Introduction

The oral cavity is an important part of the skull with

multiple physiologic functions:
❖ Biting mastication
❖ Swallowing
❖ Phonation
❖ Respiration
Unique structures of the oral cavity
❖ Teeth gingiva
❖ Tongue
❖ Specialized oral tissues

❖ The mouth—contributes to facial expression Complete Human Dentition

with movements of the lips and jaws and with
the associated musculature.
❖ Smiling—considered one of the principal facial
expressions and highly valued for nonverbal
communication.
❖ Psychiatrist and psychologist—include a
patient’s facial expression when evaluating the
mood of a patient.

Oral Fissures and Lips: the anatomical landmarks of

the oral fissure and the lips
Anatomy of a tooth

Oral Cavity: anatomy of the oral cavity

Oral Anatomy: nomenclature
Formulae for Mammalian Teeth
- The dental formula for the primary/deciduous teeth
in humas is as follows:

- Permanent human dentition:

Tooth Numbering System

- System of tooth notation is necessary for recording
data.
- There are several systems in use in the world, but
only a few are considered here.
- 1947 – a committee of the American Dental
Association (ADA) recommended the symbolic
(Zsigmondy/palmer) systems as the numbering
method of choice.

- 1968 - ADA officially recommended the

“universal” numbering system. Because of
some limitation and lack of widespread use
 internationally, recommendations for a change
sometimes are made. ❖ A two-digit system proposed by Federation
- Symbolic system for the permanent dentition Dentaire International (FDI) for both the
was introduced by Adolph Zsigmondy in primary and permanent dentition has been
1861 and then modified for the primary adopted by the World Health Organization
dentition in 1874. and accepted by other organizations such as the
- Zsigmondy/Palmer notation system – in this International Association for Dental
system the arches are divided into quadrants Research. The FDI system of tooth notation is
with the entire dentition being notated as as follows.
follows.
]=

❖ The first digit indicates the quadrant: 1 to 4 for

the permanent dentition and 5 to 8 for the
primary dentition. The second digit indicates
the tooth within a quadrant: 1 to 8 for the
permanent teeth and 1 to 5 for the primary teeth.

- This numbering system presents difficulty when an

appropriate font is not available for keyboard
recording.
 Buccal and lingual grooves – line

Central pit – landmark of central fossa where developmental grooves join

Buccinator muscle – buccal

Lingual – facing the tongue

Natural abbreviation – occurs when the bite is right
Median – in between the central incisors
Mechanical abbreviation – crooked tooth
Occlusal – premolars and molars the surface that comes in contact when biting
Mamelons – 6 to 10 yrs old. Occurs because of the growth of enamel
Incisal – incisors and canines’ (anterior teeth) surface when contact
Lobe – in between the groves
Proximal –

Mesial -- faced toward medial line. Surfaces that faces the median line

Distal – distant from medial line. Surfaces that is away from the median line.
Pa-curve yung sa may incisal niya

Contact area – surfaces that touches

Anterior – incisors , canine

Roots single – anterior teeth

Premolar – 2 roots

Molars – 3 roots

Mandibular molar – two roots

Proximal surface first

Cusp – pre-molars and molars. tip

Tabernacle – extra cusp

Cingulum – cl – anterior teeth only

Ridge – mr elevated and linear. Tip but mahaba

Triangular ridge – Buccal – rounded sa mandibular molar

Trans righe – union of the triangular ridge

Mesiolabial – line
Oblique ridge – upper molars only
Proximal surface first
Fossa – irregular depression

Lingual fossae – lingual surface incisor ilalim ng cingulum

Central fossae – occlusal molars.

Triangular fossa – depression on the distal or marginal ridge

Sulcus – long depression. Line na palubog. Posterior teeth

Developmental groove – shallpw parts of tbe crown or root Point angle – junction of three surfaces.
Supplemental groove – shallow linear depression Line angle – 2 surfaces involve
Naming: mesio/disto – lingo/buccal – incisal/occlusal Tabernacle – a smaller elevation on some portion of the
crown produced by an extra formation of enamel.

Surfaces and Ridges Cingulum – (girdle – Latin) lingual lobe of an anterior

tooth. It makes up the bulk of the cervical third of the
lingual surface.
Ridge – linear elevation on the surface of a tooth and is
named according to location. (Buccal, incisal, marginal)
Marginal Ridge – rounded borders of the enamel that
form the mesial and distal margins of the occlusal
surfaces of premolars and molars and the mesial and
distal margins of the lingual surfaces of the incisors and
canine.
Triangular Ridges – descend from the tips of the cusps
of molars and premolars toward the central part of the
occlusal surfaces.
Transverse Ridge – union of two triangular ridges
Facial Surfaces – collectively the labial and buccal crossing transversely the surface of a posterior tooth.
surfaces.
❖ Labial Surfaces – surfaces toward the lips
(incisors and canines)
❖ Buccal Surfaces – surfaces facing the cheek
(premolars & molars)
Lingual Surfaces – surfaces toward the tongue
Occlusal Surfaces – surface of the premolars and
molars that come in contact (occlusion) with those in the
opposite jaw during the act of closure.
Proximal/Proximate Surfaces – surfaces of the teeth Oblique Ridge – ridge crossing obliquely the occlusal
facing toward adjoining teeth in the same dental arch. surfaces of maxillary molars and formed by the union of
the triangular ridge of the distobuccal cusp and the distal
❖ Mesial Surfaces – proximal surfaces that
cusp ridge of the mesiolingual cusp.
following the curve of the arch, that are faced
toward the median line. Fossa – irregular depression or concavity.
❖ Distal Surfaces – most distant surface from the
median line. Lingual Fossae – on lingual surfaces of incisors.
--- 4 teeth – have mesial surfaces that contact Central Fossae – on the occlusal surface of molars
each other.
Triangular Fossae – found on molars and premolars on
Contact Area – area of the mesial or distal surface of a the occlusal surfaces mesial or distal to marginal ridges.
tooth that touches its neighbors in the arch.
Sulcus – long depression or valley in the surface of a
Anterior Teeth – Incisors and Canine tooth occlusal surface mesial or distal to marginal ridges.
Posterior Teeth – Premolars and Molars Developmental Groove – shallow grove or line between
the primary parts of the crown or root.

Other Landmarks Supplemental Groove – less distinct, also a shallow

linear depression on the surface of a tooth.
Cusp – elevation or mound on the crown of a tooth
making up a divisional part of the occlusal surface.
Buccal and Lingual Grooves – developmental grooves
found on the buccal and lingual surfaces of posterior
teeth.
Central Pit – term used to describe a landmark in the
central fossa of molars where developmental grooves
join.

