ORAL ANATOMY REVIEWER 2.

Permanent Dentition

A. Introduction to Oral Anatomy

Oral Anatomy- Study of the macroscopic or gross structure of the

human teeth and their contact with each other in the dental arches,
alignment and occlusion.

Terminologies:
Upper Jaw- Maxilla (Maxillary)
Lower Jaw- Mandible (Mandibular)

Deciduous Dentition
● Deciduous (to shed at a proper time)
○ Primary Dentition
■ Temporary Dentition
■ Milk teeth
■ Child’s teeth/dentition
● At birth, usually no teeth are visible, but many teeth in various
stages of development are found in both jaws.
● Postnatal period of development of deciduous dentition spans
about 2 ½ years
Classes of Teeth Deciduous Dental Formula
● Incisors ● Incisors
○ Central Incisors ● Canines
○ Lateral Incisors ● Molars
● Canines
● Premolars
● Molars

● Anterior Teeth
● Incisors
● Canines
● Posterior Teeth
● Premolars
● Molars

Human Dentition
● all teeth in the upper and lower jaw are collectively referred to
- A total of 20 deciduous teeth in a child’s jaw
as DENTITION
Deciduous Dentition
2 sets of dentition of Man
● The primary dentition remains intact until the child is about 6
1. Deciduous Dentition
years of age, when the transition to the permanent dentition
begins.

Permanent Dentition

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 ● The transition to the permanent dentition begins with the ● described by Zsigmondy in 1861
eruption of first permanent molars, shedding of deciduous ● Grid / brackets
incisors and eruption of permanent incisors ○ To denotes (4) quadrant
● Permanent dentition
○ Numbers 1 - 8
● Primary dentition
○ Letters A - E

2-digit system/International System (FDI)

● First digit – denotes quadrant , arch , dentition
○ 1 to 4 ( Permanent dentition)
○ 5 to 8 ( Primary dentition)
● Second digit – denotes the tooth
○ 1 – 8 (permanent teeth)
○ 1 – 5 (primary teeth)

Universal System/Military System

● First suggested by Parreidt in 1882
Permanent Dental Formula
● Permanent – numbers 1 to 32
● Incisors
● Primary – letters A to T
● Canines
● Premolars
● Molars

- A total of 32 permanent teeth in an adult jaw

System of Tooth Identification

● Palmer’s Notation
● International System or 2 Digit system or the FDI system
● Universal or Military System

THE CROWN AND ROOT

Palmer’s Notation
● Oldest known tooth designation system Crown

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 - Incisal ridges / edges – Cusps ( one or more) ● Grooves
Root ● Pit
- Terminal end is referred to as the apex / apices ● Fossa
Cervical line – junction of crown and root
LOBE
Parts of a tooth

● Pulp cavity
- Pulp chamber ( coronal pulp)
- Pulp canal ( root pulp)

• The root portion is firmly fixed in the bony process of the jaw.
• The portion that serves as a support for the tooth is called the
ALVEOLAR PROCESS
• The bone of the tooth socket is called the alveolus ( pl. alveoli)

• Primary centers / sections of formation in the development of the

The crown portion is not covered by bone tissue after it is fully erupted,
but it is partly covered at the cervix in young adults by the soft tissue of
the mouth known as the gingiva / gingival tissue or the gums.
crown
• Primary growth centers
• Primary anatomic divisions of tooth crown
• Represented by cusps in posterior teeth
• Represented by mamelons and cingulum in anterior teeth

Surfaces and ridges Major Lobes of a tooth

Facial surface- towards the lips and cheeks

Labial surface ( lip mucosa) - anterior teeth
Buccal surface ( cheek mucosa) - posterior surface
Lingual Surface- towards the tongue
Palatal surface-for maxillary teeth
Proximal Surface – towards adjacent or adjoining teeth in the same
dental arch.
Mesial surface – towards the midline
Distal surface – away from the midline
Morsal surface –surfaces in contact when the mouth is in occlusion
(closed)

Incisal ridges/edge
- anterior teeth
Occlusal surface
- posterior teeth
Mamelons
- any one of the three rounded protuberances found on the
LANDMARKS
incisal ridges of newly erupted incisor teeth.
● Lobe
● Cusp
● Tubercle • Cingulum • Ridge

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 ● Buccal / Labial ridge
● Lingual ridge
● Marginal ridge
● Cusp ridge
● Triangular ridge
● Transverse ridge
● Oblique ridge
● Incisal ridge
● Cervical ridge

BUCCAL RIDGE
- Linear elevations of enamel running cervico- occlusally at the
CUSP crown of a posterior teeth buccally.
•A mound or elevation on the crown portion of a tooth
•Makes up a divisional part of the occlusal surface
•Representative of lobes

LABIAL RIDGE
- Linear elevations of enamel running cervico-incisal at the
crown of anterior teeth labially.

CINGULUM
- Lingual lobe of anterior teeth
- Representative of a lobe
- Enlargement or bulge on the cervical third the lingual surface
of anterior teeth

LINGUAL RIDGE
- Linear elevations of enamel running cervico-incisal at the
crown of a tooth lingually.

TUBERCLE
- Small bulges on the crown portion
- Extra-formation of enamel
- Marginal ridges of posterior teeth
- Tip of the cingulum of anterior teeth

MARGINAL RIDGE
Ridges - Linear elevations of enamel running buccolingually at the
- Linear elevations (enamel) on the surface of a tooth named crown of a posterior tooth occlusally. Forms the mesial and
accdg to its location distal borders of the crown occlusally.

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MARGINAL RIDGE
- Linear elevations of enamel running cervicoincisally at the
crown of an anterior tooth lingually. Forms the mesial and TRANSVERSE RIDGE
distal borders of the crown lingually. - Union of two triangular ridges crossing transversely the
surface of a posterior tooth

OBLIQUE RIDGE
CUSP RIDGE
- Union of two triangular ridges that crosses the occlusal
- Linear elevations of enamel that forms the cusp/s of the teeth.
surface of maxillary molars obliquely or diagonally
- There are 2 cusp ridges for each cusp- MCR & DCR

TRIANGULAR RIDGE CERVICAL RIDGE

- Linear elevation of enamel that descend from the tip of the - Linear elevation of enamel running mesiodistally on the
cusps of molars and premolars going towards the central part cervical third of the buccal surface of the crown, found on all
of the occlusal surfaces. Slopes of each side of the ridge are deciduous teeth but only on permanent molars.
inclined to resemble two sides of a triangle.
- Named after the cusps to which they belong
- Example: BUCCAL TRIANGULAR RIDGE*

BUCCAL TRIANGULAR RIDGE (BTR)

Grooves

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 - Linear depressions on the surface of a tooth named accdg to
its location.
● Developmental grooves
● Supplementary grooves
● Accidental grooves

Developmental grooves
- Sharply defined, long or short, formed during tooth
development, separating major lobes / cusps or between
primary parts of crown or root.

Supplementary Grooves
- Small, less distinct, irregularly placed, do not occur at the
junction of lobes, radiates out of a major groove

Fossa
- An irregular depressions or shallow concavities on the crown
of a tooth
Central fossa
Mesial triangular fossa
Distal triangular fossa
Distal fossa
Lingual fossa
ACCIDENTAL GROOVES
- Irregularly placed grooves , not radiating from a major
grooves, scattered on the surface of the crown.

Pits
- Small pinpoint depressions located at the junction or at
terminal ends of grooves.
Central pit
Mesial developmental pit
Distal developmental pit
Buccal pit
Fissures
Lingual pit
- Very narrow cleft or crevice at the depth of any groove
cause by incomplete fusion of enamel during
development where dental caries / decay often begins.

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 - Distal + Lingual = distolingual line angle
- Labial + Incisal = labioincisal line angle
- Lingual + Incisal = linguoincisal line angle

Line Angles - junction of two surfaces

Line angles of a posterior teeth
1. mesiobuccal mesio-occlusal
2. distobuccal disto-occlusal
3. mesiolingual bucco-occlusal
4. distolingual linguo-occlusal
Point Angle - junction of three surfaces
● Point angles of an anterior teeth
- Mesiolabioincisal
- Distolabioincisal
Sulcus - Mesiolinguoincisal
- Sulcus broad depression or valley on the occlusal surfaces of - Distolinguoincisal
posterior teeth, the inclines of which are formed by the
triangular ridges. DIVISION INTO THIRDS

Arbitrary Division of Teeth

● Facial (buccal / labial) view
● Proximal (Mesial / Distal view)
● Lingual view

Facial /Lingual View

Labial / Buccal / Lingual view

Crown:
() Vertical division into thirds
- mesial third
- middle third
- distal third

() Horizontal division into thirds

- cervical third
- middle third
- incisal / occlusal third

Root:
() Horizontal division into thirds
- cervical third
- middle third
- apical third

Angles
- Junction of surfaces, used as descriptive terms to indicate a
location

● Line angles - 2 surfaces

Anterior (6)
Posterior (8)
● Point angles - 3 surfaces
Anterior (4)
Posterior (4)

Proximal View-(Mesial/Distal)
Line Angles - junction of two surfaces
● Line angles of an anterior teeth CROWN:
- Mesial + Labial = mesiolabial line angle () Vertical division into thirds
- Mesial + Lingual = mesiolingual line angle - labial third
- Distal + Labial = distolabial line angle

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 - middle third
- lingual third
() Horizontal division into thirds
- cervical third
- middle third
- incisal / occlusal third

ROOT:
() Horizontal division into thirds
- cervical third
- middle third
- apical third

The Deciduous Dentition

DEVELOPMENT AND ERUPTION OF TEETH
● When the child is 2 or 2 ½ years of age, all of the deciduous
Definition teeth are expected to be in use.

Development (of dentition) Usual order of appearance of Deciduous teeth

● refers to the events or stages involves in the formation of 1. central incisors
teeth 2. lateral incisors
3. first molars
Calcification ( of teeth) 4. canines
● the organic framework of a tooth becomes hard from calcium 5. second molars
and phosphorous salts bought in by small blood vessels.

Eruption ● At 5 years old – there is jaw growth manifested by some

● the act of the tooth moving occlusally and becoming visible in
the mouth as it emerges through the gum tissue ( emergence)
The Deciduous Dentition
● Tooth crowns are said to have developed from lobes or
primary growth centers.
● Calcification of deciduous teeth begins at 4th month of fetal
life
● End of 6th month (prenatal ) – all deciduous teeth have
begun to develop.
● No two individuals are exactly alike in their development.
General Rule in Tooth Eruption
● Individual mandibular teeth usually precede the maxillary
teeth in the process of eruption
● Teeth in both jaws erupts in pairs, one right and one left.
Development and Calcification
● * at 5 months all deciduous teeth have begun to develop
● * at 2 or 2 ½ years all of the deciduous teeth are expected
to have erupted and to be in use.
● * at 5 years old, there is resorption of roots of deciduous
incisors
separation of the deciduous teeth ( spacing of deciduous
teeth)
● The premature lost of deciduous teeth, their retention,
congenital absence of teeth, and insufficient spacing are
important factors in the development of an abnormal
occlusion. Their premature lost from dental neglect is likely to
cause a loss of arch length with consequent tendency for
crowding of permanent teeth.
The permanent Dentition
● The first permanent teeth to erupt are the 1st molars,
erupting distal to deciduous 2nd molars at approximately 6
years.
● First permanent molars are much larger and cannot make
their entry until the jaw growth had progressed sufficiently
to allow a space for their eruption.
● Permanent 1st molars – referred to as 6-year molar.
At 6-7 years, permanent central incisors erupts.
Before they can come into position, deciduous central incisors must be
exfoliated brought about by the phenomenon called resorption of the
deciduous roots.

