DENTAL MORPHOLOGY

BY
Dr. Moustafa Hamdy

B. Ch. D., Alexandria

M.S.D. Alexandria
Head of Dental Department, College of health
science, Abha
.K.S.A

Types of dentitions

In humans there are two sets of dentitions:

Primary dentition. (Deciduous dentition)
Is a temporary set of dentition that is lost after
a few years; to be replaced by permanent
dentition.
The deciduous dentition is made up of 20 teeth
which are central and lateral incisors, canine
and molars. (A, B, C, D, E)
A = Central incisors # 4
B = Lateral incisors # 4
C = Canine # 4
D = First molars #4
E = Second molars #4
Sequence of eruption A, B, D, C, E

Secondary dentition.
(Permanent dentition)

Is made up of 32 teeth.
The formula of permanent dentition is
1 = Central incisors # 4
2 = Lateral incisors # 4
3 = Canine # 4
4 = First premolar # 4
5 = Second premolar # 4
6 = First molar # 4
7 = Second molar # 4
8 = Third molar # 4
N.B.
Premolars and third molar are absent in
deciduous dentition.
Premolars replace deciduous molars.

Mixed dentition

Is found at six year to about twelve

year; where both deciduous and
permanent dentitions are found in
the oral cavity.

The formula of permanent

dentition

The oral cavity is divided into 4

quadrants and each tooth has a
specific
1 2 3 4 number.
5 6 7 8
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

The formula of deciduous

dentition

The oral cavity is divided into 4

quadrants and each deciduous tooth
has a specific letter.
E D C B A
A B C D E
E D C B A
A
B C D E

Universal system

The oral cavity is divided into 4

quadrants and each deciduous tooth
has a specific number.

8 7 6

5 4 3 2 1

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Universal system for

permanent dentition
A B C D E

F G H I J

T S R Q P

O N M L K

Federation Dentaire international

system
'FDI are numbered,
The teeth in maxillary
right quadrant
starting from central incisor to third molar as:
11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
Then the maxillary left quadrant teeth are
numbered starting from central incisor to third
molar as:
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
The mandibular left quadrant teeth are numbered
starting from central incisor to third molar as: 31,
32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38
The mandibular right quadrant teeth are numbered
starting from central incisor to third molar as:
41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48

FDI system for permanent

teeth
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28
48 47 46 45 44 43 42 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
41
38

N.B. The main advantage of this system

is that there is no need to mention the
quadrant.

FDI system for deciduous

teeth

51 52 53 54 55

65 64 63 62 61

85 84 83 82 81

71 72 73 74 75

Tooth surfaces & regions

The surfaces of the anterior teeth; which

include incisors and canines are:
Labial surface ---- facing the lips
Lingual surface ---- facing the tongue
Mesial surface ---- toward the midline
Distal surface ---- away from the midline
Incisal surface ---- related to incisal edge

Tooth
surfaces
& regions
The
surfaces
of the posterior
teeth; which
include premolars and molars are:
Buccal surface ---- facing the cheek
Lingual surface ----facing the tongue
(In the upper arch this surface is also
called palatal surface both in the anterior
and posterior)
Mesial surface ----- toward the midline
Distal surface ---- away from the midline
Occlusal surface ---- area surrounded by
buccal, lingual, mesial and distal surfaces.

N.B.
Mandibular permanent teeth tend to precede the
maxillary teeth in the process of eruption.
The permanent teeth that have deciduous
predecessors are the incisors, canines and
premolars.
The developing incisors and canines are in lingual
position to the deciduous roots.
The developing premolars are within the bifurcation
of deciduous molar roots.
Developing permanent teeth exert pressure against
the deciduous roots causing their resorption.
Complete resorption of the deciduous roots is
essential for the exfoliation of the deciduous
teeth so that permanent teeth can appear in their
places.

Terminologies used in dental

It is necessary for the
student to have a clear idea
anatomy

of certain terminologies used in dental description

which are:
Cusp: is an elevation on the occlusal surface of a
tooth and is an integral part of the occlusal surface.
A cusp serves a definite purpose of shearing and
tearing of food substances.
Mamelon: are small protuberances, usually three
in number present on the incisal edge of the newly
erupted incisors.
They are worn out with usage or they may be
missing by birth as in case of congenital syphilis
where the central lobe or mamelon will be missing
congenitally.