✓ Roots – single or multiple

✓ Maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth –
one root each
✓ Mandibular 1st and 2nd premolars and
maxillary 2nd premolar – single rooted
✓ Maxillary 1st premolars – two roots in most
cases. One buccal and one lingual.
✓ Maxillary molars have three roots.
(Mesiobuccal, distobuccal, lingual)
✓ Mandibular molars – two roots (mesial, distal)
➢ Mamelon – any one of the three rounded ✓ It must be understood that description in
protuberances found on the incisal ridges of anatomy can never follow a hard-and-fast rule,
newly erupted incisor teeth. ✓ Variations frequently occur,
➢ Lobe – one of the primary sections of formation ✓ Especially true regarding tooth roots, for
in the development of the crown. Cusps and example, facial and lingual roots of the
mamelos are representative of lobes. mandibular canine.

Division into Thirds, Line Angles, and Point Angles

o For purposed of description, the crowns and
roots of teeth have been divided into thirds, and
junctions of the crown surfaces are described as
line angles and point angles.
o Line angle and point angle are used only as
descriptive terms to indicate a location.
o When the surface of the crown and root portions
are divided into thirds, these thirds are named
according to their location.
Line angle – formed by the junction of two surfaces and Point Angle – formed by the junction of three surfaces.
derives its name from the combination of the two Also derives its name from the combination of the names
surfaces that join. of the surfaces forming it.
The line angles of the anterior teeth are as follows: The point angles of the anterior teeth are:
1. Mesiolabial 1. Mesiolinguoincisal
2. Distolingual 2. Mesiolabialincisal
3. Distolabial 3. Distolabioincisal
4. Labioincisal 4. Distolinguoincisal
5. Mesiolingual
6. Linguincisal

The point angles of the posterior teeth are:

The line angles of the posterior teeth are as follows: 1. Mesiobucco-occlusal

2. Mesiolinguo-occlusal
1. Mesiobuccal 3. Distobucco-occlusal
2. Distolingual 4. Distolinguo-occlusal
3. Bucco-occlusal
4. Distobuccal
5. Mesio-occlusal
6. Linguo-occlusal
7. Mesiolingual
8. Disto-occlusal
Carving in Wax Knowledge of the development of the teeth and their
emergence into the oral cavity is applicable to clinical
Carving
practice, anthropology, demography, forensics, and
- Act of using tools to shape something from a paleontology.
material by scraping away portions of that material
Importance
Clinical Considerations
✓ Develop psychomotor skills for restoring the
❖ Number
teeth to proper form and function.
❖ Shape
✓ Acquires knowledge to identify teeth, recognize
❖ Size
and diagnose tooth anomalies and treat or
❖ Position
manage dental pathology
❖ Coloration
❖ Angulations of the teeth
❖ Outlines of the roots
Observe and Measure the Tooth ❖ Outlines of the teeth
❖ Occlusal contacts
❖ Evidence of function and parafunction
❖ Phonetics
❖ Esthetics

Malformations of the Teeth

❖ Dental anomality’s – seen most often with 3rd
molars, maxillary lateral incisors, and
How to Start? mandibular second premolars.
1. Observing and measuring Clinical Considerations on Roots
2. Sketching
3. Carving
4. Draw the outline
5. Carve

Development and Eruption of the Teeth Chronology of Primary Dentition

Chronology – arrangement of events or dates in the
order of their eruption
Eruption – denotes the tooth’s emergence through the
gingiva, but then it became more completely defined to
mean continuous tooth movement from the dental bud to
occlusal contact

Development and Eruption/Emergence of the Teeth

❖ Primary dentition – between the 6th and 13th
months of postnatal life.
❖ 2 to 3 years – for primary dentition to be
completed.
❖ Begins with initial calcification of the primary
central incisor to the completion of the roots of
the primary second molar
❖ Emergence of primary dentition through the
alveolar mucous membrane – an important time
for the development of oral motor behavior and
the acquisition of masticator skills.
❖ Presence of teething problems – suggests how
the primary dentition can affect the development
of future neurobehavioral mechanisms,
including jaw movements and mastication.
❖ Learning mastication – highly dependent on the
stage and development of the dentition the
maturation of the neuromuscular system, and
such factors as diet.
Primary Teeth
➢ Enamel organs do not at all develop at the same Mesiodens
rate
➢ Some teeth are completed before others are
formed, resulting in different times of eruption
for different groups of teeth
➢ Some of the primary/deciduous teeth are
undergoing resorption while the roots of others
are still forming.

microdont

A. Enamel Organ
1. Beginning of the first primary molar
2. Bell stage of second primary molar
3. Dental lamina of 1st permanent molars

B. Partially developed primary incisor and

lingually developing permanent incisor.

❖ Primary Dentition – completely formed by

about age 3 and functions for a relatively short
period of time before it is lost completely at
about age 11
❖ Permanent Dentition – completed by about age
25 if the third molars are included.
❖ Calcification (primary teeth) – begins in utero
from 13 to 16 weeks postfertilization
❖ 18 to 2 weeks (primary teeth) – all begun to
calcify.
❖ Crown formation (primary tooth crown) –
takes only some 2 to 3 years from initial
calcification to root completion.
❖ Mineralization of the permanent dentition is
entirely postnatal. Formation of each tooth takes
about 8 to 12 years
❖ Variability in tooth development is similar to
that for eruption, sexual maturity, and other
similar growth indicators.
❖ Crown formation (primary teeth) – continues
after birth.
❖ During this period of time (before and after
birth) – disorders in shape, pigmentation,
mineralization, and structure sometimes occurs.
Crown and Root Development
Dental development can be considered to have two
components:
1. Formation of crowns and roots
2. Eruption of the teeth.
The former seems to be much more resistant to
environmental influences, the latter can be affected by
caries and tooth loss.

❖ After crown of the tooth is formed –

development of the root portion begins. At the
cervical border of the enamel (cervix of the
crown), cementum starts to forms as a root
covering of the dentin.

The Dentitions
❖ Human dentitions are usually categorized as
being primary, mixed (transitional), and
permanent dentitions.
Prenatal/Perinatal
❖ First indication of tooth formation – occurs as
early as the 6th week of prenatal life when the
jaws have assumed their initial shape.
❖ Lower face height is small compared with the
neurocranium.
❖ Mandibular arch – larger than the maxillary
arch, and the vertical dimensions of the jaws are
❖ Transition from the primary dentition to the
but little developed.
permanent dentition is of particular interest
❖ Shape of the prenatal head – varies
because of changes that may herald the onset of
considerably, but the relative difference between
malocclusion and provide for its interception and
the braincase, orbits, and lower face height
correction.
remains the same.
❖ All stages of tooth formation fill both jaws
during this stage of development.
Development of the Primary Dentition

• Considerable growth follows birth in the

neurocranium and splanchnocranium
• At birth – no teeth are visible in the mouth;
however, rarely, infants are born with erupted
mandibular incisors.
• Development of both primary and
permanent teeth continues in this period, and
jaw growth follows the need for additional
space posteriorly for additional teeth.
• Alveolar bone height – increases to
accommodate the increasing length of the
teeth.
• Growth of the anterior parts of the jaw –
limited after about the first year of postnatal
life.

