Enamel Dentin Pulp Flashcards
What type of material is mature enamel?
Mature enamel is a crystalline material and the hardest mineralized tissue in the human body.
What is notable about enamel in its mature state?
It is noted for its almost total absence of softer organic matrix.
How can healthy enamel be removed?
It can only be removed by rotary cutting instruments or rough files.
What is one of the primary goals of dental professionals?
Preservation of the enamel is one of their primary goals.
Is enamel a renewable tissue?
No, enamel is not a renewable tissue.
What is the vascular nature of enamel?
Enamel is avascular.
Does enamel have a nerve supply?
No, enamel does not have a nerve supply.
Can enamel regenerate?
No, enamel is not a renewable tissue.
Is enamel a static tissue?
No, enamel is not static and can undergo mineralization changes.
What is the composition of mature enamel?
Mature enamel is composed of 96% inorganic material, 1% organic material, and 3% water.
What is the main crystalline component of enamel?
The main crystalline component is calcium hydroxyapatite, with the chemical formula Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂.
How does enamel appear on radiographs?
Enamel appears more radiopaque than dentin, pulp, and surrounding periodontium.
What part of the tooth is typically visible in a healthy mouth?
Enamel is typically the only visible part of a tooth.
What does enamel cover?
Enamel covers the anatomic crown.
Where is enamel thinner and thicker?
Enamel is thinner in the cervical region and thicker on chewing surfaces.
What aesthetic property does enamel provide?
Enamel gives teeth their esthetic white color.
How does enamel on primary teeth differ from enamel on permanent teeth?
Enamel on primary teeth is more opaque and appears whiter than on permanent teeth.
What happens to permanent molars over time in terms of wear?
The permanent first molars wear more than the second molars, and the second molars wear more than the third molars.
What is the wear rate of enamel from normal factors?
The wear rate of enamel is approximately 8 micrometers per year from normal factors.
How can habits like bruxism affect tooth enamel?
Habits like bruxism (grinding) can remove larger amounts of tooth material.
What is a wear facet?
A wear facet is a flat, polished area, usually found on the occlusal or incisal surfaces of the teeth.
How is a wear facet created?
It is created by repeated contact and friction between opposing teeth during chewing or parafunctional habits like grinding (bruxism).
What is abrasion?
Abrasion is the loss of enamel caused by friction, such as from excessive toothbrushing or abrasive toothpaste.
What is erosion?
Erosion is the process by which acids dissolve the hard tissues of teeth, leading to tooth structure loss.