Q: Which tooth is MOST likely to have a deeper lingual pit?
(A). Maxillary first molar
(B). Mandibular central incisor
(C). Maxillary central incisor
(D). Maxillary lateral incisor
A lingual pit is a depression on the lingual part of the tooth that is surrounded by the mesial and distal marginal ridges, the incisal edge, and the prominent cingulum at the gingival margin. Only anterior teeth have a lingual fossa or pit. With that said, choice A (maxillary first molar) can already be eliminated as posterior teeth do not have lingual pits.
The lingual pit of a maxillary lateral incisor is more pronounced compared to that of other anterior teeth. The deep concavity increases biofilm retention. It is, therefore, important for the clinician to pay special attention to this area and remind the patient to use extra care when brushing those lingual surfaces.
Answer: (D). Maxillary lateral incisor
Learn more for the dental hygiene boards
Topics related to dental anatomy will come up often in your dental hygiene national boards (NBDHE, NDHCE) (and of course we have some fabulous packages for the exams). We have 32 teeth in the adult dentition and 20 in the child dentition. In total, that is 52 teeth and characteristics to remember. For example, mandibular molars have two roots while maxillary molars have three roots. What about the cusp of Carabelli? All of this is available in our Dental Anatomy boards review course for the hygiene exam. But here are some highlights:
o Maxillary central incisor: widest crown mesiodistally.
o Maxillary lateral incisor: most congenitally missing tooth.
o Pronounced cingulum, marginal ridges, fossa, and pit.
o Maxillary canine: longest tooth in the dentition.
o 2 lingual fossae and one lingual ridge.
o Mandibular central incisor: smallest and most symmetrical teeth in the entire dentition.
o Mandibular lateral incisor: similar to mandibular central incisor.
o Mandibular canine: smoother lingual anatomy compared to its maxillary counterpart.
o Maxillary 1st premolar: 2 roots (buccal, lingual), 2 cusps.
o Distinct mesial root concavity.
o Maxillary 2nd premolar: 1 root, 2 cusps.
o Concavity not as pronounced as the 1st premolar.
o Mandibular 1st premolar: 1 root, 2 cusps.
o Mandibular 2nd premolar: 1 root, 3 cusps (1 buccal, 2 linguals).
o Y-shape grooves with a central pit on the occlusal surface.
o Larger than the mandibular 1st premolar.
This is only half of the summary we have about the teeth’s characteristics at StudentRDH. We tried to condense all the books out there such as Mosby and Saunders, plus many more textbooks, but there is still a lot to learn. So study little by little every day. Treat every lecture as if they are super important! The uphill battle is tough. I know, I have been there. But stay #RDHstrong!
Stay tuned for the next mini-review. #Success is near! After that, you will not have to take the exams again!
Related post in Dental Anatomy: The main function of the incisors in mastication
(Disclaimer: StudentRDH is NOT affiliated with the NBDHE, NDHCE, CSCE, CDCA, WREB.)
