Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the name of the transitional zone of reddish tissue between the skin of the face and the mucosa of the oral cavity?
What is the name of the transitional zone of reddish tissue between the skin of the face and the mucosa of the oral cavity?
- Zygomaticoalveolar crest
- Vermilion zone (correct)
- Philtrum
- Labial frenum
What is the indentation at the midline of the upper lip called?
What is the indentation at the midline of the upper lip called?
- Labial frenum
- Vestibule
- Buccinator muscle
- Philtrum (correct)
What muscle forms a great extent of the cheek?
What muscle forms a great extent of the cheek?
- Mandibular labial frenum
- Buccinator muscle (correct)
- Maxillary labial frenum
- Zygomaticoalveolar crest
Where does the buccinator muscle extend to?
Where does the buccinator muscle extend to?
What is the name of the ridge of bone that can be felt in the upper posterior vestibular space?
What is the name of the ridge of bone that can be felt in the upper posterior vestibular space?
What is the name of the fold of connective tissue found at the midline in both the upper and lower lips?
What is the name of the fold of connective tissue found at the midline in both the upper and lower lips?
Which labial frenum is usually more pronounced?
Which labial frenum is usually more pronounced?
What can happen if the attachment of the upper (maxillary) frenum extends to the crest of the alveolar ridge?
What can happen if the attachment of the upper (maxillary) frenum extends to the crest of the alveolar ridge?
What can the mandibular labial frenum contribute to?
What can the mandibular labial frenum contribute to?
What is the space between the erupted central incisors called?
What is the space between the erupted central incisors called?
What is the posterior boundary of the oral cavity?
What is the posterior boundary of the oral cavity?
Which of the following is NOT part of the oral cavity?
Which of the following is NOT part of the oral cavity?
What is the name given to the space between the lips/cheeks and the teeth?
What is the name given to the space between the lips/cheeks and the teeth?
Which of the following structures is NOT shared by the digestive and respiratory systems?
Which of the following structures is NOT shared by the digestive and respiratory systems?
Where are the palatine tonsils located?
Where are the palatine tonsils located?
What is the pathway shared by the digestive and respiratory systems called?
What is the pathway shared by the digestive and respiratory systems called?
Which of the following structures is NOT part of the respiratory system?
Which of the following structures is NOT part of the respiratory system?
What is the area surrounded by the teeth or alveolar ridges called?
What is the area surrounded by the teeth or alveolar ridges called?
Which of the following structures separates the oral cavity from the oral pharynx?
Which of the following structures separates the oral cavity from the oral pharynx?
Which part of the digestive system follows immediately after the pharynx?
Which part of the digestive system follows immediately after the pharynx?
Which space in the oral cavity is a potential space between the lips or cheeks and the teeth?
Which space in the oral cavity is a potential space between the lips or cheeks and the teeth?
What is the posterior end of the oral cavity that forms a common pathway with the respiratory system called?
What is the posterior end of the oral cavity that forms a common pathway with the respiratory system called?
Which structure separates the oral cavity from the oral pharynx?
Which structure separates the oral cavity from the oral pharynx?
What region of the oral cavity extends from the floor of the mouth upward to the hard and soft palates?
What region of the oral cavity extends from the floor of the mouth upward to the hard and soft palates?
Which part of the respiratory system is NOT shared with the digestive tract?
Which part of the respiratory system is NOT shared with the digestive tract?
In which area can the tonsils be found in relation to the oral cavity?
In which area can the tonsils be found in relation to the oral cavity?
What lies posterior to the tonsillar pillars in the oral cavity?
What lies posterior to the tonsillar pillars in the oral cavity?
'Oral cavity proper' in dentistry refers to an area from where to where?
'Oral cavity proper' in dentistry refers to an area from where to where?
Which space in the oral cavity is surrounded by teeth or alveolar ridges back to an area near palatine tonsils?
Which space in the oral cavity is surrounded by teeth or alveolar ridges back to an area near palatine tonsils?
What begins at nasal cavity and includes nasal pharynx, laryngeal pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs?
What begins at nasal cavity and includes nasal pharynx, laryngeal pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs?
What is the name of the moist tissue that lies between the dry skin of the face and the oral cavity?
What is the name of the moist tissue that lies between the dry skin of the face and the oral cavity?
