Dental anatomy chapter 16: Permanent Canines

What are permanent canines in dental anatomy?

The four anteriors located at the corners of each quadrant for each dental arch, specifically the third tooth from the midline.

What is the common term used by patients for canines?

Eyeteeth.

Why are canines referred to as cuspids?

Because they were the only teeth in the permanent dentition with one cusp.

What is a notable color characteristic of permanent canines compared to incisors?

They have a slightly deeper yellow color due to increased thickness and opacity.

What is the primary function of permanent canines during mastication?

To pierce or tear food.

How do canines contribute to facial structure?

They serve as major supports of facial muscles and maintain the overall vertical dimension of the face.

Why are canines considered the cornerstones of the dental arch?

Due to their arch position, tooth form, tooth length, and overall function.

What role do canines play in occlusal movement?

They act as guideposts and provide a protective functional device for lateral deviation.

What makes canines the most stable teeth in the dentition?

Their long root length and increased periodontal tissue support.

How do proximal root concavities benefit canines?

They provide increased periodontal anchorage.

Why are canines often the last teeth present in a failing dentition?

Due to their stability and reduced risk of loss from periodontal disease or traumatic injury.

Why are canines not usually involved in dental caries?

Their crown has a smoother surface that promotes self-cleansing and does not easily retain biofilm.

What is the crown outline shape of canines when viewed from the proximal?

Triangular, like all anteriors.

What is the crown outline shape of canines when viewed from the labial or lingual?

Pentagonal with five sides.

What dental procedures often utilize canines as anchors?

Placement of partial fixed or removable dentures and permanent bridges.

What anatomical feature of canines helps them resist forces during chewing?

Their pronounced cusp and tapered shape.

What distinguishes the cusp tip of canines from incisors?

The cusp tip of canines is in line with the long axis of the root and divides the incisal ridge into two cusp slopes.

How do the mesial and distal cusp slopes of canines differ?

The mesial cusp slope is usually shorter than the distal cusp slope for both maxillary and mandibular canines.

What is the function of the labial ridge on canines?

The labial ridge is a result of greater development of the middle labial developmental lobe compared to the mesial and distal lobes.

What is the height of contour for canines on labial and lingual surfaces?

The height of contour is in the cervical third for both.

What features are present on the lingual surface of canines?

Canines have a cingulum, marginal ridges, and a centrally placed vertical lingual ridge.

How does the size of the cingulum on canines compare to that on incisors?

The cingulum on canines is larger than that on any incisor.

What is the shape of the canine root in cervical cross-section?

The root is oval, resembling an ovoid or egg shape.

What is the typical length of a canine root compared to its crown?

The root is usually one and a half times the length of the crown.

What happens to the cusp slopes of canines with attrition?

Attrition alters the lengths of the cusp slopes, making the incisal edges wider and changing the position of the cusp tip.

How does wear affect the cusp tip position of maxillary and mandibular canines?

Wear causes the cusp tip of maxillary canines to move more distal of center and the cusp tip of mandibular canines to displace mesially.

What shape can the wear pattern on a canine appear from the incisal view?

The wear pattern can appear either diamond-shaped or triangular.

Why are proximal surfaces of canines more accessible from the lingual than the labial during procedures?

The proximal surfaces converge toward the lingual, making them more accessible from that approach.

What are the longest teeth in the permanent dentition?

The permanent canines are the longest teeth in the dentition.

What is the clinical significance of proximal root concavities on canines?

Proximal root concavities can affect periodontal instrumentation and restoration.

What is the typical appearance of the incisal ridge on canines compared to incisors?

Mamelons are usually not present on the incisal ridge of canines, unlike incisors.

What is the relationship between the mesial cusp slope of a maxillary canine and the distal cusp slope of a mandibular canine?

The mesial cusp slope of a maxillary canine occludes with the distal cusp slope of a mandibular canine.

How do the lingual fossae of maxillary canines compare to those of mandibular canines?

The lingual fossae are deeper on maxillary canines than on mandibular canines.

What is the significance of the canine eminence?

The canine eminence is a bony ridge in the alveolar process, especially noted on the maxillary arch.

What anatomical feature is unique to canines compared to other anterior teeth?

Canines are the only teeth in the permanent dentition with a centrally placed vertical labial ridge.

How does the crown length of a maxillary canine compare to that of a maxillary central incisor?

