Dental Dental Anatomy

Question 1

How many permanent teeth does a typical adult have?

Accepted Answer

32

Answer

Adults typically have 32 permanent teeth including 4 wisdom teeth. Without wisdom teeth, there are 28.

Question 2

What are the four types of teeth in the human mouth?

Accepted Answer

Incisors, canines, premolars, and molars

Answer

Incisors cut food, canines tear food, premolars (bicuspids) crush food, and molars grind food.

Question 3

What is dental enamel?

Accepted Answer

The hard outer covering of the crown — the hardest substance in the human body

Answer

Enamel is the mineralized outer layer protecting the crown. Despite being the hardest substance in the body, it can be eroded by acid and decay.

Question 4

What is the pulp of a tooth?

Accepted Answer

The innermost part containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue

Answer

The pulp is the vital center of the tooth containing nerves and blood supply. When it becomes infected, a root canal may be necessary.

Question 5

What is the periodontal ligament?

Accepted Answer

The connective tissue that attaches the tooth root to the surrounding bone

Answer

The periodontal ligament connects the tooth root to the alveolar bone, providing cushioning during chewing and allowing slight tooth movement.

Dental Practice Test