Which muscle is covered with skin on the outside and moist mucous membrane on the inside in the cheek area?
Which muscle is covered with skin on the outside and moist mucous membrane on the inside in the cheek area?
What contributes to gingival recession in the area by pulling downward on the tissue when the lip is tensed?
What contributes to gingival recession in the area by pulling downward on the tissue when the lip is tensed?
Where can a diastema occur if the erupting central incisors cannot penetrate the firm band of tissue?
Where can a diastema occur if the erupting central incisors cannot penetrate the firm band of tissue?
What is found at the midline in both upper and lower lips, containing only connective tissue?
What is found at the midline in both upper and lower lips, containing only connective tissue?
Which structure marks the posterior extent of the vestibule as it passes backward from a lateral to a medial position?
Which structure marks the posterior extent of the vestibule as it passes backward from a lateral to a medial position?
What is often referred to as the beginning of the anterior part of the zygomatic arch when felt in the upper posterior vestibular space?
What is often referred to as the beginning of the anterior part of the zygomatic arch when felt in the upper posterior vestibular space?
Which region of the hard palate contains the most connective tissue with fat cells?
Which region of the hard palate contains the most connective tissue with fat cells?
What is the primary landmark at the midline junction of the hard and soft palates?
What is the primary landmark at the midline junction of the hard and soft palates?
What are the small depressions located on each side of the posterior nasal spine called?
What are the small depressions located on each side of the posterior nasal spine called?
What can occur in the midline of the hard palate that may cause problems with upper denture construction?
What can occur in the midline of the hard palate that may cause problems with upper denture construction?
What is the shape and size of the hard palate described as varying?
What is the shape and size of the hard palate described as varying?
What tissue is found in the soft palate that serves to keep the epithelium moist?
What tissue is found in the soft palate that serves to keep the epithelium moist?
Which part of the hard palate has the thinnest connective tissue?
Which part of the hard palate has the thinnest connective tissue?
What is the junction between the hard and soft palates described as forming?
What is the junction between the hard and soft palates described as forming?
What is the tissue beneath the palatal epithelium described as varying?
What is the tissue beneath the palatal epithelium described as varying?
What is the overall texture of the hard palate described as?
What is the overall texture of the hard palate described as?
What muscle is responsible for pulling the soft palate up and back until it contacts the posterior throat wall during speech and swallowing?
What muscle is responsible for pulling the soft palate up and back until it contacts the posterior throat wall during speech and swallowing?
What is the name of the fold of tissue extending from the soft palate downward into the lateral pharyngeal wall?
What is the name of the fold of tissue extending from the soft palate downward into the lateral pharyngeal wall?
Where can the openings of the multiple ducts of the sublingual salivary gland be found?
Where can the openings of the multiple ducts of the sublingual salivary gland be found?
What is the name of the small elevation on each side at the base of the lingual frenum?
What is the name of the small elevation on each side at the base of the lingual frenum?
What is the name of the space between the left and right tonsils and their pillars, known as the posterior extent of the oral cavity?
What is the name of the space between the left and right tonsils and their pillars, known as the posterior extent of the oral cavity?
What is the name of the dense pad of tissue immediately posterior to the last tooth in the mandible?
What is the name of the dense pad of tissue immediately posterior to the last tooth in the mandible?
What is the name of the fold of tissue extending from an area near the tip of the tongue down to the floor of the mouth?
What is the name of the fold of tissue extending from an area near the tip of the tongue down to the floor of the mouth?
What is the name of the fold of tissue extending along the floor of the mouth on either side from the sublingual caruncle?
What is the name of the fold of tissue extending along the floor of the mouth on either side from the sublingual caruncle?
What is the name of the bony swellings that can occur on the lingual surface of the mandible at the canine area, similar to the palatal tori?
What is the name of the bony swellings that can occur on the lingual surface of the mandible at the canine area, similar to the palatal tori?
What is the name of the transitional zone of reddish tissue between the skin of the face and the mucosa of the oral cavity?
What is the name of the transitional zone of reddish tissue between the skin of the face and the mucosa of the oral cavity?
What is the primary function of incisors in humans?
What is the primary function of incisors in humans?
How do canines function to protect the jaw joint during side jaw movements?
How do canines function to protect the jaw joint during side jaw movements?
