Distolingual is a dental term used to describe the position of a tooth in which the lingual aspect of the tooth is farthest from the front of the mouth, and the distal aspect is closest to the back. The spelling of the word is based on the roots "disto-" meaning farthest from the center, and "-lingual" meaning relating to or near the tongue. The pronunciation of distolingual is /dɪˌstoʊˈlɪŋɡwəl/ with the stress on the second syllable.
Distolingual is an adjective used in dentistry to describe the position or placement of a tooth or an anatomical feature towards the distal and lingual sides of the oral cavity. This term is often used to indicate the precise location of a specific tooth or to describe the relationship between adjoining teeth or dental structures.
In dental anatomy, "distal" refers to the direction away from the midline of the dental arch, while "lingual" pertains to the side of a tooth or dental structure that is closest to the tongue. Therefore, when a tooth or structure is described as "distolingual," it implies that it is found towards the back of the dental arch, away from the midline, and nearer to the lingual side of the mouth.
The term "distolingual" is commonly employed by dentists and dental hygienists during examinations, diagnoses, and treatments. Understanding the precise location and positioning of dental structures is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and communication amongst dental professionals. This term is often used in conjunction with other dental terminology to facilitate clear and concise communication within the dental field.
Relating to the distal and lingual surfaces of a tooth, noting the angle formed by their junction.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "distolingual" is derived from combining the Latin prefix "dis-" meaning "apart" or "away", the Latin word "tongua" meaning "tongue", and the suffix "-al" which denotes "relating to". Therefore, "distolingual" describes something that is situated apart or away from the tongue.