Lecture 10 - Dentition

Question 1

why is dentition important for physical anthrology

Answer 1

• > there is an abundance of teeth among human remains (i.e. there is only 1 sacrum per human but 32 teeth)
• > teeth are resistant to chemical and physical destruction
• > can provide insight into. the individuals age, sex, health, diet and evolution

Question 2

T/F? Dentition is the only part of the skeleton that directly interacts with the environment

Answer 2

TRUE
- > mastication

Question 3

what is a crown

Answer 3

• > the visible part of your tooth, covered in enamel

Question 4

what is the root of the tooth

Answer 4

• > it anchors the tooth

Question 5

what is the enamel of the tooth and why is it important

Answer 5

• > covers the crown of the tooth
• > it is 97% mineralized, this is imporant if we consider that bone has inorganic and organic components but with enamel being so mineralized, it is very resistant to wear and tear

Question 6

can we regenerate enamel

Answer 6

no

Question 7

cementum

Answer 7

bone-like tissue that covers the tooth roots, helps anchor it

Question 8

pulp/pulp cavity of the tooth

Answer 8

• > soft tissue space within the tooth which houses nerves and blood supply

Question 9

dentin

Answer 9

• > forms the core of the tooth, supported by pulp cavity
• > produced by odontoblasts (dentin-producing cells)

Question 10

cusp

Answer 10

projection of the crown on the occlusal surface (bumps on the molars are cusps, canines have one cusp)

Question 11

periodontal ligament

Answer 11

• > holds the tooth in place within the jaw
• > scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) causes this ligament to break down, which is why ppl with scurvy/pirates lost their teeth

Question 12

ameolblasts vs odontoblasts

Answer 12

Ameloblasts
- > enamel forming cells
Odontoblasts
- > dentin forming cells

Question 13

surfaces of teeth

Answer 13

• > all teeth have a lingual surface (inside, facing tongue)
• > outside surface changes depending on location (front teeth have a lingual surface and molars have a buccal surface)
• > mesial surface is the surface closer to the front teeth/ middle
• > distal is the surface further back in the mouth

Question 14

explain dental development across a persons life

Answer 14

• > dental development starts in utero
• > tooth buds are developed in their crypts
• > formation begins at the crown and the eruption from the crypt occurs when the crown is complete and there is some root development
• > deciduous (baby) roots are then reabsorbed before they are lost and replaced with permanent teeth

Question 15

what are the different types of teeth and how many do we adults have

Answer 15

Incisors (8)
Canines (4)
Premolars (8)
Molars (12)
32 TEETH TOTAL

Question 16

Dental formula of adults vs children

Answer 16

Adult (32 teeth)
- > 2.1.2.3 (each side)
- > incisors.canine.premolar.molars (some variation, especially with molars)
Children (20 teeth)
- > 2.1.0.2

Question 17

characteristics of incisors

Answer 17

• > 8 total (4 maxillary, 4 mandibular)
• > central (4) and lateral (4)
• > found in the anterior portion of the mouth
• > sharp, thin cutting edges for ripping off food to be crushed by molars

Question 18

characteristics of canines

Answer 18

• > 4 total (2 maxillary, 2 mandibular)
• > posterior extension to incisors
• > conical shape
• > longer root than incisors (big strong incisors were a form of dominance so we need a big root to support it )

Question 19

characteristics of premolars

Answer 19

• > bicuspids (2 cusps)
• > 8 total (4 maxillary, 4 mandibular)
• > intermediary between canines and molars
• > only found in adults

Question 20

characteristics of molars

Answer 20

• > 12 total (3 maxillary, 3 mandibular)
• > largest teeth
• > extensive chewing surface
• > multiple roots ( 3 for maxillary and 2 for mandibular)