Crown is covered by enamel

Root is covered by cementum
Crown and root join at the cemento enamel junction (Cervical line = is convex
root wise)
Crown of a tooth may have an incisal ridge
or edge as in the incisors
A single cusp as in the canines or two or
more as in premolars and molars.
Root portion of the tooth may be single with
one apex as found in anterior teeth and
some of the premolars or multiple with
bifurcation or trifurcation dividing the root
portion into two or three roots.

The root portion is fixed in a bony socket in the jaw

called alveolus
The part of the jaw that forms and supports the sockets
of the teeth is called the alveolar process.
Gingiva is the soft tissue in the mouth which covers the
alveolar bone and surround the teeth.
Labial surface = Buccal surface = External surface.
Lingual surface = Internal surface
Occlusal surface or Incisal surface
Proximal surface may be either distal or mesial surface
The area of the mesial or distal surface which touches
its neighbor in the arch is called the contact area.

Each surface can be divided horizontally into

three parts:
Cervical 1/3 = Near to cervical line
Middle 1/3 = At the middle
Incisal or occlusal 1/3 = At the incisal edge or
occlusal table.
Line angle is the line where 2 surfaces meet,
it derives its name from the combination of
two surfaces that join
Example Mesio labial line angle
( 6 anterior & 8 Posterior )
Point angle is the point where 3 surfaces meet
mesio labial incisal point angle
( Anterior & Posterior 4 )

Line angle

Cingulum: It is a convexity or rounded protuberance

found on cervical third of the anterior teeth on the lingual
surface.
The cingulum is continuous mesially and distally with
mesial & distal marginal ridges.
Crown taper lingually, the root is much narrower lingually
than labially.
Tubercle: It is a rounded projection on the surface of a
crown and represents a deviation from the normal.
Ridge: It is a narrow, elongated elevation on the surface
of a tooth. Ridges are named depending upon their
location like, buccal ridge, marginal ridge, incisal ridge,
oblique ridge, etc
Triangular ridge: It is a descent of the cusp from the
apex of a cusp.
Transverse ridge: It is the result of the union of a buccal
and a lingual triangular ridge. It crosses transversely the
occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth.

Oblique ridge: Result of the union of two

triangular ridges.
Fossa: Is a depression or concavity found on the
tooth surface, depending upon their locations they
are:
Lingual fossa: on the lingual surface of the incisors.
Central fossa: on the occlusal surfaces of molars.
Triangular fossa: on the occlusal surface, either
mesial or distal to the marginal ridges, are found
on the molars and premolars.
Grooves: It is a developmental fault, cleft of
fissure usually found on the occlusal or buccal and
lingual surfaces of posterior teeth.
They may be either shallow and wide or deep and
narrow; as they play an important role in the
initiation of tooth decay.

Sulcus: It is a long depression found on the occlusal

surfaces of the posterior teeth between the ridges and
cusps.
Contact points & areas:
These are small circular or oval areas on the proximal
surfaces.
In newly erupted tooth it is called contact point, by time
with usage of these teeth the contact points wear away
and contact areas is termed.
Embrasure: It is a triangular interproximal space
formed around the contact points due to the
divergence of the tooth surface from the points.
Embrasures have two functions:

Act as spillways for the escape of food during

mastication.

Make the teeth more self cleansing because of their

smooth rounded surfaces.

Pulp chamber: It is that space, surrounded by

dentine in the crown portion which accommodates
the crown portion of the pulp.
Pulp horns: Under each cusp there is an extension
of the pulp tissue as a narrow projection which is
termed as pulp horn or cornua.
The number of cornua in a posterior will be equal
to the number of major cusps present in the tooth.
The cornua of deciduous teeth are placed at a
higher level compared to those of the permanent
teeth.
Developmental groove Is a shallow groove or
line between the primary parts of the crown or root
Pits are small pinpoint depressions located at
the junction of developmental grooves or at
terminals of these grooves

CHRONOLOGY OF THE
Age is expressed
in terms of a skeletal age,
DENTITIONS

chronological age, mental age and dental age.

Skeletal age and mental age depend on the
skeletal and mental maturity or status of a
person.
Chronological age is just a measure of time
elapsed since a person's birth.
The dental age is assessment of a person's age
depending upon the presence or otherwise of a
particular set of teeth for particular age.
Understanding of the chronology of different teeth
is then necessary for as this would enable him to
correlate and compare other age systems.

