THE IMPORTANCE OF TERMINOLOGICAL DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN THE CONCEPTS OF «EDENTULOUS», «ANODONTIA», «TOOTH LOSS» IN THE CLINICAL, SCIENTIFIC, EDUCATIONAL, AND COMMUNICATION PRACTICE OF A PROSTHODONTIST

Abstract

Background. The article is devoted to the theoretical substantiation and practical significance of a clear differentiation between the core concepts of dental nomenclature–»edentulous», «anodontia», and «tooth loss»-within the structure of a prosthodontist’s professional practice. It has been established that the interchangeable use of these terms creates a certain clinical, didactic, and scientific ambiguity. Purpose of the work. To establish the etymological meaning of the definitions «edentulous», «adontia», and «tooth loss», and to theoretically substantiate and critically analyze the appropriateness of their differentiated use within the professional discourse of a prosthodontist, namely in diagnostic, scientific-educational, and communication processes. Methodology. A retrospective review and analysis of academic literature, including textbooks and study guides recommended for training students of dental faculties at higher medical educational institutions, monographs, and regulatory/directive legal documents–specifically, protocols for the provision of dental care (2007). Open electronic resources were also analyzed, including multilingual dictionaries (Open L, Glosbe), the terminological glossary of prosthodontics, and the International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision (ICD-11). Results. The paper analyzes the etymology, translation, and semantic meaning of each concept. «edentulous «is considered a factual, generalized term; «anodontia» is defined as a congenital anomaly in the number of teeth; and «tooth loss» is categorized as an acquired pathological condition resulting from trauma, caries complications, or periodontal diseases. Conclusions. A theoretical analysis of academic scientific sources, regulatory documents, glossaries, and the International Classification of Diseases has highlighted the importance of clear terminological distinction and the correct use of the terms «еdentulous», «anodontia», and «tooth loss». The importance of this terminological differentiation encompasses three key aspects: clinical (for accuracy in diagnosis and disease coding), educational-scientific (aimed at developing clinical reasoning in students and ensuring the relevance of medical statistics), and communication (aimed at fostering effective interaction between related specialists and within the «doctor-patient» system). The implementation of standardized definitions is critical for the advancement of evidence-based prosthodontics.