Tooth Morphology Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What term describes the shape, or form, of the teeth?

Morphology

List six clinical situations in which a thorough understanding of tooth morphology is useful.

Mounting dental radiographs, assisting in charting a mouth with missing teeth, selecting temporary crowns, forming matrix bands, selecting rubber dam clamps, and fabricating temporary crowns and bridges.

What do the permanent anterior teeth include?

Two central incisors, two lateral incisors, and two canines.

What term describes the permanent teeth that replace the primary teeth?

Succedaneous Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the rounded, raised area on the cervical third of the lingual surface of all anterior teeth?

The cingulum Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the rounded, raised borders on the mesial and distal lingual surfaces of anterior teeth?

The marginal ridges Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the wide, shallow depression on the lingual surface of some anterior teeth?

A fossa Signup and view all the answers

How many permanent incisors are in the mouth?

Eight Signup and view all the answers

List the characteristics of the maxillary central incisors (#8 and #9).

Larger than the mandibular central incisors, labial surface is more rounded, root structure is shorter, and lingual features are more prominent. Signup and view all the answers

When does an incisal edge develop?

When occlusal wear has created a flattened surface on the incisal portion. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the three rounded enamel extensions on the incisal ridge of newly erupted incisors but disappears as a result of wear?

The mamelons Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the wearing down of a tooth surface as a result of chewing?

Attrition Signup and view all the answers

List the characteristics of the maxillary lateral incisors (#7 and #10).

Smaller than central incisors, single root that curves slightly, varies in form more than other teeth. Signup and view all the answers

What are peg shaped laterals?

Maxillary lateral incisors with a pointed or tapered shape. Signup and view all the answers

What are the general characteristics of the mandibular incisors?

Smallest teeth of the permanent dentition, most symmetric, centrals and laterals resemble each other. Signup and view all the answers

Why is there an increased buildup of plaque, calculus, and stain on the lingual surface of the mandibular incisors?

Because of the release of saliva from the sublingual and submandibular salivary glands. Signup and view all the answers

List the characteristics of the mandibular central incisors (#24 and #25).

Smallest teeth in the dental arches, small centered cingulum, subtle lingual fossa, and marginal ridges. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the developmental horizontal lines on anterior teeth?

Imbrication lines Signup and view all the answers

List the characteristics of the mandibular lateral incisors (#23 and #26).

Slightly larger than centrals, mesial side of the crown is longer than distal side. Signup and view all the answers

What are the general characteristics of the permanent canines?

Most stable teeth, located in the corners of each arch, last to be lost, deeper yellow color, longest teeth, one root and one cusp. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the bony vertical ridge over the root of the canines?

The canine eminence Signup and view all the answers

What are some other names for canines?

Eyeteeth or cuspids Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tooth Morphology Overview

Morphology refers to the shape and form of teeth, critical for various dental practices.

Clinical Applications of Tooth Morphology

Essential for mounting dental radiographs.
Aids in charting missing teeth and those that have drifted.
Important for selecting temporary crowns and forming matrix bands.
Useful in choosing rubber dam clamps.
Involved in fabricating temporary crowns and bridges.

Permanent Anterior Teeth

Comprises two central incisors, two lateral incisors, and two canines.

Succedaneous Teeth

Refers to permanent teeth that replace primary teeth.

Key Anatomical Features

Cingulum: Rounded area on the cervical third of the lingual surface of anterior teeth.
Marginal Ridges: Rounded borders on mesial and distal lingual surfaces of anterior teeth.
Fossa: Wide, shallow depression found on the lingual surface of some anterior teeth.

Incisor Characteristics

Eight permanent incisors are present in the mouth.
Maxillary central incisors (#8 and #9) are larger than mandibular counterparts; prominent lingual features and shorter roots.
Maxillary lateral incisors (#7 and #10) are smaller than central incisors, single root that often curves, and can be congenitally missing.

Developmental Aspects

Incisal edge develops as a result of occlusal wear.
Mamelons are rounded enamel extensions on newly erupted incisors that disappear with wear.
Attrition is the wear down of tooth surfaces due to chewing.

Mandibular Incisor Features

Mandibular incisors are the smallest and most symmetric teeth; centrals and laterals are similar in appearance.
Increased plaque and stain on their lingual surfaces due to saliva release from salivary glands.
Mandibular central incisors (#24 and #25) feature a centered cingulum, subtle fossa, and marginal ridges.
Mandibular lateral incisors (#23 and #26) are larger than centrals, with a mesial longer than distal side causing a downward slope.

Permanent Canines

Considered the most stable teeth; last to be lost and are referred to as the "cornerstone" of dental arches.
Deeper yellow color compared to incisors; characterized by one root and one cusp.

Additional Terms

Canine Eminence: Bony vertical ridge over the root of canines.
Canines are also known as "eyeteeth" or cuspids.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the essential concepts of tooth morphology, including terminology and its practical applications in clinical situations. Perfect for dental students and professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of tooth forms and functions.