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What Is the Meaning of M.O.L in Dental Terms?

It can be beneficial to understand dental terminology before seeing a dentist. Knowing terminology can help eliminate confusion and allows the patient to have a more informed discussion with the dentist. A common dental term used by dental health care providers is "M.O.L."

  1. Location

    • The term, M.O.L refers to locations on a tooth. For example, if the dentist is doing a new patient exam, and is charting existing fillings, the term M.O.L would be used to inform the assistant of the location of a filling.

    M means Mesial

    • The "M" in M.O.L. stands for mesial. Mesial refers to the front of the tooth. For example, if you're flossing your teeth and you put pressure toward your throat, the area that floss is touching the mesial surface of the tooth.

    O means Occlusal

    • The top area or chewing area of the teeth is known as the occlusal area

      The "O" in M.O.L means occlusal. Occlusal is the top or chewing surface of the posterior teeth, meaning the premolars and molars.

    "L" means Lingual

    • The "L" in M.O.L means lingual. Lingual is the inside surface or area of the teeth that touch the tongue when the tongue is at rest.

    Significance

    • The term, M.O.L will allow you to know the area of the tooth that dental professionals are discussing. Understanding this term, as well as additional dental terminology, will give you a better understanding of what's going on during dental exams.

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