Chronology of the deciduous

Tooth
Initial
Completion of
Eruption
Completion of
calcification
crown
root
dentition
Deciduous
upper
central
incisor

months in 3-4
utero

months 4

months 7.5

years 1.5

Deciduous
lower
central
incisor

months in 4.5
utero

months 4

months 6.5

years 2 1.5

Deciduous
upper
lateral
incisor

months in 4.5
utero

months 5

9 - 8
months

years 2 1.5

Deciduous
lower
lateral
incisor

months in 4.5
utero

months 4.5

months 7

years 2 1.5

Deciduous
upper

months in 5
utero

months 9

20 16
months

years 3

Tooth

Initial
calcification

Completion of
crown

Eruption

Completion
of root

Deciduous
lower
canine

months in 5
utero

months 9

20 16
months

3 2.5
Years

Deciduous
upper 1st
molar

months in 5
utero

months 6

16 12
months

22
years

Deciduous
lower 1st
molar

months in 5
utero

months 6

16 12
months

22
years

Deciduous
upper 2nd
molar

months in 6
utero

12 10
months

2 -1
years

years 3

Deciduous
lower 2nd
molar

months in 6
utero

12 10
months

2-1
years

years 3

Sequences of eruption of
deciduous teeth

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Lower central incisor.

Upper central incisor.
Lower lateral incisor.
Upper lateral incisor.
First molars.
Canines.
Second molars.

A , B , D , C, E
The first tooth has erupted by 6.5 months and the
last tooth by 3 years.

CHRONOLOGY OF THE PERMANENT

DENTITION
Completion
of root

Eruption

Completion
of crown

Initial
calcification

Tooth

10
Years

87
years

54
years

43
months

Upper
central
incisor

9
Years

76
years

54
years

43
months

Lower
central
incisor

11
years

98
years

54
years

12 10
months

Upper
lateral
incisor

10
Years

87
years

54
years

43
Months

Lower
lateral
incisor

15 13
years

12 11
years

76
years

months 5 4

Upper
canine

Tooth

Initial
Completion
calcification
of crown

Eruption

Completion
of root

Lower
Canine

54
Months

76
years

years 10 9

14 12
years

Upper 1st
Premolar

1-1
years

65
years

11 10
Years

13 12
years

Lower 1st
premolar

2-1
Years

65
years

12 10
Years

13 12
years

Upper 2nd
Premolar

22
years

76
Years

12 10
Years

14 12
Years

Lower 2nd
premolar

2-2
years

76
Years

12 11
years

14 13
Years

Tooth

Initial
calcification

Completion
of crown

Eruption

Completion
of root

Upper 1st
Molar

At birth or
slightly
before

3-2
years

76
years

10 9
years

Lower 1st
Molar

At birth or
slightly
before

3-2
years

76
years

10 9
years

Upper 2nd
Molar

3- 2
years

87
years

13 12
years

16 14
years

Lower 2nd
Molar

3- 2
years

87
years

13 11
years

15 14
years

Upper 3rd
Molar

97
years

16 12
years

21 17
years

25 18
years

Lower 3rd
Molar

10 8
years

16 12
years

21 17
years

25 18
years

Orders of eruption of permanent

First molars teeth

Lower central & lateral incisors

Upper centrals
Upper lateral
Lower canines
First premolars
Second premolars
Upper canines
Second molars
Third molars

Orders of eruption of permanent

teeth
Order of eruption of upper
permanent teeth
6,1,2,4,5,3,7,8
Order of eruption of lower
permanent teeth
6,1,2,3,4,5,7,8

Though the deciduous teeth are also called the

temporary teeth they have a very vital role to
:play
1.
2.

3.

4.
5.

