Dental Anatomy

Cards · 51

Enamel

The hardest, highly mineralized outer layer of the tooth crown; protects deeper structures from mechanical wear and chemical breakdown.

Dentin

The calcified tissue underlying enamel and cementum; provides bulk, flexibility, and transmits sensory stimuli toward the pulp.

Dental Pulp

The vascular and neural core within the pulp cavity; maintains tooth vitality, nourishes dentin, and facilitates sensory perception.

Cementum

The calcified bone-like tissue covering the root surface; anchors periodontal ligament fibers directly to the tooth.

Periodontal Ligament (PDL)

A fibrous connective tissue network connecting cementum to alveolar bone; suspends the tooth and absorbs mechanical occlusal loads.

Alveolar Bone

The specialized bone of the maxilla and mandible containing sockets; supports and retains roots within the jaw.

Anatomical Crown

The portion of the tooth completely encased in enamel, extending from incisal or occlusal edge to the cementoenamel junction.

Clinical Crown

The visible portion of the tooth exposed supragingivally within the oral cavity; varies with gingival position.

Anatomical Root

The portion of the tooth covered entirely by cementum, extending apically from the cementoenamel junction.

Clinical Root

The portion of the tooth fully embedded within the periodontium and subgingival tissue below the epithelial attachment.

Cementoenamel Junction (CEJ)

The cervical boundary line where enamel meets cementum; serves as a vital landmark for periodontal evaluation.

Apical Foramen

The microscopic natural opening at the root tip; permits entry and exit of blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves.

Pulp Chamber

The enlarged coronal compartment of the pulp cavity housing the coronal portion of the pulp tissue.

Root Canal

The slender channel running through the root; transmits neurovascular bundles from the apical foramen into the pulp chamber.

Pulp Horns

Small extensions of the pulp chamber projecting coronally beneath individual cusps; critical landmarks during cavity preparations.

Cusp

A pronounced elevation on occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth and canines; crushes and shears food during mastication.

Cingulum

A convex, rounded prominence situated on the cervical third of the lingual surface of anterior teeth.

Marginal Ridge

Elevated crests of enamel bordering occlusal tables of posterior teeth and lingual boundaries of anterior teeth.

Triangular Ridge

A linear elevation descending from a cusp tip toward the central groove; facilitates efficient food comminution.

Transverse Ridge

The linear union of two triangular ridges directly crossing occlusal surfaces buccolingually on posterior teeth.

Oblique Ridge

A diagonally oriented ridge traversing maxillary molars from mesiolingual to distobuccal cusps; strengthens the crown structure.

Fossa

A shallow depression or concavity located on lingual anterior surfaces or occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth.

Developmental Groove

A distinct linear depression marking primary developmental junctions between coalescing dental lobes during crown formation.

Supplemental Groove

A shallow auxiliary groove radiating across occlusal surfaces; increases surface area for masticatory food processing.

Pit

A pinpoint depression occurring at the intersection of developmental grooves or at groove terminal ends.

Mamelon

One of three rounded protuberances on the incisal edge of newly erupted incisors; remnant of developmental lobes.

Facial Surface

The exterior tooth surface facing toward lips or cheeks; categorized specifically as labial or buccal.

Labial Surface

The facial surface of anterior teeth directly facing toward the lips.

Buccal Surface

The facial surface of premolars and molars facing outwardly toward the cheeks.

Lingual Surface

The inner surface of maxillary and mandibular teeth directly facing toward the tongue.

Palatal Surface

The lingual surface specific to maxillary teeth facing toward the hard palate.

Mesial Surface

The proximal tooth surface oriented closest toward the anterior midline of the dental arch.

Distal Surface

The proximal tooth surface facing away from the anterior midline of the dental arch.

Occlusal Surface

The broad chewing surface of premolars and molars involved in food mastication and crushing.

Incisal Edge

The thin cutting border of incisors responsible for shearing and slicing food during biting.

Contact Point

The specific area where the proximal surface of one tooth touches the adjacent tooth in the same arch.

Interproximal Space

The triangular zone cervical to the contact area; typically occupied by the interdental gingival papilla.

Embrasure

V-shaped spillways around adjacent tooth contacts; direct food deflection away from periodontal tissues during chewing.

Height of Contour

The most prominent convex point on a tooth surface; deflects masticatory forces and shields marginal gingiva.

Bifurcation

The anatomical dividing point separating a two-rooted tooth into two individual roots.

Trifurcation

The anatomical branch point separating a three-rooted tooth into three distinct roots.

Central Incisor

The most anterior tooth adjacent to the midline; specialized for incising, shearing food, and speech aesthetics.

Lateral Incisor

The tooth located between central incisors and canines; assists in slicing and cutting food during biting.

Canine (Cuspid)

The single-cusped corner tooth with a long root; pierces, tears food, and provides canine guidance in occlusion.

Premolar (Bicuspid)

A transitional posterior tooth with two or three cusps; tears, grinds food, and maintains vertical dimension.

Maxillary First Molar

A large four- or five-cusped posterior tooth featuring the Cusp of Carabelli; provides major grinding capacity.

Mandibular First Molar

A large posterior tooth possessing five cusps and two roots; serves as the primary chewing unit of the lower arch.

Cusp of Carabelli

A non-functional supplemental fifth cusp located on the mesiolingual surface of maxillary first permanent molars.

Curve of Spee

The anteroposterior anatomical curvature of the occlusal plane extending from the canine to terminal molars.

Curve of Wilson

The mediolateral mediotilted curvature across posterior occlusal surfaces; aids functional efficiency during lateral jaw movements.

Centric Occlusion

The maximal intercuspal contact position between opposing maxillary and mandibular teeth during habitual closure.