Sequence of Emergence of Primary Teeth

• Predominant sequence of eruption of the

primary teeth in the individual jaw:
1. Central incisor
2. First molar
3. Lateral incisor
4. First molar
5. Canine
6. Second molar
• Investigations of the chronology of emergence
of primary teeth in different racial and ethnic
groups show considerable variation
• World population – differences in tooth
standards – suggest that patterned differences
may exist that in fact are not large. Tooth
size, morphology, and formation are highly
inheritable characteristics.

Neuromuscular Development

• mature neuromuscular controlled

movement of the mandible requires the
presence and articulation of the teeth and
proprioceptive input from the periodontium
• contact of opposing first primary molars is
the beginning of the development of occlusion
and a neuromuscular substrate for more
complex mandibular and tongue functions.
Primary Dentition Transitional (Mixed) Dentition Period
❖ The primary/deciduous dentition is considered to
be completed by about 30 months or when the
second primary molars are in occlusion.
❖ The dentition period includes the time when no
apparent changes occur intraorally (i.e., from
about 30 months to about 6 years of age).
❖ The form of the dental arch remains relatively
constant without significant changes in depth or
width.
❖ A slight increase in the intercanine width occurs ❖ The first transition dentition begins with the
about the time the primary incisors are lost, and emergence and eruption of the mandibular first
an increase in size in both jaws in a sagittal permanent molars and ends with the loss of the
direction is consistent with the space needed to last primary tooth, which usually occurs at about
accommodate the succedaneous teeth. age 11 to 12.
❖ The initial phase of the transition period lasts
about 2 years.
❖ The permanent teeth do not begin eruptive
movements until after the crown is completed.

Loss of Primary Teeth

❖ The premature loss of primary teeth because of
caries has an effect on the development of the
permanent dentition.
❖ Loss of primary teeth may lead to lack of space
for the permanent dentition.
❖ It is sometimes assumed by laypersons that the
loss of primary teeth, which are sometimes
referred to as baby teeth or milk teeth, is of little
consequence because they are only temporary.
❖ These primary teeth are in use and contributing
❖ An increase in the vertical dimension of the to the health and well-being of the individual
facial skeleton occurs as a result of alveolar during the first years of greatest development,
bone deposition, condyle growth. physically and mentally.
❖ The part of the jaws that contain the primary ❖ Premature loss of primary teeth, retention of
teeth has almost reached adult width. primary teeth, congenital absence of teeth,
❖ The dental arches are complete, and the dental anomalies, and insufficient space –
occlusion of the primary dentition is functional. considered important factors in the initiation and
❖ During this period, attrition is sufficient in development of an abnormal occlusion.
many children and is quite observable. ❖ Premature loss of primary teeth from dental
neglect is likely to cause a loss of arch length
with a consequent tendency for crowding of the
permanent dentition.
Permanent Dentition
✓ Third molars – do not come in until the age of
17 or later
✓ Considerable posterior growth is required after
the age of 12 to allow room for these teeth.
✓ Third molars – subject to many anomalies and
variations of form.
✓ Insufficient jaw development for their
accommodation complicates matters in the
majority of cases.
✓ Individuals who have properly developed third
molars in good alignment are very much in the
Cementoenamel Junction
minority.
- Types of Junctions
1. The enamel overlapping the cementum
2. End-to-end approximating junction
3. Absence of connecting enamel and
cementum so that the dentin is an external
part of the surface of the root.
4. Overlapping of the enamel by the cementum

Size of Teeth

• Genetics
• Race – lapps (smallest), Australian aborigines
(largest)
• Gender – size dimorphism 4% (<canines, Dental Age
>incisors)
• Bone size – often disharmony o Generally based on the formation or eruption of
the teeth.
o Formation of teeth is usually based on the time
Dental Pulp that the teeth emerge through the mucous
membrane or gingiva
- Connective tissue organ containing a number of o Formation of teeth is continuous throughout the
structures, among which are arteries, veins, a juvenile years.
lymphatic system and nerves. o When the last tooth has been completed – the
- Primary function: to form the dentin of the tooth skeleton is approaching complete maturation
- Relatively large in primary teeth and in young o Attrition and wear – used to estimate
permanent teeth. chronological age, but the estimation of adult
- The opening of the pulp cavity at the apex – is age at best is only on the order of 5 years
constricted and is called the APICAL FORAMEN o Knowledge of dental age has practical clinical
- Pulp keeps its tissue-forming function (secondary applications
dentin), especially with the advance of dental
caries toward the pulp.
- The pulp cavity – becomes smaller and constricted
with age.
 o Early use of fluoride – reduces the prevalence of
clinically noticeable fluorosis
o 6 years old – pea-size amount of fluoride
toothpaste
o Consult dentist concerning the use of fluoride
toothpaste by children under age 2 years
o Dental development may be based also on the
emergence of the teeth
o Caries, tooth loss, and severe malnutrition –
influence the emergence of teeth through the
gingiva, chronologies of the eruption of teeth are
o Estimation of juvenile age – more precise than that less satisfactory for dental age assessment than
of adult age
those based on tooth formation
o Postnatal development chronologies – most often o Importance of the emergence of the teeth to the
based on radiological data development of oral motor behavior is often
overlooked.
o The appearance of the teeth in the mouth at a
o Dental age – assessed on the bases of the strategic time in the maturation of the infant’s
following: nervous system and its interface with the
1. Number of teeth at each chronological age external environment must have a profound
2. Stages of the formation of crowns effect on the neurobehavioral mechanisms
3. Roots of the teeth underlying the infant’s development and
learning of feeding behavior, particularly the
acquisition of masticatory skills.
Dental age during the mixed dentition period may be
assessed on the basis of the following:
1. Teeth have erupted Tooth Formation Standards
2. Amount of resorption of the roots of primary • formation of human dentition are based
teeth primarily on data from studies of dissected
3. Amount of development of the permanent teeth prenatal anatomic material and from
radiographic imaging of the teeth of the same
subjects over time or of different subjects of
o Dental age – reflects an assessment of different ages seen once.
physiological age comparable to age based on
skeletal development, weight, or height. Chronologies of Human Dentition
o Teeth are forming – crowns and roots of the • history of chronological studies – demonstrates
teeth appear to be tissues least affected by the difficulty in obtaining adequate
environmental influences (nutrition, documentation of the source of the data being
endocrinopathies) presented.
o TETRACYCLINE – ingested by the mother • Many early tables and charts disagreed on the
during certain times of the development of the timing of chronological events.
dentitions, significant discoloration from yellow
• More precise information was needed to avoid
to brown to bluish violet and from part (cervical)
injury to developing teeth during surgery on
to all of the enamel may occur.
young children, especially related to the repair of
o Benefits of fluoride for the control of dental
cleft palate.
caries are well established. (First introduced in
(1) Kronfeld’s table
Europe in 1964. More than 48 years of clinical
(2) Schour and Massler
studies)
(3) Lunt and Law
o Widespread use of fluoride – resulted in an
(4) Logan and Kronfeld Chronology
increasing prevalence of FLUOROSIS in both
(5) Smith
nonfluorinated and optimally fluoridated
populations.
Types of Chronologies The Primary (Deciduous) Teeth

