surface
[sur´fas] the outer part or external aspect of a solid body; called also
facies.
distal surface the surface of a tooth that is farthest from the midline of the dental arch, opposite to its
mesial surface.
incisal surface the cutting edges of the anterior teeth, the incisors and canines, which come into contact with those of the opposite teeth during protrusive occlusion. See also
occlusal surface.
lingual surface the surface of a tooth that faces inward toward the tongue and oral cavity, opposite the
vestibular surface; called also
oral surface.
mesial surface the surface of a tooth that is closest to the midline of the dental arch, opposite to its
distal surface.
occlusal surface the surface of the teeth that comes in contact with those of the opposite jaw during
occlusion; called also
masticatory surface.
Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.