The crown of a maxillary canine is similar in length or even shorter than that of a maxillary central incisor.

What is the labiolingual width of a maxillary canine compared to a central incisor?

The crown is considerably wider than that of a central incisor.

How does the mesiodistal width of a maxillary canine compare to a central incisor?

A canine crown is noticeably narrower mesiodistally.

What feature of the maxillary canine's lingual surface contributes to its strength during mastication?

The cingulum is more developed and larger than that of a central incisor.

How does the cusp of a maxillary canine compare to that of a mandibular canine?

The cusp of a maxillary canine is more developed, larger, and sharper.

What are the characteristics of the root of a maxillary canine?

The root is single, long, and has a blunt apex; it is the longest root in the maxillary arch.

What developmental features are evident on the root of a maxillary canine?

Developmental depressions on both proximal surfaces, deeper on the distal surface, and moderate to deep proximal concavities.

What does the pulp cavity of a maxillary canine consist of?

A single pulp canal and a large pulp chamber, usually with only one pulp horn.

How does the mesial half of the crown of a maxillary canine compare to nearby teeth?

It resembles the nearby incisor.

How does the distal half of the crown of a maxillary canine compare to nearby teeth?

It resembles the nearby premolar.

What features are typically present on the labial surface of a maxillary canine?

Imbrication lines and perikymata in the cervical third, especially in newly erupted teeth.

What is the overall dimension of the lingual surface of a maxillary canine compared to the labial surface?

The lingual surface is less pronounced and smaller than the labial surface.

What are the major features of the lingual surface of a maxillary canine?

A pronounced mesial marginal ridge, distal marginal ridge, and a vertical lingual ridge separating two lingual fossae.

What may be present on the lingual groove of a maxillary canine?

A lingual pit near its center.

What distinguishes the mesial and distal aspects of a maxillary canine when viewed proximally?

They present a rectangular crown outline and resemble maxillary incisors but appear stronger.

How does the CEJ curve on the mesial surface of a maxillary canine?

It curves higher incisally than on the distal surface.

What direction does the cusp tip of a maxillary canine point?

The cusp tip is toward the labial.

What is the significance of the cingulum on a maxillary canine?

It contributes to the strength and stability of the tooth during mastication.

What is the relationship between the maxillary canine and mandibular canine in terms of crown length?

The crown of a maxillary canine is as long as or slightly shorter than that of a mandibular canine.

What is the difference in CEJ curvature between the distal and mesial views of a tooth?

The CEJ curvature is less on the distal surface than on the mesial surface.

How does the labiolingual width of a maxillary canine compare to other anterior teeth?

The labiolingual width of a maxillary canine is large in comparison with that of any other anterior tooth.

What is the typical crown outline shape of a maxillary canine from the distal view?

The crown outline is asymmetrical, with the mesial part being thicker and the distal part appearing thinner.

What is the relationship between the mesial and distal marginal ridges of a maxillary canine?

The mesial marginal ridge is longer than the distal marginal ridge.

What happens to the maxillary canines during eruption due to space closure?

Maxillary canines may erupt labially or lingually to the surrounding teeth due to partially closed dental arch space.

What is an impacted tooth?

An impacted tooth is an unerupted or partially erupted tooth positioned against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue, making complete eruption unlikely.

What may be required for an impacted maxillary canine instead of extraction?

Surgical exposure and orthodontic therapy may be needed for an impacted maxillary canine.

What can happen to adjacent teeth due to the impaction of a maxillary canine?

Resorption of adjacent teeth, such as the roots of the maxillary lateral incisors, may occur.

What is a dentigerous cyst?

A dentigerous cyst is a developmental cyst that may form within the dental tissue of an impacted crown of a maxillary canine.

What features may be present on the cingulum of a maxillary canine?

Each maxillary canine cingulum may exhibit tubercles or extra cusps near the incisal level.

What is often associated with the presence of tubercles on a maxillary canine?

A lingual pit is often associated with the presence of tubercles.

What difficulties may arise due to the distal prominence of a maxillary canine's crown at the CEJ?

It may cause challenges in periodontal instrumentation and restoration on the distal root surface.

What is a clinical consideration regarding the root of maxillary canines?

The distal root has a distinct root concavity, which is clinically significant when adjacent to a maxillary premolar.

How does the size of a mandibular canine compare to a maxillary canine?