• Chronologies of dental development reflect the Life Cycle

use of different statistical methods to produce
Age 3 – roots of the primary dentition are completed
three different types of tooth formation date:
(1) Age of attainment chronologies based on Age 4 – some of the primary teeth are found to be
tooth emergence. missing
(2) Age prediction chronologies based on
being in a stage Age 6 – as many 19% may be missing
(3) Maturity assessment scales used to assess Age 10 – Only about 26% may be present
whether a subject of known age is in front of
or behind compared with a reference
population.
❖ Second molars in both arches & maxillary
incisors – appears to be the most unstable of the
primary teeth
Stages of Tooth Formation ❖ Developing and completed primary dentition
Radiographic studies of tooth formation have used at – serves as a number of purposed during that
least three stages: time and the period of transition to be permanent
dentition.
(1) Beginning calcification
(2) Crown completion Importance of Primary Teeth
(3) Root completion ✓ Mastication
Nolla – expanded the number of stages to 11 ✓ Preventing and treating dental decay and
providing children with a comfortable functional
Gleiser and Hunt to 13 – this had served as the basis for occlusion of the deciduous teeth
several studies, including that of Moorees who defined ✓ Maintaining the space for eruption of the
14 stages of permanent tooth formation. permanent teeth
✓ Development of adequate spacing is an
important factor in the development of normal
Age of Attainment of Growth Stage occlusal relations in the permanent dentition
Nomenclature
❖ Tooth Exfoliation – the process of shedding
primary teeth and their replacement
by permanent teeth. It takes place between the
7th and the 12th years
❖ Root Resorption – roots are dissolved by the
crown of the succeeding permanent teeth
❖ 20 – primary teeth. 10 – each jaw
❖ Other names for primary teeth:
◼ Temporary teeth
◼ Milk teeth
◼ Baby teeth
- These terms are improper because they foster the
implication that these teeth are useful for a short
period only
❖ 1st permanent molar – commonly called the 6-
year-old molar; makes its appearance in the
mouth before any of the primary teeth are lost
❖ Attrition – loss of tooth structure or tissue
caused by tooth-on-tooth contact
 ❖ Primary molars – replaced by permanent ✓ buccolingual dimeter of primary molar teeth is
molars less than that of permanent teeth
❖ Primary set – no premolars present. Deciduous ✓ crowns of primary anterior teeth – wider
set – no teeth resembles the permanent molar mesiodistally in comparison with their crown
❖ Crowns of the primary maxillary first molars length than are the permanent teeth
– resembles the crowns of the permanent ✓ roots of primary anterior teeth – narrower and
premolars. longer comparatively
❖ Deciduous mandibular first molar – unique in ✓ Narrow roots with wide crowns present an
that it has a crown from unlike that of any arrangement at the cervical third of crown and
permanent tooth. root that differs markedly from that of the
permanent anterior teeth

Maxillary

Mandibular ✓ cervical ridges of enamel of the anterior teeth

–more prominent.
✓ primary teeth – usually less pigmented and are
Primary teeth is classified as: whiter in appearance than the permanent teeth

- 4 incisors (central and lateral incisor)

- 2 canines (canines)
- 4 molars (1st and 2nd premolar)

Major Contrast Between Primary and Permanent

Teeth

✓ primary teeth are smaller in overall size and

crown dimensions
✓ prominent cervical ridges
✓ narrower at their necks
✓ lighter in color
✓ roots – more widely flared
 ✓ roots of the primary molars are longer – more Detailed Description of Each Primary Tooth
slender and flare more, extending out beyond
projected outlines of the crowns.
✓ crowns and roots of primary molars at their Maxillary Central Incisor (labial aspect)
cervical portions – more slender mesiodistally
✓ cervical ridges buccally on the primary • crown of the primary central
molars – much more pronounced, especially on incisor, the mesiodistal diameter is greater
the maxillary and mandibular first molars. than the cervicoincisal length.
• labial surface is very smooth, and
the incisal edge is nearly straight
• Developmental lines are usually
not seen
• root is cone-shaped with even, tapered sides
• root length is greater in comparison with the
crown length than that of the permanent central
incisor.

Maxillary Central Incisor (Lingual Aspect)

• lingual aspect of the crown shows

well-developed marginal ridges and a highly
developed cingulum
Pulp Chambers and Pulp Canals • cingulum extends up toward the
incisal ridge far enough to make a partial
1. Crown widths in all directions are large in division of the concavity on the lingual
comparison with root trunks and cervices surface below the incisal edge, practically
2. The enamel is relatively thin and has a consistent dividing it into a mesial and distal fossa
depth. • root – narrows lingually
3. The dentin thickness between the pulp chambers • flatter surface labially
and the enamel is limited, particularly in some
areas (lower second primary molar).
4. The pulp horns are high, and the pulp chambers
Maxillary Central Incisor (Mesial and Distal Aspect)
are large
5. Primary roots are narrow and long when • mesial and distal aspects of the
compared with crown width and length primary maxillary central incisors are similar
6. Molar roots of primary teeth flare markedly and • Because of the short crown and its
thin out rapidly as the apices are approached labiolingual measurement, the crown appears
thick at the middle third and even down
toward the incisal third
• curvature of the cervical line, which
represents the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), is
distinct, curving toward the incisal ridge
• cervical curvature distally is less than the
curvature mesially.
• root appears more blunt from this aspect
• Developmental groove or concavity on the
mesial surface of the root.
• Convex on the distal surface of the root
 Maxillary Central Incisor (Incisal Aspect) • root of the primary canine is long, slender, and
tapering and is more than twice the crown
• incisal edge is centered over the
length.
main bulk of the crown and is relatively
straight.
• lingual surface tapers toward the
Maxillary Canine (Mesial Aspect)
cingulum
• incisal edge, the labial surface is • Measurement labiolingually at the cervical third
much broader and also smoother than the is much greater
lingual surface. • This increase in crown dimension, in
• mesial and the distal surfaces of this tooth is conjunction with the root width and length,
broad. permits resistance against forces the tooth must
with stand during function.
• Function of this tooth is to punch, tear,
Maxillary Lateral Incisor (All Aspect) and apprehend food material

