HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What does anodontia refer to?

1. Excessive teeth in the jaw

2. Absence of teeth in the jaw

3. Missing one tooth only

4. Presence of wisdom teeth

The correct answer is: Absence of teeth in the jaw

Anodontia refers specifically to a congenital condition characterized by the complete absence of teeth in the dental arch. This means an individual with anodontia has no primary or permanent teeth. It can occur as part of various syndromes or can be isolated. Understanding this term is crucial in dentistry as it impacts the management and treatment plans for patients, especially in relation to oral health and nutritional needs. Thus, the definition aligns perfectly with the answer, as it highlights the complete lack of teeth rather than conditions involving excessive teeth, the absence of just one tooth, or the presence of wisdom teeth, which are unrelated concepts.