Dentistry · Oral & Dental · Medium
Hypodontia
Meaning: Developmental absence of one to five teeth, most commonly the upper lateral incisors or lower second premolars.
In practice: Hypodontia of both upper lateral incisors left noticeable gaps either side of her front teeth.
Word parts
- hypo- means below or less than normal
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related dentistry words.
Which word means: General inflammation of the lining of the mouth, which may include ulcers and soreness.
Answer: Stomatitis
Which word means: Small fold of tissue attaching the lip or tongue to the gum or floor of the mouth.
Answer: Frenum
Words like hypodontia come up in the daily game
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