Dental Anatomy & Oral Development Flashcards

How many permanent teeth does a fully dentate adult typically have, including third molars (wisdom teeth)?

Answer: 32

A fully dentate adult has 32 permanent teeth: 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, 8 molars (including 4 third molars).

The permanent canine teeth are clinically referred to by which alternative name?

Answer: Cuspids

Canine teeth are also called cuspids because they have a single prominent cusp, distinguishing them from multi-cusped premolars and molars.

Which tooth structure is considered the hardest substance in the human body?

Answer: Enamel

Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, composed of approximately 96% hydroxyapatite crystals, making it more mineralized than bone, dentin, or cementum.

The fibrous connective tissue that attaches the tooth root to the surrounding alveolar bone is called the:

Answer: Periodontal ligament

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a specialized connective tissue that suspends the tooth in its socket by connecting cementum on the root to the alveolar bone.

The labial surface of an anterior tooth refers to the surface that faces:

Answer: The lips

The labial surface faces the lips; 'labial' derives from 'labium' (Latin for lip), and this term is used specifically for anterior (front) teeth.

Which surface term is used to describe the chewing surface of posterior (back) teeth?

Answer: Occlusal

The occlusal surface refers to the chewing surface of premolars and molars; 'incisal' is used for the cutting edge of anterior teeth.

Which of the following best describes the anatomical characteristics of a molar tooth?

Answer: Multiple cusps and broad occlusal surface used for grinding

Molars have multiple cusps (4–5) and a broad occlusal surface designed for grinding and crushing food, and they are located in the posterior segments of the arch.