The human tooth has a complex structure with many layers and surfaces, each playing a specific role, says a Dentist in Bristol, Connecticut. Knowledge of the anatomy of tooth surfaces is essential for maintaining oral health and preventing common dental problems. In this guide, I will describe the different surfaces of a tooth, their specific structure, and function.
- Crown:
The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible above the gums. It is covered by enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body. The crown can be divided into the following surfaces:
The occlusal surface is the chewing surface of the tooth and is characteristic of molars and premolars. It is characterized by dashes and fossae, which are called cusps. Their main function is to grind food during chewing.
The incisal edge is the cutting edge of the incisors, which is designed for biting and tearing food.
The facial surface is the surface of the tooth adjacent to the lips and cheeks. It is also divided into:
- Labial surface of the teeth of the arcade of the mouth is the facial surface of the front teeth, and the lingual surface is the lingual rather than the facial surface of the arcade of the mouth.
- Buccal surface is the facial surface of the cheek tooth.
The lingual surface is the lingual surface of the teeth facing the tongue.
- Root:
The root is the structure of the tooth that is anchored into the bone under the gumline. It is covered by a layer of cementum, which helps the tooth to be attached to the alveolar bone and ligament. The root can be divided into the following surfaces:
Mesial surface: a surface of the root that is close to the midline of the dental arch.
Distal surface: It is the surface of the distal root which is far from the midline of the dental arch.
Buccal and lingual surface: It faces the cheek and tongue respectively
Anatomy of Enamel, Dentin, and Cementum
- Enamel: It is the hardest tissue in the body and covers the crown of the tooth to protect against decay.
- Dentin: It makes over the majority of the first tooth beneath the enamel and is not as hard as enamel but retains some toughness.
- Cementum: It covers the roots of teeth and also helps hold the tooth in place.
It is an imperative aspect of oral health care so learning such topics and accessing them may improve health. Now that the function of teeth and types of teeth anatomy are clearly explained, dental visits may not be a problem anymore.
