Dental Anatomy and Occlusion Flashcards

Which landmark on the maxillary central incisor crown is used to distinguish it from the lateral incisor?

Answer: Sharper mesioincisal angle compared to the distoincisal angle

The maxillary central incisor has a sharper, more right-angled mesioincisal angle compared to the more rounded distoincisal angle, unlike the lateral incisor.

Centric relation is best defined as:

Answer: The position where condyles are in their most superior-anterior position in the glenoid fossa

Centric relation is defined as the maxillomandibular relationship where the condyles are in their most superior and anterior position, braced against the articular eminence.

Which cusp of the mandibular first molar is the largest?

Answer: Mesiobuccal cusp

The mesiobuccal cusp of the mandibular first molar is the largest cusp on this tooth.

The curve of Spee is best described as:

Answer: The anteroposterior curve following the buccal cusp tips from canine to last molar

The curve of Spee is an anteroposterior (sagittal) curvature following the buccal cusp tips from the mandibular canine through the posterior teeth.

A tooth with two roots and three canals is most likely which tooth?

Answer: Maxillary first premolar

The maxillary first premolar most commonly has two roots (buccal and palatal) and three root canals, making it unique among premolars.

The term 'working side' in lateral excursion refers to:

Answer: The side toward which the mandible moves

The working side (also called the laterotrusive side) is the side toward which the mandible moves during lateral excursion.

Which feature distinguishes the mandibular second molar from the first molar?

Answer: More symmetrical, cross-shaped occlusal groove pattern

The mandibular second molar typically has a four-cusp design with a cross-shaped (+) occlusal groove pattern, making it more symmetrical than the first molar.