The term “buccal” is a fundamental directional word in dentistry, pronounced to rhyme with “buckle.” Dental professionals use this anatomical term to communicate precisely about specific locations within the mouth for charting, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Understanding “buccal” clarifies conversations about oral health, as it directs attention to one of the five major surfaces of your teeth.
Defining the Buccal Surface
The buccal surface refers to the side of a tooth that faces the cheek. Derived from the Latin word bucca, meaning “cheek,” this term is applied specifically to the posterior teeth, including the premolars and molars. The buccal surface is the outermost side of these teeth in the dental arch, adjacent to the cheek tissue.
This term distinguishes the cheek-facing side from other tooth surfaces. The side facing the tongue is called the lingual surface, or the palatal surface in the upper jaw. The chewing surface is the occlusal surface, and the sides touching neighboring teeth are the mesial and distal surfaces.
In the front of the mouth, the equivalent outer surface on incisors and canines is the labial surface, as it faces the lips (labium in Latin). Both buccal and labial surfaces are sometimes collectively referred to as the facial or vestibular surfaces. The buccal surface works with the cheek muscles to keep food positioned on the occlusal surface during chewing.
How the Term Is Used in Restorative Dentistry
Dental teams use the term “buccal” to precisely identify the location of a problem or restoration for accurate record-keeping and communication. A clinician might note a “buccal filling” or “Class V decay on the buccal surface,” immediately specifying the exact location of the issue. This precise language guides treatment planning and ensures the correct area is addressed during a procedure.
Aesthetic Considerations
The designation of a restoration as buccal influences the materials chosen due to aesthetic considerations. Since the buccal surface is often visible when a person smiles, dentists may opt for tooth-colored materials like composite resin for fillings or crowns. Conversely, hidden surfaces like the lingual or palatal sides might be restored with more durable materials, such as gold or metal alloys.
Restoration Margins
The term also describes the boundaries of a restoration, such as the “buccal margin” of a crown or inlay. This margin is the edge where the restorative material meets the natural tooth structure on the cheek side. Correct placement of the buccal margin is important for the seal and long-term health of the restoration.
Related Buccal Soft Tissue Anatomy
The term “buccal” extends beyond the tooth surface to describe the adjacent soft tissues of the mouth. The buccal mucosa is the smooth, moist inner lining of the cheek that protects the underlying tissues. This delicate lining is classified as a lining mucosa and forms part of the vestibule, the space between the teeth and the cheek.
Buccal Frenum
Another structure is the buccal frenum, a small fold of connective tissue connecting the cheek to the gum tissue (gingiva) near the premolars or molars. Dentists must consider the position and mobility of this frenum when fitting dentures or performing surgical procedures. An improperly fitting prosthetic can impinge on this mobile tissue.
Pain Management
The “buccal” designation is also applied in pain management, specifically in the buccal nerve block procedure. This common technique anesthetizes the soft tissues of the cheek and the gum tissue surrounding the mandibular (lower) molars. The injection targets the long buccal nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve, to ensure patient comfort during dental work on the posterior cheek-side area.