Teeth (singular, tooth) are small white structures found in the jaws (or mouths) of many vertebrates that are used to tear, scrape, milk and chew food. Some animals, particularly carnivores, also use teeth for hunting or defense. The roots of teeth are covered by gums. Teeth are among the most distinctive (and long-lasting) features of mammal species. Paleontologists use teeth to identify fossil species and determine their relationships. The shape of the animal's teeth are related to its diet. For example, plant matter is hard to digest, so herbivores have many molars for chewing. Carnivores, on the other hand, need canines to kill and tear meat. Mammals are diphyodont, meaning that they develop two sets of teeth. In humans, the first set (the "baby," "milk," "primary" or "deciduous" set) normally starts to appear at about six months of age, although some babies are born with one or more visible teeth, known as Neonatal teeth. Normal tooth eruption at about six months is known as teething and can be painful. Some animals develop only one set of teeth (monophyodont) while others develop many sets (polyphyodont). Sharks, for example, grow a new set of teeth every two weeks to replace worn teeth. Rodent incisors grow and wear away continually through gnawing, maintaining relatively constant length. Some rodent species, such as the sibling vole and the guinea pig, have continuously growing molars in addition to incisors. (more)
Genres: biology, science
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Molar (tooth):
Molars are the rearmost and most complicated kind of tooth in most mammals. In many mammals they grind food; hence the Latin name mola, "millstone".
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Canine tooth:
In mammalian oral anatomy, the canine teeth, also called cuspids, dogteeth, fangs, or (in the case of those of the upper jaw) eye teeth, are relatively long, pointed teeth. However, they can appear more flattened, causing them to resemble incisors an
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Mastication:
Mastication or chewing is the process by which food is crushed and grinded by teeth. It is the first step of digestion and it increases the surface area of foods to allow more efficient break down by enzymes. During the mastication process, the food
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Deciduous teeth:
Deciduous teeth, otherwise known as milk teeth, baby teeth, temporary teeth, primary teeth are the first set of teeth in the growth development of humans and many other mammals. They develop during the embryonic stage of development and erupt — that
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Teething:
Teething is the process during which an infant's teeth start to sequentially grow in. Teething can start as early as three months or as late, in some cases, as twelve months. Occasionally a baby may even present with one or more teeth at birth. The t
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Tooth eruption:
Tooth eruption after humans is a process in tooth development in which the teeth enter the mouth and become visible. It is currently believed that the periodontal ligaments play an important role in tooth eruption. Primary (baby) teeth erupt into the
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Neonatal teeth:
Natal teeth are teeth that are present at birth. Neonatal teeth are teeth that emerge through the gingiva during the first month of life. The incidence of neonatal teeth varies considerably, between 1:700 - 1:30,000 depending on the type of study. ;
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Mammal:
Mammals (class Mammalia) are a class of vertebrate animals characterized by the presence of sweat glands, including sweat glands modified for milk production, hair, three middle ear bones used in hearing, and a neocortex region in the brain. All mamm
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Language:
A language is a dynamic set of visual, auditory, or tactile symbols of communication and the elements used to manipulate them. Language can also refer to the use of such systems as a general phenomenon. Language is considered to be an exclusively hum
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Dentistry:
Dentistry is the "evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical, surgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their
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Dental braces:
Dental braces (also known as orthodontic braces) are a device used in orthodontics to align teeth and their position with regard to a persons bite. They are often used to correct malocclusions such as underbites, overbites, cross bites and open bites
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Dental hygienist:
A dental hygienist is a licensed dental auxiliary who specializes in preventive dental care, typically, but not limited to, focusing on techniques in oral hygiene. Local dental regulations determine the duties hygienists are able to perform. In most
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List of oral health and dental topics:
Good oral health is the absence of disease, disorder, and injury from the mouth, especially from the teeth and gums. Dental pertains to the teeth, including dentistry. Topics related to the human mouth or teeth include:
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List of basic dentistry topics:
