Basic anatomy of a tooth (ORAL PRACTICE) Flashcards
What is the crown of a tooth?
Visible above gums
The crown is the part of the tooth that is exposed and visible in the mouth.
What is the root of a tooth?
Embedded in jaw bone (hidden by gums)
The root anchors the tooth within the jawbone.
What is enamel?
Hard outer layer of crown, calcified forms layer. Hardest substance in human body.
Enamel protects the tooth and cannot regenerate.
What is the primary role of enamel?
To protect and conserve the tooth
Enamel is essential for maintaining tooth integrity.
What is gingiva?
Primary role of protecting the roots of the teeth
Fixed gingiva refers to the part of the gum that is attached to the teeth.
What is mucosa?
Lining of floor of mouth and lips of cheek
Mucosa maintains overall health of the mouth and fights bacteria.
What is dentin?
Layer under enamel
Dentin provides structural support to the tooth.
What is cementum?
Specialised surface of tooth, interacts with periodontal ligament
Cementum stabilises the tooth to the bone.
What is the primary role of cementum?
Stabilising the tooth to the bone
Cementum helps absorb the structure and stability of the tooth during chewing.
What does the pulp of a tooth contain?
Nerves and blood vessels
The pulp keeps the tooth alive and nourished.
What is the periodontal ligament?
Connects tooth and the bone
This ligament helps support the tooth in its socket.
How many roots does a maxillary tooth have?
3 roots
Maxillary refers to the upper teeth.
How many roots does a mandibular tooth have?
2 roots
Mandibular refers to the lower teeth.
What is the palatal surface of a tooth?
Side of teeth facing inside the mouth
This term is used specifically for upper teeth.
What does buccal refer to?
Facing outside of mouth
Buccal surfaces are those that are towards the cheeks.
What are the front 6 teeth on the top called?
Anterior teeth
These are typically the incisors.
What are the back 5 teeth referred to?
Pre molar (bicuspid)
These teeth are located immediately behind the canine teeth.
What are back teeth called?
Occlusal
Occlusal refers to the biting surfaces of the molars.
Fill in the blank: The bottom teeth consist of _______ teeth, canine, and molar.
Incisor
Incisors are the front teeth used for cutting.
