Deciduous Dentition

Question 1

Differences between deciduous and permanent teeth

Answer 1

• 20 teeth vs 32.
• Smaller than permanent.
• No premolars.
• Crowns are bulbous.
• Enamel is whiter, thinner, and wears easier.
• All deciduous teeth calcify in the utero.
• Roots are shorted and more divergent (more spread apart to allow space for permanent teeth).
• Pulp chambers are larger.

Question 2

Incisor (A)

Answer 2

• Single root which tapers
• Slight distal tilt.
• Lower incisor is smallest tooth in the mouth.

Question 3

Lateral incisor (B)

Answer 3

• Single root.

Upper:

• Rounded distal edge.
• Incisive edge slopes down distally.
• Palatal cingulum.

Lower:
- Symmetrical in shape (like a rectangle).

Question 4

Canine (C)

Answer 4

• Pointed cusp.
• Long tapering root.

Upper:
- Ridges on buccal surface.

Lower
- Less defined.

Question 5

Upper first molar (D)

Answer 5

• 3 divergent roots.
• 4 cusps.
• Mesiopalatal cusp largest.
• Distopalatal cusp smallest.
• Bulbous on mesiobuccal surface.
• Deep fissure running mesial to distal.
• Square.