They aid the masticatory efficiency of the child

during period of growth and development.
Proper care of the deciduous teeth is extremely
important because infections especially of the
pulp in deciduous teeth can reach the
developing successors.
During removal of deciduous teeth, care should
be taken not to damage the permanent
successors.
They act as guides for the proper eruption of the
permanent successors.
Early loss of deciduous is bad, over retention of
them beyond their time of shedding will result in
obstruction to the eruption of permanent teeth,
or they may force the eruption of permanent
teeth in perverted positions.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DECIDUOUS &

PERMANENT TEETH
Difference
Number
of teeth
Members
of
dentition
Size
Colors
Contour

Deciduous
20

Permanent
32

incisors & 4 8
canines & 8
molars

incisors & 4 8
canines & 8 PM & 12
molar

Smaller in size
Whiter and more
opaque
More pronounced
cervical bulge

Larger in size
Yellowish white and
more translucent
Less pronounced

Cusps &
fossae

In newly erupted
teeth more pointed
cusps with deeper
fossae

Less pointed cusps

with shallower fossae

Roots

Shorter roots

Longer roots

Root
trunk

Definite root trunk

absent

Definite root trunk

present

Root
divergen
ce

More divergent to
accommodate
developing PM

Not so divergent

Root
crown
ratio

Roots of anterior
deciduous teeth are
very much longer
compared to their
crown length

Root length in
permanent teeth not
so long compared to
their crown height
(exception the canine)

Cemento enamel
Junction

Less sinuous

More sinuous

Shape of the
root
Pulp chamber

Flatter

Rounded

Larger than in
permanent
teeth with less
depth of
dentine

Smaller than in
the deciduous
with more
depth of
dentine

Pulp horns

Root canals

More prominent Less prominent

and higher
and at lower
level
level
Finer
Less finer

ENAMEL

Is a hard, mineralized tissue that covers the

anatomical crowns of teeth, which is derived
from epithelium and no living cells within
enamel, and is formed only once in life by
ameloblast.
Color of the enamel varies from dense white
of deciduous teeth to glossy shads of yellow
or gray in the permanent dentition. The
color depends on the degree of
mineralization and homogeneity of enamel.
Though, more translucent enamel the
yellow color of dentine is seen while more
opaque enamel appears grayish.

The thickness of enamel varies from dentition to

dentition, from tooth to tooth, from areas of the
same tooth. It is thickest over the work surfaces
of a tooth and over cusps; it is about 2.5 mm
thick and it is knife edge in cervical region.
Enamel is the hardest tissue of the body, but it is
brittle when enamel is not supported by dentine.
Enamel is permeable to certain substances
either completely or partially.
Chemical composition of enamel; (by weight)
96% inorganic substances (hydroxyapatite) and
4% organic substances and water. The inorganic
portion of enamel is basically apatite having
calcium and phosphate in a ratio 2: 1

Histologically enamel is composed of enamel

rods or prisms, interpresmatic cementing
substance and rod sheath.
Enamel rods extend from the dentino enamel
junction to the surface of enamel (4 microns in
diameter)
Cross section of enamel in light microscope,
enamel rods appear as hexagonal, round or
oval in shape resembling fish scales.
The DEJ (dentino enamel junction) appears as a
scalloped line with its concavity facing enamel;
this increase the surface area and increase
adhesion between enamel and dentine.

Cemento enamel junction

relationships are 3 types

60 % of teeth, cementum
overlaps enamel.
35 % of teeth enamel and
cementum meet edge to edge.
5 % of teeth enamel and
cementum do not meet, and
dentine is exposed.

Attrition:
Is physiological process through
which there is wearing of enamel due to
forces of mastication.
Abrasion:
Loss of enamel, dentine, or
cementum due to mechanical forces, like
that of tooth brushing.
Erosion:
Loss of enamel, dentine, or
cementum due to chemical process.

DENTINE

Is mineralized connective tissue that

surrounds and encloses pulp. It provides the
bulk and generally forms of the tooth.
It is made up of thousands tubules (dentinal
tubules), inside each tubule there is a
cytoplasmic process of cell called odontoblast
fiber or process whose cell body lies inside
the pulp.
The odontoblast form dentine throughout life.
Dentine is light yellow in color in young
individual but becomes darker with age.
(Semitransparent)

Dentine can absorb shock much better

than brittle enamel, it is harder than
bone and cementum and less hard
than enamel. In permanent teeth,
dentine is slightly harder than in
dentine of deciduous teeth.