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 Permanent Dentition
● Permanent incisors ,canines and premolars are called
succedaneous teeth, since they take the place of their
deciduous predecessors.
● Root resorption sometimes does not follow the routine
procedure.
● Failure of deciduous roots to resorb may bring about
prolonged retention of deciduous tooth.

Usual order of appearance

1. First molar
The permanent tooth in its follicle attempts to force its way into the 2. Lower central and lateral incisor
position held by its predecessor (deciduous) 3. Upper Central incisor and canine
4. Upper lateral incisor
5. Lower canines
The pressure brought to bear against the deciduous roots evidently 6. First premolars
causes resorption of the roots 7. Second premolars
8. Upper
Resorption of roots of deciduous teeth continues until the crown has lost 9. Second molars
anchorage, becomes loose and is finally exfoliated. 10. Third molars
At this stage, the permanent tooth moves occlusally (eruption) in proper
position to succeed its predecessor.

Calcification of Maxillary Teeth

Nolla’s Growth Stages of Tooth Development (1960)

● illustrates the ten stages of tooth development as observed
radiographically for maxillary teeth

The follicles of the developing incisors and canines are in a position

lingual to the deciduous roots.

The developing premolars are within the bifurcation of deciduous

molar roots.

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 ● Formation of each center/lobe proceeds until there is a
coalescence (union/fusion) of all the lobes forming the crown
portion of the tooth.

Development of Teeth
● After crown of tooth is formed, the root portion (formation)
begun.
● At the cervix of crown, cementum starts to form as a root
Classification of Mandibular Teeth
covering the dentin.
(Nolla’s Growth Stage)
● Development of crown and root takes place within a bony
Ten stages of tooth development as observed radiographically for
crypt in the jaw bones.
mandibular teeth

Development of teeth
● After crown and part of root is formed, eruption begins (6th
stage of Nolla’s)
● Formation roots is an active factor in pushing the crown
toward its final position in the mouth.
● Eruption is completed when crown has made contact with its
antagonist/s in the opposing jaw

Development of Teeth
● There are four or more centers of formation (lobes) for each
tooth.

Development of teeth

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 ● Formation of root dentin and cementum continues after the
tooth is in use. Root is half completed during eruption and
ultimately completed in time.
● Pulp outline is similar to the outline of the crown and root .
● Pulp tissue continues to function with its blood and nerve
supply after tooth is formed.
● Formation of tooth is said to be completed when the apex of
the root is formed.
● Pulp is relatively large in deciduous and young permanent
teeth.
● Pulp cavity becomes smaller and more constricted with age.
● Teeth of children and young people are more sensitive to
thermal change and dental procedures than the older people.

TOOTH FORM AND JAW MOVEMENTS

Form and Function of Dentition

● Primary Function of Teeth
○ Prepare food for swallowing
○ Facilitate digestion
○ Articulate speech
○ Personal appearance (esthetics)
● Form of Teeth
○ Facilitate prehension ( combat/battle)
○ Incision ● Each tooth is more efficient and the jaws are stabilized by the
○ Trituration of food collective action of the teeth in supporting each other
● Teeth, joints and muscles of man have the form and ● Contact of each tooth with its neighbors in the jaw protects the
alignment that enables mastication of both animal and gingiva between them in the interproximal spaces referred to
vegetable foods. Thus, man’s dentition is referred to as as gingival or interproximal papilla.
“omnivorous”
When teeth in the lower jaw comes in contact with those in the upper
jaw in any functional relation, they are said to be in occlusion.
● Occlusion – is used to designate the anatomic alignment of
the teeth and their relationship to the rest of the masticatory
system.

● Gingival line follows curvature but not necessarily at same

level with cervical line ( defined as the “cementoenamel
junction of crown and root”)
○ not identical, although they normally follow a similar
curvature; they are seldom at the same level on the
tooth
● Malocclusion – used to describe deviations in relations of the
teeth and/or jaws.
● In proper alignment, the teeth are arranged and placed in
strong contact with their neighbors.

● Cervical line is a more stable anatomic demarcation whereas

gingival line is variable and merely represents the gingival
level on the tooth at any period in a man’s life.

Comparative Dental Anatomy

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 ● Four stages of tooth forms
1. Reptilian stage (Haplodont)
● Represented by the simplest form of tooth, the single cone
● Usually includes many teeth in both jaws that limit jaw
movement
● There is no occlusion of the teeth in this class
● Teeth being used mainly for prehension or combat
● Main function is procurement of food
● Simple hinge movement ( upper jaw is mobile, lower jaw is
static; e.g. alligator)
2. Early Mammalian stage (Triconodont)
● exhibits 3 cusps in the development of posterior teeth
● The largest, or anthropologically the original cusp, is
● centered with a smaller cusp located anteriorly and another
posteriorly.
● Examples are some breeds of dogs and other carnivores
3. Triangular stage (tritubercular molar)
4. Quadritubercular stage (lower molar)
● Exhibits teeth of four projections to established occlusion with
tritubercular molars (upper molars)
Example are the dentition of the Ape and Orangutan
Geometric concepts of Crown Outlines
● All aspect/surface of each tooth crown except morsal surface
may be outlined schematically within three geometric figures:
❖ Triangles
❖ Trapezoids
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❖ Rhomboids
● Facial and Lingual Aspects of All Teeth
❖ Represented by TRAPEZOIDS of various dimensions
❖ Shortest of uneven side represent the cervices
❖ Longest of uneven side represent the incisal or occlusal
surfaces
● Facial and Lingual Aspects of All Teeth
❖ TRAPEZOIDS
The arrangement brings out the following fundamental forms:
1. Interproximal spaces may accommodate interproximal
tissue/papilla
2. Spacing between roots of each tooth and those of
another allows sufficient bone tissue for investment of
teeth and a supporting structure required to hold up
gingival tissue to a normal level. Sufficient blood
circulation is possible.
3. Each tooth in the dental arches must be in contact at some point
with its neighbor /s to help protect interproximal gingival tissue from
trauma during mastication.
4. Each tooth in each dental arch has two antagonists in the opposing
arch
● In the event of loss tooth, this arrangement tends to
prevent elongation of antagonists and helps stabilize
the remaining teeth over a longer period of time.
Mesial and Distal Aspect of the Anterior Teeth
● TRIANGLES
● Base of the triangle is represented by the cervical portion of
crown, and the apex by the incisal ridg
- The fundamentals portrayed here are:
1. a wide base to the crown for strength
2. a tapered outline labially and lingually, narrowing down to a relatively
thin ridge which facilitates the penetration of food material.
Mesial and Distal Aspect of Maxillary Posterior Teeth
● TRAPEZOIDAL
○ Longest of uneven side is represented by the
cervices
○ Shortest of uneven side is represented by the
occlusal surfaces
Fundamental considerations observed as follows:
1. because the occlusal surface is constricted, the tooth can be forced
into food material more easily.
2. if the occlusal surface were as wide as the base of the crown, the
additional chewing surface would multiply the forces of mastication,
hence, the tooth would be less “self-cleansing” during the process.
Mesial and Distal Aspect of Mandibular Posterior Teeth
● RHOMBOIDAL
○ The occlusal surfaces is constricted in comparison
with the bases.
○ This outline inclines the crowns lingual to the root
bases, bringing cusps into proper occlusion with the
cusps of their maxillary opponents.
○ Axes of crowns and roots of the teeth of both jaws
are kept parallel allowing intercusps relation
necessary for proper function.
SUMMARY OF SCHEMATIC / GEOMETRIC OUTLINES
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 ● Triangles ● Two basic forms:
○ Six anterior teeth, maxillary and mandibulat 1. relatively wide cervix (labially)
■ Mesial and Distal aspect 2. relatively narrow cervix
Trapezoids
● Longest uneven side toward occlusal / incisal ● Usually develops normally
1. all anterior teeth, maxillary and mandibular labial and Lingual aspect ● Variations/ anomaly:
2. all posterior teeth ○ short root ; unusually long crown; shovel-shaped
● Buccal and Lingual aspect incisors
- Shortest uneven side towards occlusal
● All maxillary posterior teeth MAXILLARY RIGHT CENTRAL INCISOR
○ Mesial and Distal aspect
LABIAL ASPECT
● Rhomboids
○ All mandibular posterior teeth
- Average length of crown is 10-
■ Mesial and Distal aspect
11mm

● D. Permanent Dentition - Mesiodistal measurement is

8-9mm wide at contact areas

- Mesiodistal measurement at
PERMANENT MAXILLARY INCISORS the cervix is approx. 1.5 – 2mm
less.
Maxillary Incisors
- develops from 4 primary centers of formation (lobes) ; 3 labial
lobe and 1 lingual lobe
- four incisors: two centrals (first); two laterals (second)
(centrals larger than laterals)
Maxillary Incisors
● Shearing or cutting teeth
Contact Area : Mesial (MCA) –
● Both incisors supplement each other in function and are approaching the mesioincisal or
similar anatomically. very near mesioincisal angle
● Major function : punch or cut food during the process of
mastication Distal (DCA) – higher than MCA,
● Exhibits incisal ridges or edges rather than cusp/s near the junction of the incisal
and middle third
Incisal Ridge
- Is that portion of the crown which makes up complete incisal
portion
- Newly erupted incisors: incisal portion is rounded and merges
with mesioincisal and distoincisal; and labial & lingual
surfaces

Incisal Edge -crown is trapezoidal longest

- Implies an angle formed by the merging of two flat surfaces uneven (incisal)
- Exits only after incisal wear created a flattened surface
linguoincisally, and forms an angle with the labial surface *shortest uneven (cervix)

*two even sides proximal

Maxillary Central Incisors
-Labial face is convex giving
crown a squared or rectangular

● centered in the maxilla, mesial surfaces in contact

● widest mesiodistally
● most prominent teeth
● labial face of crown is squared or rectangular
● crown nearly always looks symmetrical & regularly formed

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 -Enamel surface is relatively
smooth
Mesial outline – only slightly
convex
Distal outline - more convex
Mesioincisal angle – maybe
sharp
Distoincisal angle- not so sharp,
more convex
Incisal outline
*is usually regular & straight MD
CEJ follows a semicircular
direction with the curvature
rootwise
-root is cone-shaped, with a
relatively blunt apex; 2 or 3 mm
longer than crown
-Mesial & Distal outline of root is
regular
-root axis line of crown & root
labially tends to parallel the
mesial outline of the crown &
root
LINGUAL ASPECT
Crown is trapezoidal
Surface more irregular:
convexities and concavity
Lingual topography gives a
scooplike form to the crown.
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-smooth convexity at the cervical
3rd below the CEJ -cingulum
and is located off -centered
towards distal
Ridges forms the mesial and
distal margins of the tooth -MMR
and DMR
Between the MRs is a shallow
concavity, the lingual fossa
(borders ?)
-crown and root taper lingually,
dimension of two labial line
angles greater than the two
lingual line angles, making the
root narrower lingually than
labially
developmental grooves
extending from the cingulum into
the lingual fossa
-cross section of root at cervix is
triangular with rounded angles:
one side of triangle is labial, with
M and D sides pointing lingually.
Mesial side trifle longer than
Distal
MESIAL ASPECT
Crown is triangular or wedge
shaped.
Crown outline *Labially from
crest of curvature to IR is very
slightly convex
*Lingually is convex at cingulum,
concave at MMR and slightly
convex at linguoincisal ridge and
incisal edge
Crest of curvature is at the
cervical 3rd - greatest
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 (labiolingual measurement) INCISAL ASPECT

-labial face is relatively broad

and flat , especially toward
incisal 3rd.

-Incisal ridge slope toward the

lingual

-lingual outline – tapers towards

the cingulum (off-centered to the
distal)

- Crown tapers lingually toward

the cingulum

-mesiolabial and distolabial line

angles are prominent.

