Dental Anatomy

Question 1

curving or bulging outward like a dome or a nose

rounded outward

Answer 1

Convex:

Question 2

curving or bulging inward like the inside of a spoon or cave

hollowed out

Answer 2

concave

Question 3

___ :
one of the primary divisions of a crown; all teeth develop from four or five ____
Separated by readily identifiable developmental grooves in the posterior dentition. (In the anterior dentition, these developmental grooves are not as easily identified.)

Answer 3

lobes

Question 4

In the posterior dentition the # enamel lobes = # of _____

Answer 4

cusps

Question 5

A peak, or pointed part, present on the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth and incisal edges of canines.

Answer 5

cusps

Question 6

Linear, convex elevations on the surfaces of the crowns of all teeth. \_\_\_\_\_ are named according to their location or form.
There are several types of ridges:
cusp ridges
triangular ridges 
marginal ridges 
transverse ridge
oblique ridge

Answer 6

Ridges

Question 7

Each CUSP has ___ cusp ridges. They extend mesially, distally, facially, and lingually from the cusp tip.

Answer 7

FOUR

Question 8

Convex Linear ridges which descend from the cusp tips of posterior teeth toward the central groove of the occlusal surface.

Answer 8

triangular ridges

Question 9

A union of 2 linear, triangular ridges found on the mesial and distal borders of teeth. They meet in the form of the (lingual) spillway

Answer 9

marginal ridges

Question 10

The ___ of the marginal ridges of adjacent teeth should be at the same level (unless the teeth are malpositioned)

Answer 10

height

Question 11

A ___ ___ is a union of 2 triangular ridges that face each other and are parallel to the marginal ridges on the occlusal table of a posterior tooth.

Answer 11

Transvers ridge

Question 12

A union of 2 triangular ridges that face each other and are oblique to the marginal ridges on the occlusal table of a posterior maxillary tooth.
Only found on the maxillary molars in an oblique direction from the distobuccal to mesiolingual cusps.

Answer 12

Oblique Ridges

Question 13

Cusp tips are the initial site where enamel develops. As the enamel develops and spreads laterally, it touches the enamel developing from other cusps. This junction forms a ____ ____

Answer 13

developmental groove.

Question 14

The ___ developmental groove of posterior teeth aligns into a continuous valley dividing the teeth approximately in half.

Answer 14

central

Question 15

An auxiliary groove which branches from a primary, developmental groove.
Its location is not related to the junction of primary tooth parts, and is normally not as deep as a developmental groove

Answer 15

supplemental groove

Question 16

Each marginal ridge has its corresponding spillway that extends over the marginal ridge and is located slightly lingual of center
Their function is to drive food lingually to the tongue
Also called a marginal groove

Answer 16

supplemental groove: spillway

Question 17

Irregular depressions or concavities on the occlusal table of a tooth
Called “triangular fossae” in the M and D of posterior teeth
Anteriors:
Centrals & laterals – have one large, shallow fossa in the center of the lingual surface
Canines – have two small, shallow fossae on either side of the lingual ridge on the lingual surface
Premolars: may have 2 or 3 depending on the pattern of the mandibular 2nd
Molars: have three
Central – largest and deepest
Mesial – second deepest
Distal – least deep

Answer 17

Fossae (fossa)

Question 18

A __ is the deepest portion of a fossa.

A small depressed area where developmental grooves/lobes often join or end.

Answer 18

PIt

Question 19

The area on a proximal surface of the crown of a tooth that contacts the adjacent tooth
The contacts appear lower on each tooth as you move posteriorly

Answer 19

Contact area

Question 20

The open space (negative space) between the proximal surfaces of two adjacent teeth in the same arch.
There are four types: Buccal, Lingual, Occlusal and Gingival

Answer 20

embrasures

Question 21

Viewed from the occlusal aspect.

There are buccal and lingual ___ spaces.

Answer 21

embrasure

Question 22

The space between the teeth as viewed from the direct buccal AND lingual aspects

Answer 22

Occlusal & Gingival Embrasures

Question 23

Defined as: “The occlusal surfaces of the premolars and molars; the basic collective topography, including the form of the cusps, inclined planes, marginal ridges, and central fossae and grooves of the teeth.” (Mosby’s Dental Dictionary)
It can also be said that the occlusal table is the perimeter of the biting surface of the tooth where the mesial, distal, facial/buccal and lingual surfaces meet the occlusal surface.

Answer 23

Occlusal Table