• the maxillary lateral is similar to the central Maxillary Canine (Distal Aspect)
incisor from all aspects, but its dimensions
• Distal outline of this tooth is the
differ.
reverse of the mesial aspect.
• crown is smaller in all directions
• No outstanding differences may be noted except
• distoincisal angles of the crown are more
than the curvature of the cervical line toward the
rounded than those of the central incisor
cusp ridge is less than on the mesial surface.
• Although the root has a similar shape, it is much
longer in proportion to its crown than the central Maxillary Canine (Incisal Aspect)
ratio indicates when a comparison is made
• Diamond-shaped.
• Angles that are found at the
contact areas mesially and distally; the
cingulum on the lingual surface; and the
cervical third, or enamel ridge, on the
labial surface are more pronounced and less
rounded in effect than those found on the
permanent canines.
• The tip of the cusp is distal to the center of the
crown.
• The mesial cusp slope is longer than the distal
cusp slope.
Maxillary Canine (Labial Aspect)
Mandibular Central Incisor (Labial Aspect)
• crown is more constricted at the
cervix. • Flat face with no developmental
• mesial and distal surfaces are more grooves
convex • Mesial and distal are tapered evenly
• has a long, well-developed, sharp from the contact areas to cervical area.
cusp. • Crown is wide in proportion to its
• Compared with that of the permanent length.
maxillary canine, the cusp on the primary canine • The heavy look at the root trunk makes it
is much longer and sharper, and the crest of resemble the permanent maxillary lateral incisor.
contour mesially is not as far down toward the • Roots is long and evenly tapered down to the
incisal portion apex the root is almost twice the length of the
• mesial slope of the cusp is longer than the distal crown.
slope
 Mandibular Central Incisor (Lingual Aspect) Mandibular Lateral Incisor (All Aspect)

