Dental Anatomy & Tooth Morphology – Structure of Teeth, Types of Teeth, Surface Anatomy

Overview

Dental anatomy is the branch of dentistry that studies the structure, external shape, and internal composition of human teeth. It provides foundational knowledge for restorative, prosthetic, and digital dental workflows by defining tooth parts, types, and surface terminology used in design, fabrication, and clinical communication. 

Types of Teeth

Human dentition consists of two sets over the lifespan:

• Primary (deciduous) – 20 teeth in early childhood
• Permanent (adult) – 32 teeth in most adults

Teeth are classified by function and morphology into four main types in both dentitions:

• Incisors – sharp front teeth for cutting
• Canines – pointed teeth for tearing
• Premolars (bicuspids) – transitional teeth for tearing and crushing
• Molars – broad teeth for grinding and chewing 

Each type has distinctive external features (crown shape, cusp number, root form) that reflect its function and location within the dental arch. 

Tooth Structure

Despite differences in external morphology, all teeth share similar core components:

• Crown – visible part above the gums, covered with enamel, the hardest tissue in the body
• Neck (Cervical region) – the transition at the gum line where enamel meets cementum covering the root
• Root – the portion embedded in bone, anchoring the tooth with the support of the periodontal ligament
• Pulp cavity – central soft tissue chamber containing nerves and blood vessels 

Dental Tissues

• Enamel – highly mineralised protective outer layer of the crown
• Dentin – the bulk of the tooth beneath enamel and cementum
• Cementum – bone-like layer covering the root
• Pulp – soft connective tissue with neurovascular supply 

Surface Anatomy & Terminology

Describing tooth surfaces is essential in clinical charting, CAD design, and restorative planning:

• Facial (Labial/Buccal) – surface facing lips or cheeks
• Lingual (Palatal) – surface facing the tongue or palate
• Occlusal/Incisal – biting surface (occlusal in back teeth, incisal on front teeth)
• Mesial – surface nearer the midline of the dental arch
• Distal – surface farther from the midline 

Additional anatomical landmarks include cusps (raised elevations on occlusal surfaces), cervical margins at crown-root junctions, and developmental features such as the cingulum on anterior teeth. 

Clinical Relevance

A solid understanding of dental anatomy and morphology informs:

• CAD design of crowns, bridges, and prosthetics
• Surface preparation and occlusal adjustment in restorative workflows
• Communication with dental technicians and clinicians using standardized terminology