Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which term describes a lack of contact between adjacent teeth?

1. Diastema

2. Occlusal

3. Incisal

4. Prognathic

The correct answer is: Diastema

The term that describes a lack of contact between adjacent teeth is diastema. Diastema refers specifically to the space or gap that exists between two teeth, which can occur for various reasons, including developmental issues, periodontal disease, or gaps left after tooth loss. In contrast, the other terms are associated with different aspects of dental anatomy and occlusion. For instance, "occlusal" refers to the surfaces of the teeth that make contact when the jaw is closed, while "incisal" pertains to the cutting edges of anterior teeth, such as incisors and canines. The term "prognathic" describes a condition where the jaw is protruded, affecting the relationship between the upper and lower teeth, but it does not specifically denote a lack of contact between adjacent teeth. Thus, diastema is the most accurate choice for describing gaps between neighboring teeth.