A mandibular canine is narrower labiolingually and mesiodistally than a maxillary canine.

What is the typical eruption sequence for mandibular canines compared to maxillary canines?

Mandibular canines usually erupt before maxillary canines and after most incisors.

What is the typical curvature of the root of a maxillary canine?

The root of a maxillary canine may undergo distorted angulations or dilaceration, often curving distally in the apical third.

What may occur if careful evaluation and interceptive orthodontic therapy are not instituted for maxillary canines?

Failure to institute these measures may lead to impaction and resorption of adjacent teeth.

What is the relationship between the maxillary canine and the adjacent maxillary premolar regarding root concavity?

The maxillary canine's distal root concavity is significant when combined with the pronounced root concavity of the adjacent maxillary premolar.

What is the typical appearance of the cusp slopes of a maxillary canine?

The cusp slopes form an almost straight line, with the tip of the cusp displaced labially and mesially.

How does the length of the crown of a mandibular canine compare to that of a maxillary canine?

The crown of a mandibular canine can be equal to or even longer than that of a maxillary canine.

What is notable about the cusp of a mandibular canine compared to a maxillary canine?

The single cusp of a mandibular canine is not as well developed in size, and the cusp tip is usually not as sharp.

Where is the cusp tip of a mandibular canine typically aligned?

The cusp tip is usually lined up with the long axis of the root but can sometimes be positioned lingually.

How does the lingual surface of a mandibular canine compare to that of a maxillary canine?

The lingual surface of a mandibular canine is less pronounced, with a less developed cingulum and two marginal ridges.

What feature does the lingual surface of a mandibular canine resemble?

It resembles the form of the lingual surface of adjacent mandibular lateral incisors.

How does the root length of a mandibular canine compare to that of a maxillary canine?

The root of a mandibular canine may be as long as that of a maxillary canine but is usually somewhat shorter.

What is the inclination of the root of a mandibular canine?

The root has a slight mesial inclination.

What are the characteristics of the developmental depressions on the root of a mandibular canine?

The mesial developmental depression is deep, often deeper than that of a maxillary canine, and a similar distal depression is also present.

What can the proximal concavities on the root of a mandibular canine indicate?

They may extend the full length of the root and can present a labial and lingual component in the apical third, giving a double-rooted appearance.

How does the pulp cavity of a mandibular canine compare to that of a maxillary canine?

Both usually have a single pulp canal and a large pulp chamber, but a mandibular canine may have two separate pulp canals.

Where are the two pulp canals located if a mandibular canine has them?

One canal is placed labially and the other lingually.

What is a distinguishing feature of the labial surface of a mandibular canine?

The labial surface is not as rounded as that of a maxillary canine, especially in the incisal two-thirds.

What is the appearance of imbrication lines on the labial surface of a mandibular canine?

Imbrication lines are not usually present on the labial surface.

What separates the three labial lobes on a mandibular canine?

Two faint and vertically placed mesial and distal labial developmental depressions.

How does the mesial outline of a mandibular canine appear from the labial view?

The mesial outline is an almost straight line from the mesial contact to the CEJ.

Where are the mesial and distal contacts located on a mandibular canine?

The mesial contact with the lateral incisor is in the incisal third, and the distal contact with the first premolar is at the junction of the incisal and middle thirds.

How do the cusp slopes of a mandibular canine differ?

The mesial cusp slope is shorter than the distal cusp slope when first erupted.

What happens to the cusp tip of a mandibular canine with attrition?

The central cusp tip moves to the mesial, shortening the mesial cusp slope and lengthening the distal cusp slope.

How is the CEJ of a mandibular canine oriented?

The CEJ is evenly curved toward the root.

What features are present on the lingual view of a mandibular canine?

The lingual surface has a faintly demarcated lingual ridge, mesial and distal marginal ridges, and two lingual fossae.

How does the cingulum of a mandibular canine compare to that of a maxillary canine?

The cingulum on a mandibular canine is less developed and lies distal to that of a maxillary canine.

What is the general shape of the mandibular canine compared to a maxillary canine?

The mandibular canine has a less developed shape and pointed cusp.

The CEJ is what on the distal compared to the mesial surface?

Curved less on the distal.

What is the difference between the mandibular and maxillary cabins incisally.

A mandibular canine is more symmetrical and the crown is wider labiolingually than mesiodistally. The medial marginal ridge is longer than the distal.