-Mesiodistal calibration at the

labial line angles is greater than
CEJ curves incisally to a the same calibration at the
noticeable degree lingual line angles.
Line drawn at the center through -Mesiodistal>Labiolingual
crown and root will bisect apex of
root and incisal ridge *IR is
therefore on a line with center of
the root (arch trait characteristic
of max incisors)

Root is cone shaped, apex is

usually bluntly rounded.

DISTAL ASPECT

similar to mesial except:

-crown gives impression of
somewhat thicker toward incisal
3rd because of labial surface
slopes distolingually
*most teeth turned a little on
their root bases, in order to adapt
to the curvature of the dental
arch, creating an illusion of
greater thickness on the distal.

-less curvature of CEJ

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 -mesial outline- same as central
slightly convex but more
MAXILLARY LATERAL INCISORS rounded mesioincisal angle than
● supplements the central incisor in function max central
● resembles max. central in form
● smaller in all dimension than maxillary central, except root -distal outline- always more
length rounded or semicircular outline
● relatively narrower MD than central incisor from cervix to center of IR.

-Contact Areas:

Mesial – incisal 3rd or near the

junction of the middle and incisal
3rd
❖ development varies considerably than any tooth
❖ If variation is too great, it is considered an anomaly Distal – junction of middle &
incisal 3rd or center of the middle
❖ variations: 3rd
➢ peg-shaped lateral
- non-descript pointed form developing
from two lobes
➢ missing entirely
➢ large pointed tubercle as part of the cingulum
➢ presence of palatogingival or palatoradicular
groove
- deep developmental groove distally which - crown is narrower MD, about
extend down on the root lingually creating 2mm narrower than centrals and
shorter by 2 -3mm
a deep fold in the cingulum
cervicoincisally
➢ twisted roots, distorted crowns
- root is usually as long if not
MAXILLARY RIGHT LATERAL INCISOR longer than centrals

LABIAL ASPECT - root length is greater in

proportion to its crown length
than centrals
-crown outline is trapezoidal
Root is often about 1 ½ times the
- exhibits more curvature with length of the crown.
rounded incisal ridge and incisal
angles mesially & distally.
-root tapers evenly from CEJ up
- more convex labial face to two thirds of its length, curves
(semicircular outline) except in sharply in a distal direction, ends
some square and flat-faced in a pointed apex
forms
-Root curvature distally is typical,
-crown smaller in all dimension some are straight, or curves
mesially
*shows considerable variance in
both crown and root

LINGUAL ASPECT

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 - well-defined lingual anatomy INCISAL ASPECT
*MMR and DMR are marked,
*cingulum (centered) is usually
prominent with tendency toward
-resembles central or a small
deep developmental grooves
canine
within the lingual fossa (distal
side) , may extend up to the root
-cingulum (centered) maybe
large and incisal ridge maybe
-Tubercle at the tip of the
large also than central
cingulum
-labiolingual > mesiodistal
-linguoincisal ridge is well-
developed and more concave
-exhibits more convexity labially
lingual fossa (lingual pit)
and lingually than maxillary
central

-common to find a fold at the

-tooth tapers lingually cingulum

-Common to find deep

developmental grooves at the
side of the cingulum distally ,
which may extend to part or all of
the root length.
*faults of enamel is often
presence in the deep portions

MESIAL ASPECT

-similar to centrals except that

crown appears shorter, root is
relatively longer

-heavy development of the

incisal ridge, thus IR appears
thicker than central incisor

-marked curvature of CEJ

-root appears as a tapered cone

with a bluntly rounded apical
end/ or pointed (varies)

-root axis line bisects the incisal

ridge of the crown.

DISTAL ASPECT

-width of crown appears thicker

distally than mesially from MR to
labial face bec. of placement of
crown on the root

-CEJ curves a millimeter less

than mesial

-common to find a
developmental groove extending
on the root for part or all of its
length

DENT5F 2022-2023 17
 areas

-Contact Areas:

Mesial – in the incisal 3rd, very

near the incisal angle

Distal – in the incisal 3rd, but

cervical to the level of the MCA

- mesial and distal sides of crown

taper evenly from contact areas
to narrow cervix
PERMANENT MANDIBULAR INCISORS
● develops from 4 lobes -labial face is smooth with
● smallest MD dimension than any teeth flattened surface at the incisal
● smaller in all dimension than max incisors 3rd, more convex middle 3rd and
narrows down to the convexity of
● central smaller than lateral, which is a reverse in the maxilla
the root at the cervical portion
● teeth have similar form and have smooth crown surfaces
● show few traces of developmental lines

● Mamelons on incisal ridges are worn off soon after eruption

● Contact areas are near incisal ridges mesially and distally;
and are nearly the same level
● Anatomical form differs entirely from maxillary incisors -M and D root outlines are
straight with the M and D
outlines of the crown
Mandibular Central Incisor
● smallest tooth in the dental arch, -root terminates in a small
● bilaterally symmetrical (mesial half is a mirror image of the pointed taper, in most cases
distal half) curving distally.
● crown has more than half the MD dimension of the maxillary
-labial surface of root – regular
incisors, but labiolingual diameter is only about 1mm less
and convex
● the root is very narrow mesiodistally, length is greater than
max central incisor.

LINGUAL ASPECT

-crown is trapezoidal

-crown surface smooth with very

slight concavity

-sometimes, MMR and DMR are

more prominent near the incisal
edges creating a more distinct
MANDIBULAR RIGHT CENTRAL INCISOR concavity between MRs
LABIAL ASPECT

- crown outline is trapezoidal - lingual surface becomes flat,

then convex from incisal 3rd to
-incisal ridge is straight and is cervical 3rd
approximately at right angle to
the root axis line. -no developmental lines mark the
cingulum (centered).
-relatively sharp mesial and
distal incisal angles -outlines and surfaces are
regular and symmetrical.
-crown outline mesial and distal
make a straight drop downward
from the incisal angles to contact

DENT5F 2022-2023 18
 MESIAL ASPECT
-crown outline –triangular
-Labial outline- straight above
CEJ ; slopes from crest of
curvature to IR
-Lingual outline – straight line
above cingulum, concave line at
middle 3rd, rounded outline at
incisal 3rd
-Incisal ridge is rounded or worn
flat and its center is usually
lingual to the center of the root
(RAL)
-CEJ curving approximately 1/3
the length of the crown.
-mesial outline of root straight
from CEJ to middle 3rd
*root diameter is uniform from
cervical 3rd and part of the
middle 3rd., then tapering rapidly
to the apical 3rd to either a blunt
rounded or pointed apex.
-mesial surface of root is flat
below CEJ
-mesial surface of root is flat
labiolingually (arch trait)
-most roots have a broad
developmental depression for
most of its root length,
-depressions mostly deeper at
the junction of the middle and
apical 3rd.
DENT5F 2022-2023
DISTAL ASPECT
-same as mesial except:
-CEJ curves less (1mm) than
mesial;
-developmental depression is
more marked, with deeper and
more-well defined developmental
groove at the center.
INCISAL ASPECT
illustrates bilateral symmetry;
mesial half is almost identical
with distal half.
- cingulum - center
-incisal edge is almost at right
angles to the line bisecting the
crown labiolingually. (serves as
identification)
-labiolingual diameter is always
greater than mesiodistal width
-labial surface of crown is wider
MD than the lingual surface
-crown wider labially than
lingually (cingulum-centered) at
cervical 3rd
-labial surface of crown at the
incisal 3rd has a tendency
towards convexity, whereas,
lingual has an inclination towards
concavity.
-more labial surface seen than
lingual
19
MANDIBULAR LATERAL INCISORS
LINGUAL ASPECT
● Closely resembles lower centrals
● Larger than mand central incisor
● Together with central incisor, operate in the dental arch as a
Lingual Aspect (same as central
team, their functional form is related.
but appears larger) -crown is
trapezoidal

-crown surface is smooth

-small smooth cingulum (slightly

off centered to the distal)

-crown titled distally on its root

base

MESIAL ASPECT

MANDIBULAR RIGHT LATERAL INCISOR

LABIAL ASPECT -crown is triangular

-mesial side of crown longer than

distal side, causing incisal ridge
-Crown outline is trapezoidal to slope downward towards distal

-resembles central incisor but not -cingulum is poorly developed

bilaterally symmetrical bec. IR is
not at right angle to the RAL

-incisal ridge is straight and

slopes downward towards the
distal making distal half slightly
shorter than mesial half

-crown is longer than central

*IR is lingual to RAL

-distal side has a slight bulge; -root is considerably longer, flat

and with developmental
-crown appears to be tilted depression
distally

-root is tapering and apical end

curved slightly to distal

DISTAL ASPECT

-distal side of crown shorter than

mesial side, causing incisal ridge
-Contact Areas:
to slope downward towards distal
Mesial - incisal 3rd, near the
-tendency toward deeper
incisal ridge
concavity immediately above
CEJ on the distal surface
Distal – incisal 3rd, but more
cervical to the level of the MCA

DENT5F 2022-2023 20
 - Less curvature of CEJ than
mesial

-root is considerably longer, flat

and with marked /deeper
developmental depression

INCISAL ASPECT

-serves to identify mand lateral

from mand central incisor

-cingulum is off-centered distally

-incisal edge is not at

approximate right angles to the
line bisecting the crown & root
labiolingually.

-Incisal edge follows curvature of

lower arch , gives the crown the
appearance of being twisted
slightly on its root base

-labiolingual diameter is always

greater mesiodistal width

-labial surface of crown is wider

MD than the lingual surface

DENT5F 2022-2023 21
PERMANENT CANINE

Permanent Canines
● Maxillary and mandibular canines bear a close resemblance
to each other.
● Four canines are placed at the “corners” of the mouth.
● Longest teeth in the mouth
● Develops from 4 lobes, 3 labial and 1 lingual;
* middle labial lobes have been highly
developed incisally into strong, well-formed
cusps
● Crowns and roots are markedly convex on most surfaces. MAXILLARY RIGHT CANINE

Human “canines” resembles the LABIAL ASPECT

prehensile teeth of the carnivore: * shape of crowns
* single pointed cusps
* locations in the mouth -crown and root narrower MD
* extra anchorage due to its long, strongly than max central incisor
- crown outline is trapezoid
developed roots -CEJ is convex towards the root
= give rise to the term CANINE

Terminologies:
- Cuspids
- Fangs
- Eye-tooth
-most stable teeth (LL thickness, long roots provide extra anchorage in Contact Area:
the jaws) Mesial - approximately at the
junction of middle & incisal 3rd
● Crowns are shaped in a manner that promotes self-cleansing
quality Distal - center of middle 3rd
● Self-cleansing quality and efficient anchorage tends to *contact areas are at different
preserve canines throughout life. levels cervicoincisally
● When teeth are lost, canines are usually the last teeth to go
● Are very valuable teeth, when considered either as units of
the natural dental arches or as possible assistants in
stabilizing replacements of lost teeth in fabrication of
-Mesial outline : convex from
prosthesis
cervix to the center of MCA
● Has a cosmetic value
ornnslight concavity above CA
● Presence bony ridge over the labial surface of the roots of
-Distal outline: usually concave
canine helps form a foundation that ensures normal facial
between CEJ and DCA
expression at the corners of the mouth called the “canine
eminence”
● When lost, extremely difficult, if not impossible, to make
replacements that restore the natural appearance of the face
for any length of time.
FUNCTIONS:
- Supports the incisors and premolars Providing support to the
- Has a cusp on its
facial muscles
incisal ridge
- cut, pierce, or shear food
- Cusp tip is in line with
- Are good anchor teeth (abutments) for a fixed dental bridge or
the center of the root
removable partial denture attachments (clasps) when other
(RAL)
teeth have been lost.
- Cusp present a mesial
and distal slope (cusp
Maxillary Canine
ridge)
* Mesial cusp slope shorter than
● Crown outlines is a series of curves and arcs except for the
distal cusp slope
angle made by the tip of the cusp.
*both cusp slopes shows
● Cusp is form by mesioincisal and distoincisal cusp ridge
tendency toward concavity
● Cusp developed from the middle labial lobe
(notch) before wear has taken
● Mesial half resembles an incisor, distal half resembles a
premolar, thus, contact areas are at different levels
● This tooth seems to be a compromise in the change from
anterior to posterior teeth

