Primary Dentition

Question 1

What are the main functions of primary teeth?

Answer 1

Efficient chewing, supporting lips and cheeks, formulating clear speech, and maintaining space for permanent teeth.

Question 2

When do primary teeth start to shed?

Answer 2

Between ages 6 and 7, continuing until 12 years.

Question 3

How does the size of primary teeth compare to permanent teeth?

Answer 3

Primary teeth are smaller than permanent teeth.

Question 4

What is unique about the enamel of primary teeth?

Answer 4

It is thinner and less mineralized compared to permanent teeth.

Question 5

Describe the color of primary teeth.

Answer 5

Primary teeth are whiter in color compared to permanent teeth.

Question 6

What is the root-to-crown ratio (R/C) in primary incisors?

Answer 6

Approximately 2:1, meaning the root is twice the length of the crown.

Question 7

What is a notable feature of primary maxillary central incisors?

Answer 7

Prominent anatomical features on the lingual aspect.

Question 8

How do primary mandibular incisors’ anatomical features compare?

Answer 8

Less distinct and less prominent.

Question 9

What is a distinguishing feature of primary maxillary canines?

Answer 9

Prominent marginal and palatal ridges with distinct fossae.

Question 10

What is unique about the crown shape of primary molars?

Answer 10

They have a prominent mesiobuccal cervical ridge.

Question 11

How does the occlusal table of primary molars differ?

Answer 11

Narrower occlusal table with short, flat cusps.

Question 12

What distinguishes primary first molars?

Answer 12

They do not resemble any other tooth and have unique features like an overdeveloped mesial marginal ridge.

Question 13

How are primary second molars different from permanent first molars?

Answer 13

They resemble permanent first molars but are smaller in size.

Question 14

What is a common characteristic of primary teeth roots?

Answer 14

Long and slender with a bend in the apical third towards the labial aspect.

Question 15

Why are primary teeth more prone to pulp exposure during cavity preparation?

Answer 15

Thinner enamel and dentin layers.

Question 16

How does the symmetry of primary maxillary central incisors compare?

Answer 16

They are more symmetrical than the lateral incisors.

Question 17

What is the relationship between the MD and FL dimensions in primary maxillary canines?

Answer 17

MD dimension is greater than FL dimension.

Question 18

What is the oblique ridge characteristic in primary maxillary second molars?

Answer 18

Straighter in course compared to permanent first molars.

Question 19

How many cusps does a primary mandibular second molar have?

Answer 19

Five cusps.

Question 20

What is the relationship between MD and FL dimensions in primary mandibular first molars?

Answer 20

MD > FL dimension.

Question 21

How do primary mandibular canines’ features compare to maxillary canines?

Answer 21

Features are less prominent and barely discernible.

Question 22

What is the importance of primary teeth in speech?

Answer 22

Essential for forming clear speech, especially dentolabial consonants.

Question 23

How does the cingulum of primary anterior teeth compare to permanent teeth?

Answer 23

More prominent, covering 1/3 of the crown.

Question 24

What is the function of the primary molars’ widely spread roots?

Answer 24

Provide space for the development of succedaneous teeth.

Question 25

What is unique about the crown outline of primary mandibular first molars?

Answer 25

It is mesially straight and more convex distally.