Dental Anatomy - Sheet 12

A type of tooth with three roots, also known as a molar with three roots. This type of tooth is more complex and can provide a stronger chewing force due to the increased surface area of its roots.

The canine tooth is designed for tearing and piercing food. Its sharp, pointed form allows for efficient tearing and helps guide jaw movements during chewing.

The shape of the teeth and how they come together (occlusion) affect the way the jaw moves. This relationship can be understood by comparing the jaw movements of humans and animals, as different forms of teeth lead to distinct chewing patterns.

When teeth come together (occlude), the contact points between the teeth create a force that helps distribute pressure evenly on the jawbone. This is important for maintaining bone health and preventing damage to teeth.

The shape of teeth and how they meet (occlusion) directly influence jaw movements.

A joint in the jaw that allows for both hinge and rotational movements, essential for biting and chewing.

The complex arrangement of teeth in the mouth, focusing on the way they fit together when biting and chewing.

TMJ, or the temporomandibular joint, is more complex in humans compared to other animals due to the advanced requirements of chewing and speech.

The specialized structure of teeth, particularly their shape and arrangement, plays a crucial role in efficient chewing and biting.

The temporomandibular joint's complexity enables a wide range of movements necessary for various functions including chewing, speaking, and facial expressions.

The area where two adjacent teeth touch.

The space between the teeth on the gumline.

The two sides of the triangle formed by the tooth surfaces.

A triangular space formed by the contact area and the proximal tooth surfaces.

This triangular space impacts the way teeth align and touch.

The facial view of teeth reveals the locations of contact points along the tooth's cervical (neck) and incisal (chewing) edges.

The term 'cervicoincisally' refers to the direction from the neck of a tooth towards the biting edge.

The term 'cervico-occlusally' refers to the direction from the neck of a tooth towards the chewing surface.

The facial view helps us understand how teeth come together during biting, which is crucial for chewing and other functions.

Knowing the location of contact points helps dentists understand how teeth interact and identify any potential problems.

The spaces between teeth, formed by the sloping surfaces of adjacent teeth, play a crucial role in preventing food from getting trapped and promoting self-cleaning.

Embrasures help distribute the chewing force across the teeth, protecting them from excessive pressure and potential damage.

Embrasures, along with contact areas between teeth, form a protective barrier for the gums, shielding them from injury during chewing.

The curvature of the tooth's cervical line is a natural design feature that allows for better cleaning and prevents plaque buildup by directing saliva flow.

The smooth, rounded contours on the facial and lingual sides of teeth help with chewing and prevent food from getting caught.

The curve formed when looking at the teeth from the side, starting from the molars at the back and moving forward.

The curve formed when viewing the teeth from above (coronal view), with the curve going from one side of the jaw to the other.

The outline of a tooth can be drawn within three basic geometric shapes: a triangle, a trapezoid, and a rhomboid.

The triangular shape is most commonly found in the incisal (front) view of the crown.

The trapezoidal shape is often used to represent the buccal (cheek) view of premolars and molars.