What makes it possible for a canine tooth to hold its place in the corner of the mouth?
What makes it possible for a canine tooth to hold its place in the corner of the mouth?
How do premolars differ from incisors and canines functionally?
How do premolars differ from incisors and canines functionally?
Why do molars interlock with each other in the mouth?
Why do molars interlock with each other in the mouth?
Which type of teeth have the highest root to crown ratio among all teeth?
Which type of teeth have the highest root to crown ratio among all teeth?
How many cusps do premolars usually have?
How many cusps do premolars usually have?
What is the primary function of the fovea palatinae?
What is the primary function of the fovea palatinae?
What is the primary concern with the presence of a torus palatinus?
What is the primary concern with the presence of a torus palatinus?
Which of the following tissues is primarily responsible for keeping the soft palate moist?
Which of the following tissues is primarily responsible for keeping the soft palate moist?
What is the description of the connective tissue in the anterolateral part of the hard palate?
What is the description of the connective tissue in the anterolateral part of the hard palate?
What is the texture of the hard palate described as?
What is the texture of the hard palate described as?
Which structure serves as the primary landmark at the midline of the junction between the hard and soft palates?
Which structure serves as the primary landmark at the midline of the junction between the hard and soft palates?
What is the name of the line that demarcates the crown and root of a tooth?
What is the name of the line that demarcates the crown and root of a tooth?
What is the term used to describe the part of the tooth that is seen above the gingiva?
What is the term used to describe the part of the tooth that is seen above the gingiva?
Which area of a tooth is most occlusal or incisal in location?
Which area of a tooth is most occlusal or incisal in location?
What is the portion of bone that supports the teeth called?
What is the portion of bone that supports the teeth called?
Which type of roots may have bifurcation or trifurcation, dividing into two or three segments?
Which type of roots may have bifurcation or trifurcation, dividing into two or three segments?
What principle explains that a longer tooth root offers more resistance to displacement?
What principle explains that a longer tooth root offers more resistance to displacement?
What is the main function of cementum on the tooth root?
What is the main function of cementum on the tooth root?
What happens when secondary dentin completely fills the pulp chamber?
What happens when secondary dentin completely fills the pulp chamber?
Which of the following is the hardest natural material in the human body?
Which of the following is the hardest natural material in the human body?
How does the chemical composition of enamel differ from that of dentin?
How does the chemical composition of enamel differ from that of dentin?
What is the primary function of the self-cleaning ability of enamel?
What is the primary function of the self-cleaning ability of enamel?
How does tertiary dentin differ from secondary dentin?
How does tertiary dentin differ from secondary dentin?
What muscle is primarily responsible for moving the soft palate into various positions during speech and swallowing?
What muscle is primarily responsible for moving the soft palate into various positions during speech and swallowing?
Which structure separates the oral pharynx from the nasal pharynx during speech and swallowing?
Which structure separates the oral pharynx from the nasal pharynx during speech and swallowing?
In dentistry, what is the name for the fold of tissue extending from the soft palate downward into the lateral pharyngeal wall?
In dentistry, what is the name for the fold of tissue extending from the soft palate downward into the lateral pharyngeal wall?
What is the primary function of the retromolar pad located distal to the mandibular second molar?
What is the primary function of the retromolar pad located distal to the mandibular second molar?
Where can enlargements of lymphoid tissue, collectively known as the lingual tonsils, be found?
Where can enlargements of lymphoid tissue, collectively known as the lingual tonsils, be found?
What elevation on each side at the base of the lingual frenum serves as the opening for the ducts of the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands?
What elevation on each side at the base of the lingual frenum serves as the opening for the ducts of the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands?
Which statement about canine teeth is true?
Which statement about canine teeth is true?
What is the primary function of premolars?
What is the primary function of premolars?
How do molars function?
How do molars function?
Which statement about incisors is correct?
Which statement about incisors is correct?
What is the function of the canines during side jaw movements?
What is the function of the canines during side jaw movements?
How do premolars differ from incisors and canines functionally?
How do premolars differ from incisors and canines functionally?
What is the approximate composition of cementum?
What is the approximate composition of cementum?
How does the thickness of cementum vary along the tooth root?
How does the thickness of cementum vary along the tooth root?
What is the name given to the union of cementum and dentin?