• Lingual portion of the crown and root • Fundamental outlines of

converges so that it is more narrow toward the primary mandibular lateral incisor
lingual and not the labial S. are similar to those of primary
• Lingual surface of the crown at the central incisor.
middle third and the incisal third may have a • These two teeth supplement
flattened surface level with marginal ridges. each other in function.
• Or it may present a light concavity, called • Lateral incisor is somewhat larger in all
lingual fossa. measurements except labiolingually.
• Cingulum of the lateral incisor may be a little
Mandibular Central Incisor (Mesial Aspect)
more generous than that of the central incisor.
• Mesial aspect shows typical outline of
Mandibular Canine (All Aspect)
an incisor tooth.
• Incisal ridge is centered over the center • Difference in function and
of the root and between the crest of curvature of dimension between the mandibular
the crown, labially and lingually. canine and the maxillary canine.
• Convexity of the cervical contours labially and • Mesiodistal measurement of
lingually at the cervical third is just a the mandibular canine root trunk is
pronounced as in any of the other primary Greater compared with its mesiodistal
incisors. measurement at the contact areas.
• Labiolingual measurement is about a millimeter • It is “thicker” at the neck of the tooth.
less than that of the primary maxillary central • Deciduous maxillary canine is much larger
incisor. labiolingually.
• Mesial surface of the root is nearly flat and • Pronounced cervical ridges labially and
evenly tapered the apex presents a more blunt lingually, but not as pronounced than those on
appearance than is found with the lingual or maxillary canine.
labial aspects. • Distal cusp slope is longer than the mesial slope.
Mandibular Central Incisor (Distal Aspect) • Opposite arrangement is with the maxillary
canine.
• Distal outline is the reverse of the • This makes for proper intercuspation of these
mesial aspect. teeth during mastication
• Curvature of the cervical line toward the
cusp ridge is less than on the mesial surface. Maxillary First Molar (Buccal Aspect)
• Cervical line of the crown is less curved • Widest measurement of the crown
toward incisal ridge than on the mesial surface. of the maxillary first molar is at the contact
• A development depression is evident on the areas mesially and distally.
distal side of the root • Crown converges toward the
cervix.
Mandibular Central Incisor (Incisal Aspect)
• Occlusal line is slightly scalloped but with no
• Incisal ridge is straight and bisects the definite cusp form.
crown labiolingually. • Buccal surface is smooth, with little evidence of
• Outline of the crown from the incisal developmental grooves.
aspect emphasizes the crests of contour at the • It is much smaller in all measurements than the
cervical third labially and lingually. second molar.
• Taper toward the cingulum on the lingual side. • It is relative shape and size suggest that it was
• Labial surface from this view presents a flat Designed to be the “premolar section” of the
surface that is slightly convex. primary dentition.
• Lingual surface presents a flattened surface that • In function it acts as a compromise between the
slightly concave. size and shape of the anterior primary teeth and
the molar area.
• At age 6, the large first molar permanent Maxillary First Molar (Distal Aspect)
molar is expected to take its place distal to the
second primary molar. • From the distal aspect, the
• Roots of the maxillary first molar are slender crown is narrower distally; it tapers
and long, and they spread widely. markedly toward the distal end.
• All three roots maybe seen from this aspect. • Distobuccal cusp is long and
sharp and the distolingual cusp is poorly
• Distal root is considerably shorter than the
developed.
mesial one.
• Prominent bulge seen from the mesial aspect at
• The bifurcation of the roots begins almost
the Cervical third does not continue distally.
immediately at the site of the cervical line (CEJ)
• Cervical line may curved occlusally, or it may
Maxillary First Molar (Lingual Aspect) extend straight across from the buccal surfaces
to the lingual surface.
• General outline of the lingual • All three roots maybe seen from this angle, but
aspect of the crown is similar to that of distobuccal root is superimposed on the
buccal aspect. mesiobuccal root so than only buccal surface
• Crown converges in a lingual and the apex of the latter may be seen
Direction, which makes the lingual portions
calibrate less mesiodistally than the buccal Maxillary First Molar (Occlusal Aspect)
portion.
• Mesiobuccal line angle and
• Mesiolingual cusp is the most prominent cusp
distobuccal line angle is definitely
on this tooth. It is the longest and sharpest cusp.
greater than the mesiolingual and
• Distolingual cusp is poorly defined; it is small
distolingual line angle.
and rounded.
• Crown outline converges
• From the lingual aspect, the distobuccal cusp
lingually.
may be seen, since it is longer and better
• Mesiobuccal line angle to mesiolingual line
developed than the distolingual cusp.
angle is greater than that at the distal line angles.
• Presents as on larger lingual cusp with no
• Crown also converges distally.
developmental groove in evidence lingually.
• Occlusal surface is nearly rectangular, with
• Three-cusp molar.
shortest sides of the rectangle represented by the
• All three roots also may be seen from this
marginal ridges.
aspect. The lingual root is larger
• Has a well-defined triangular ridge connecting
Maxillary First Molar (Mesial Aspect) the mesiolingual cusp with the distobuccal cusp.
• Crown of this primary molar resembles a
• From the mesial aspect, the Permanent maxillary premolar. Nevertheless, the
dimension at the cervical third is greater. divisions of the occlusal surface and the root
• Mesio-lingual cusp is longer and form with its efficient anchorage make it molar,
sharper than the Mesiobuccal cusp. both in type and function.
• A pronounced convexity is an
outstanding characteristic of this tooth. Maxillary Second Molar (Buccal Aspect)
• Cervical line mesially shows some curvature in
• Has characteristics resembling those
the direction of the occlusal surface.
of the permanent maxillary first molar, but it
• Mesiobuccal and lingual roots are visible only is smaller.
when looking at the mesial side of this tooth
• Crown is narrow at the cervix in
from a point directly opposite the contact area.
comparison with its mesiodistal measurement
• Distobuccal root is hidden behind the at the contact areas.
Mesiobuccal root.
• Crown is much larger than first primary molar.
• Lingual root from this aspect looks long and
• From this aspect the roots appear slender, they
slender and extends lingually to a marked
are much longer and heavier than those area a
degree. It curves sharply in a buccal direction
part of the maxillary first molar.
above.
• The middle third.
• The point of bifurcation between the buccal roots • Point of bifurcation between the mesiobuccal
is close to the cervical line of the crown. root and the lingual root is 2 or 3mm apical to
• Two buccal cusp are more nearly equal size and the line of the crown.
development than those of the primary maxillary • Mesiobuccal root presents itself as being quite
first molar. wide from the mesial aspect.
• Mesiolingual cusp is directly below their
Maxillary Second Molar (Lingual Aspect) bifurcation.
• Lingually, the crown shows the • From this aspect the curvature is strong lingually
following three cusp; (1) mesiolingual cusp, at the cervical portion.
large and well-developed. (2) distolingual Maxillary Second Molar (Distal Aspect)
cusp, well- developed (more so than primary
first molar). (3) third supplement cusp, apical • Distal calibration of the crown is
to the mesiolingual cusp and Sometimes called less than the mesial measurement, but the
the tubercle of carabeli, or the fifth cusp. variation is found on the crown of the
• Cusp is poorly developed and merely act as a deciduous maxillary first molar.
buttress or supplement to the bulk of the • From both distal and mesial aspects,
mesiolingual cusp. the outlines of the crown lingually creates a
• If the tubercle of Carabeli seems to be missing, smooth rounded line, whereas the buccal surface
some traces of developmental lines or “dimples” is almost straight from the crest of curvature to
remain. the tip of buccal cusp.
• A well-defined developmental groove separates • Distobuccal cusp and distolingual cusp are same
The mesiolingual cusp from the distolingual in length.
cusp and connects with the development groove, • All three root are seen from this aspect, although
which outlines the fifth cusp. part of an outline of the mesiobuccal root maybe
• All three roots are visible from this aspects. seen.
• The lingual root is large and thick in comparison • Distobuccal root is shorter and narrower than the
with the other two roots. It is approximately the other roots.
same length as the mesiobuccal root. If it should • Point of bifurcation between the distobuccal root
differ, it will be on short side. and the lingual root is more apical in location
than any of the other points of bifurcation. The
Maxillary Second Molar (Mesial Aspect) point of bifurcation between
• From the mesial aspect, the crow • These two roots on the distal is more nearly
has a typical molar outline that resembles centered above the crown than that on the mesial
the permanent molars between the mesiobuccal and lingual root
• crown appears short because of its Mandibular Second Molar (Occlusal Aspect)
width buccolingually in comparison with
its length. • From the occlusal aspect,
• Mesiolingual cusp of the crown with its this tooth resembles the permanent
supplementary fifth cusp appears large in first molar.
comparison with the mesiobuccal cusp. • It is somewhat rhomboidal
• Mesiobuccal cusp is relatively short and sharp. and has four well developed cusps
• Little curvature to the cervical line is evident. and one supplemental cusp:
Usually, it is almost straight across from buccal mesiobuccal,distobuccal,
surface to lingual surface. mesiolingual,distolingual, and fifth cusps.
• Mesiobuccal root from this aspect is broad and • The buccal surface is rather flat with the
flat. developmental groove between the cusps less
• Lingual root has the same curvature as the marked than that found on the first permanent
lingual root of the maxillary first deciduous molar.
molar. • Developmental grooves, pits, oblique ridge, and
• Mesiobuccal root extends lingually far out others are almost identical. The character of the
beyond the crown outline. “mold” is constant.
 Mandibular First Molar • It is noted that the mesial marginal ridge is so
well developed that it might almost be
• Because it varies so much from all considered another small cusp lingually.
others, it appears strange and primitive. • Part of the two buccal cusps may be seen from
• Mandibular first molar does not this angle.
resemble any of the other teeth, deciduous or • From the lingual aspect, the crown length
permanent mesially and distally is more uniform than it is
Buccal Aspect from the buccal aspect.
• The cervical line is straighter.
• From the buccal aspect, the mesial outline of the
crown of the primary mandibular first molar is Mandibular First Molar (Mesial
almost straight from the contact area to the Aspect)
cervix, constricting the crown very little at the
cervix. • Most noticeable detail from the
mesial aspect is the extreme curvature
• Outline describing the distal portion, however,
buccally at the cervical third.
converges toward the cervix more than usual, so
that the contact area extends distally to a marked • Crown outline from this aspect
degree. resembles the mesial aspect of the primary
second molar and that aspect of the permanent
• Distal portion of the crown is shorter than the
mandibular molars.
mesial portion, with the cervical line dipping
apically where it joins the mesial root. • In this comparison, the buccal cusps are placed
over the root base, and the lingual outline of the
• Two buccal cusps are rather distinct, although no
crown extends out lingually beyond the confines
developmental groove is evident between them.
of the root base.
• Mesial cusp is larger than the distal cusp.
• Both the mesiobuccal cusp and the mesiolingual
• A developmental depression dividing them (not
cusp are in view from this aspect, as is the well-
groove) extends over to the buccal surface.
developed mesial marginal ridge.
• Roots are long and slender, and they spread
• Mesiobuccal crown length is greater than the
greatly at the apical third beyond the outline of
mesiolingual crown length.
the crown.
• The cervical line slants upward buccolingually.
• Buccal aspect emphasizes the strange, primitive
• Buccal outline of the crown is flat from the crest
look of this tooth.
of curvature of the buccal surface at the cervical
• From the buccal aspect, if a line is drawn from
third to the tip of the mesiobuccal cusp.
the bifurcation of the roots to the occlusal
• All of the primary molars have flattened buccal
surface, the tooth will be evenly
surfaces above this cervical ridge.
Mandibular First Molar (Lingual Aspect) • Outline of the mesial root from the mesial aspect
does not resemble the outline of any other
• Crown and root converge lingually primary tooth root.
to a marked degree on the mesial surface. • Buccal and lingual outlines of the root drop
• Distally, the opposite arrangement is straight down from the crown and are
true of both crown and root. approximately parallel for more than half their
• Distolingual cusp is rounded and length, tapering only slightly at the apical third.
suggests a developmental groove between this • Root end is flat and almost square.
cusp and the mesiolingual cusp. • A developmental depression usually extends
• Mesiolingual cusp is long and sharp at the tip, almost the full length of the root on the mesial
more so than any of the other cusps. side
• Sharp and prominent mesiolingual cusp (almost
centered lingually but in line with the mesial Mandibular First Molar (Distal Aspect)
root) is an outstanding characteristic found
• Distal aspect of the mandibular first
occlusally on the primary first mandibular
molar differs from the mesial aspect in
molar.
several ways.
• Cervical line does not drop buccally.
• length of crown buccally and lingually is more • roots of the primary second molar from this
uniform. angle are slender and long.
• Cervical line extends almost straight across • They have a characteristic flare mesiodistally at
buccolingually. the middle and apical thirds.
• Distobuccal cusp and the distolingual cusp are • roots of this tooth may be twice as long as the
not as long or as sharp as the two mesial cusps. crown
• Distal marginal ridge is not as straight and well • point of bifurcation of the roots starts
defined as the mesial marginal ridge. immediately below the CEJ of crown and root.
• The distal root is rounder and shorter and tapers
more apically. Mandibular Second Molar (Lingual Aspect)