Chemical composition of dentine: (by

weight)
Inorganic material 70% (hydroxy apatite)
Organic material 20%
Water 10%

Structural elements of dentine

Dentine

matrix
Dentinal tubules
Contents of dentinal tubules
Dentinal

tubules are radiating

from the pulp cavity to the outer
surface of dentine at DEJ or DCJ

Types of dentine
Three types of dentine
Primary dentine which outlines the pulp
chamber and the one which is formed
before completion of the root.
Secondary dentine which is formed after
root formation.
Tertiary dentine (reactive or reparative
dentine)
Produced by odontoblast in response to
irritation of the pulp

Dentine hypersensitivity

It is highly sensitive at DEJ and at regions close

to pulp.
It is sensitive to a variety of stimuli like heat,
cold and chemicals.
N.B
Cavities should be in dentine and not in enamel;
to prevent fracture of restorative materials.
(dentine is elastic)
No heat should be generated during cavity
preparation to avoid damage of odontoblast
process.
In deep cavities, pulp stimulating cements
should be used; to stimulate production of
reparative dentine.

Dental pulp is definedPulp

as the connective tissue
with special functions occupying the cavity in the
center of dentine.
Pulp is located in the center of dentine
approximately equidistance on all sides from the
DEJ and DCJ.
Because of the slanting of the dentinal tubules in
the gingival third of the crown the pulp lies closest
to the outer surface of dentine in this region. This
fact is of clinical importance during cavity
preparations in the gingival third as going too
deep in these regions may expose the pulp.
In the crown portion the pulp called pulp chamber
and in the root portion called root canal.

Functions of the pulp

Formative
Formative

Pulp is the formative organ of dentine

both under physiological and pathological
conditions.
Nutritional
Pulp has a rich blood supply with vascular
network around the odontoblasts, which supply
nutrition to dentine and keeps dentine vital.
Sensory
Nerves of the pulp are responsible for Pain
sensation.
Defense
Like to any other C.T. pulp reacts by an
inflammatory process to
injury. Also it forms reparative dentine in response
to irritations.

Pulp Structure

.Cellular elements
Pulp matrix
od vessels, lymphatics and nerve ple

Cementum

It is mineralized connective tissue

covering the anatomic roots of teeth. It is
arranged in layers around the root
dentine. It is found around the root
surface and in the inner apical end of the
root canal. It begins as about 20 microns
at the enamel border and reaches its
greatest thickness at the bifurcations and
apex which may be 150 to 200 microns.

Functions of cementum

Attach the fibers of

periodontal ligament to roots
of the teeth.
Protects root dentine.

Physical characteristics of
cementum

1.
2.
3.

Cementum is light yellow of color and

can be distinguished from dentine by
its lack of luster and darker line.
Cementum is less hard than dentine.
Cementum differs from bone in that:
Avascular.
Lacks the capacity to remodel.
More resistant to resorption than bone.

Chemical composition of
cementum

45% inorganic portion in the form of

hydroxyapatite and 55% organic
portion.
Cementum has the highest fluoride
content of all the mineralized tissue.

Structure of cementum
Fibers in cementum
2.
Cells lining cementum
3.
Cells within cementum
# Cementum gives attachment to one end of the
periodontal ligament while the other end is held by
alveolar bone.
# Pathological processes like chronic infections around
the root, tumors can cause resorption of roots.
# Excessive pressure during orthodontic tooth
movement can cause resorption of cementum
which can extend to dentine.
# In root planning, necrotic cementum is removed to
encourage reattachment of the junctional
epithelium to cementum.
1.

PERIODONTAL LIGAMENT
Periodontium is the connective tissue organ that

Periodontium is the connective tissue organ that

attaches the teeth to the bones of the jaws and
supports the teeth.
Periodontium is an investing and supportive
organ to the tooth, it consists of:
Alveolar bone &
Periodontal ligament
Cementum
&
Gingiva
Periodontal ligament is that specialized
connective tissue that surrounds, supports and
protects teeth by its attachments to roots and
surrounding alveolar bone.

1.

Functions of periodontal
Formative & ligament
resorptive

2.

Nutritive

3.

Supportive

4.

Protective

5.

Sensory

Structure of periodontal
ligament

Fiber groups in periodontal ligament.

Ground substance.

Cellular elements. (osteoblast,

fibroblast, cementoblast)

Intercellular tissues.

Osteoblasts:
Found covering the periodontal surface of
alveolar bone. Osteoblasts are required for the
constant apposition of bone following resorption by
osteoclasts in the functional remodeling of bone
Fibroblasts:
Found between the fibers of the
periodontal ligament . They are involved in the
formation and maintenance of collagen fibers. They
help in the eruption of tooth by their contractile
property
Cementoblasts:
Cells which form cementum. They
cover the surface of cementum. These cells aid in
the reattachment of periodontal ligament fibers to
root by forming fresh cementum whenever required.