What is the name given to the union of cementum and dentin?
How many surfaces do anterior teeth typically have?
How many surfaces do anterior teeth typically have?
Which surface of a tooth faces the tongue?
Which surface of a tooth faces the tongue?
What is the name of the surface of a tooth that faces the cheek or lip?
What is the name of the surface of a tooth that faces the cheek or lip?
What is the name of the surface of a tooth that faces the neighboring tooth in the same arch?
What is the name of the surface of a tooth that faces the neighboring tooth in the same arch?
Which surface of a tooth is closest to the midline of the face?
Which surface of a tooth is closest to the midline of the face?
What is the name of the biting surface of posterior teeth?
What is the name of the biting surface of posterior teeth?
What is the name of the biting surface of anterior teeth?
What is the name of the biting surface of anterior teeth?
What is the primary landmark at the midline junction of the hard and soft palates?
What is the primary landmark at the midline junction of the hard and soft palates?
What is the name given to the excess bone growth that can occur in the midline of the hard palate?
What is the name given to the excess bone growth that can occur in the midline of the hard palate?
What is the description of the connective tissue in the anterolateral part of the hard palate?
What is the description of the connective tissue in the anterolateral part of the hard palate?
What is the tissue beneath the palatal epithelium described as?
What is the tissue beneath the palatal epithelium described as?
What is the name of the small depressions located on each side of the posterior nasal spine?
What is the name of the small depressions located on each side of the posterior nasal spine?
What tissue is found in the soft palate that serves to keep the epithelium moist?
What tissue is found in the soft palate that serves to keep the epithelium moist?
What muscle is responsible for moving the soft palate into different positions during speech and swallowing?
What muscle is responsible for moving the soft palate into different positions during speech and swallowing?
Which structure is referred to as the common pathway with the respiratory system at the posterior end of the oral cavity?
Which structure is referred to as the common pathway with the respiratory system at the posterior end of the oral cavity?
What is the function of the sublingual caruncle located at the base of the lingual frenum?
What is the function of the sublingual caruncle located at the base of the lingual frenum?
What term is used to describe the fold of tissue extending from the soft palate downward into the lateral pharyngeal wall?
What term is used to describe the fold of tissue extending from the soft palate downward into the lateral pharyngeal wall?
Where can multiple duct openings of the sublingual salivary gland be found?
Where can multiple duct openings of the sublingual salivary gland be found?
Which elevation of tissue is located immediately posterior to the last tooth in the mandible?
Which elevation of tissue is located immediately posterior to the last tooth in the mandible?
Which tissue contains the largest portion of the crown and root of a tooth?
Which tissue contains the largest portion of the crown and root of a tooth?
What is the primary function of tertiary dentin?
What is the primary function of tertiary dentin?
What is the chemical composition of enamel?
What is the chemical composition of enamel?
Which material is harder than enamel but can still erode with severe abrasion?
Which material is harder than enamel but can still erode with severe abrasion?
What is the primary function of cementum on a tooth root?
What is the primary function of cementum on a tooth root?
What is the main reason for enamel being resistant to bacteria, mild acids, and tooth decay?
What is the main reason for enamel being resistant to bacteria, mild acids, and tooth decay?
What is the primary component that makes cementum a less durable tissue compared to dentin or enamel?
What is the primary component that makes cementum a less durable tissue compared to dentin or enamel?
How does the thickness of cementum vary along the tooth root?
How does the thickness of cementum vary along the tooth root?
What is the name given to the union between cementum and dentin?
What is the name given to the union between cementum and dentin?
How many surfaces do posterior teeth typically have?
How many surfaces do posterior teeth typically have?
Which tooth surface is closest to the midline of the face?
Which tooth surface is closest to the midline of the face?
What is the name given to the triangular-shaped spaces between teeth that are normally filled with gingival tissue?
What is the name given to the triangular-shaped spaces between teeth that are normally filled with gingival tissue?
What is the name given to the condition where two adjacent teeth do not touch tightly at their contact areas?
What is the name given to the condition where two adjacent teeth do not touch tightly at their contact areas?
What is the primary concern with a large diastema between teeth?
What is the primary concern with a large diastema between teeth?
What type of mucosa is found in the gingiva and hard palate that is well-designed to withstand the trauma of grinding food?