DENT5F 2022-2023 22
 - Labial face of crown is
smooth, presents 2
shallow depressions
mesially and distally
- Middle labial lobe -
heavy in development
with labial ridge at the
center
- Labial ridge is curved
inclined mesially at the
center
- Root appears slender
conical in form with a
bluntly pointed apex
- Root may curve
sharply at the apical
3rd, curves mesially or
distally.
- Labial surface of root
is smooth and convex
at all points.
- Root is usually longest
of any root
(maxillary)
- Bony ridge (canine
eminence) at the
center of the labial
surface of the root.
MAXILLARY RIGHT CANINE LINGUAL ASPECT
- Crown outline is
trapezoidal
- CEJ shows a more
even curvature, maybe
straight for a short
interval
- Cingulum is centered
large & sometimes
pointed like a small
cusp
DENT5F 2022-2023
- Strongly developed
marginal ridges
- Well-developed lingual
ridge at the incisal 3rd
of crown
- Mesial and distal
lingual fossae
- Lingual portion of root
narrower than labial,
thus much of mesial
and distal surface of
root is visible
- Developmental
depressions M and D
of roots may be seen,
extending most of root
length
- Lingual ridge is rather
narrow, smooth and
convex at all points
from CEJ to apical end
MAXILLARY RIGHT CANINE MESIAL ASPECT
- Crown outline is
triangular
- Shows greater
labiolingual
measurement (cervical
3rd) than any of the
anterior teeth
- CEJ curves
approximately 2.5mm
- Crown outline is
triangular
- Shows greater
labiolingual
measurement (cervical
3rd) than any of the
anterior teeth
- Labial face is slightly
convex from crest of
cervical 3rd to tip of
cusp
23
 - Lingual outline is MAXILLARY RIGHT CANINE INCISAL ASPECT
convex line (cingulum),
straight middle 3rd and
convex incisal 3rd, - Labiolingual dimension
- CEJ curves is greater than the
approximately 2.5mm mesiodistal
- Tip of cusp is
*abial to center of crown
labiolingually
*mesial to the center
mesiodistally.

- Root outline is conical,

tapered or blunt - Crown portion with
pointed apex greater LL bulk
- Root curve labially mesially
towards apex -When cut cross-sectionally,
- Line bisecting the cusp crowns gives impression of
is labial to a line having all the distal portion
bisecting the root stretched to contact first
premolar
- Ridge of middle labial lobe is
very noticeable

- Crown broader labially,

- Mesial surface of root
narrower lingually
appears broad with
- Cingulum development
shallow developmental
makes up the cervical
depression that help to
3rd, is centered.
anchor the teeth in the
alveoli & help prevent
rotation &
displacement
- Line bisecting cusp
and cusp ridges drawn
mesiodistally is almost
always straight and
bisects the mesial and
distal contact areas
MAXILLARY RIGHT CANINE DISTAL ASPECT

- Same as mesial
except:
*less curvature of CEJ
*DMR is heavier ; more irregular
in outline
* distal surface exhibits more
concavity above
DCA
* more pronounced root
developmental depression

DENT5F 2022-2023 24
MANDIBULAR CANINE
- CEJ semicircular
apically
- Crown is narrower MD than maxillary, longer by 0.5 to
- Crown slight bend
1.00mm in most instances
distally on its’ root
- Lingual surface is smoother, less cingulum development, less
base
bulk marginal ridges
- Root is shorter by 1 or
- Cusp not well-developed, cusp ridges are thinner
2mm than maxillary,
- Root may be as long , but usually shorter than max. canine
apex more sharply
- Variation: bifurcated roots (facial , lingual)
pointed
- Root rarely curve, if so,
mesial direction

LINGUAL ASPECT

- Crown is trapezoidal
- Flatter lingual surface
similar to mand
incisors
- Cingulum smooth,
MANDIBULAR CANINE poorly developed, off-
centered to distal
- Marginal ridges are
MANDIBULAR RIGHT CANINE LABIAL ASPECT less distinct (same as
lower incisors)
- Crown outline is
trapezoidal
- Mesiodistal less than - Lingual ridge raised
maxillary canine, but towards cusp tip at the
broader than incisal 3rd only
mandibular incisors - Lingual surface of
crown is smooth and
regular

- Root is narrower by a
little more half the
- Appears longer than width of the labial
maxillary because of portion
narrowness of crown
MD
- Mesial outline of crown
is nearly straight with
MANDIBULAR RIGHT CANINE MESIAL ASPECT
mesial outline of root
- Cusp ridges if not
worn, cusp tip is on
- Crown outline is
line with center of root
triangular
- Mesial slope is shorter.
- Less curvature of
crown labially
- Less pronounced
- Higher contact areas
cingulum
- Contact Areas:
- Incisal portion is
Mesial –just below the incisal
thinner labio lingually,
angle or near the angle
thus cusp appears
Distal- near junction of middle
more pointed , cusp
and incisal 3rd.
ridges more slender
* contact areas not at same level

DENT5F 2022-2023 25
 - Tip of cusp more - Cusp tip and MCR
nearly centered over more likely to be
root, in some cases inclined in a lingual
lingually same as direction, with the DCR
lower incisors and DCA extension
- Mesial CEJ curves distinctly inclined
more toward the lingually (max canine
incisal portion than more nearly straight)
maxillary canine - Labiolingual dimension
is greater mesial than
distal
- Developmental
depressions is more
pronounced and
sometime quite deep
than maxillary canine
- More pointed root tip
than maxillary canine

DISTAL ASPECT

same as mesial except: -less

curvature of CEJ
- Less pronounced
cingulum,
- Less depressions on
the root surface.

MANDIBULAR RIGHT CANINE INCISAL ASPECT

- Mesiodistal less than

labiolingual
- Mess curve mesial
surface
- Distolingual twist of
incisal ridge
- Cingulum is off
centered to distal

DENT5F 2022-2023 26
PREMOLARS
MAXILLARY RIGHT FIRST PREMOLAR BUCCAL ASPECT
*Succeed deciduous molars
* Numbers of premolars in an adult jaws?
*Exact location: posterior to canines and - Crown outline is
immediately anterior to the molars roughly trapezoidal
- Little curvature of CEJ,
crest of curvature of
Terminology CEJ is near the center
Premolar of the root*
- Named because of their location, anterior to molars
- Succeed deciduous molars
Bicuspids:
- Presence of two cusps
- Misleading term for human premolars - Buccal surface is
convex with
Premolars continuous ridge at the
center from cusp tip to
Functions:
cervical margin (buccal
- Together with the molars, makes them more efficient as
ridge)
grinding teeth or mastication of food and maintain the vertical
dimension of the face - Mesial and distal to the
- First premolars, assist the canines in shearing or cutting food BR are developmental
- Provide support at the corners of the mouth and cheeks to depressions – serves
keep them from sagging as demarcation
- Cusps development buccally and lingually, marginal ridges between the 3 buccal
are in a more horizontal plane and are considered part of the lobes
occlusal surface. - MB and DB line angles
Maxillary Premolars are prominent
- Succedaneous teeth - Buccal cusp* long and
- Develops from 4 lobes pointed resembles
max canine
- 3 buccal lobes
mesio buccal lobe
middle buccal lobe - BUCCAL CUSP
- Mesial slope* –
disto buccal lobe
straight and longer,
- 1 lingual lobe - LINGUAL CUSP
sometimes notched
well-developed and functioning cusps
- Distal slope* – shorter
(B cusp longer than L cusp)
and more curved.
- Tip of buccal cusp
MAXILLARY FIRST PREMOLAR
distal to line* bisecting
the buccal surface of
Maxillary First Premolar
the crown
- Two well-developed roots (common) with two pulp canals
- Buccal root* is 3-4mm
- Birooted
shorter than max
- Crown is angular
canine
- Buccal line angle (MB & DB) are prominent
- Crown and roots shorter than maxillary canines
- Has some characteristics common to all posterior teeth
LINGUAL ASPECT
- Characteristics as differentiated from anteriors
BL greater than MD
Broader contact areas - Crown is trapezoidal
Contact areas more nearly at same level - Crown tapers lingually*
Less curvature of CEJ (M and D) - Lingual cusp
Shorter crown cervico-occlusally than anterior teeth. *narrower MD than buccal
*shorter than buccal cusp
*smooth and spheroidal, convex
at all points
*cusp tip pointed, M and D slope
meets at 90 degrees
*lingual ridge

- Mesial and distal

outline of crown are
convex

DENT5F 2022-2023 27
 - CEJ regular, less - Buccal outline- line of
curvature less convexity, crest of
- Crown is narrower curvature approx.
lingually, possible to junction of middle and
see part* of mesial and cervical 3rd.
distal surfaces of - Lingual outline-
crown and root smoothly curved line,
- Lingual cusp is not as crest of curvature near
long as buccal cusp, center of middle 3rd.
tips of both cusps*, - Lcusp shorter than
with their mesial and Buccal cusp -tip of
distal slopes may be lingual cusp in line with
seen lingually* lingual border of root*
- Lingual root is smooth - Tip of buccal cusp is
and convex at all nearer the center of
points, apex more the root trunk*
blunt.

MAXILLARY RIGHT FIRST PREMOLAR MESIAL ASPECT
- Crown outline is
trapezoidal, longest at
the cervix.
- Tip of the cusps are
well within the confines
of the root trunk
(measurement from tip
of buccal cusp to tip of
lingual cusps less than
the BL measurement
of the root at the
cervix)
Root trunk- undivided portion of
the root
- CEJ is regular or
irregular, curves 1mm
or less than any
anterior teeth
Specimen showing a well-
separated buccal
and lingual roots
- Distinguishing
Features
a. mesial developmental
depression (MDD)- mesial
concavity on the crown and root ,
joins deep developmental
depression on root and ends at
bifurcation area, bordered by MB
and ML line angles
b. mesial marginal
developmental groove (MMDG)
– well defined dev’tal groove on
the MMR , in alignment with
MDD but not connected
- Distinguishing
Features
a. Mesial developmental
depression (MDD)- mesial
concavity on the crown and root ,
joins deep developmental
depression on root and ends at
bifurcation area, bordered by MB
and ML line angles
b. Mesial marginal
developmental groove (MMDG)
– well defined dev’tal groove on
the MMR , in alignment with
MDD but not connected

- MMR at about the

level of the junction of
middle and occlusal
3rd.
- Occlusal sulcus is very
visible mesially

DENT5F 2022-2023 28
 - B root , straight with - Occlusal outline is
lingual inclination roughly a six-sided or
- L root, straight, may hexagonal figure
not exhibit curvature - Figure is not
- Root trunk is long , equilateral
about half the root *MB nearly equal DB
length; root is * ML shorter DL
bifurcated for half its * M shorter D
total length
- Root surface smoothly
convex except for the
dev’tal groove and
- Crown is wider on the
depression
buccal than on the
lingual;
more of the buccal surface is
- B root , straight with
visible than the lingual surface.
lingual inclination
- BL dimension is much
- L root, straight, may
greater than MD
not exhibit curvature
dimension
- Root trunk is long ,
about half the root
length; root is
bifurcated for half its
Perimeter occlusally:
total length
- MB cusp ridge
- Root surface smoothly
- DB cusp ridge
convex except for the
in alignment, in a DB direction
dev’tal groove and
- MMR at right angle
depression
with MB cr
- DMR at acute angle
DISTAL ASPECT with DB cr
- ML cusp ridge
- DL cusp ridge
- DMR more cervically semicircular outline
located than MMR
- Occlusal surface (BTR
and LTR) more visible - Occlusal anatomy -
- Sulcus more visible GROOVES:
- Less curve CEJ, often - Central Developmental
showing a straight line G well-defined groove
at the
- centered, divides
crown evenly into
buccal and lingual half
Located at the bottom of the
- No evidence of deep
sulcus, extends just mesial to the
developmental groove
DMR to the MMR.
and depression, if
presence shallow and
- GROOVES:
insignificant
- Mesial Marginal
- Root trunk is
Dev’tal G originated
flattened*, bifurcation
from the terminal end
is near apical third
of the CDG crosses
the MMR and ends at
the mesial surface of
the crown.

