HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which term applies to the edges of incisor or cuspid teeth?

1. Interproximal

2. Incisal

3. Lingual

4. Mandibular

The correct answer is: Incisal

The term that applies to the edges of incisor or cuspid teeth is "incisal." This term specifically refers to the cutting edges of the incisors—these are the front teeth primarily responsible for biting into food. Incisor teeth have a sharp edge that allows them to efficiently shear through materials. In contrast, interproximal refers to the area between adjacent teeth, focusing on the spaces and relationships between individual teeth rather than their edges. Lingual pertains to the surface of a tooth that is closest to the tongue, which is not specifically related to the edges. Mandibular describes the lower jaw or the teeth located in that part of the mouth, which does not define the edges of the teeth themselves. The incisal edge is a crucial aspect of dental terminology to describe specific surfaces of these teeth accurately.