NEET MDS Lessons
Dental Anatomy
The Transition from the Deciduous to the Permanent Dentition.
1. The transition begins with the eruption of the four first permanent molars, and replacement of the lower deciduous central incisors by the permanent lower central incisors.
2. Complete resorption of the deciduous tooth roots permits exfoliation of that tooth and replacement by the permanent (successional) teeth
3. The mixed dentition exists from approximately age 6 years to approximately age 12 years. In contrast, the intact deciduous dentition is functional from age 2 - 2 /2 years of age to 6 years of age.
4. The enamel organ of each permanent anterior tooth is connected to the oral epithelium via a fibrous cord, the gubernaculum. The foramina through which it passes can be seen in youthful skulls
The deciduous second molars are particularly important. It is imperative that the deciduous second molars be preserved until their normal time of exfoliation. This prevent mesial migration of the first permanent molars.
Use a space maintainer in the event that a second deciduous molar is lost prematurely
Maxillary Third Permanent Molar
They are the teeth most often congenitally missing
Facial: The crown is usually shorter in both axial and mesiodistal dimensions. Two buccal roots are present, but in most cases they are fused. The mesial buccal cusp is larger than the distal buccal cusp.
Lingual: In most thirds, there is just one large lingual cusp. In some cases there is a poorly developed distolingual cusp and a lingual groove. The lingual root is often fused to the to buccal cusps.
Proximal: The outline of the crown is rounded; it is often described as bulbous in dental literature. Technically, the mesial surface is the only 'proximal' surface. The distal surface does not contact another tooth.
Occlusal: The crown of this tooth is the smallest of the maxillary molars. The outline of the occlusal surface can be described as heart-shaped. The mesial lingual cusp is the largest, the mesial buccal is second in size, and the distal buccal cusp is the smallest.
Root Surface:-The root may have from one to as many as eight divisions. These divisions are usually fused and very often curved distally.
TYPES OF TEETH
The human permanent dentition is divided into four classes of teeth based on appearance and function or position.
Incisors, Canines, Premolars & Molars
ERUPTION OF THE PERMANENT TOOTH
- At the time at which the deciduous tooth erupts the tooth bud for the permanent tooth has already been building up enamel and dentin.
- When the permanent tooth starts to erupt, pressure on the root of the deciduous tooth causes resorption by the osteoclasts.
- Wolff's law states that when two hard tissues exert pressure on one another the softer of the tissues will be resorbed.
- The dentin and cementum of the root of the deciduous tooth is softer than the enamel of the permanent tooth that is why the root of the deciduous tooth is resorbed.
- Most permanent teeth have erupted and have been in use for 2 years before the root is completely formed.
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.
MAXILLARY SECOND BICUSPID
smaller in dimensions. The cusps are not as sharp as the maxillary first bicuspid and have only one root.
Facial: This tooth closely resembles the maxillary first premolar but is a less defined copy of its companion to the mesial. The buccal cusp is shorter, less pointed, and more rounded than the first.
Lingual: Again, this tooth resembles the first. The lingual cusp, however, is more nearly as large as the buccal cusp.
Proximal: Mesial and distal surfaces are rounded. The mesial developmental depression and mesial marginal ridge are not present on the second premolar.
Occlusal: The crown outline is rounded, ovoid, and is less clearly defined than is the first.
Contact Points; When viewed from the facial, the distal contact area is located more cervically than is the mesial contact area.
Enamel
Composition: 96% mineral, 4% organic material and water
Crystalline calcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite
Physical characteristics: Hardness compared to mild steel; enamel is brittle
Support from dentin is necessary
Enamel has varies in thickness
Structure of enamel
Ground sections of enamel disclose the information that we have about enamel
Enamel is composed of rods
In the past we used the term prism (do not use)
Enamel rod
The rod has a cylinder-like shape and is composed of crystals that run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod. At the periphery of the rod the crystals flare laterally.
Interrod region: surrounds each rod; contain more enamel protein (fish scale appearance)
Rod sheath: boundary where crystals of rods meet those of the interrod region at sharp angles (We used to describe that as a keyhole configuration)
Each ameloblast forms one rod and together with adjacent ameloblasts the interrod region Very close to dentin there is no rod structure since the Tomes' processes develop after the first enamel is formed.
Striae of Retzius and cross striations
Incremental lines
Enamel structure is altered along these lines
Cross striations are also a form of incremental lines highlighting the daily secretory activity of ameloblasts
Bands of Hunter and Schreger
Optical phenomenon produced by changes in rod direction
Gnarled enamel
Twisting of rods around each other over the cusps of teeth
Enamel tufts and lamellae
They are like geologic faults
Tufts project from the DE junction, appear branched and contain greater concentrations of enamel protein than enamel
Lamellae extend from the enamel surface
Enamel spindles
Perikymata
Shallow furrows on surface of enamel formed by the striae of Retzius