Alveolar process

Alveolar process of maxilla and

mandible is that part of bone which
forms sockets within which the roots
of the teeth are found.
At the 8th week of intra uterine life,
grooves containing the developing
bud develop in maxilla and mandible.
The alveolar process develops in
these grooves during the eruption of
the teeth.

Alveolar process consists of:

1.

2.
3.

Alveolar bone proper. (inner

most)
Spongiosa (middle part)
Cortical plates (outer most)

Is that tissue whichGINGIVA

covers the alveolus and
encircles the necks of teeth.
Functions:
1. Surrounds and supports teeth.
2. Prevents invasion of bacteria to the
periodontal space
3. Appearance
The color different from person to person. It is
generally coral pink in color, the color depends
on :
1. Amount of circulation.
2. Degree of keratinisation.
3. Thickness of gingiva.
4. Amount of melanin pigmentation

Parts of gingiva
(according to clinical examination)

Free gingiva (marginal or unattached)

Attached gingiva

Interdental papillae
Gingival sulcus:
It is the space between the
marginal gingiva and tooth surface, the normal
sulcus depth is about 1 2 mm
Col:
Connecting the facial side and lingual side of
the interdental papillae, on the proximal sides.
It has a concave shape in healthy gingiva

Parts of gingiva

Stippling of gingiva

Maxillary central incisor

First evidence of calcification 3 4 M
Enamel completed 4 5 Y
Eruption 7 8 Y
Root completed 10 Y
Crown length 10 : 11 mm.
M.D. diameter 8 : 9 mm.
At cervix 1.5 : 2 mm. less
Cervical outline is convex root wise
Root is cone shaped with a blunt apex, it is usually 2:3
mm longer than crown.
Average Dimensions in millimeters
Crown Length

Root
Length

10.5

13.0

Mesiodistal
Diameter at
Contact Area

8.5

Mesiodistal
Diameter at
Cervical Line

7.0

Labiolingual
Diameter at
Crest of Curvature

7.0

Labiolingual
Diameter at
Cervical Line

6.0

Curvature of Cervical Line

M
D

3.5

2.5

Labial aspect of maxillary central incisor

Distal outline of the crown is
more convex than mesial
crown is slightly
outline.

Mesial outline of
convex.

Crest of curvature at the junction

Crest of
curvature
of middle and incisal
1/3
located at the incisal
third.
Distoincisal angle is more rounded
Mesioincisal
angle is
than mesioincisal angle
sharp forming a right
angle with incisal
ridge

Labial aspect

Crown taper lingually, the root is much narrower

lingually than labially.
A well marked bulge is seen occupying the
cervical third, this is the cingulum.
The cingulum is continuous mesially and
distally with mesial & distal marginal
ridges.
Incisal ridge extends incisally between two
Lingual fossa lies below the cingulum &
Between mesial and distal ridges.
Lingual fossa may be partly divided by a
slight central ridge.

Lingual aspec

Incisal aspect
The crown and incisal margin are centered
over root
Crown profile is almost bilaterally symmetrical
The incisal margin of newly erupted teeth
show three elevations called mamelons. They
correspond to the developmental lobes An
incisal edge is created after occlusal wear has
taken place.

Incisal aspect

The mamelons are the rounded portions of

the incisal edge of these lower central
.incisors

Cervical line is concave root wise

Labial outline of the crown is convex with
crest of curvature located at cervical 1/3
Lingual outline is convex at the cingulum,
becomes concave at mesial marginal ridge
becomes slightly convex at linguoincisal
ridge.
Crown is wedge shaped, the base of triangle
at cervix and the apex at incisal ridge.
Root is cone shaped with labial outline
straighter than the lingual

Mesial aspe

Distal aspect
Little difference between the distal &
mesial outline.
Cervical line is shallower
distally than mesially

Distal aspect

.Various views of a maxillary right central incisor

Various views of a newly erupted

permanent maxillary incisor showing its
.features

Maxillary lateral incisor

First evidence of calcification 10 M.
Enamel completed 4 5 Y.
Eruption 8 9 Y.
Root completed 11 Y.
Root 1.5 times the length of the crown.
Root taper until it reach the apical 1/3.
Root curves distally to end in a pointed apex or
sometimes straight or it curve mesially
Cervical outline is convex root wise

