Overview of Dental Anatomy

Overview of Dental Anatomy

• Study of the structure and function of teeth and surrounding tissues.

Types of Teeth

1. Incisors

   • Flat, sharp edges.
   • Function: Cutting food.
   • Location: Front of the mouth (8 total).

2. Canines (Cuspids)

   • Pointed edges.
   • Function: Tearing food.
   • Location: Next to incisors (4 total).

3. Premolars (Bicuspids)

   • Two flat surfaces.
   • Function: Grinding and crushing food.
   • Location: Between canines and molars (8 total).

4. Molars

   • Large, flat surfaces with grooves.
   • Function: Grinding food.
   • Location: Back of the mouth (12 total, including wisdom teeth).

Tooth Structure

• Enamel

  • Hardest substance in the body.
  • Protects the tooth from decay.

• Dentin

  • Dense tissue beneath enamel.
  • Sensitive; supports enamel.

• Pulp

  • Contains nerves and blood vessels.
  • Vital for tooth health and sensation.

• Cementum

  • Thin layer covering the tooth root.
  • Anchors tooth to the jawbone.

Oral Cavity Anatomy

• Gums (Gingiva)

  • Soft tissue that surrounds teeth.
  • Protects roots and supports teeth.

• Alveolar Bone

  • Bone that holds teeth in place.
  • Supports the structure of the mouth.

Tooth Development

• Primary Teeth (Baby Teeth)

  • 20 teeth; develop in early childhood.
  • Typically begin erupting at 6 months.

• Permanent Teeth

  • 32 teeth; replace primary teeth.
  • Erupt between ages 6 to 21.

Dental Terms

• Occlusion

  • Alignment and contact between upper and lower teeth.

• Malocclusion

  • Misalignment of teeth when biting.

• Periodontium

  • Tissues supporting the teeth, including gums and bone.

Common Dental Procedures

• Fillings

  • Repair of decayed teeth using materials like amalgam or composite.

• Root Canal

  • Treatment for infected pulp inside a tooth.

• Crowns

  • Caps placed over damaged teeth.

• Bridges and Implants

  • Solutions for missing teeth, providing functional and aesthetic benefits.

Dental Anatomy Overview

• The study of teeth and surrounding structures.

Types of Teeth

• Incisors: 8 total, have flat, sharp edges for cutting food; located at the front of the mouth.
• Canines: 4 total, pointed edges for tearing food; located next to incisors.
• Premolars: (Bicuspids) 8 total, two flat surfaces for grinding and crushing food; located between canines and molars.
• Molars: 12 total, including wisdom teeth; large, flat surfaces with grooves for grinding food; located at the back of the mouth.

Tooth Structure

• Enamel: Hardest substance in the body, protects the tooth from decay.
• Dentin: Dense tissue beneath enamel, supports the enamel and is sensitive.
• Pulp: Contains nerves and blood vessels; vital for tooth health and sensation.
• Cementum: Thin layer covering the tooth root; anchors the tooth to the jawbone.

Oral Cavity Anatomy

• Gums (Gingiva): Soft tissue surrounding the teeth; protects roots and supports teeth.
• Alveolar Bone: Holds teeth in place; supports the structure of the mouth.

Tooth Development

• Primary Teeth (Baby Teeth): 20 total; develop in earl childhood and typically start erupting at 6 months.
• Permanent Teeth: 32 total; replace primary teeth and erupt between ages 6 to 21.

Dental Terms

• Occlusion: Alignment and contact between upper and lower teeth when biting.
• Malocclusion: Misalignment of teeth when biting.
• Periodontium: Tissues supporting the teeth, including gums and bone.

Common Dental Procedures

• Fillings: Used to repair decayed teeth with materials like amalgam or composite.
• Root Canal: Treatment for infected pulp inside a tooth.
• Crowns: Caps placed over damaged teeth.
• Bridges and Implants: Solutions for missing teeth that provide both functional and cosmetic benefits.