Dentition: Surfaces, Parts, and Roots of the Teeth

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining dental surfaces, anatomical parts, and root classification based on lecture notes.

Lingual surface

The inside surface of a tooth that faces towards the tongue.

Palatal surface

The term used for the lingual surface specifically on the teeth of the maxillary arch.

Labial surface

The outside surface of anterior teeth that faces toward the lips.

Buccal surface

The outside surface of posterior teeth that faces toward the cheek.

Facial surface

A general term for the outer tooth surface, referring to either the labial surface of anterior teeth or the buccal surface of posterior teeth.

Mesial surface

The surface of a tooth facing toward the midline.

Distal surface

The surface of a tooth facing away from the midline.

Proximal surface

Any surface between two adjacent teeth, collectively referring to mesial and distal surfaces.

Incisal surface

The biting edge or surface of incisors and canines that comes in contact with teeth in the opposite jaw during closure.

Occlusal surface

The chewing surface of premolars and molars that comes in contact with teeth in the opposite jaw during closure.

Anatomical crown

The whole crown of the tooth that is covered by enamel, whether it is erupted or not.

Clinical crown

Only that part of the tooth crown that is visible above the gingiva (gums).

Anatomical root

The portion of the tooth that is covered with cementum.

Single-rooted tooth

A tooth that possesses only one root.

Bifurcated root

The anatomic area where the root divides into two in a two-rooted tooth.

Trifurcation

The anatomic area where the roots divide into three in a three-rooted tooth.

Apex

The end point, or furthest tip, of the tooth root.

Permanent single-rooted teeth

Includes maxillary centrals, laterals, canines, and second premolars, as well as mandibular centrals, laterals, canines, first premolars, and second premolars.

Permanent two-rooted teeth

Includes the maxillary first premolar and mandibular first, second, and third molars.

Permanent three-rooted teeth

Includes maxillary first, second, and third molars.