Dentistry is the art and science of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions, diseases, and disorders of the oral cavity, the maxillofacial region, and its associated structures as it relates to human beings. Dentristry is a branch of medic
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Vocal tract:
The vocal tract is that cavity in animals and humans, where sound that is produced at the sound source (larynx in mammals; syrinx in birds) is filtered. In birds it consists of the trachea, the syrinx, the oral cavity, the upper part of the esophagus
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Dental technician:
A dental technician is a member of the dental team who, with a written work order, produces dental appliances such as a removable prothesis, including dentures and orthodontic appliances, and fixed prostheses, such as crowns and bridges. Dental techn
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Dental assistant:
Dental assistants help the dental operator (dentist or other treating dental auxiliary) provide more efficient dental treatment. Dental operators can focus more time on providing treatment when assistants oversee the necessary but menial tasks, and b
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Head and neck anatomy:
Head and neck anatomy focuses on the structures of the head and neck of the human body, including the brain, bones, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, glands, nose, mouth, teeth, tongue, and throat. It is an area frequently studied in depth by surgeons,
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Dental auxiliary:
A dental auxiliary is any of the dentist's supporting team who helps with dental treatment. They include dental assistants, dental therapists, dental hygienists and dental technicians. The role of dental auxiliaries is usually limited by regional den
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Dragon's teeth (mythology):
In Greek myth, dragon's teeth feature prominently in the legends of the Phoenician prince Cadmus and Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece. In each case, the dragon's teeth, once planted, would grow into fully armed warriors. Cadmus, bringer of literac
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Dental notation:
Dentists, in writing or speech, use several different Dental notation systems for associating information to a specific tooth. The three most commons systems are the FDI World Dental Federation notation, Universal numbering system (dental), and Palme
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Barodontalgia:
Barodontalgia, commonly known as tooth squeeze and previously known as aerodontalgia, is a dental pain evoked by a change in barometric pressure, in an otherwise asymptomatic tooth. The most common victims are SCUBA divers (because in deep dives pres
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Dental tourism:
Dental tourism is a subset of the sector known as medical tourism. It involves individuals seeking dental care outside of their local healthcare systems.
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Tooth painting:
Tooth painting is a custom practiced by the Si La ethnic group. The Si La men paint their teeth red and the women paint theirs black. This practice has slowly declined with each new generation. The practice of whitening teeth has also become popular
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Shark:
Sharks (superorder Selachimorpha) are a type of fish with a full cartilaginous skeleton and a streamlined body. They respire with the use of five to seven gill slits. Sharks have a covering of dermal denticles that protect their skin from damage and
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Mandible:
The mandible (from Latin mandibula, "jawbone") or inferior maxillary bone forms the lower jaw and holds the lower teeth in place.
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Bridge (dentistry):
A dental bridge, otherwise known as a fixed partial denture, is a prosthesis used to replace missing teeth and is not removable by the patient. A prosthesis that is removable by the patient is called a removable partial denture. A dental bridge is fa
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Toothpaste:
Toothpaste is a paste or gel dentifrice used to clean and maintain the aesthetics and health of teeth. In some languages it is often translated as "toothcream". Toothpaste use can promote good oral hygiene: it can aid in the removal of dental plaque
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Calculus (dental):
In dentistry, calculus or tartar refers to calcified deposits on the teeth, formed by the continuous presence of dental plaque. Its rough surface provides an ideal medium for further plaque formation, threatening the health of the gingiva. Calculus a
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Orthodontics:
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both. The word comes from the Greek words o
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Dental caries:
Dental caries is a disease which damages the structures of teeth. Dental Cavities, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Page accessed August 14, 2006. Tooth decay or cavities are consequences of caries. If left untreated, the disease can lead to pain, t
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Oral hygiene:
Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean in order to prevent dental problems and bad breath.
