What term is used for the direction towards the root of the tooth?

The term "apical" refers to the direction towards the root of the tooth. In dental terminology, the apex is the tip or the end of the tooth root, and anything described as apical indicates movement or position towards this area. This is particularly relevant in understanding the anatomy of the tooth and how it interacts with surrounding structures in both health and disease.

In contrast to apical, coronal refers to the direction towards the crown or top portion of the tooth. Mesial describes the surface of the tooth that is closest to the midline of the dental arch, while distal refers to the surface farthest from the midline. Knowing these directional terms provides important context for dental procedures, anatomy discussions, and the overall orientation of teeth within the mouth.