Average Dimensions in millimeters

Crown
Length

Root
Length

10.5 13.0

Maxillary lateral incisors

Mesiodistal
Diameter at
Contact Area

8.5

Mesiodistal
Diameter at
Cervical
Line

7.0

Labiolingual
Diameter at
Crest of
Curvature

7.0

Labiolingual
Diameter at
Cervical
Line

6.0

Curvature of
Cervical Line
M
D

3.5

2.5

Various views of a maxillary right lateral

.incisor

Labial
Labial
aspect
aspect

Mesial aspect
aspect
Mesial

Lingual aspect
aspect
Lingual

Distal aspect
aspect
Distal

Labial aspect

Mesial outline is slightly convex

Crest of curvature at the junction of middle
and incisal thirds.
Crest of curvature is more cervically distally
Distoincisal angle is more rounded than
mesioincisal angle.
Crown is smaller.
Has more curvature.
Rounded incisal ridge.
Rounded incisal angles mesially & distally.

Mesial & distal marginal ridges are marked.

Cingulum is usually prominent
Linguoincisal ridge is well developed
Lingual fossa is more concave than central
Lingogingival groove is a more common finding in maxillary
lateral incisors than in central incisors.
A lingual pit, near the center of this groove,
is also more common, and when present, is a potential
site for caries.
Another groove, which is sometimes found on the lateral,
but very rarely on the central incisor, is the
linguogingival
fissure.

aspect

Lingual

Mesial aspect & Incisal aspect

Is similar to that of small central incisors except
root appears longer & cingulum is often more
prominent.
Incisal aspect resemble that of central incisor.
Incisal outline is curved and sloping,
distoincisal is more cervically than
the mesioincisal angle

Distal aspect
Width of the crown distally appears thicker than
mesially.
Cervical line is shallower distally than mesially.
The contact area is shorter and not as incisally placed,
when compared to the mesial contact. It is normally
located at the junction of the incisal and middle
thirds.

Permanent mandibular incisors

The mandibular incisors have smaller

mesiodistal dimensions than any of the other
teeth.
Central incisor is smaller than
the lateral and is the smallest
tooth in dental arch.

Mandibular central incisor

Initiation of calcification ...................... 3 to 4
months
Completion of enamel ......................... 4 to 5 years
Eruption ............................................. 6 to 7 years
Completion of root ............................... 9 years

Labial surface is regular, tapering from sharp mesial

and distal incisal to the apical portion of the root
Mesial & distal outlines of the crown are straight from
the incisal angles to the contact areas which are in the
incisal third. The mesial & distal sides then taper from
the contact areas to the narrow cervix.
Incisal outline is straight and right angle to the long axis
of the tooth
Cervical outline is convex root wise.
Labial face is flattened at the incisal third, middle third
is more convex narrowing down to the
convexity of
the root at cervical portion
The root is regular and convex labially, the mesial & distal
. outline taper from the cervix to the pointed apex
.Apical 1/3 curves distally in most cases

Lingual aspect of the crown is smooth, with a

very slight concavity at the incisal 1/3
between 2 marginal ridges.
Cingulum is not well developed.
Cervical line is placed mm. apically, making
the crown mm. longer on lingual side.

Curvature of the crown, labially and lingually at cervical 1/3 is

less than that found on the maxillary incisors.
Labial outline of crown is straight, sloping from the greatest
crest of curvature to incisal ridge.
Lingual outline shows a smooth convexity at the cingulum, it
then becomes concave at the middle 1/3 and
extends to join the rounded incisal ridge.
Incisal ridge is rounded and its center is lingual to the
center of the root.
Cervical line is concave root wise.
Mesial surface of the crown is convex at incisal third,
becomes broader and flatter at middle 1/3, and
slightly concave at cervical 1/3
Root are straight and parallel in the cervical and middle
thirds, at apical 1/3 tapers rapidly to a rounded apex.
Mesial surface of the root is smooth and show a broad
developmental depression at junction of middle & apical
thirds
Mesial aspect

Distal aspect
Like to mesial aspect but; cervical line is
shallower distally than mesially.
Developmental depression on the distal surface
more marked and developmental groove at
its center.