What type of mucosa is found in the gingiva and hard palate that is well-designed to withstand the trauma of grinding food?
How are the surfaces of a tooth divided into thirds?
How are the surfaces of a tooth divided into thirds?
What is the primary function of cementum on the tooth root?
What is the primary function of cementum on the tooth root?
What is the term used to describe the part of the tooth that is seen above the gingiva?
What is the term used to describe the part of the tooth that is seen above the gingiva?
What is the name of the line that demarcates the crown and root of a tooth?
What is the name of the line that demarcates the crown and root of a tooth?
How does the thickness of cementum vary along the tooth root?
How does the thickness of cementum vary along the tooth root?
What is the primary concern with the presence of a torus palatinus?
What is the primary concern with the presence of a torus palatinus?
How do premolars differ from incisors and canines functionally?
How do premolars differ from incisors and canines functionally?
What is the primary function of incisors in humans?
What is the primary function of incisors in humans?
What allows the canine teeth to hold their place in the corner of the mouth?
What allows the canine teeth to hold their place in the corner of the mouth?
How do the canines function to protect the jaw joint during side-to-side jaw movements?
How do the canines function to protect the jaw joint during side-to-side jaw movements?
How do premolars differ from incisors and canines in function?
How do premolars differ from incisors and canines in function?
What is the primary function of the 12 molars in the human dentition?
What is the primary function of the 12 molars in the human dentition?
How do maxillary and mandibular molars differ in terms of their characteristics?
How do maxillary and mandibular molars differ in terms of their characteristics?
What is the primary function of the mucus-secreting minor salivary glands in the soft palate?
What is the primary function of the mucus-secreting minor salivary glands in the soft palate?
What is the significance of the fovea palatinae in the construction of an upper denture?
What is the significance of the fovea palatinae in the construction of an upper denture?
What condition is indicated by excess bone growth in the midline of the hard palate?
What condition is indicated by excess bone growth in the midline of the hard palate?
Which region of the palate has connective tissue that contains fat cells and is thicker than at the midline?
Which region of the palate has connective tissue that contains fat cells and is thicker than at the midline?
What is generally required when the presence of a torus palatinus poses a problem for upper denture construction?
What is generally required when the presence of a torus palatinus poses a problem for upper denture construction?
Where can excess bone growth in the midline of the hard palate cause issues primarily?
Where can excess bone growth in the midline of the hard palate cause issues primarily?
What is the primary difference between the anatomic crown and the clinical crown of a tooth?
What is the primary difference between the anatomic crown and the clinical crown of a tooth?
What is the function of enamel in a tooth?
What is the function of enamel in a tooth?
Which area of a tooth is often referred to as the cervix of the tooth?
Which area of a tooth is often referred to as the cervix of the tooth?
What does a longer tooth root provide for a tooth according to the lever principle?
What does a longer tooth root provide for a tooth according to the lever principle?
Where are teeth anchored in the upper jaw known as maxillary teeth?
Where are teeth anchored in the upper jaw known as maxillary teeth?
What is the function of cementum on a tooth root?
What is the function of cementum on a tooth root?
What is the primary function of cementum on the tooth root?
What is the primary function of cementum on the tooth root?
How does the thickness of cementum vary along the tooth root?
How does the thickness of cementum vary along the tooth root?
What is the name of the triangular-shaped spaces between teeth that are normally filled with gingival tissue?
What is the name of the triangular-shaped spaces between teeth that are normally filled with gingival tissue?
What is the name given to the condition where two adjacent teeth do not touch tightly at their contact areas?
What is the name given to the condition where two adjacent teeth do not touch tightly at their contact areas?
How many surfaces do anterior teeth typically have?
How many surfaces do anterior teeth typically have?
What is the name of the surface of a tooth that faces the cheek or lip?
What is the name of the surface of a tooth that faces the cheek or lip?
What is the name of the fold of tissue extending along the floor of the mouth on either side from the sublingual caruncle?
What is the name of the fold of tissue extending along the floor of the mouth on either side from the sublingual caruncle?
What is the primary function of the 12 molars in the human dentition?
What is the primary function of the 12 molars in the human dentition?
What is the name of the line that demarcates the crown and root of a tooth?
What is the name of the line that demarcates the crown and root of a tooth?
What is the primary function of premolars?
