Dental Terminology
Nomenclature
Parts of the Tooth
Surfaces, Angles, and Thirds
Architectural Elements
100

What is the term for the study of the form of teeth?

Morphology

100

Which dental numbering system is used in Europe?

FDI (World Dental Federation) system

100

What is the visible part of the tooth above the gum line called?

Clinical crown

100

Which surface faces the lips in anterior teeth?

Labial surface

100

What are the raised growth centers where tooth development begins?

Growth lobes

200

How many teeth are in the temporary dentition?

20 teeth

200

In the FDI system, which number represents the upper left quadrant of permanent teeth?

2

200

Which part of the tooth is covered by enamel?

Anatomical crown

200

Which surface faces the tongue in lower teeth?

Lingual surface

200

What are the small pyramidal projections on the chewing surface of posterior teeth?

Cusps

300

Which teth are considered "anterior"?

Incisors and canines

300

In the ADA Universal System, what number represents the upper right third molar?

1

300

What is the terminal end of the root that contains the apical foramen?

Apical apex (or root apex)

300

What is the name of the surface used for chewing on posterior teeth?

Occlusual surface

300

What is the small enamel prominence called that is smaller than a cusp?

Tubercle

400

What does it mean if a tooth is multiradicular?

It has two or more roots

400

In the Palmer system, which symbol represents the lower left quadrant?

400

What is the area where multiple roots of a tooth diverge called?

Furcation area (furca dental)

400

What do we call the union of two dental surfaces (like mesial + incisal)?

A dihedral angle

400

What is the deep depression on the occlusal surface that often receives a cusp from the opposite tooth?

Fossa

500

What is the name for the tooth in the opposite arch that makes contact during occlusion?

Antagonist

500

In the FDI system, what number would identify the second upper right incisor?

12

500

What color difference helps identify the anatomical neck of the tooth?

Enamel (white) meets cementum (light yellow)

500

What are the three horizontal thirds of the crown?

Incisal/occlusal, middle, cervical thirds

500

What is the linear depression extending along the tooth surface called?

Groove (sulcus)