NEET MDS Lessons
Dental Anatomy
Periodontal ligament
Composition
a. Consists mostly of collagenous (alveolodental) fibers.
Note: the portions of the fibers embedded in cementum and the alveolar bone proper are known as Sharpey’s fibers.
b. Oxytalan fibers (a type of elastic fiber) are also present. Although their function is unknown, they may play a role in the regulation of vascular flow.
c. Contains mostly type I collagen, although smaller amounts of type III and XII collagen are also present.
d. Has a rich vascular and nerve supply.
Both sensory and autonomic nerves are present.
(1) The sensory nerves in the PDL differ from pulpal nerves in that PDL nerve endings can detect both proprioception (via mechanoreceptors) and pain (via nociceptors).
(2) The autonomic nerve fibers are associated with the regulation of periodontal vascular flow.
(3) Nerve fibers may be myelinated (sensory) or unmyelinated (sensory or autonomic).
Cells
a. Cells present in the PDL include fibroblasts; epithelial cells; cementoblasts and cementoclasts; osteoblasts and osteoclasts; and immune cells such as macrophages, mast cells, or eosinophils.
b. These cells play a role in forming or destroying cementum, alveolar bone, or PDL.
c. Epithelial cells often appear in clusters, known as rests of Malassez.
Types of alveolodental fibers
a. Alveolar crest fibers—radiate downward from cementum, just below the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), to the crest of alveolar bone.
b. Horizontal fibers—radiate perpendicular to the tooth surface from cementum to alveolar bone, just below the alveolar crest.
c. Oblique fibers
(1) Radiate downward from the alveolar bone to cementum.
(2) The most numerous type of PDL fiber.
(3) Resist occlusal forces that occur along the long axis of the tooth.
d. Apical fibers
(1) Radiate from the cementum at the apex of the tooth into the alveolar bone.
(2) Resist forces that pull the tooth in an occlusal direction (i.e., forces that try to pull the tooth from its socket).
e. Interradicular fibers
(1) Only found in the furcal area of multi-rooted teeth.
(2) Resist forces that pull the tooth in an occlusal direction.
Gingival fibers
a. The fibers of the gingival ligament are not strictly part of the PDL, but they play a role in the maintainence of the periodontium.
b. Gingival fibers are packed in groups and are found in the lamina propria of gingiva
c. Gingival fiber groups:
(1) Transseptal (interdental) fibers
(a) Extend from the cementum of one tooth (just apical to the junctional epithelium), over the alveolar crest, to the corresponding area of the cementum of the adjacent tooth.
(b) Collectively, these fibers form the interdental ligament , which functions to resist rotational forces and retain adjacent teeth in interproximal contact.
(c) These fibers have been implicated as a major cause of postretention relapse of teeth that have undergone orthodontic treatment.
(2) Circular (circumferential) fibers
(a) Extend around tooth near the CEJ.
(b) Function in binding free gingiva to the tooth and resisting rotational forces.
(3) Alveologingival fibers—extend from the alveolar crest to lamina propria of free and attached gingiva.
(4) Dentogingival fibers—extend from cervical cementum to the lamina propria of free and attached gingiva.
(5) Dentoperiosteal fibers—extend from cervical cementum, over the alveolar crest, to the periosteum of the alveolar bone.
The pre-dentition period.
-This is from birth to six months.
-At this stage, there are no teeth. Clinically, the infant is edentulous
-Both jaws undergo rapid growth; the growth is in three planes of space: downward, forward, and laterally (to the side). Forward growth for the mandible is greater.
-The maxillary and mandibular alveolar processes are not well developed at birth.
-occasionally, there is a neonatal tooth present at birth. It is a supernumerary and is often lost soon after birth.
-At birth, bulges in the developing alveoli precede eruption of the deciduous teeth. At birth, the molar pads can touch.
Tooth eruption Theories
Tooth eruption occurs when the teeth enter the mouth and become visible. Although researchers agree that tooth eruption is a complex process, there is little agreement on the identity of the mechanism that controls eruption. Some commonly held theories that have been disproven over time include: (1) the tooth is pushed upward into the mouth by the growth of the tooth's root, (2) the tooth is pushed upward by the growth of the bone around the tooth, (3) the tooth is pushed upward by vascular pressure, and (4) the tooth is pushed upward by the cushioned hammock. The cushioned hammock theory, first proposed by Harry Sicher, was taught widely from the 1930s to the 1950s. This theory postulated that a ligament below a tooth, which Sicher observed on under a microscope on a histologic slide, was responsible for eruption. Later, the "ligament" Sicher observed was determined to be merely an artifact created in the process of preparing the slide.
The most widely held current theory is that while several forces might be involved in eruption, the periodontal ligaments provide the main impetus for the process. Theorists hypothesize that the periodontal ligaments promote eruption through the shrinking and cross-linking of their collagen fibers and the contraction of their fibroblasts.
Although tooth eruption occurs at different times for different people, a general eruption timeline exists. Typically, humans have 20 primary (baby) teeth and 32 permanent teeth. Tooth eruption has three stages. The first, known as deciduous dentition stage, occurs when only primary teeth are visible. Once the first permanent tooth erupts into the mouth, the teeth are in the mixed (or transitional) dentition. After the last primary tooth falls out of the mouth—a process known as exfoliation—the teeth are in the permanent dentition.