What is the primary function of premolars?
What is the primary function of enamel's self-cleaning ability?
What is the primary function of enamel's self-cleaning ability?
Which statement about dentin is true?
Which statement about dentin is true?
What is the primary function of cementum?
What is the primary function of cementum?
What happens when secondary dentin completely fills the pulp chamber?
What happens when secondary dentin completely fills the pulp chamber?
What is the function of tertiary dentin?
What is the function of tertiary dentin?
What is the hardest natural material in the human body?
What is the hardest natural material in the human body?
What is the primary function of incisors?
What is the primary function of incisors?
How do canines primarily function in humans?
How do canines primarily function in humans?
Why are premolars not referred to as bicuspids?
Why are premolars not referred to as bicuspids?
What is the distinguishing feature of maxillary canines compared to other teeth?
What is the distinguishing feature of maxillary canines compared to other teeth?
Which characteristic makes molars different from incisors and canines?
Which characteristic makes molars different from incisors and canines?
Why are premolars categorized as grinding teeth rather than cutting teeth like incisors?
Why are premolars categorized as grinding teeth rather than cutting teeth like incisors?
What is the function of the soft palate during speech and swallowing?
What is the function of the soft palate during speech and swallowing?
What is the name of the fold of tissue extending from the soft palate downward into the lateral pharyngeal wall?
What is the name of the fold of tissue extending from the soft palate downward into the lateral pharyngeal wall?
What structure is located immediately in front of the palatine tonsil?
What structure is located immediately in front of the palatine tonsil?
What is the name of the small elevation on each side at the base of the lingual frenum?
What is the name of the small elevation on each side at the base of the lingual frenum?
What muscle is responsible for pulling the soft palate up and back until it contacts the posterior throat wall during speech and swallowing?
What muscle is responsible for pulling the soft palate up and back until it contacts the posterior throat wall during speech and swallowing?
What is the name of the fold of tissue extending from an area near the tip of the tongue down to the floor of the mouth?
What is the name of the fold of tissue extending from an area near the tip of the tongue down to the floor of the mouth?
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Study Notes
Palate Structure
- The palate's underlying tissue varies in thickness and composition from region to region
- Midline of the hard palate: thin connective tissue, feels hard and bony
- Anterolateral part of the hard palate: thicker connective tissue with fat cells
- Posterolateral portion: fat cells and numerous minor salivary glands secreting mucus
- Soft palate: contains mucus-secreting minor salivary glands to keep epithelium moist
Tooth Structure
- Crown: covered with enamel, visible above the gingiva
- Root: covered with cementum, anchors tooth in bone
- Cementoenamel junction (CEJ): line demarcating crown and root
- Clinical crown: visible part of the tooth above the gingiva
- Anatomic crown: entire crown covered with enamel, whether erupted or not
Tooth Regions
- Coronal portion: most incisal or occlusal part of the tooth
- Cervical area: junction of crown and root
- Apical area: ends at the terminal end of the root
- Alveolar process: portion of jaw supporting teeth
- Alveolus: bony socket holding the tooth
Tooth Roots
- Single or multiple roots (bifurcation or trifurcation)
- Each root has one apex (terminal end)
- Furcal region: area between multirooted teeth
Root to Crown Ratio
- Longer and wider roots provide more resistance to displacement
- Longer roots offer more surface area for periodontal attachment
- Lever principle: longer the root, more force required to displace the tooth
Tooth Tissues
- Enamel: hardest tissue in the human body, most densely mineralized
- Dentin: forms main body of tooth, softer than enamel, wrapped in enamel and cementum
- Cementum: bonelike substance covering the root, provides anchorage
- Dental pulp: soft tissue within the tooth
Tooth Functions
- Incisors: designed to cut, biting edge is the incisal edge
- Canines: function as holding or grasping teeth, resembling spear heads
- Premolars: cross between canines and molars, with at least two cusps
- Molars: largest teeth, function to grind or crush food, usually with four or more cusps### Tooth Structure
- Cementum: 45%-50% inorganic, 50%-55% organic; less durable than dentin or enamel
- Covers the root of the tooth, providing anchorage and support
- Thinner at the cervical line, thicker at the apex of the root
- Union of cementum and dentin is called the dentinocemental junction
