Symbols and Charting Essentials
To indicate a tooth is "Missing," you would place this symbol over the tooth in the diagram in this color
What is a large Blue 'X'?
In dental charting color coding, this color is used to represent work that has already been completed.
What is blue (or black)?
This diagnostic technique involves the dentist using their fingers to feel the texture and size of soft tissue.
What is palpation?
This part of the soft tissue exam includes checking the top, sides, and underside of this muscular organ.
What is the tongue?
This tooth-numbering system is most commonly used in the United States, numbering teeth 1 through 32.
What is the Universal Numbering System?
This restorative material is charted by coloring in the area solidly in blue or red.
What is Amalgam?
This color is used to indicate dental work that needs to be done or conditions that are "pathological."
What is red?
This specific instrument is used by the DDS or RDH to detect decay and abnormalities in the tooth structure.
What is an explorer?
This area of the mouth includes the "roof" and is checked for any abnormalities or lesions during the exam.
What is the palate?
This numbering system uses a bracket to represent the quadrant and a number 1–8 to represent the tooth.
What is the Palmer Notation System?
This symbol involves drawing a "zig-zag" line or a series of dots to indicate a specific condition of the gingiva.
What is periodontal recession?
This abbreviation stands for a cavity or restoration involving the Mesial, Occlusal, and Distal surfaces.
What is MOD?
While an assistant may take radiographs, only a DDS or Hygienist in MN can perform this specific measurement of the sulcus.
What is periodontal probing?
This level of treatment plan is designed to provide the patient with functional and aesthetic results but is not the most "premium" option.
What is Level II (Standard Care)?
On a dental chart, an "S" inside a circle on the occlusal surface typically represents this preventive material.
What is a sealant?
To chart a tooth that is "Impacted or Unerupted," you would draw this around the entire tooth, including the root.
What is a circle?
These two letters are used to describe a restoration on the biting surface and the surface toward the cheek.
What is OB (Occlusobuccal)?
This type of imaging provides a visual record of the teeth and supporting structures using radiation. It is required to detect Periodontial Disease, defective restorations, and pathologic conditions.
What is radiography (X-rays)?
If a patient requires immediate relief from pain or infection, they are placed on this level of treatment plan.
What is Level I (Emergency Care)?
This restorative symbol is often represented by outlining the crown of the tooth and placing diagonal lines through it.
What is a Gold Crown?
This symbol involves drawing a line through the root ( indicates previous RCT TX) and a small triangle at the apex to indicate this surgical procedure.
What is an apicoectomy?
To chart this condition, you would draw a circle around the apex of the tooth to indicate a localized area of infection.
What is a periapical abscess?
This type of tooth diagram represents teeth as circles divided into sections, rather than looking like actual teeth.
What is a geometric diagram?
This level of treatment plan represents the highest standard of care, restoring the mouth to maximum function and aesthetics.
What is Level III (Optimum Care)?
This is indicated by a blue diagonal line being drawn through the tooth
What is a partially erupted tooth