MAXILLARY RIGHT FIRST PREMOLAR OCCLUSAL ASPECT

DENT5F 2022-2023 29
 GROOVES: Lingual Triangular Ridge
Two collateral grooves of CDG: - A less prominent ridge
1. Mesiobuccal Dev’tal G. acts arising near the center
as a line of demarcation between of CDG and converges
the buccal cusp and MMR. with the tip of the
2. Distobuccal Dev’tal G acts as lingual cusp.
a line of demarcation between - If a central groove is
the buccal cusp and DMR shallow, BTR and LTR
can form
TRANSVERSE RIDGE

GROOVES: Max Right 1st Premolar Occlusal Aspect

- In most instances,
occlusal surface has SUMMARY of the OCCLUSAL Anatomy:
no supplemental - Cusps
grooves, making the - Cusps Ridges
surface relatively - Marginal Ridges
smooth. - Grooves
- Smooth developmental - Pits
depressions may be - Fossae
visible radiating from - Triangular Ridges
CDG giving occlusal
surface an uneven
appearance

PITS:
1. Mesial Developmental Pit Pin
point depression at the junction
of CDG, MBDG and MMDG
2. Distal Developmental Pit Pin
point depression at the junction
of CDG and DBDG.

Buccal ridge
- Is also visible occlusally
FOSSAE: Lingual cusp is pointed more sharply than the buccal cusp
1. Mesial Triangular Fossa -
located distal to the MMR, a
triangular depression occlusally
that harbors the MBDG, terminal
end of CDG, part of the MMDG
and MDP.

2. Distal Triangular Fossa -

located mesial to the DMR, a
triangular depression occlusally
that harbors the DBDG, terminal
end of CDG and DPP.

TRIANGULAR RIDGES: MAXILLARY SECOND PREMOLAR

Buccal Triangular Ridge
- A Prominent ridge arising near the center of CDG and converging Maxillary Second Premolar
with the tip of the buccal cusp - Supplement max first premolar in function
- Closely resembles max first premolar
- Less angular , giving a more rounded appearance of crown in
all aspect
- Crown is noticeably smaller cervico- occlusally and
mesiodistally
- Single root, slightly longer than first premolar

DENT5F 2022-2023 30
 - Crown outline is
trapezoidal
- Cusp length shorter
than first PM; both
Buccal and Lingual
cusps more nearly of
the same length
- There is greater
distance between cusp
tip- widens occlusal
table buccolingually

MAXILLARY SECIND PREMOLAR BUCCAL ASPECT

- No deep
developmental
depression, instead
- Crown is trapezoidal crown surface is
Buccal cusp convex
- Not as long as that of - A shallow
first premolar developmental groove
- Appears less pointed may appear on a
- Mesial slope shorter single tapered root
than distal (opposite in - No developmental
first premolar) groove crossing the
MMR (if present
shallow)

- Sometimes, crown and root

thicker at the cervical portions DISTAL ASPECT
- Less prominent buccal ridge
- Single root is usually as long as
the first premolar,at time longer. - No outstanding
variation noted in the
crown.
- DMR is closer to the
cervix.
Rule: MMR in almost all posterior
teeth is higher (near occlusal
LINGUAL ASPECT plane) than DMR

- Crown is trapezoidal
- Lingual cusp longer,
making crown longer
on lingual side as
compare to the first
- Distal root depression
premolar
is deeper than mesial
(max first premolar
depression is on
mesial)
- Clinical Significance:
knowledge of
MESIAL ASPECT depression facilitates
periodontal
instrumentation during
scaling and root
planing

OCCLUSAL ASPECT

DENT5F 2022-2023 31
 5. Outline form occlusally resembles the outline of canine
SAME AS THAT OF MAX FIRST
incisally.
PREMOLAR EXCEPT:
- Crown is more
Characteristics that resembles 2nd Mand Premolar
rounded or oval (first
1. Except for longer cusp, outline of crown and root buccally
PM is angular –
resembles 2nd premolar
hexagonal)
2. Contact areas, mesial and distal, same level
- Central DG is shorter
3. CEJ mesial and distal are similar
and irregular with
4. Tooth has more than one cusp.
tendency toward
multiple
supplementary First evidence of Calcification 1 ¼ to years
grooves (WRINKLED)
Enamel Completed 5 to 6 years

Max Right 2nd Premolar Eruption 10 to 12 years

Occlusal Aspect
SUMMARY OF ANATOMY OF Root completed 12 to 13 years
OCCLUSAL SURFACE:
- Cusps MANDIBULAR FIRST PREMOLAR
- Cusps ridges
- Marginal Ridges
- Grooves MANDIBULAR RIGHT 1st MOLAR (Tooth # 44) BUCCAL ASPECT
- Pits
- Fossae
- Triangular Ridges - Crown is trapezoidal
- Transverse Ridge
-Crown nearly symmetrical
bilaterally

- Outstanding dev’t of the middle

buccal lobe into a well-
MANDIBULAR PREMOLAR developed, large pointed buccal
● develops from either 4 or 5 lobes cusp

() Mand 1st premolar (4 lobes)

- 3 buccal lobes ; 1 lingual lobe

() Mand 2nd premolar (4 or 5 lobes)

- 3 buccal lobes ; 1 lingual lobe ( 2-cusps type)
- 3 buccal lobes ; 2 lingual lobes (3-cusps type)
Buccal cusp - M slope shorter
than D slope
() Form of both mandibular 1st and 2nd premolar FAILS to conform to
the term bicuspids (two functioning cusps) -tip of buccal cusp located a little
- Mand. First premolar – 2 cusps ( only 1 is functioning) mesial to the center of the crown
- Mand. Second premolar – 2 or 3 cusps
-MCA and DCA (broader),
() Mand 1st premolar exhibits characteristics similar to canine almost at the same level of
mesially & distally, are located at
center of the middle third
() Mand 2nd premolar resembles more of a small molar due its well-
developed lingual cusps -little curvature of CEJ
- first premolar smaller than second, opposite is true in the
maxillary
() develops from 4 lobes
- 3 buccal and 1 lingual lobe -M slope shows concavity
() smallest posterior tooth in the oral cavity (notch)
() present large, well-formed, functioning buccal cusp
-D slope sometimes exhibit
() small, non-functioning lingual cusp concavity
() variation: bifurcated apical 3rd.
-cervix narrower MD than contact
Characteristics of Mand First Premolar that resemble those of areas
Mand Canine:
1. B cusp is long and sharp and is the only occluding cusp
2. BL measurement is similar to canine.
3. Occlusal surface slopes sharply lingually in a cervical
direction.
4. MB cusp cusp ridge is shorter than DB cusp ridge

DENT5F 2022-2023 32

-buccal surface of crown is more
convex, with dev’tal
depressions between 3 lobes,
with B ridge at the center
- Buccal ridge – continuous
ridge from cervical margin to the
cusp tip.
-buccal surface of crown more
convex than max premolar esp.
at cervical and middle third
- Enamel surface buccally is
smooth, no dev’tal grooves
-root is 3 to 4 mm shorter than
mand canine
- tapers apically to a pointed
apex
MANDIBULAR RIGHT FIRST PREMOLAR (tooh #44) LINGUAL
ASPECT
-crown outline is trapezoidal
-crown and root tapers markedly
(MD measurement lingually is
less than buccal)
- most of the mesial and distal
surfaces of both crown and root
maybe seen lingually.
- Major portion of the crown is
made up of the middle buccal
lobe
-lingual cusp is always small
thus, occlusal surface slopes
greatly towards the lingual in a
cervical direction
-lingual cusp though short and
poorly developed, usually
exhibits a pointed tip.
DENT5F 2022-2023
Lingual cusp tip in alignment with
the Buccal Triangular Ridge
(BTR)
Most of the occlusal surface is
visible. Fossae on each side of
BTR are seen.
Cervical portion is narrow and
convex
--exhibits a mesiolingual
developmental groove (MLDG)
- acts as line of demarcation
between MB lobe and lingual
lobe.
-root is narrower with a narrow
ridge, smooth and convex, M &
D surfaces of root are visible
-root tapers evenly to a pointed
apex
Mand Right 1st Premolar Mesial Aspect
-crown outline is rhomboidal
-tip of buccal cusp is nearly
centered or a little buccal ; tip of
lingual cusp is on a line approx.
with lingual border of root
(max.premolar both buccal and
lingual cusps are well- within
confines of the root trunk)
-crown surface presents an
overhang above the root trunk
bec of convex outline of lingual
lobe
-tip of lingual cusp in line with
lingual border of root (opposite is
true in maxillary)
-presence of MLDG
-buccal outline is prominently
curved, lingual outline less
convex
33
 -the distance from CEJ lingually
to tip of lingual cusp is about two -Broader DCA
thirds of that from CEJ buccally
to the tip of the buccal cusp -CEJ less curve

-root surface exhibits more

convexity than mesial, with
shallow dev’tal depression at the
center of the root but no groove

MMR – makes a sharp

inclination lingually in a cervical Mand Right 1st Premolar Occlusal Aspect
direction; slopes at 45 º and
parallels the BTR (above)
MMR closer to cervix (true for Characteristics common to all
this tooth only) mand 1st premolars:
-sulcus formed by BTR and LTR 1. Middle buccal lobe makes up
is directly above the MLDG. the major bulk of the tooth
crown.
-Portion of occlusal surface is 2. Buccal ridge prominent
visible 3. MB and DB line angles
prominent even though rounded
4. Curvatures of contact areas
relatively broad, DCA being more
broader

-root outline is a tapered form

from CEJ ; ends in a relatively
pointed apex in line with buccal
cusp
-mesial surface of root is smooth
and flat , displays a deep dev’tal
groove
- Occasionally bifurcated at
apical third (B & L)
5. Crown converges sharply to
thecenter of the lingual surface.
6. Marginal ridges are well-
developed
7. Lingual cusp is small.
8. Occlusal surface shows a
heavy buccal triangular ridge and
a small lingual triangular ridge.
9. Occlusal surface harbors two
depressions- mesial and distal
fossae.