Mandibular First Molar (Occlusal Aspect) • From the lingual aspect, two cusps
of almost equal dimensions can be observed.
• General outline of this tooth • A short, lingual groove is between
from the occlusal aspect is Them.
rhomboidal. • Two lingual cusps are not quite as
• Prominence present mesio- wide as the three buccal cusps; this arrangement
buccally is noticeable from this narrows the crown lingually.
aspect, which accents the mesio- buccal line • Cervical line is relatively straight, and the crown
angle of the crown in comparison with the extends out over the root more distally than it
distobuccal line angle and thereby emphasizes does mesially.
the rhomboidal form. • Mesial portion of the crown seems to be a little
• Mesiolingual cusp may be seen as the largest higher than the distal portion of the crown when
and best developed of all the cusps, and it has a viewed from the lingual aspect.
broad, flattened surface lingually • It gives the impression of being tipped distally.
• A portion of each of the three buccal cusps may
Mandibular Second Molar
be seen from this aspect.
• The primary mandibular second molar has • roots from this aspect give somewhat the same
characteristics that resemble those of the appearance as from the buccal aspect.
permanent mandibular first molar, although its • Note the length of the roots.
dimensions differ.
Mandibular Second Molar (Mesial Aspect)
Buccal Aspect
• From the mesial aspect, the outline
• From the buccal aspect, the primary of the crown resembles the permanent
mandibular second molar has a narrow mandibular first molar.
mesiodistal calibration at the cervical portion • Crest of contour buccally is more
of the crown compared with the calibration prominent on the primary molar, and the
mesiodistally on the crown at contact level. tooth seems to be more constricted occlusally
• Mandibular first permanent molar, accordingly, because of the flattened buccal surface above
is wider at the cervical portion this cervical ridge.
• From this aspect also, mesiobuccal and • Crown is poised over the root of this tooth in the
distobuccal developmental grooves divide the same manner as all mandibular posteriors; its
buccal surface of the crown occlusally into three buccal cusp is mover the root and the lingual
cuspal portions almost equal in size outline of the crown extending.
• This arrangement forms a straight buccal surface • Out beyond the root line. The marginal ridge is
presenting a mesiobuccal, a buccal, and a high, a characteristic that makes the mesiobuccal
distobuccal cusp. cusp and the mesiolingual cusp appear rather
• It differs therefore, from the mandibular first short.
permanent molar, which has an uneven • The lingual cusp is longer or higher, than the
distribution buccally, presenting two buccal buccal cusp.
cusps and one distal cusp. • The cervical line is regular, although it extends
upward buccolingually, making up for the
 difference in length between the buccal and comparison with its mesiodistal measurement,
lingual cusps. than is the permanent tooth
• Mesial root is unusually broad and flat with a
blunt apex that is sometimes serrated.

Mandibular Second Molar (Distal Aspect)

• Crown is not as wide distally as it is
mesially; therefore it is possible to see the
mesiobuccal and distobuccal cusps from the
distal aspect.
• Distolingual cusp appears well
developed, and the triangular ridge from the
tip of this cusp extending down into the occlusal
surface is seen over the distal marginal ridge.
• Distal marginal ridge dips down more sharply
and is shorter buccolingually than the mesial
marginal ridge.
• Cervical line of the crown is regular, although it
has the same upward incline buccolingually on
the distal as on the mesial.
• Distal root is almost as broad as the mesial root
and is flattened on the distal surface. The distal
root tapers more at the apical end than does the
mesial root

Mandibular Second Molar (Occlusal Aspect)

• Occlusal aspect of the
primary mandibular second molar
is somewhat rectangular.
• Three buccal cusps are
similar in size.
• Two lingual cusps are also equally matched.
• However, the total mesiodistal width of the
lingual cusps is less than the total mesiodistal
width of the three buccal cusp.
• Outline of the crown converges distally.
• An outline following the tips of the cusps and
the marginal ridges conforms to the outline of a
rectangle more closely than does the gross
outline of the crown in its entirety.
• A comparison occlusally between the deciduous
mandibular second molar and the permanent
mandibular first molar brings out the following
points of difference.
• In the deciduous molar the mesiobuccal,
distobuccal, and distal cusps are almost equal in
size and development.
• Distal cusp of the permanent molar is smaller
than the other two.
• Because of the small buccal cusps, the deciduous
tooth crown is narrower buccolingually, in
The Permanent Maxillary Incisors Borders the concavity of the lingual portion:
✓ Four in number – 2 central incisors, 2 lateral 1. Marginal Ridges – on mesial and distal
incisors 2. Incisal Edge
✓ Supplement each other in function and they are 3. Cingulum – on cervical
similar anatomically
✓ Incisors – shearing or cutting teeth
✓ Major Function: punch and cut food material ➢ Lingually – surface form is more irregular
during the process of mastication ➢ Concave – largest part of the middle and incisal
portions of the lingual area.

