Enamel

Question 1

abfraction:

Answer 1

Hard tissue loss, possibly caused by tensile and compressive forces during flexure

Question 2

abrasion:

Answer 2

Hard tooth tissue loss caused by friction from tooth brushing and toothpaste (or both).

Question 3

amelogenesis:

Answer 3

The process of production and development of enamel.

Question 4

apposition stage:

Answer 4

Stage of tooth development during which enamel matrix is produced by the
ameloblasts

Question 5

attrition:

Answer 5

Hard tissue loss caused by tooth-to-tooth contact during mastication or parafunctional
habits.

Question 6

calcium hydroxyapatite:

Answer 6

Main inorganic crystal in enamel, bone, dentin, and cementum with the
chemical formula of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2.

Question 7

caries:

Answer 7

Cavities with hard tissue loss resulting from demineralization of the tooth owing to acid
produced by cariogenic bacteria.

Question 8

enamel dysplasia:

Answer 8

Faulty development of enamel resulting from many factors.

Question 9

enamel lamellae:

Answer 9

Partially calcified vertical sheets of enamel matrix

Question 10

enamel matrix:

Answer 10

Matrix of enamel formed during amelogenesis by the ameloblasts.

Question 11

enamel pearl:

Answer 11

Small, spherical enamel projection on the tooth surface, most often near the CEJ
and bifurcation zone of molar teeth.

Question 12

enamel rod:

Answer 12

Structural unit of enamel, extending from the dentinoenamel junction to the surface
of the tooth and normally having a translucent crystalline appearance.

Question 13

enamel spindles:

Answer 13

Tubular spaces in enamel found at the dentinoenamel junction in which a
terminal extension of the odontoblastic processes can be found.

Question 14

enamel tufts:

Answer 14

Narrow, ribbon-like structures whose constricted inner ends arise at or near right
angles to the dentinoenamel junction and extends a third of the way into the thickness of the
enamel. Tufts consist of hypoclacified spaces that may be filled with organic substance.

Question 15

erosion:

Answer 15

Hard tissue loss through chemical means (acid), not involving bacteria.

Question 16

interprismatic region:

Answer 16

Outer region surrounding each enamel rod, also called interrod enamel.

Question 17

lines of Retzius:

Answer 17

Incremental lines in preparations of mature enamel.

Question 18

maturation stage:

Answer 18

Stage of tooth development during which enamel matrix completes its
mineralization process.

Question 19

neonatal line:

Answer 19

Accentuated incremental line of Retzius in enamel or contour line of Owen in
dentin that results from the birth process

Question 20

perikymata:

Answer 20

Grooves evident on some teeth in the oral cavity associated with the lines of Retzius
in enamel

Question 21

reduced enamel epithelium:

Answer 21

Layers of flattened cells overlying the enamel surface resulting from
a compression of the enamel organ.

Question 22

Tomes’ process:

Answer 22

Secretory surface of each ameloblast.