-crown outline is roughly

Mandibular First premolar Distal Aspect diamond-shaped

- Most common type exhibits a

ML dev’tal depression and
-crown outline is rhomboidal groove that constrict the M
sruface of the crown, creating a
-Crown is smoothly convex smaller MCA (mand canine)

DMR - D portion is a larger arc that

- higher above the cervix creates a broader DCA (second
- is more nearly at right angle to premolar)
the root axis line
- does not have extreme lingual
slope -no dev’tal groove

DENT5F 2022-2023 34
 OCCLUSAL ANATOMY: Mand Right 2nd Premolar Buccal Aspect

-Ridges
MBCR;
-crown is trapezoidal
DBCR,
MLCR,
-shorter buccal cusp, M slope is
LCR,
shorter
BTR and short LTR;
MMR and DMR,
MB and DB cusp ridges present
Transverse R.
angulation of less degree, less
pointed that buccal cusp of first
PM

OCCLUSAL ANATOMY: - contact areas broad, appears

higher
-Grooves: DDG (crescent
shaped), MDG , MLDG,
- root broader mesiodistally,
--Fossae: broader in most of its length
mesial fossa (linear in form
and more sulcate) -apex more blunt
distal fossa (more circular)
- may curve distally
-Pits: MDP; DDP with accessory
supplemental grooves
-snake’s eye appearance

Summary of the
OCCLUSAL ANATOMY: Mand Right 2nd Premolar Lingual Aspect

Cusps
Ridges
Variations on crowns of mand
Grooves
2nd premolar lingually:
Fossae
Pits
1. Lingual lobes are developed
to a greater degree, cusp/s
longer

2. Less occlusal seen lingually

3. In a 3-cusps type, there is a

longer larger ML and a DL cusp
with a short lingual groove
MANDIBULAR SECOND PREMOLAR
4. In a 2-cusps type, single have
same equal height as the 2-
has two types cusps
● 3-cusps type (develops from 5 lobes) = most commo type, no groove but shows
● 2-cusps type (develops from 4 lobes) dev’tal depressions

-larger and longer than mand first PM

-resembles mand 1st PM buccal aspect only
-single root
-crown is trapezoidal

-lingual lobes well developed

than first PM, exhibiting a well-
First evidence of calcification 2 ¼ and 2 ½ years develop and longer lingual
cusp/s,

Enamel completed 6 to 7 years -crown surface is smooth and

spheroidal, bulbous above a
Eruption 11 to 12 years constricted cervix

Root completed 13 to 14 years

DENT5F 2022-2023 35
 Mand Right 2nd Premolar Distal Aspect
-3 cusps type: presents 2 lingual
cusps, Mesiolingual and
Distolingual cusp separated by a
-crown is rhomboidal
short LDG.
-more occlusal surface is visible
-2 cusps type: single lingual
cusp, no groove but shows a
-DMR more cervically located
dev’tal depression distolingully
than MMR

-crown tipped distally to the long

axes of the root, more occlusal
visible

-root is wide

-smooth convex for most of its

length Mand Right 2nd Premolar Occlusal Aspect
-less convergence lingually, less
M and D portion are visible

3-cusps type

-occlusal outline appears square

lingual to the buccal cusp ridges

buccal cusp - largest,

mesiolingual
distolingual –smallest
Mand Right 2nd Premolar Mesial Aspect

-crown is rhomboidal 3-cusps type

OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
Differs from mand. first premolar: -Ridges:
1. crown and root wider 1. Cusp ridges
buccolingually. Buccal cusp-MCR; DCR
ML cusp-MCR; DCR
2. buccal cusp is shorter, not DL cusp-MCR; DCR
nearly centered over the root
2. Marginal ridges
MMR , DMR

3. Triangular ridges
BTR; MLTR; DLTR

3-cusps type
3. Greater dev’t of lingual lobe. OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
4. MMR at right angle to RAL Grooves:
5. Less occlusal surface maybe MDG (longer)
seen DDG (shorter)
6. No MLDG LDG (shortest) located distal
7. Longer root, slightly convex to the center
8. Apex usually more blunt
(all grooves forms Y-shaped)
- supplementary grooves

Pits:
-C pit ; M pit ; D pit

Fossae:
-MTF; DTF; central fossae

DENT5F 2022-2023 36
 3-cusps type
SUMMRY OCCLUSAL
ANATOMY

Cusps
Ridges
Grooves
Pits
Fossae

2-cusps type

-occlusal surface appears

rounded lingual to buccal cusp
ridges

-one buccal cusp and one well

developed lingual cusp

2-cusps type
OCCLUSAL ANATOMY

Ridges
Cusp ridges:

-B cusp = MCR ; DCR

-L cusp = MCR; DCR

Marginal ridges
MMR; DMR

Triangular ridges
BTR ; LTR

2-cusps type
OCCLUSAL ANATOMY

Groove:
central dev’tal groove – maybe
straight , more often crescent
shaped
- Supplementary grooves

Pits:
MDP ; DDP

Fossae:
Mesial Fossa
Distal Fossa PERMANENT MAXILLARY MOLARS

2-cusps type PERMANENT MAXILLARY MOLARS

SUMMARY OCCLUSAL ● Non-succeedaneous teeth – no predecessor
ANATOMY ● Differ in design from any of the anterior teeth and premolar.
● Together with mandibular molars, they perform the major
Cusps function of teeth, mastication of food
Ridges
● Largest and strongest maxillary teeth
Groove
Pits ● Crowns are shorter than premolars, but over all dimension are
Fossae greater.
● Have large crowns with four well-formed cusps.
● Outlines & curvatures of all max molars are similar
● Roots are shorter than premolars, but molars presents 3 well-
developed roots.

DENT5F 2022-2023 37
 ● Root is broader at the base in all directions and is trifurcated
crown is trapezoidal
into 3 well-developed roots.
-4 cusps visible:
Mesiobuccal cusp
MAXIILLARY FIRST MOLAR Distobuccal cusp
Mesiolingual cusp
MAXILLARY FIRST MOLAR Distolingual cusp
Usually emerge/erupt when child is 6 year old -3 roots visible:
- Deciduous teeth are still intact and functioning - Mesiobuccal root
- Distobuccal root
- Facial bones develop downward and forward, providing
- Lingual root
sufficient space at age 6 yr. to accommodate first molar.

Largest tooth in the maxillary arch

Crown is wider BL than MD (varies)

Mesiobuccal cusp:
- broader than DBc
Occlusally, crown is relatively shorter but broad MD and BL
- MCR meets DCR at an obtuse
angle
Development rarely deviates from accepted normal.
Distobuccal cusp:
- MCR meets DCR at approx
Develops from four lobes; 2 buccal & 2 lingual right angle
- MB lobe , DB lobe , ML lobe , DL lobe - more sharper, maybe as long
or longer than MBc
4 well-developed , functioning cusps
- (MLc, MBc, DLc, DBc)
Supplemental cusp
- (cusp or tubercle of Carabelli)

Three well-developed, separated roots

Buccal Dev’tal Groove
(MB, DB, Lingual) –divides the two buccal cusps
- Lingual root is the longest -approx. equidistant between
- MB root not as long but broader MB & DB line angles
- DB root smallest
Arrangement and placement of roots gives tooth maximum anchorage - slants occlusoapically parallel
to the long axis of DB root
- terminates in a pin-point
depression (Buccal Dev’tal Pit)

-CEJ generally convex towards

the roots

-Mesial outline
* nearly straight
* MCA –approx at the junc.of
middle & occlusal 3rd.
-Distal outline
*convex, surface is spheroidal
*DCA – middle of middle 3rd
Max. Left First Molar Buccal Aspect

DENT5F 2022-2023 38
 Supplemental Cusp / 5th Cusp:
-all 3 roots are visible ;
originate from a common root * Cusp or tubercle of Carabelli
base (trunk) * named from Austrian dentist,
Georg von Carabelli
-axes of roots inclined distally; *attached to MLc; outlined by
roots not straight an irreg. groove- fifth cusp
groove (FCG)
-buccal roots shows inclination *cusp ridges is approx. 2mm
halfway bet. bifucation area and cervical from cusp ridges of MLc
apices

-point of bifurcation is approx - all three roots are visible

4mm above cervical line (varies)
-deep dev’tal groove/ depression
on the root trunk terminates at
CEJ extends slightly onto
enamel
-roots are about twice as long as
the crown.
- apex are visible
-lingual portion of root trunk is
continuous with entire cervical
portion of crown
-large lingual root is conical,
terminates in bluntly rounded
apex
MB and DB roots outline and

Max. Left First Molar Lingual Aspect

Max. Left First Molar Mesial Aspect

* Mesiolingual cusp:
crown is trapezoidal, shortest of
- MD width is about 3/5 of the
uneven is occlusal
MD width of the crown
- angle formed by mesial outline
Cusps in sight are MBc; MLc and
and mesial slope is almost 90°
5th cusp
- angle formed by MCR & DCR is
obtuse
Lingual outline curves outward;
same with buccal
*Distolingual cusp:
-
- spheroidal and smooth,
rounded, cusp ridges are
semicircular

-MLc is on a line with the long

axis of lingual root

Mesial outline is straight -MBc and 5th cusp – tip is witihin

Distal outline is a smooth curve projected outline of the root
base.
Lingual Dev’tal Groove:
*between two lingual cusps -MMR
*start at the center MD * confluent with MB and ML cusp
*continues on to occlusal surface ridges
* irregular, curves cervically
about 1/5 the crown length
*may at time presents tubercles

DENT5F 2022-2023 39
 Mesiobuccal root
*broad and flattened

*exhibits smooth flutings for MMR is more occlusal

part of its length DMR is more cervical, exposing
more of the triangular ridges
*width is approx 2/3 of crown
measurement BL at cervix
*
*level of bifurcation is a little
closer to CEJ

*may partly or completely hides

DB root

Max. Right First Molar Occusal Aspect

Lingual root
*longer than MB root but
narrower
* extends lingually and is crown outline is rhomboidal
banana in shaped * 2 acute angles
* apex is rounded, however, it MB and DL
appears more pointed than MB * 2 obtuse angles
root. ML and DB

Note: two bifurcation areas are Crown is :

visible, one more apical than the wider mesially than distally
other wider lingually than
buccally

Four major cusps-

arranged accdg to size:
1. ML cusp is largest
Max. Left First Molar Distal Aspect 2. MB cusp
3. DL cusp
4. DB cusp
-crown is trapezoidal
5th cusp – considered as
-crown taper distally on the secondary cusp
buccal surface

-BL measurement of
crown mesially is greater than
Only 3 major cusps are
distally
considered primary cusp:
MLc; MBc; DBc
-DMR dips sharply toward cervix
exposing more of the triangular
Triangular arrangement of cusps
ridges, no tubercles
reflect the outline of root trunk.
MAXILLARY MOLAR PRIMARY
CUSP TRIANGLE

- DLc and 5th cusp considered

-DLc and DBc are visible as secondary
-cusp tips within the confines of
the root trunk

-crown surface is convex Max. Right First Molar

OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
-DB root is narrower than MB
OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
-bifurcation is more apical,
approx. 5mm or more from CEJ Cusp and Cusp Ridges
to bifurcation 1. ML cusp: MCR, DCR
2. MB cusp: MCR, DCR
3. DL cusp: MCR , DCR
4. DB cusp: MCR, DCR

5th cusp – considered as

secondary cusp

DENT5F 2022-2023 40
 OOCLUSAL ANATOMY: -OCCLUSAL ANATOMY

Triangular Ridges:
MBTR Pits
DBTR central pit
DLTR mesial pit
ML cusp: distal pit
MTR of MLc
DTR of MLc
Marginal Ridges:
MMR ; DMR

OOCLUSAL ANATOMY:

Ridges:
SUMMARY OF HE OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
MBTR + MTR of MLc =
Transverse ridge () CUSPS
() RIDGES
DBTR + DTR of MLc = CUSP RIDGES
Oblique ridge MARGINAL RIDGES
TRIANGULAR RIDGES
TRANSEVRSE RIDGE
OBLIQUE RIDGE
() FOSSAE
OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
() GROOVES
-Fossae:
2 major fossae () PITS
central fossa – roughly
triangular,
located mesial to the OR

distal fossa –roughly linear,

located distal to the OR

2 minor fossae
MTF- immediately distal to MMR
DTF- immediately mesial to DMR

OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
-Grooves:
Major grooves:
CDG- central dev’tal g.
BDG- buccal dev’tal g.
LDG- lingual dev;’tal g.
DOG- distal oblique g.