➢ Lingual topography gives a scoop like form

the crown
➢ Exaggeration of the marginal ridges, known as a
SHOVEL-SHAPED INCISOR – a genetic
variation seen in Mongoloid races, North and
South American Indians.

✓ Have incisal ridges or edges rather than cusps

such as are found on the canines and posterior
teeth
✓ INCISAL RIDGE – portion of the crown which
makes up the complete incisal portion
✓ INCISAL EDGE – formed by the junction of
the linguoincisal surface.

Maxillary Central Incisor

➢ Wildest mesiodistally of any of the
anterior teeth
➢ Squared or rectangular appearance ➢ Labial face – less convex than that
➢ Symmetrical and regularly formed of the maxillary lateral incisor or canine.
➢ Straight incisal edge ➢ Some central incisors are flat at the
➢ Enamel surface – relatively smooth middle and incisal portions.
➢ Cervical line – even curvature toward the root
➢ Mesial side – straight outline
➢ Distal side – more curved
➢ Mesial incisal angle – sharp
➢ Distal incisal edge – rounded
 ➢ Usually develops normally ✓ Description of the central incisor, keeping in
➢ One anomaly – sometimes occurs is a short root mind that crown sizes are gender dimorphic,
➢ Another variation – long crown with male larger than female.
➢ Maxillary central incisors – the most ✓ Extend of dimorphism – varies among
prominent teeth in the mouth. populations.
✓ Gender specific correlations between enamel
thickness and crown width of dentin – are
low.

Detailed Description of the Maxillary Central Incisor

from All Aspects

Two Basic Forms:

1. First is relatively WIDE AT THE CERVIX,
when viewed from the labial aspect, in
comparison with the mesiodistal width at the
contact areas
2. Second form is relatively NARROW AT THE
CERVIX, where the root joins the crown, in
comparison with the mesiodistal width at the
contact areas. Labial Aspect
o Crown of the average central incisor will be
10 to 11 mm long from the highest point on the
cervical line to the lowest point on the incisal
edge
o Mesiodistal measurement will be 8 to 9 mm
wide at the contact areas.
 o Mesiodistal measurement where o Incisal Outline – usually regular
the root joins the crown – will be 1.5 to 2 and straight in a mesiodistal direction
mm less

o The crest of curvature

mesially and distally on the crown –
represents the areas at which the o Incisal Outline – usually regular and
central incisor contacts its neighbors straight in a mesiodistal direction
◼ Any change in the o Crown length is greater at the center
position of the crest of the contour than at the two mesial angles.
affects the level of the contact areas. o After the tooth has been in function,
the incisal outline tends to curve downward
toward the center of the crown outline.

o Mesial outline of the crown –

slightly convex, with the crest of
curvature (representing the contact area)
approaching the mesioincisal angle.

o Cervical Outline of the Crown –

follows a semicircular direction with the
o Distal outline of the crown curvature root wise
– more convex than the mesial
outline, with the crest of curvature
higher toward the cervical line

o Root of the central incisor from the

labial aspect is cone-shaped
o Distoincisal Angle – not as sharp
o Most instances with a relatively
as the mesioincisal angle
Blunt Apex.
 o Root – usually 2 or 3 mm longer
than the crown, although it varies
o Usually there are Developmental
considerably
Grooves -- extending from the cingulum
into the lingual fossa.
o The crown and root taper
lingually
o A cross section of the root at the
cervix shows the root to be generally
Triangular with rounded angles.
o Line drawn through the center of the o Mesial Side – of this
root and crown of the maxillary central triangular is slightly longer than
incisor tends to parallel the mesial outline of the distal side.
the crown and root.

Lingual Aspect

Mesial Aspect
o Lingual Aspect – has convexities and
a concavity
o Below the cervical line a smooth o Mesial aspect of this tooth has the
convexity called the – Cingulum, fundamental form of an incisor
o Crown is wedge-shaped, or triangular,
with the base of the triangular at the cervix and
the apex at the incisal ridge

o Mesially and Distally confluent with

the cingulum are the – Marginal Ridges o The Incisal Ridge of the Crown – is on a
line with the center of the root
o This alignment is characteristic of
maxillary central and lateral incisors.

o Between the marginal ridges, below

the cingulum, a shallow concavity is present
called – Lingual Fossa o Labially and Lingually, immediately
coronal to the cervical line are the Crest of
Curvature of these surfaces
o These crests of contour give the crown
its greatest labiolingual measurement
o Outlining the lingual fossa, the
Linguoincisal Edge – is raised on a level
with the marginal ridges mesially and distally. o Labial Outline of the Crown from the
crest of curvature to the incisal ridge is very –
slightly convex.
o Lingual Outline – is Convex at the point where the incisal ridge, with its slope toward the
it joins the crest of curvature at the cingulum lingual, is easily distinguished

o Then become concave at the mesial

marginal ridge and slightly convex again at the
o The outline of the lingual
linguoincisal ridge and the incisal edge
portion tapers lingually toward the
cingulum
o The cingulum of the crown
makes up the cervical portion of the
lingual surface.

o The Cervical Line – outlining the

cementoenamel junction (CEJ) mesially on the
o The mesiolabial and
maxillary central incisor curves incisally to a
distolabial line angles are prominent
noticeable degree
from the incisal aspect

Distal Aspect
o The crown of this tooth shows more
bulk from the incisal aspect than from viewing
it from the mesial or distal aspect
o From distal aspect – the crown gives
the impression of being somewhat thicker
toward the incisal third
o The curvature of the cervical line
outlining the CEJ is less in extent on the
distal than on the mesial surfaces. Most teeth o The lingual portion – shows
show this characteristic some variation, however, mesioincisal
angle to the center of the cingulum
lingually will be longer than cingulum
to the distoincisal angle

Incisal Aspect
o From this aspect – the labial face o Crown conforms to a triangular
of the crown is relatively broad and flat outline reflected by the outline of the
in comparison with the lingual surface, root cross section at the cervix.
especially toward the incisal third
o The cervical portion of the
crown labially is convex

o The incisal
ridge (blue) may be
seen clearly, and a
differentiation between
the incisal edge (red)
and the remainder of