Edentulous
Pronunciation: ee-DEN-choo-lus
Describing a jaw, arch, or patient that has lost all natural teeth.
Full Definition
Edentulous describes the complete absence of teeth in a dental arch or the entire dentition. The term is applied to patients who have had all their teeth extracted and is central to records dealing with complete denture provision, implant-supported overdentures, and medico-legal assessments of tooth loss. Editors must distinguish 'edentulous' (total tooth loss) from 'partially edentulous' (some teeth remaining), as the distinction has significant treatment and insurance implications. The term is frequently misspelled as 'edentulous' versus the incorrect 'edentulus.' It derives from the Latin edentulus and should always be spelled with the '-ous' suffix in English clinical documents.
Usage
Usage note: The correct English adjective is 'edentulous' (not 'edentulus' or 'edentulate'). 'Partially edentulous' is the preferred clinical phrase over 'partially toothless.'
In Context
- "The patient was recorded as fully edentulous in the upper arch and partially dentate in the lower." — New patient assessment form
- "Complete upper and lower dentures were prescribed following the edentulous status confirmed at examination." — Prosthetic treatment record