Orofacial Anatomy - Dentition Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of human dentition, tooth identification systems, anatomical structures, and dental terminology based on the lecture notes.

Dentition

The natural teeth in the jaws.

Primary Dentition

The first dentition present, consisting of $20$ teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, baby teeth, or milk teeth.

Primary Dentition Period

The time span occurring between approximately $\sim 6$ months and $\sim 6$ years of age.

Universal Identification System (Primary)

A system where deciduous teeth are labeled with letters $A \text{--} T$.

Mixed Dentition Period

The transition period from primary to permanent teeth, occurring between approximately $\sim 6$ years and $12$ years of age.

Permanent Dentition Period

The period beginning after approximately $12$ years of age, starting with the shedding of the last primary tooth.

Universal Numbering System (ADA Permanent)

A system where permanent teeth are labeled $1$ through $32$.

Anterior Teeth

Teeth consisting of $8$ incisors and $4$ canines (teeth $\#6-11$ and $\#22-27$), which are single rooted.

Posterior Teeth

Teeth consisting of $8$ premolars and $12$ molars.

Bifurcated

A tooth with two roots; typical for mandibular molars and the maxillary first premolars ($\#5$ and $\#12$).

Trifurcated

A tooth with three roots, which is the standard for maxillary molars.

Succedaneous

Permanent teeth that succeed or replace primary teeth, including central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, and premolars.

Nonsuccedaneous

Permanent teeth that do not replace primary teeth, specifically the $1st$, $2nd$, and $3rd$ molars.

Quadrants

The division of the mouth into fourths, labeled $I - IV$.

Sextants

The division of the mouth into sixths, labeled $1 - 6$.

Enamel

The hard outer layer covering the crown of the tooth.

Cementum

The outer layer covering the root of the tooth.

Dentin

The hard tissue located beneath the enamel and cementum that makes up the bulk of the tooth.

Cementoenamel Junction (CEJ)

The area where the root and crown join together.

Masticatory Surfaces

Tooth surfaces used for chewing, including the occlusal surface for posterior teeth and the incisal surface for anterior teeth.

Embrasures

Triangular spaces created by the sloping away of the mesial and distal surfaces when two teeth in the same arch touch.

Line Angle

The junction formed by the lines created at the meeting of $2$ crown surfaces.

Point Angle

The junction where $3$ surfaces of the tooth crown meet.

Anatomic Crown

The portion of the tooth that is covered by enamel.

Clinical Crown

The part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth and not covered by the gingiva.

Anatomic Root

The portion of the tooth root that is covered by cementum.

Height of Contour

Also called the crest of curvature, it is the greatest point of elevation as seen from any profile of the tooth.