radiation) that every operator working with x-rays needs to know. Each entry explains what the test or modality measures, when it’s indicated, what findings it produces, and how those findings feed into the diagnoses defined in the conditions section and the treatments defined in the procedures section. Whether you’re studying for boards, training a new assistant on imaging protocols, or explaining a finding to a patient, this is a fast reference for the diagnostic terminology in modern dental practice.
Periodontal Probe
A periodontal probe measures gingival sulcus depth and detects periodontal pockets — the essential diagnostic tool for assessing and monitoring periodontal disease.
Periodontal Risk Assessment
Periodontal risk assessment evaluates susceptibility to gum disease via clinical, radiographic, and systemic data to guide personalized treatment planning.
Mobility Assessment
Mobility assessment measures tooth movement within the socket to detect bone loss and periodontal disease, guiding treatment decisions with precision.
Extraoral Radiograph
Extraoral radiographs place the imaging sensor outside the mouth to capture wide jaw and skull views used in orthodontics, surgery, and implant planning.
Periapical X-ray
A periapical X-ray captures the full tooth—crown to root tip—revealing abscesses, bone loss, and root fractures invisible to the naked eye.
Full Mouth Series (FMX) Radiograph
A full mouth series (FMX) radiograph is a complete set of dental X-rays used to diagnose caries, bone loss, and periapical pathology across all teeth.
Oral Pathology Assessment
Oral pathology assessment evaluates oral lesions, jaw disease, and soft-tissue changes — essential for early detection and accurate diagnosis.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening identifies early lesions in the mouth through visual exam and palpation. Learn what dental professionals look for and why it matters.
Panoramic X-ray
A panoramic X-ray captures every tooth, both jaws, and the TMJs in one wide-field image. Learn how it works, what it detects, and when it’s used.