Feel Smarter at the Dentist: What Do These Prefixes Mean?

July 4, 2022

A dentist in Marco Island, Florida, may often use words that some patients may find incomprehensible. Fortunately, many of these words can be explained simply. Some terms your family dentist may use have prefixes that reveal the jargon’s meaning with context clues.

Dentist in Marco Island Florida checking on female patient

Common Prefixes Used in Dental Terminology

Many of the prefixes and suffixes used in dental terminologies are similar to those used by other doctors. These include:

Arthro-

The prefix “arthro” originates from the Greek word “arthron.” The term literally means “joint” and is attached to conditions that affect the joints. For instance, arthritis can be translated to “inflammation of the joints.”

Odont/Dent-

Dentists use both prefixes to refer to conditions and procedures affecting teeth. Examples include odontiasis (eruption of the teeth through the gums), odontalgia (toothache), and odontitis, which means tooth inflammation. The term “dentist” also means a doctor of the teeth.

Gingiv-

Terms that begin with “gingiv-“ refers to anything related to the gums. The word you’d commonly hear from dentists is gingivitis, which means gum inflammation. It is the reversible phase of periodontitis, a severe infection that can lead to tooth loss. The gums themselves are medically known as gingiva.

Endo-

“Endo,” when attached to a noun, refers to the inside of that object. For example, endodontics refers to the science that studies the tooth’s insides. Its practitioners, endodontists, examine and treat problems with the pulp and the tissues it contains.

Glyc-

You may hear dentists talk about avoiding foods that have high glycemic content. Your dentist is simply teling you avoid food with lots of sugar content. Glyc is the English version of the Greek “glykys,” which means “sweet.”

Intra-

“Intra” means “within.” Suppose you’re scheduled for a tooth extraction. In that case, you may ask for intravenous sedation if you get anxious about the dental chair. The dentist will administer the sedatives through a needle inserted into your vein.