Surfaces of Teeth
- Contact surfaces: areas where proximal surfaces touch one another
- Lingual surface: faces the tongue
- Facial surface: faces the cheek or lip (labial if anterior, buccal if posterior)
- Proximal surface: faces the neighboring tooth's surface in the same arch
- Mesial proximal surface: closest to the midline of the face
- Distal proximal surface: faces away from the midline
- Occlusal surface: biting surface of the posterior tooth
- Incisal surface (ridge): biting surface of the anterior tooth
Tooth Divisions
- Tooth surfaces divided into thirds: lingual, facial, and proximal
- Each third named for the surface it is closest to, except for the middle third
- Divisions perpendicular to the surfaces: incisal, middle, and cervical third
- On posterior teeth, the incisal third is called the occlusal third
Interproximal Spaces
- Triangular-shaped spaces between teeth formed by the gingiva and proximal surfaces
- Interdental papilla (gingival tissue) keeps food from collecting between teeth
- Normal interdental space provides a place for bulk bone, offering better anchorage and support
Cervical Embrasures
- Formed when interdental papilla and bone no longer fill the interdental space
- A void exists cervically to the contact area, offering a place for bacteria and food debris to accumulate
- Can occur from periodontal or orthodontic causes
Gingiva
- Composed of free and attached gingiva
- Made up of dense mucosa (masticatory mucosa) with a thick epithelial covering and keratinized cells
- Underlying mucosa composed of dense collagen fibers
Additional Facts
- Enamel: 96% inorganic, 4% organic; hardest and most resilient body tissue
- Dentin: 70% inorganic, 30% organic; softer than enamel, harder than cementum or bone
- Secondary dentin: formed throughout the pulp chamber after the tooth erupts
- Tertiary dentin: formed in response to caries or trauma### Tooth Structure
- The crown is covered with enamel, and the root portion is covered with cementum.
- The crown and root are joined at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ).
- The line that demarcates the crown and root is called the cervical line.
Crown and Root
- The crown portion of the tooth erupts through the bone and gingival tissue.
- After eruption, the crown will never again be covered with gingiva.
- Only the cervical third of the crown in healthy young adults is partly covered by this tissue.
Anatomical vs. Clinical
- The anatomic crown is the entire crown of the tooth that is covered by enamel, regardless of whether it is erupted.
- The clinical crown is only that part seen above the gingiva.
Coronal, Cervical, and Apical Areas of a Tooth
- The coronal portion (crown area) is the part of the tooth that is most incisal or occlusal.
- The cervical area is the area that forms the junction of the crown and the root.
- The cervical line marks this junction, and that part of the tooth located in this area would be called the cervix of the tooth.
- The apical area ends at the terminal end of the root and is called the apex.
Alveolar Process
- The portion of the jaw that supports the teeth is called the alveolar process.
- The bony socket in which the tooth fits is called the alveolus.
Tooth Types
- Incisors are designed to cut, and the biting edge is called an incisal edge.
- Canines are designed to function as holding or grasping teeth.
- Premolars are a cross between canines and molars and are not as long as canines.
- Molars are much larger than premolars, and usually have four or more cusps.
Tooth Function
- Teeth are important in many functions of the body, including protecting the oral cavity, acquiring and chewing food, and aiding the digestive system in breaking down food.
- Teeth form a hard physical barrier that protects the oral cavity.
- Teeth also function in communication, including speech, phonetics, and even whistling.
Palate and Tongue Anatomy
- The soft palate stretches back from the hard palate and in its most posterior portion at the midline is a downward projecting muscle known as the uvula.
- The palatine tonsil and its associated pillars form the boundary of the oral cavity.
- The posterior extent of the oral cavity is the space between the left and right tonsils and their pillars known as the fauces.
- The tongue has filiform, fungiform, vallate or circumvallate papillae, and the roughened lateral surface of the tongue opposite the vallate papillae, which represents rudimentary foliate papillae.
Tori and Frenulum
- Mandibular tori are bony swellings on the lingual surface of the mandible at the canine area.
- The lingual frenum or frenulum is a fold of tissue extending from an area near the tip of the tongue down to the floor of the mouth.
- The sublingual caruncle is a small elevation on each side of the lingual frenum that marks the opening for the ducts of two of the major salivary glands, the submandibular and sublingual glands.
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