NOCTI Dental Assisting Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

The term that describes the area between teeth on an x-ray is "interproximal." This area refers to the spaces between adjacent teeth, and it is crucial in dental radiography for evaluating dental health. Interproximal areas can often be sites for decay or other dental issues, making it important for dental professionals to assess these areas through x-rays.

In a dental x-ray, proper imaging of the interproximal spaces allows for a clearer view of potential cavities or bone loss that might not be visible during a regular clinical examination. This is particularly significant in bitewing x-rays, which are specifically designed to capture the interproximal areas of the posterior teeth.

Other terms, while relevant to dental anatomy, do not refer specifically to the area between teeth. "Mesial" indicates the surface of a tooth closest to the midline, "distal" refers to the surface farthest from the midline, and "occlusal" describes the chewing surface of posterior teeth. Therefore, "interproximal" is the correct term for identifying the spaces between adjacent teeth on an x-ray.