Canine Anatomy for Dental Hygiene Students

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key anatomical traits, surfaces, and anomalies of maxillary and mandibular canines for dental hygiene review.

Canines (Cuspids)

Longest teeth in each arch; single-cusp ‘cornerstones’ of the dentition, guiding occlusion.

Lobes of Canines

Develop from four lobes—three facial and one lingual (forms the cingulum).

Cusp (Canine)

Pointed projection on the incisal edge visible from both labial and lingual aspects.

Lingual Ridge

Elevated line running from cusp tip to cingulum, dividing mesial and distal fossae.

Labiolingual Root Width

Roots are wider labiolingually than mesiodistally and taper toward the lingual.

Maxillary Canine – Facial View

Mesial cusp ridge shorter than distal; subtle labial ridge; distal contact more cervical; crown pentagon-shaped and more convex on distal.

Maxillary Canine – Lingual View

Large, centered cingulum; prominent marginal ridges; lingual ridge separating mesial and distal fossae.

Maxillary Canine – Proximal View

Wedge-shaped outline; very prominent cingulum; developmental concavity deepest on distal; height of contour in cervical third.

Maxillary Canine – Incisal View

Lingual narrower than facial half; cingulum centered; distal surfaces may appear “pinched”; wear can form a diamond pattern.

Mandibular Canine – Facial View

Mesial outline nearly straight and in line with root; mesial cusp ridge almost horizontal and shorter than distal.

Mandibular Canine – Incisal View

Cingulum often offset to the distal, unlike centered cingulum of maxillary canine.

Root Depressions (Canines)

Longitudinal depressions on both mesial and distal; distal usually deeper, aiding anchorage.

Bifurcated Root (Mandibular Canine)

Common anomaly where root splits into facial and lingual branches in the apical third.

Heights of Contour (Canines)

Both facial and lingual are subtle and located in the cervical third.

Contact Areas of Canines

Mesial contact in incisal third; distal contact at incisal–middle junction, more cervical than mesial.

Developmental Depression (Cervical Third)

Concavity on the crown and root, most pronounced on distal surface of maxillary canine.

Ovoid Cervical Cross-Section (Maxillary Canine)

Root cross-section broad labiolingually, appearing ovoid with nearly 100 % single root canals.

Longitudinal Root Depressions (Mandibular Canine)

Prominent labiolingual grooves that may lead to two separate roots or canals.

Mesial Cusp Ridge

Shorter slope of the canine cusp extending toward the mesial; aids in identifying right vs. left canines.

Cornerstone of Dentition

Nickname for canines, reflecting their strategic position and role in guiding jaw movements.