Dental Sciences Foundations Flashcards

Which cranial nerve provides sensory innervation to the mandibular teeth and is the target of an inferior alveolar nerve block?

Answer: Trigeminal nerve (CN V) - mandibular division (V3)

The inferior alveolar nerve is a branch of the mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve (CN V), which provides sensory innervation to all mandibular teeth, lower lip, and chin.

What is the primary function of ameloblasts during tooth development?

Answer: Formation of enamel

Ameloblasts are specialized epithelial cells responsible for producing enamel, the hardest substance in the human body, during the maturation stage of tooth development.

Which salivary gland produces predominantly serous (watery) secretions and is the largest salivary gland?

Answer: Parotid gland

The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland and produces predominantly serous (watery, enzyme-rich) saliva containing amylase for initial starch digestion.

In the permanent dentition, how many roots does a typical maxillary first molar have?

Answer: Three roots

The maxillary first molar typically has three roots: two buccal roots (mesiobuccal and distobuccal) and one palatal root, which is usually the largest.

What is the normal pH range of healthy saliva in the oral cavity?

Answer: 6.2 to 7.6

Healthy saliva has a pH range of approximately 6.2 to 7.6, which is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. This pH range helps protect tooth enamel from demineralization.

Which type of bone forms the thin wall of the tooth socket (alveolus) and is visible on dental radiographs as a radiopaque line?

Answer: Lamina dura (alveolar bone proper)

The lamina dura is the thin layer of compact bone that lines the tooth socket. On radiographs, it appears as a continuous radiopaque (white) line surrounding the root, and its integrity is an important diagnostic indicator.