M.

D.

Incisal aspect
Incisal edge is at right angles to a line bisecting
the crown labiolingually

Permanent Mandibular Lateral Incisor

Initiation of calcification ......................... 3 to 4

months
Completion of enamel ............................. 4 to 5
years
Eruption.................................................. 7 to 8
years
Completion of root ................................. 10 years

Mandibular lateral incisor

Is slightly larger than the mandibular central.

Mesial side of crown is longer than the distal side,
causing the incisal ridge to slope in a distal
direction.
Distal contact area, slightly cervical to the mesial
contact area.
No difference between the outlines mesially and
distally of the central & lateral incisors except as to
size.
Root form is similar to the mandibular central
incisor except for the added length.
Incisal ridge follows the curve of the mandibular
arch.

Various views of a mandibular right lateral

.incisor
Cingulum is poorly developed

Incisal edge is perpendicular to

line bisecting crown labiolingually

Distally developmental
groove on the center of middle third

Permanent maxillary canine

Longest teeth in the mouth
Have a single cusp
Crown & root are narrower mesiodistally than those of central incisors
about 1 mm.
Mesial outline of crown is convex from cervical line to the center of
mesial contact area located at the junction between middle & incisal
thirds.
Distal outline of the crown is concave between cervical line to distal
contact area located at the center of middle third.
Cusp has a mesial slope and distal slop, mesial shorter than distal slope.
Cusp tip is on a line with the center of the root.
Cervical line is convex root wise.
Labial surface of the crown is smooth which have a labial ridge extend
from cervical line to tip of cusp with two shallow depressions mesially
& distally
Root is conical with a pointed apex, the apical third may be inclined
distally but sometimes it show mesial inclination.

Labial (A) and lingually (B) views of permanent

.mandibular and maxillary canine

Lingual aspect
Cingulum is large and is continuous with mesial
& distal marginal ridges.
A third ridge extending from the cusp tip to a
point near the cingulum, called lingual ridge.
Two shallow concavities or fossae called
mesiolingual and distolingual fossae.
Cervical line is less curved lingually than
labially.
Root is smooth and convex and narrower on the
lingual side than on the labial

Mesial aspect
Crown is wedge shaped.
Greatest measurement at cervical third.
Labiolingual measurement of the crown is than any of
the other anterior teeth.
Labial outline is convex from cervical line to the cusp
tip.
Lingual outline is convex at cingulum, slightly
concave at the middle third and convex again at
incisal third.
Cervical outline is concave root wise.
Mesial surface of the crown is convex at all points.
Root outline is conical with a tapered apex with a
shallow developmental depression.

Distal aspect
Similar to mesial aspect except:
1)
Cervical line is less concave.
2)
Distal marginal ridge is heavier and more
irregular in outline
3)
Developmental depression on distal side is
more pronounced.

Incisal aspect
The tip of the cusp is labial to the center of the
crown labiolingually, and mesial to the center
mesiodistally.
Mesial slope is shorter than distal slope.

.Various views of a mandibular right canine

Mandibular canine - Labial aspect

Crown is narrower mesiodistally
It appears longer
Mesial outline of crown is straight with the mesial outline of
the root.
Mesial contact area at the center of incisal third near the
mesioincisal angle.
Distal outline is similar to that of maxillary canines with
distal contact area at the junction of the incisal & middle
thirds
Cusp tip is on a line with the center of the root as in
maxillary canines.
Mesial slope is shorter than the distal slope.
Cervical line is convex root wise.
Root is shorter by 1 : 2 mm. than root of maxillary canines.

Lingual aspect
Is smoother
Less development of cingulum, marginal ridges
and lingual ridge.
Root is much narrower lingually than labially.

Mesial aspect
Has less curvature labially & lingually in the cervical
1/3 of the crown
Labial outline is similar to maxillary canines.
Lingual outline is similar to maxillary canines
except:
1)
Cingulum is less developed.
2)
Cusp tip is usually on a line bisecting the root
labiolingually.
Cervical line is less concave than that of maxillary
canines.
Root is similar to that of maxillary canines with a
more pointed apex and deeper developmental
depression mesially

Distal aspect
Has a shallower cervical line.
Has a deeper concavity on the distal surface
between cervical line and distal contact area

Incisal aspect
Cusp tip is usually inclined in a lingual direction.