Dental Anatomy: Architectural Elements of Teeth

The unit being studied is Unit 16, which focuses on the architectural elements of teeth.

Understanding these elements is crucial for understanding the morphology of each tooth and their characteristics.

The chapter covers the anatomical elements that form part of the morphology of each tooth, known as architectural elements.

Architectural elements are anatomic formations that are found on the different surfaces of each tooth and are characteristic of each tooth.

These elements can be divided into two groups: elevations (prominences) and depressions (cavities).

The elevations are characterized by being in relief and include elements such as cusps, tubercles, marginal ridges, and crests.

Cusps are prominences of enamel that have a pyramidal shape with a base that is welded to the body of the tooth.

Cusps are found mainly in premolars and molars, specifically on the occlusal surface of posterior teeth.

There are three types of cusps: those formed by faceted arms united by a ridge, those with a central depression or concavity, and those with rounded or bulbous shapes.

Tubercles are small elevations of enamel that are found on the crown of the tooth and are added to the normal anatomical structures.

Tubercles have a variable size, but their height never exceeds one-third of the coronal height.

Tubercles are commonly found in certain teeth, such as the permanent first molar and the temporary first molar.

The tubercle of Carabelli is a small elevation found on the palatal surface of the permanent first molar superior, behind the middle lobe.

The tubercle of Carabelli is symmetrical, meaning it appears on both the right and left sides of the mouth.

The tubercle of Carabelli is not always present, but appears in 58% of cases.

The tubercle of Zuckerkandl is found on the temporary first molar, both superior and inferior, and is located on the vestibular surface, in the cervical third.

This tubercle is constant, meaning it always appears on the temporary first molar, and is symmetrical, appearing on both sides of the mouth.