Dental Topography Terms

Proximal contact area

area on side of tooth that contacts adjacent tooth in same arch (M or D)

Where on the tooth does proximal contact most occur

the widest part of the tooth

cusp

point or rounded peaks of tooth structures located at the occlusal (O) or incisal (I) edges

Which teeth only have cusps

canine, premolars, and molars

Tubercles

small elevation (projection) like a “mini” cusp found on crowns of teeth

What can tubercles be considered?

anomolies

On which anterior teeth are tubercles most commonly found?

Maxillary incisors (lingual)

On which posterior teeth are tubercles more common—1st or 2nd molars?

1st molars

Cingulum

large rounded eminence or protrusion on lingual; cervical third of lingual surface

Ridge

linear elevation on surface of crowns of teeth

How do we name ridges

based on location in tooth

Marginal ridges

rounded, linear elevation on teeth; where M & D meet with occlusal or lingual

On which surface are marginal ridges found on posterior teeth

occlusal

On which surface are marginal ridges found on anterior teeth

lingual

Triangular ridges

triangular-shaped ridge extending from cusp tip to central developmental groove of O of any posterior tooth

Transverse ridge

where 2 triangular ridges run across from each other from buccal to lingual

On what teeth can you find transverse ridges?

posterior teeth only

Oblique ridge

where 2 triangular ridges are diagonal to each other

On what tooth and surface do oblique ridges occur

occlusal of maxillary molars

Mamelons

rounded extension of enamel on incisal edges of newly erupted incisors

• scalloped

• wear away

Fossa

shallow depression in tooth

On what teeth do you find fossaes on

maxillary incisors, premolars, molars

On what surface of maxillary incisors will you find fossaes

lingual

On what surface of premolars and molars will you find fossae

occlusal

developmental grooves (or fissures)

Large depressed lines in the incisal/occlusal surfaces of teeth

What do developmental grooves mark?

Where lobes meet

How do developmental grooves divide a tooth?

into thirds

Supplementary grooves/fissures (secondary)

small depressed lines in occlusal surfaces of teeth

• wrinkled appearance

Pit

junction of primary grooves

What is the deepest point of the fossa

pit

What is the common area for decay and why

Pit b/c TB bristles can’t reach

Lobes

primary anatomical divisions of teeth

What is formed where lobes fuse together?

developmental grooves