Terminologies in Tooth Morphology

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary terms and definitions related to tooth morphology.

Incisal

The biting edge of anterior teeth.

Distal

The surface of a tooth that is away from the midline of the dental arch.

Labial

The surface of anterior teeth that faces the lips.

Lingual

The surface of a tooth that is towards the tongue.

Cusp

An elevation on the occlusal surface of posterior teeth contributing to a significant portion of the tooth surface.

Tubercle

A small, rounded prominence on the tooth surface resulting from the extra formation of enamel.

Cingulum

A bulge or elevation on the lingual surface of incisors or canines.

Lobe

A growth center in the development of the crown of the tooth.

Mamelons

Protrusions seen in the incisal ridges of newly erupted permanent incisors that represent the three lobes from which the labial surface forms.

Ridge

Any linear, flat elevation on teeth, named according to their location or form.

Fossa

An irregular, rounded depression or concavity found on the surface of the teeth.

Pit

A small, pinpoint depression often seen in the fossa of posterior teeth.

Sulcus

A long, linear depression or valley in the occlusal surface of posterior teeth.

Embrasure

The spillway space between two adjacent teeth.

Contact Area

The crests of curvature on the proximal surfaces of two adjacent teeth that come in contact with each other.

Furcation

The division of the root in multirooted teeth.

Apical Foramen

The opening of the pulp canal at the apical end of the root.

Accessory Foramen

A channel leading from the root pulp laterally through the dentin to the periodontal tissue.