Minor grooves:
FCG- fifth cusp g.
TGOR-transverse groove of the
oblique ridge
SG – stuart groove

MAXILLARY SECOND MOLAR

() Supplement max first molar in function

- shorter than max first molar cervico-occlusally, narrower
Pits
central pit mesiodistally
mesial pit - DB cusp is not as large or as well-developed
distal pit - DL cusp is smaller
() No fifth cusp

() has two types (occlusal):

1. resembles first molar – extreme rhomboidal outline occlusally
(most common)
2. resembles 3rd molar – DL cusp poorly developed , heart-
shaped occlusally
() Roots are as long, if not longer than 1st molar

DENT5F 2022-2023 41
 Differs from max. 1st molar:
First evidence of calcification 2 ½ years
-DLc is smaller
-DBc may be seen through the
Enamel completed 7 to 8 years
sulcus between MLc and DLc
-No 5th cusp
Eruption 12 to 13 years -Apex of lingual root in line with
DLc tip instead of LDG
Root completed 14 to 16 years

Max Left 2nd Molar Buccal Aspect

Crown is:
* trapezoidal
Lingual root slightly fused with
*a little shorter cervico-
buccal roots; may inclined
occlusally and narrower
distally
MD than 1st molar

Two cusps are visible:

MB cusp
DB cusp is smaller

MB root in line with BDG instead

of the tip of the MB cusp Max Left 2nd Molar Mesial Aspect

- Buccal roots
* same length
*more nearly parallel
*inclined distally Crown is shorter than 1st molar
*slightly fused
BL dimension of crown is same
as that of 1st molar

Max Left 2nd Molar Lingual Aspect

DENT5F 2022-2023 42
 2 type of occlusal outline

-roots do not spread as far Extreme rhomboidal outline

buccolingually, less spread, occlusally (most common)
longer root trunk * acute angles are less;
obtuse angles are greater
- Roots are within the confines of
the crown outline Crown with more convergence
distally

-MBc and MLc just as large and

well-developed

DBc and DLc smaller and less

well-developed
Max Left 2nd Molar Distal Aspect
Common to find more
supplementary and accidental
grooves & pits

Distobuccal cusp is smaller,

Mesiobuccal cusp is visible

Compare height of marginal

ridges, MMR is

Apex of lingual root in line with

DLc

Roots less spread, 2. Heart-shaped max 2nd molar-

sometimes fused, ● DLc is poorly developed or entirely missing, makes the dev’tal
Longer root trunk of the three cusps predominate.
Inclined distally ● Resembles max 3rd molar
● no oblique ridge
● more supplementary and accidental grooves

DENT5F 2022-2023 43
 Mandibular First Molar
● -largest tooth in the mandibular arch
● -develops from 5 lobes
- 2 buccal lobes, 2 lingual lobes, and 1 distal lobe
Has 5 well-developed cusps:
● MB cusp; DB cusp
● ML cusp; DL cusp
● Distal cusp
● Crown is
– relatively short cervico-occlusally
– mesiodistal dimension is 1mm greater than buccolingual.
– MD and BL dimensions provide a broad occlusal form
Has two well-developed roots:
– one mesial and one distal
– widely separated at the apices
● Roots are very broad buccolingually
– With M and Distal fluting that provides anchorage
– M root broad, curved distally
– D root rounder, broad at the cervix, pointed in a distal direction

First evidence of calcification At birth

Enamel completed 2 ½ to 3 years

Eruption 6-7 years

Root completed 9-10 years

MANDIBULAR FIRST MOLAR BUCCAL ASPECT

MANDIBULAR MOLARS - crown outline is trapzoidal

● Largest and strongest mandibular teeth - CEJ regular, dipping apically towards root bifurcation
● Three on each side of the mandible - Buccal cusps are relatively flat (typical characteristic)
● Resemble each other in function but
- Lingual cusps are higher
differs in size, occlusal design, number
- All five cusps are visible buccally.
of cusps, root length and position. ● MB cusp
● -develops from either 4 or 5 lobes ● DB cusp
– present 4 or 5 or more cusps ● ML cusp
● -crowns are roughly quadrilateral, wider ● DL cusp
mesiodistally than buccolingually ● D cusp
(opposite is true for maxillary molars)

DENT5F 2022-2023 44
 - MB , DB and D cusp - Distal cusp at lower level than ML cusp
- ridges show less curvature
- Distal cusp – is small, more pointed/sharper, cusp ridge very round
- MB cusp- widest MD
- CEJ is irregular, tends to point sharply toward root bifurcation
- DB cusp- almost as wide
- M outline is convex fr CEJ to MMR
- D outline is straight above CEJ; convex as it outlines the D cusp
Two buccal grooves
- Mesiobuccal dev’tal g.
- Roots appears longer by 1mm lingually.
*between MBc and DBc
- Root trunk
*shorter
* narrower/ slender mesiodistally on lingual than buccal.
*ends in a pit (Buccal Pit)
*slightly longer, approx. 4mm below CEJ
*terminates at the center
*situated a little mesial to root bifurcation buccally
Crown is rhomboidal
- has lingual tilt in relation to the root axis line
- Mesial outline somewhat concave at cervical 3rd ; convex at the
- 2 cusps and one root are visible
contact area
* ML c and MB c
- Distal outline straight above CEJ
* mesial root
- Contact areas at the middle 3rd of the crown (MCA slightly higher
- BL measurement of crown is greater mesially than distally
than DCA)
- Mesial cusps
- buccal surface of crown is smoothly convex at occlusal 3rd
* MLc – longer and pointed
- developmental depression is noticeable at the middle 3rd
* MBc- shorter and flat/rounded
- prominently convex buccal cervical ridge (BCR)
- Buccal outline –convex above CEJ, outlines the BCR; becomes less
- mesial root
convex or flat as it approaches MBc
*curved mesially halfway then curves distally, blunt apex
- Lingual outline is straight above CEJ
- distal root
*less curved, more pointed apex, its axis in distal direction
MMR
*high
- Point of bifurcation between roots is approx. 3mm from cervical line.
*confluent with MCRs of MBc and MLc ,
- Presence of deep dev’tal depression on the buccal root trunk, no
*no tubercle
groove / fold
*approx 1mm below cusp tip
- CEJ is irregular, maybe straight buccolingually, higher lingually than
buccal
- Crown surface is convex and smooth
MANDIBULAR LEFT FIRST MOLAR (LINGUAL ASPECT)
MESIAL ROOT
*is wider than distal root, with broad concavities on its root length
*appears to be two narrow roots fused together with thin hard tissue
between

MANDIBULAR LEFT FIRST MOLAR (DISTAL ASPECT)

- crown is trapezoidal
- Lingual cusps are pointed, cusps ridges are high, separated by a
short LDG
- ML cusp- widest, cusp tip sometimes higher - crown is rhomboidal
- DL cusp- almost as wide - crown is shorter distally than mesially, buccal and lingual surface
* Both cusps ridges form obtuse angles of approx. 100 degrees. converge distally
- greater part of occlusal surface visible
Lingual dev’tal gr. – demarcation between 2 lingual cusps, for - all cusps visible:
shorter - DLc, DBc and Dc
distance only - MLc and MBc
- Some will not show a groove, instead a depression

DENT5F 2022-2023 45
 - DMR is short, cusps ridges dips sharply in a cervical direction OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
- CEJ irregular and straight BL
- DBDG is visible CUSPS RIDGES:
● Mesiobuccal- MCR &
DCR
Distal root ● Mesiolingual- MCR &
* is narrower BL DCR
* slightly shorter ● Distobuccal- MCR
* more rounded apical 3rd &DCR
* tapers to a sharper apex. ● Distolingual- MCR
* lingual border of mesial root is visible. &DCR
● Distal – MCR &DCR

MARGINAL RIDGES:
● Mesial marginal ridge
MANDIBULAR RIGHT FIRST MOLAR (OCCLUSAL ASPECT) ● Distal marginal ridge

OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
- crown somewhat hexagonal
- crown dimension is greater MD TRIANGULAR RIDGES:
than BL (opposite for max ● MBTR
molars) ● DBTR
- BL measurement of crown is ● MLTR
greater Mesial than Distal ● DLTR
● DTR

TRANSVERSE RIDGES:
MBTR + MLTR =TR
DBTR + DLTR =TR
- Major cusps :
MBc slightly larger
MLc & DLc- almost equal in
size
DBc – smaller
Distal cusp is smallest & still a
functioning cusp
*Max Molars – 3 major cusps
Mand Molars – 4 majors cusps
OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
- All mandibular molars are
quadrilateral in form. GROOVES:
- Sometimes, exhibit four cusps; ● Central Dev’tal gr.
fusion of DB and ● Mesiobuccal dev’tal g.
Distal cusps ● Distobuccaldev’tal g.
- All mandibular molars have four ● Lingual dev’tal g.
major cusps.
* exhibits supplemental,
accidental (short and long)

OCCLUSAL ANATOMY

CUSPS
● mesiobuccal
● mesiolingual
● distobuccal
● distolingual
● distal

OCCLUSAL ANATOMY

FOSSA:
Major Fossa
*Central Fossa (circular),
Minor Fossa:
*MTF
*DTF
- PITS:
*Central DP
*Mesial DP
*Distal DP

DENT5F 2022-2023 46
Mandibular Second Molar
MANDIBULAR LEFT SECOND MOLAR (LINGUAL ASPECT)
● smaller than 1st molar = shorter cervico-
occlusally and narrower mesiodistally
● Common to find 2nd molar crown larger than 1st, although the roots
are not as well formed, maybe longer.
● Develops from 4 lobes
● 2 buccal and 2 lingual
- MB, ML, DL, DB
- cusps of nearly equal in development
● No distal cusp nor a fifth cusp
● DB cusp larger than 1st molar
● Has two well developed roots
– Mesial and distal
● Roots broad buccolingually
● Roots not as broad and as widely separated as the first molar.

