What does “Maxilla” mean?
The maxilla refers to the upper jaw. This bone supports the upper teeth and forms the middle part of the face and around the nose.
Location name for the upper jaw
During medical treatment, when you hear the term maxillary incisors or maxillary molars, they refer to the corresponding teeth in the upper row of teeth. The maxilla itself is not the name of one specific tooth.
Upper teeth and surrounding structures
The maxilla supports the upper teeth and forms the middle part of the face. There is a maxillary sinus within the upper jaw, so when treating the upper molar area, the location of surrounding structures is also examined.
Which jaw moves?
The jawbone that mainly moves when opening and closing the mouth is the mandible. The upper and lower jaw are not two bones that move in the same way, and in medical treatment, the positional relationship between the two jaws is also explained separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you say maxillary teeth, do you just mean the upper front teeth?
No. It is a positional expression that includes all of the upper teeth, and the corresponding area is determined by adding the front teeth or molars.
If the maxillary sinus is large, does this mean that the entire upper jaw bone is weak?
The size of the space and the amount of bone that will support a tooth or implant in a specific area are not the same information. The bones and surrounding structures are evaluated separately in the required locations.
Questions needed to understand the maxilla
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Which tooth or part of the upper jaw is being described?
Explanation and evidenceSpecifying the side and tooth position within the upper jaw makes the treatment location clear.
U.S. National Library of Medicine · Jaw Injuries and Disorders - A choice suited to your condition
Have the bone in the molar region and the position of the maxillary sinus been assessed together?
Explanation and evidenceWhen planning an implant, check the relationship between the bone in the relevant area and the maxillary sinus.
American Academy of Periodontology · Dental Implant Procedures
