Frequently tested must read Dental Terminology Prefixes/Suffixes 2026

What does the prefix “peri-” refer to in dental terminology? ️️ Around or surrounding a structure (e.g., periodontal tissues surround the tooth) What does the suffix “-ectomy” mean? ️️ Surgical removal or excision of a structure What does the prefix “endo-” indicate? ️️ Within or inside (e.g., endodontics refers to inside the tooth) What does the suffix “-itis” describe? ️️ Inflammation of a structure (e.g., gingivitis) What does the prefix “dento-” relate to? ️️ Teeth What does the suffix “-plasty” mean? ️️ Surgical repair or reshaping of a structure What does the prefix “ortho-” indicate in dentistry? ️️ Straight or correct (e.g., orthodontics) What does the suffix “-algia” refer to? ️️ Pain What does the prefix “sub-” mean? ️️ Under or below What does the suffix “-otomy” mean? ️️ Surgical cutting into a structure What does the prefix “inter-” indicate? ️️ Between (e.g., interproximal areas between teeth) What does the suffix “-osis” refer to? ️️ Abnormal condition or disease What does the prefix “supra-” mean? ️️ Above or over 2 What does the suffix “-ectomy” specifically imply in dental extraction contexts? ️️ Complete removal of a tooth or tissue What does the prefix “gingivo-” refer to? ️️ Gums What does the suffix “-scope” mean? ️️ Instrument used for viewing What does the prefix “alveolo-” relate to? ️️ Tooth socket (alveolus) What does the suffix “-centesis” mean? ️️ Surgical puncture to remove fluid What does the prefix “bio-” indicate? ️️ Life or living organisms What does the suffix “-graphy” refer to? ️️ Process of recording or imaging What does the prefix “macro-” mean? ️️ Large What does the suffix “-gram” refer to? ️️ A record or image What does the prefix “micro-” indicate? ️️ Small What does the suffix “-logy” mean? ️️ Study of a subject What does the prefix “hypo-” mean? ️️ Below normal or deficient What does the suffix “-therapy” refer to? ️️ Treatment of a condition What does the prefix “hyper-” mean? ️️ Above normal or excessive What does the suffix “-plasia” mean? ️️ Formation or development of tissue 3 What does the prefix “infra-” indicate? ️️ Below What does the suffix “-stomy” refer to? ️️ Creating an opening What does the prefix “supra-” indicate in dental anatomy? ️️ Above a structure What does the suffix “-phobia” mean? ️️ Fear of something What does the prefix “para-” mean? ️️ Beside or abnormal What does the suffix “-megaly” indicate? ️️ Enlargement of a structure What does the prefix “contra-” mean? ️️ Against or opposite What does the suffix “-rrhea” refer to? ️️ Flow or discharge What does the prefix “multi-” mean? ️️ Many What does the suffix “-emia” relate to? ️️ Blood condition What does the prefix “oligo-” mean? ️️ Few or scanty What does the suffix “-genesis” mean? ️️ Formation or origin What does the prefix “a-” or “an-” mean? ️️ Without or absence of What does the suffix “-cyte” refer to? ️️ Cell What does the prefix “pseudo-” mean? ️️ False 4 What does the suffix “-stasis” mean? ️️ Stopping or controlling What does the prefix “tachy-” mean? ️️ Fast or rapid What does the suffix “-pexy” refer to?