Free RDA Dental Charting, Tooth Morphology, and Occlusion Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Using the Universal Numbering System, which tooth is designated as #24?
- Maxillary left central incisor
- Mandibular right central incisor
- Maxillary right canine
- Mandibular left central incisor (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Mandibular left central incisor
The Universal Numbering System starts with #1 as the maxillary right third molar and proceeds across the arch to #16 (maxillary left third molar). It then drops to the mandibular left third molar (#17) and continues to #32 (mandibular right third molar). Following this sequence, #24 is the mandibular left central incisor.
Question 2: What is the term for the V-shaped space between the proximal surfaces of two adjacent teeth?
- Contact area
- Embrasure (Correct answer)
- Cingulum
- Fossa
Correct answer: Embrasure
An embrasure is the space that widens out from the interproximal contact area in four directions: occlusal/incisal, gingival, facial, and lingual. These spaces act as spillways for food during mastication, protecting the gingiva and reducing occlusal forces.
Question 3: A patient with an Angle's Class II, Division 1 malocclusion typically exhibits which characteristic?
- An anterior crossbite
- Maxillary incisors that are proclined (flared out) (Correct answer)
- A prognathic mandible (underbite)
- Maxillary central incisors that are retroclined (tipped back)
Correct answer: Maxillary incisors that are proclined (flared out)
Angle's Class II malocclusion is defined by the mandible being in a distal relationship to the maxilla. The 'Division 1' subtype is specifically characterized by the maxillary incisors being proclined, or flared facially, which results in a significant overjet.
Question 4: When charting existing conditions in red, what does a solid red circle at the apex of a tooth root typically indicate?
- A completed root canal
- A tooth that needs to be extracted
- A periapical abscess (Correct answer)
- An impacted tooth
Correct answer: A periapical abscess
In standard dental charting, red is often used to denote pathology or treatment that needs to be done. A solid or filled-in red circle at the root apex is the conventional symbol used to chart a periapical abscess, indicating an active infection requiring treatment.
Question 5: The non-functional, fifth cusp often found on the mesiolingual surface of a permanent maxillary first molar is called the:
- Cingulum
- Mamelon
- Talon cusp
- Cusp of Carabelli (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Cusp of Carabelli
The Cusp of Carabelli is a supplementary, non-functional cusp located on the mesiolingual surface of the maxillary first molar. While not present on every individual, its presence is a common morphological trait for this specific tooth.
Question 6: The anteroposterior curvature of the occlusal plane, when viewed from the side, is known as the:
- Curve of Wilson
- Curve of Spee (Correct answer)
- Sphere of Monson
- Centric relation
Correct answer: Curve of Spee
The Curve of Spee is the anatomical curve of the occlusal alignment of teeth, as seen from a lateral (sagittal) view. It begins at the tip of the lower canine and follows the buccal cusp tips of the posterior teeth. The Curve of Wilson is the mediolateral curve.
Using the Universal Numbering System, which tooth is designated as #24?