Enamel Flashcards
what is the function of enamel
resists abrasion
what are features of enamel
brittle
varies in thickness
translucent
transparency
what does enamel cover
tooth crown
what is enamel supported by
dentine
what happens if enamel is unsupported
will fail
what does translucency of enamel mean
it reflects colors and where the colour is a different place in the dentine due to the shape of the dentinal tubules
what does transparency of enamel increase with
mineralization
what is enamels thickness based upon
its function
why is the enamel on deciduous teeth thinner
they spend less time in the mouth
which is more mineralized - surface or deeper enamel
surface
when does surface and deeper enamel have the same level of mineralization
when it erupts
what is the purpose of a fissure sealant
protect the surface while it is still maturing
Where does the hardness of enamel decrease
cervical regions
what is hardness of enamel associated with
fragility of enamel
receiving attack from caries
what part of the tooth is more prone to recurrent caries
cervical
what is the basic unit of enamel
enamel rod/prism
what is the dimensions of the enamel rod
5 micrometres x 2.5mm (length of enamel)
where does the rod run from
ADJ to the surface
what does the rod contain
a high concentration of hydroxyapatite crystallites (more than 106)
what is the arrangement of rods
key holes
what are cross striations
consequence of daily growth of the rod when it was created
what is the daily growth of rods
4 micrometers
what is brown transverse striae
consequence of the weekly growth of the rods