Oral Exam
An oral exam is a systematic dental assessment of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues — essential for early disease detection and preventive care planning.
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.
Electronic Dental Chart
An electronic dental chart digitizes patient tooth records, capturing periodontal data, restorations, and diagnostics for faster, more accurate care.
Electric Pulp Test (EPT)
The Electric Pulp Test (EPT) assesses pulp vitality using electrical stimulation, guiding root canal decisions. Learn how clinicians use it in diagnosis.
Interocclusal Record
An interocclusal record captures the precise bite relationship between upper and lower teeth, guiding accurate prosthetic fabrication and occlusal analysis.
Extraoral Photography
Extraoral photography captures facial and profile images outside the mouth, supporting orthodontic planning, smile design, and complete dental records.
Digital Patient Records (Dental)
Digital patient records integrate dental radiographs, periodontal data, and clinical notes in one secure system, improving diagnosis and care coordination.
Occlusal Analysis
Occlusal analysis evaluates how teeth contact during biting to detect imbalances, malocclusion, and TMJ dysfunction before they cause irreversible damage.
Intraoral Photography
Intraoral photography uses chairside cameras to capture detailed images inside the mouth, improving diagnosis, patient communication, and treatment documentation.
Intraoral Radiograph
Intraoral radiographs are dental X-rays taken with the sensor inside the mouth, revealing caries, bone loss, and root pathology in precise detail.
Gingival Index Score
The Gingival Index Score is a standardized tool for measuring gingival inflammation severity, helping clinicians guide periodontal diagnosis and care.