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Dentin:
Dentin (BE: dentine) is a calcified tissue of the body, and along with enamel, cementum, and pulp is one of the four major components of teeth. Usually, it is covered by enamel on the crown and cementum on the root and surrounds the entire pulp. By w
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Periodontology:
Periodontology, or Periodontics, is the branch of dentistry which studies supporting structures of teeth, and diseases and conditions that affect them. The supporting tissues are known as the periodontium, which includes the gingiva (gums), alveolar
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Attrition (dental):
Attrition is the loss of tooth structure by mechanical forces from opposing teeth. Attrition initially affects the enamel and, if unchecked, may proceed to the underlying dentin. Once past the enamel, attrition quickly destroys the softer dentin. The
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Abrasion (dental):
Abrasion is the loss of tooth structure by mechanical forces from a foreign element. If this force begins at the cementoenamel junction, then progression of tooth loss can be rapid since enamel is very thin in this region of the tooth. Once past the
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Periodontitis:
Periodontitis (peri = around, odont = tooth, -itis = inflammation) refers to a number of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis involves progressive loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth an
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Cementum:
Cementum is a specialized calcified substance covering the root of a tooth. Cementum is excreted by cells called cementoblasts within the root of the tooth and is thickest at the root apex. Its coloration is yellowish and it is softer than enamel and
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Wisdom teeth:
Wisdom teeth are the third molars and usually appear between the ages of 16 and 25. They are commonly extracted when they affect other teeth—this impaction is colloquially known as "coming in sideways." To Keep or Not to Keep: Wisdom Teeth, hos
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Gingivitis:
Gingivitis ("inflammation of the gums") (gingiva) around the teeth is a general term for gingival diseases affecting the gingiva (gums) . As generally used, the term gingivitis refers to gingival inflammation induced by bacterial biofilms (also calle
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Dental floss:
Dental floss is either a bundle of thin nylon filaments or a plastic (teflon or polyethylene) ribbon used to remove food and dental plaque from teeth. The floss is gently inserted between the teeth and scraped along the teeth sides, especially close
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Alveolar process of maxilla:
The alveolar process is the thickened ridge of bone that contains the tooth sockets on bones that bear teeth. It is also referred to as the alveolar bone. In humans, the tooth-bearing bones are the maxilla and the mandible. On the maxilla, the alveol
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Permanent teeth:
Permanent teeth are the second set of teeth formed in humans. There are thirty-two permanent teeth, consisting of six maxillary and six mandibular molars, four maxillary and four mandibular premolars, two maxillary and two mandibular canines, four ma
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Tooth brushing:
Tooth brushing is the act of cleaning teeth with a toothbrush. Modern medical research has shown that brushing teeth properly can prevent cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal, or gum disease, which causes at least one-third of adult tooth loss. If t
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Amelogenin:
Amelogenin is a low-molecular-weight protein found in developing tooth enamel, and it belongs to a family of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Developing enamel contains about 30% protein, and 90% of this is comprised of amelogenins. Although not
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Dental alveolus:
Dental alveolus (plural, alveoli) are sockets in the jaws in which the roots of teeth are held in the alveolar process of maxilla with the periodontal ligament. The lay term for dental alveoli is tooth sockets. A joint that connect the roots of the t
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Cementoenamel junction:
The cementoenamel junction, frequently abbreviated as the CEJ, is an anatomical landmark identified on a tooth. It is the location where the enamel, which covers the crown of a tooth, and the cementum, which covers the root of a tooth, meet. The bord
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Enamel organ:
The enamel organ, also known as dental organ, is a cellular aggregation seen in histologic sections of a developing tooth. It lies above a condensation of ectomesenchymal cells called the dental papilla. Historically, enamel organ has been the term t
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Periodontium:
Periodontium refers to the specialized tissues that both surround and support the teeth, maintaining them in the maxillary and mandibular bones. The word comes from the Greek terms peri-, meaning "around" and -odons, meaning "tooth." Literally taken,
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Inner enamel epithelium:
The inner enamel epithelium, also known as the internal enamel epithelium, is a layer of cells located on the rim nearest the dental papilla of the enamel organ in a developing tooth. This layer is first seen during the bell stage. The location of th
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Tooth loss:
Tooth loss is when one or more teeth come loose and fall out. Tooth loss is normal for deciduous teeth (baby teeth), when they are replaced by a person's adult teeth. Otherwise, losing teeth is undesirable and is the result of injury or disease, such
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Maxillary central incisor:
The maxillary central incisor is a human tooth in the front upper jaw, or maxilla, and is usually the most visible of all teeth in the mouth. It is located mesial (closer to the midline of the face) to the maxillary lateral incisor. As with all incis
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Hypodontia:
In dentistry, hypodontia is the condition of naturally having fewer than the regular number of teeth. Hypodontia describes a situation when there is a missing number of 6 teeth or fewer. The condition of missing over 6 teeth is called oligodontia. In
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Enamelin:
Enamelin is a protein found in developing tooth enamel. About 30 % of developing enamel consists of protein of which enamelins comprise amelogenins, ameloblastins, and tuftelins.
