Crown Elevations, Depressions, and Furcations

elevated areas that form the bulk of the occlusal surface on posterior teeth and incisal portion on canines

cusps

What teeth don’t have cusps?

incisors

a linear elevation on crowns that is usually convex

ridge

ridge that descends from the tips of cusps to center of occlusal surface on posterior teeth

triangular

combination of two triangular ridges that merge across occlusal surface

transverse ridge

specific type of transverse ridge only on maxillary molars

oblique ridge

rounded eminence on lingual surface if all anterior teeth

cingulum

Where are the marginal ridges located on anterior teeth?

lateral margins of lingual surface

Where are the marginal ridges located on posterior teeth?

mesial and distal terminations of occlusal surface

boundary with ridges smaller than occlusal crown outline

occlusal table

subtle ridge near the CEJ on the cervical third of the crown

cervical ridge

rounded or pointed projections found on the crowns of teeth that aren’t normally found

tubercles

What is the most likely location for tubercles to be found?

lingual surface of maxillary anterior teeth, especially primary canines

small, rounded projections of enamel normally found on incisal edge at eruption

mamelons

faint horizontal ridges on enamel surface of newly erupted permanent teeth

perikymata

primary groove that donates coming together of lobes named for the surface they aim towards

developmental groove

secondary groove that branches off from a developmental groove

supplemental groove

central developmental grooves of posterior teeth aligned into one continuous valley in each quadrant

continuity of central grooces

The continuity of central grooves allows for…

efficient flow of food during mastication

a narrow ditch that runs along a groove

fissure

irregular depression or concavity

fossa

How many fossae on anterior teeth?

1 on the lingual surface

How many fossae can be on posterior teeth?

2 or more on the occlusal surface

pinpoint depressions where grooves join or terminate usually in the deepest portion of the fossa

pits

term for the root tip

apex

extends from CEJ to the furcation area

root trunk

place where the trunk divides into separate roots

furcation

2 rooted teeth

bifurcation

3 rooted teeth

trifurcation

pocket formation into fluting of the furca area with no radiographic evidence of bone loss

Grade I Involvement

interradicular bone is destroyed on one or more aspects of the furcation but a portion of the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament remains intact

Grade II Involvement

interradicular bone has been destroyed so probe can be passed through and through but furcation is not visible clinically as it is being covered by gingiva

Grade III Involvement

interradicular bone is destroyed and furcation is clinically visible as gingiva has receded

Grade IV Involvement

junction of the crown and the root

cervical line

Where is the depth of curvature of the cervical line greatest?

central incisors and decreases as you go posteriorly

The cervical line is greatest on the ______ than the ______.

mesial, distal