First evidence of calcification 2 ½ to 3 years

Enamel completed 7-8 years

Eruption 11-13 years

Root completed 14-15 years

- Crown and root converge slightly to the lingual

- Mesiodistal calibration at cervix is greater than 1st molar
- Contact areas slightly lower level, esp DCA
MANDIBULAR LEFT SECOND MOLAR (BUCCAL ASPECT)) - Roots closer, inclined distally

MANDIBULAR LEFT SECOND MOLAR (MESIAL ASPECT)

*Crown is shorter BL, narrower MD

*One groove buccally, BDG
*Buccal cusps are equal in their MD dimension
*Less pronounced BCR

Roots - Less pronounced BCR

* shorter than first - occlusal surface more constricted buccolingually
* usually closer together - CEJ less curvature, almost straight
- may spread like 1st - Mesial root somewhat more pointed
- maybe fused for all or part of their length
* axes are nearly parallel
* may inclined distally

DENT5F 2022-2023 47
 MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLAR

MANDIBULAR RIGHT SECOND MOLAR (DISTAL ASPECT) First evidence of calcification 8-10 years

Enamel completed 12-16 years

Eruption 17-21 years

Root completed 18-25

● Varies considerably in size and position

● Seldom well-developed
● Shows irregular dev’t of crown portion
● Resembles more closely 2nd than 1st mand molar
● -sometimes presents 5 or more cusps
– wrinkled occlusally
● -buccal cusps are short and rounded, maybe fused for all or part of
their length
● Occlusally – has tendency toward a more rounded outline and smaller
BL measurement distally.
- absence of distal cusp ● Roots are malformed, undersized, maybe short and poorly developed.
- no distobuccal groove Roots maybe fused for all or part of their length
● Most likely to be impacted, wholly or partially, in
the jaw (due to lack of space)
MANDIBULAR RIGHT SECOND MOLAR (OCCLUSAL ASPECT) ● May sometimes be congenitally absent (bilateral)

Occlusally:
- Serves as mark of
identification
- Rectangular in form
- No distal cusp

OCCLUSAL ANATOMY

CUSPS
MBc, DBc, MLc, DLc
- all equal in size

RIDGES:
● Cusp ridges
● Marginal ridges
● Transverse ridges

OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
GROOVES:
BDG and LDG meets CDG at
right angles,
*Grooves forms a cross
occlusally dividing the crown into
four parts that are nearly equal.
* present supplementary
grooves

OCCLUSAL ANATOMY

FOSSA
Central fossa
MTF
DTF

PITS
Central pit
Mesial pit
Distal pit

DENT5F 2022-2023 48
MANDIBULAR MOLARS (BUCCAL)
MANDIBULAR MOLARS (LINGUAL)
MANDIBULAR MOLARS (PROXIMAL)
OCCLUSAL VIEW
The Primary (Deciduous) Dentition
DENT5F 2022-2023
PRIMARY DENTITION
Nomenclature:
● Primary teeth
● Baby’s teeth; Milk teeth; Temporary teeth
○ Implies that they are useful for a short period
○ needed for many years of growth and physical
development
FUNCTIONS (IMPORTANCE)
● Needed for efficient mastication of food
● Provide support for cheeks and lips maintaining a normal
facial appearance and smile
● Necessary for formulation of clear speech
● Critical for maintaining space and arch continuity required to
provide room for the eruption of permanent teeth.
Major Contrast between Primary and Permanent Teeth
PRIMARY TEETH:
● Are smaller in overall size and crown dimensions.
● Have markedly more prominent cervical ridges (BCR).
● Are narrower at their “necks”
● Are lighter in color
● Have roots that are widely flared
● Buccolingual diameter is less in dimension.
● Crowns of primary anterior teeth are wider mesiodistally than
their crown length.
● Cervical ridges of enamel of anterior teeth are more
prominent.
● Roots of primary anterior teeth are narrower and longer.
- Narrow roots with wide crowns present an
arrangement at the cervical 3rd that differs
markedly from permanent anterior teeth.
● Buccal and lingual surfaces of primary molars are flatter
above the cervical curvatures, narrower oclusal surfaces.
● Cervical ridges buccally (BCR) of primary molars are more
pronounced (1st molars)
● Crowns and roots of primary molars at cervix are more
slender mesiodistally.
● Roots are longer and more slender and flare more, extending
out beyond projected outline of the crowns. The flare allows
more room between the roots for the developing permanent
crowns.
● Primary teeth are usually less pigmented and are whiter in
appearance.
Pulp Chambers and Pulp Canals:
● Enamel is relatively thin and has a consistent depth.
● Dentin thickness between pulp chambers and enamel is
limited.
● Pulp horns are high, pulp chambers are large than permanent
teeth.
● Primary roots are narrow and longer than crown width and
length
● Molar roots of primary teeth flare markedly and thin out rapidly
as the apices are approached
PRIMARY MAX. CENTRAL INCISOR
49
 ● M-D is greater than C-I
● Root length greater than crown length
● Highly developed cingulum extending toward incisal edge
creating mesial & distal fossa.
● Cervical ridges well-developed at cervical 3rd of crown labial
& lingual

PRIMARY MAND. CENTRAL INCISOR

● MMR,DMR,cingulum are well-developed

● Cervical contours more pronounced

PRIMARY MAX. LATERAL INCISOR

● Cervico-incisal length greater than mesiodistal

● Cervical ridges well-developed at cervical 3rd of crown labial
& lingual
● Root is much longer in proportion to its crown

DENT5F 2022-2023 50
 PRIMARY MAND. LATERAL INCISOR

● Cingulum well-developed
● Surface between MRs is concave
● Well-developed cervical ridges

PRIMARY MAND. CANINE

● Crown and root shorter than max canine

- “thicker” at the neck
● Less pronounced cervical ridges (Labial & Lingual)
PRIMARY MAX. CANINE

● Crown constricted at cervix

● Long, well-developed sharp cusp
- Mesial slope longer
● Lingual ridge connects cingulum to cusp tip
● Root long, slender, tapering, more than twice the crown length

Primary Max. First Molar

DENT5F 2022-2023 51
 - Grooves: CDG, BDG, distal dev’tal groove
- Fossa – central fossa, MTF and DTF,
- Pits - central pit, MP, DP,
- Resembles max 1st premolar

- Smooth buccal surface with little or no evidence of dev’tal

grooves
- Pronounced BCR
- Occlusal outline slightly scalloped, no definite cusp form
- Shape and size suggest that it was designed to be the
“premolar

Primary Maxillary Second Molar


- Resembles permanent max 1st molar but smaller

- Roots are slender and long, spread widely

- Crown larger than primary 1st molar
- Tri-rooted, bifurcations begins immediately at the CEJ (typical
- Crown narrow at cervix
for dec. molars)

- MBc & DBc (equal size) with BDG

Primary Max. First Molar 
Occlusal Aspect
- Cusp of Carabelli – poorly developed, traces of dev’tal lines /
“Form varies from that of any tooth in the permanent dentition” dimples
OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
- Cusps= ML (longest), MB, DB, DL (small and rounded) - Roots longer, slender, bifurcation closer to CEJ
- Ridge – cusp ridges, triangular ridges, MRs
Oblique ridge (MLTR+DBTR)

Primary Max. First Molar 
Occlusal Aspect - Resembles permanent max. molar but is smaller
- Larger than deciduous first molar
OCCLUSAL ANATOMY - Crown is rhomboidal

DENT5F 2022-2023 52
Max Right Second Molar Occlusal Aspect
- OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
Cusp : MLc, MBc, DLc, DBc - Crown constricted a little at cervix
5th Cusp - Distal portion of crown shorter than mesial.
Ridges: Cusp ridges - Two buccal cusp, no groove.
Triangular ridges - Mesial portion of crown is almost twice as tall as the distal
MMR, DMR - Crown and root converge markedly towards
Oblique ridge - MMR- well-developed, almost considered as a small cusp.
- Extreme curvature buccally at cervical 3rd- BCR (pronounced)
- Flat buccal outline above BCR
- MMR IS WELL-DEVELOPED

OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
Grooves: CDG, BDG,
LDG, DDG
Supplementary gr.
Fossa: CF, DF
MTF, DTF
Primary Mand. First Molar
(Occlusal Aspect)
Pit: CP, MDP, DDP

- Occlusal line is rhomboidal

Primary Mand. First Molar
- OCCLUSAL ANATOMY
Cusp:
MLc –largest, best developed
MBc; DLc ‘ DBc

Ridges: cusp ridges

MMR, DMR
triangular ridges

Primary Mand First Molar

- Varies so much, do not resemble any tooth, deciduous or

permanent
- Appears strange & primitive

OCCLUSAL ANATOMY

Grooves: CDG; BDG; LDG

supplementary gr.

Fossa: CF; MTF; DTF

DENT5F 2022-2023 53
 Fossa: CF , MTF , DTF
Pit: CP, MP, DP
Pit: CP, MDP, DDP

Primary Mand Second Molar

- Resembles permanent mand 1st molar. ●
- Crown is constricted at the cervix.
- Present 3 cusps of almost equal in size (MBc; DBc; Distal
cusp)
- Two buccal grooves: MBDG , DBDG
- Roots are twice as long as crown. ARRANGEMENT OF TEETH AND OCCLUSION
- Bifurcation is very close to cervix
- Flattened buccal surface above BCR DENTAL ARCH
- Constricted occlusal table ARCH – the basic pattern of tooth position
● Maxillary arch
● Mandibular arch

Maxillary and mandibular teeth are positioned in such a way as to

produce a curved “arch” when viewed occlusally

Primary Mand Second Molar- 
Occlusal

- Occlusal outline somewhat rectangular.
- Resembles perm. Mand 1st molar The arch form of the teeth is a parabolic curve; some describes it as
OCCLUSAL ANATOMY “U”-shaped (or square form) and tapered.
Cusps: MBc, DBc, Dc = equal size
MLc, DLc = equal size
Ridges: cusp ridges
MMR, DMR
triangular ridges

Mand Right Second Molar- 
Occlusal

The arch form of the maxilla tends to be larger than the mandible.
OCCLUSAL ANATOMY

This results in the maxillary teeth “overhanging” the mandibular teeth

Grooves: CDG, MBDG
when the teeth are in centric occlusion
DBDG , LDG
supplementary gr.

DENT5F 2022-2023 54
Useful Features: During opening and closing movements of the jaws;
the cheeks, lips, and tongue are less likely to be caught because the
facial occlusal margins of the maxillary teeth extend beyond the facial
occlusal margins of the mandibular teeth
When teeth in the mandibular arch come into contact with those in the
maxillary arch in any functional relation, they are said to be in
OCCLUSION.
Alignment/ Arrangement
 of Teeth
- When teeth are in normal alignment within an arch, each
tooth crown in the dental arches must be in contact at some
point with an adjacent tooth or teeth to help protect the
gingiva between then (interdental papilla) from trauma during
mastication.
The contact of one tooth with another in the arch tends to ensure mutual
support and occclusal stability.
DENT5F 2022-2023
Each tooth in each dental arch has two antagonists In the opposing
arch except
lower central incisors and upper 3rd molar. In the event of loss of any
teeth, this arrangement tends to prevent extrusion of antagonists and
help stabilize the remaining teeth.
Proximal contact Areas
● Soon after the alignment of all teeth in their respective
positions in the jaws takes place, there should be a positive
contact relation mesially and distally of one tooth with another
in each arch.
Except for the last molar, if present, each tooth has two contacting
members adjoining it.
The area of the tooth mesially and distally that makes positive contact
with the adjacent teeth is referred to as the CONTACT AREAS
Proper contact relation between neighboring teeth in each arch is
important for the following reasons:
- Serves to keep the food from packing between the teeth
- Helps to stabilize the dental arches by the combined
anchorage of all teeth in either arch in positive contact with
each other.
Contact areas can be observed from two aspects:
() Labial / buccal aspect
55
 - Will demonstrate the relative positions of the contact areas Graf von Spee in 1890, noted that the cusps and incisal ridges of teeth
cervicoincisally or cervico-occlusally tended to display a curved alignment - referred to as curve of Spee

() Occlusal / incisal aspect

- Will show the relative position of the contact areas
labiolingually or buccolingually

Interproximal Spaces
() Are triangularly shaped spaces normally filled by gingival tissue
(gingival papillae)

() Form will vary with the form of the teeth in contact , and will depend
upon the relative position of the contact areas

() There distance from the CEJ to the of the alveolar bone as seen
radiographically is 1-1.5mm in normal occlusion in the absence of
disease.

Compensating curve – curve of Spee

Compensating Curvatures 
of the Dental Arches

Occlusal surfaces of the dental arches do not

generally conform to a flat plane.

The mandibular arch conforms generally to one or more curved planes,

which appear concave, the opposing maxillary arch appears convex

Proper contact and alignment of adjoining teeth will allow proper

spacing between teeth for the normal bulk of gingival tissue attached to
the bone and teeth.

DENT5F 2022-2023 56
Gingival tissue is continuous, covering all the alveolar process (bone)

Considerable spacing created between roots of one tooth and the roots
of adjoining tooth allows sufficient bone tissue between one tooth and
another, anchoring the teeth securely in the jaws.

EMBRASSURES
(SPILLWAYS)
Spaces that widens out from the area of contact.

Purposes:
● Makes a spillway for the escape of food during mastication
● Reduce forces bear upon the teeth
● Prevents food from being forced through the contact area

DENT5F 2022-2023 57