HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What does the term 'extrusion' refer to in dental terminology?

1. Movement of teeth beyond the natural coronal plane

2. The process of tooth extraction

3. Aligning teeth using braces

4. Filling a cavity

The correct answer is: Movement of teeth beyond the natural coronal plane

The term 'extrusion' in dental terminology specifically refers to the movement of teeth beyond the natural coronal plane, meaning that it is the process where a tooth is displaced in an outward direction from its typical position within the dental arch. This movement can occur naturally, due to gingival recession or periodontal disease, or be intentionally induced as part of orthodontic treatment where teeth are moved to create a better bite or alignment. The nuances of this term differentiate it from other dental procedures or concepts. For instance, tooth extraction refers to the complete removal of a tooth, while aligning teeth using braces focuses on repositioning them without necessarily pushing them beyond the coronal plane. Filling a cavity pertains to restorative procedures aimed at eliminating decay and repairing the tooth structure, which is also distinct from movement-based descriptions like extrusion. Understanding these distinctions is important for effective communication and application in dental practice.