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.

This quiz covers the fundamental aspects of dental anatomy, focusing on the structure and function of various types of teeth and their components. Test your knowledge on incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, as well as the essential parts of a tooth such as enamel and pulp.