Primary dentition starts on the arrival of the mandibular central incisors, usually at eight months, and lasts until the first permanent molars appear in the mouth, usually at six years. The primary teeth typically erupt in the following order: (1) central incisor, (2) lateral incisor, (3) first molar, (4) canine, and (5) second molar. As a general rule, four teeth erupt for every six months of life, mandibular teeth erupt before maxillary teeth, and teeth erupt sooner in females than males. During primary dentition, the tooth buds of permanent teeth develop below the primary teeth, close to the palate or tongue.
Mixed dentition starts when the first permanent molar appears in the mouth, usually at six years, and lasts until the last primary tooth is lost, usually at eleven or twelve years. Permanent teeth in the maxilla erupt in a different order from permanent teeth on the mandible. Maxillary teeth erupt in the following order: (1) first molar (2) central incisor, (3) lateral incisor, (4) first premolar, (5) second premolar, (6) canine, (7) second molar, and (8) third molar. Mandibular teeth erupt in the following order: (1) first molar (2) central incisor, (3) lateral incisor, (4) canine, (5) first premolar, (6) second premolar, (7) second molar, and (8) third molar. Since there are no premolars in the primary dentition, the primary molars are replaced by permanent premolars. If any primary teeth are lost before permanent teeth are ready to replace them, some posterior teeth may drift forward and cause space to be lost in the mouth. This may cause crowding and/or misplacement once the permanent teeth erupt, which is usually referred to as malocclusion. Orthodontics may be required in such circumstances for an individual to achieve a straight set of teeth.
The permanent dentition begins when the last primary tooth is lost, usually at 11 to 12 years, and lasts for the rest of a person's life or until all of the teeth are lost (edentulism). During this stage, third molars (also called "wisdom teeth") are frequently extracted because of decay, pain or impactions. The main reasons for tooth loss are decay or periodontal disease.
Mandibular First Deciduous Molar
-This tooth doesn't resemble any other tooth. It is unique unto itself.
-There are two roots.
-There is a strong bulbous enamel bulge buccally at the mesial.
- the mesiolingual cusps on this tooth is the highest and largest of the cusps.
Nutrition and tooth development
As in other aspects of human growth and development, nutrition has an effect on the developing tooth. Essential nutrients for a healthy tooth include calcium, phosphorus, fluoride, and vitamins A, C, and D. Calcium and phosphorus are needed to properly form the hydroxyapatite crystals, and their levels in the blood are maintained by Vitamin D. Vitamin A is necessary for the formation of keratin, as Vitamin C is for collagen. Fluoride is incorporated into the hydroxyapatite crystal of a developing tooth and makes it more resistant to demineralization and subsequent decay.
Deficiencies of these nutrients can have a wide range of effects on tooth development. In situations where calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D are deficient, the hard structures of a tooth may be less mineralized. A lack of vitamin A can cause a reduction in the amount of enamel formation. Fluoride deficency causes increased demineralization when the tooth is exposed to an acidic environment, and also delays remineralization. Furthermore, an excess of fluoride while a tooth is in development can lead to a condition known as fluorosis.
Alveolar bone (process)
1. The bone in the jaws that contains the teeth alveoli (sockets).
2. Three types of bone :
a. Cribriform plate (alveolar bone proper)
(1) Directly lines and forms the tooth socket. It is compact bone that contains many holes, allowing for the passage of blood vessels. It has no periosteum.
(2) Serves as the attachment site for PDL (Sharpey’s) fibers.
(3) The tooth socket is constantly being remodeled in response to occlusal forces. The bone laid down on the cribriform plate, which also provides attachment for PDL fibers, is known as bundle bone.
(4) It is radiographically known as the lamina dura.
b. Cortical (compact) bone
(1) Lines the buccal and lingual surfaces of the mandible and maxilla.
(2) Is typical compact bone with a periosteum and contains Haversian systems.
(3) Is generally thinner in the maxilla and thicker in the mandible, especially around the buccal area of the mandibular premolar and molar.
c. Trabecular (cancellous, spongy) bone
(1) Is typical cancellous bone containing Haversian systems.
(2) Is absent in the maxillary anterior teeth region.
3. Alveolar crest (septa)
a. The height of the alveolar crest is usually 1.5 to 2 mm below the CEJ junction.
b. The width is determined by the shape of adjacent teeth.
(1) Narrow crests—found between teeth with relatively flat surfaces.
(2) Widened crests—found between teeth with convex surfaces or teeth spaced apart.
Genetics and Environment: Introduction
The size of the teeth and the timing of the developing dentition and its eruption are genetically determined. Teeth are highly independent in their development. Also, teeth tend to develop along a genetically predetermined course.: tooth development and general physical development are rather independent of one another. Serious illness, nutritional deprivation, and trauma can significantly impact development of the teeth. This genetic independence (and their durability) gives teeth special importance in the study of evolution.
Teeth erupt full size and are ideal for study throughout life. Most important, age and sex can be recorded.
When teeth erupt into the oral cavity, a new set of factors influence tooth position. As the teeth come into function, genetic and environment determine tooth position.
In real life, however, girls shed deciduous teeth and receive their permanent teeth slightly earlier than boys, possibly reflecting the earlier physical maturation achieved by girls. Teeth are slightly larger in boys that in girls