Dental Anatomy and Terminology Flashcards

Flashcards covering anatomical positions, planes, dentitions, numbering systems, dentition periods, tooth surfaces, and basic dental terminology.

What term describes toward the front of the body?

Anterior (ventral)

What term describes toward the back of the body?

Posterior (dorsal)

What term describes toward the head?

Superior

What term describes toward the feet?

Inferior

What term refers to the apex or tip of the tongue?

Apex

Which plane divides the body into equal left and right halves?

Midsagittal (median) plane

Which plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions?

Coronal (frontal) plane

What term means toward the midline of the body?

Medial (mesial in dentistry)

What term means away from the midline?

Distal

What plane divides the body into top and bottom parts?

Transverse (axial) plane (divides into superior and inferior)

What term means structures on the same side of the body?

Ipsilateral

What term means structures on opposite sides of the body?

Contralateral

What term describes structures located toward the body surface?

Superficial

What term describes structures located toward the center of the body?

Deep

What is the standard position of the body in anatomical terms?

Anatomical position: standing erect, facing forward, arms at the sides, palms forward.

What are the two dentitions in human life?

Primary (deciduous) dentition and permanent (adult) dentition.

How many primary teeth are present in the primary dentition?

20 teeth.

What system uses a two-digit code with quadrant and position to name teeth?

International Numbering System (INS)

In INS, what does the first digit indicate?

The quadrant of the mouth.

In INS, what does the second digit indicate?

Tooth position within the quadrant.

Which numbering system uses numbers 1-32 for permanent teeth?

Universal Numbering System

What does Palmer notation use for permanent dentition in each quadrant?

Numbers 1-8 starting at the midline (with a quadrant symbol)

What does Palmer notation use for primary dentition?

Typically letters A-E (starting at the midline) with a quadrant bracket.

What is the Palmer notation symbol used to indicate the quadrant?

A right-angle quadrant symbol.

What are the two kinds of dentition nomenclature used in the U.S. for teeth?

Universal numbering system; Palmer notation.

When does the Primary Dentition Period begin and end?

Begins with eruption of the primary mandibular central incisor; ends with eruption of the permanent mandibular first molar.

What is the Mixed Dentition Period?

The period roughly from ages 6–12 when both primary and permanent teeth are present.

Are primary teeth whiter or darker than permanent teeth?

Primary teeth are whiter than permanent teeth.

How do the crowns and roots of primary teeth generally compare to permanent teeth?

Primary teeth have smaller crowns and shorter roots.

What is occlusion?

The method/relationship by which the teeth of the mandibular arch come into contact with the maxillary arch.

What is the dental midline?

The line that divides each dental arch into left and right halves, passing through the central incisors.

Which tooth types are in the anterior region?

Incisors and canines.

Which tooth types are in the posterior region?

Premolars and molars.

What is the alveolar process?

The bone that forms the tooth socket and supports the teeth.

What is the anatomical crown vs the clinical crown?

Anatomical crown: portion of the tooth covered by enamel; clinical crown: portion visible above the gingiva.

What is a tooth surface?

Buccal (cheek side), Lingual (tongue side), Mesial (toward midline), Distal (away from midline), Incisal (anterior biting edge), Occlusal (posterior chewing surface), Proximal (between adjacent teeth).

What is an embrasure in dentistry?

A triangular-shaped space between the crowns of adjacent teeth at contact areas.

What is a line angle?

The junction where two crown surfaces meet.

What is a point angle?

The junction where three crown surfaces meet.

What is the interproximal space?

The area between adjacent teeth at the contact area.