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Hertwig's epithelial root sheath:
The Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (frequently abbreviated as "HERS") is a proliferation of epithelial cells located at the cervical loop of the enamel organ in a developing tooth. Hertwig's epithelial root sheath initates the formation of dentin i
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Hyperdontia:
Hyperdontia is the condition of having supernumerary teeth, or teeth which appear in addition to the regular number of teeth. The most common supernumerary tooth is a mesiodens, which is a mal-formed, peg-like tooth that occurs between the maxillary
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Maxillary canine:
The maxillary canine is the tooth located laterally (away from the midline of the face) from both maxillary lateral incisors of the mouth but mesial (toward the midline of the face) from both maxillary first premolars. Both the maxillary and mandibul
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Fluoride therapy:
Fluoride therapy is the delivery of fluoride to the teeth topically or systemically in order to prevent tooth decay (dental caries) which results in cavities. Most commonly, fluoride is applied topically to the teeth using gels, varnishes, toothpaste
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Amelogenesis imperfecta:
Amelogenesis imperfecta presents with abnormal formation of the enamel or external layer of teeth. Enamel is composed mostly of mineral, that is formed and regulated by the proteins in it. Amelogenesis imperfecta is due to the malfunction of the prot
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Maxillary lateral incisor:
The maxillary lateral incisor is the tooth located distally (away from the midline of the face) from both maxillary central incisors of the mouth and mesially (toward the midline of the face) from both maxillary canines. As with all incisors, their f
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Mandibular central incisor:
The mandibular central incisor is the tooth located on the jaw, adjacent to the midline of the face. It is mesial (toward the midline of the face) from both mandibular lateral incisors. As with all incisors, its function includes shearing or cutting
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Dentinogenesis:
Dentinogenesis is the formation of dentin, a substance that forms the majority of teeth. Dentinogenesis is performed by odontoblasts, which are a special type of biological cells on the outside of dental pulps, and it begins at the late bell stage of
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Stellate reticulum:
The stellate reticulum is a group of cells located in the center of the enamel organ of a developing tooth. These cells are star shaped and synthesize glycosaminoglycans. As glycosamingoglycans are produced, water is drawn in between the cells and st
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Dental follicle:
The dental follicle is a sac containing the developing tooth and its odontogenic organ.
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Maxillary first molar:
The maxillary first molar is the tooth located laterally (away from the midline of the face) from both the maxillary second premolars of the mouth but mesial (toward the midline of the face) from both maxillary second molars. The function of this mol
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Maxillary first premolar:
The maxillary first premolar is the tooth located laterally (away from the midline of the face) from both the maxillary canines of the mouth but mesial (toward the midline of the face) from both maxillary second premolars. The function of this premol
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Mandibular canine:
The mandibular canine is the tooth located distally (away from the midline of the face) from both mandibular lateral incisors of the mouth but mesially (toward the midline of the face) from both mandibular first premolars. Both the maxillary and mand
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Maxillary second molar:
The maxillary second molar is the tooth located laterally (away from the midline of the face) from both the maxillary first molars of the mouth but mesial (toward the midline of the face) from both maxillary third molars. This is true only in permane
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Mandibular lateral incisor:
The mandibular lateral incisor is the tooth located distally (away from the midline of the face) from both mandibular central incisors of the mouth and mesially (toward the midline of the face) from both manibular canines. As with all incisors, their
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Anodontia:
In dentistry, anodontia, also called anodontia vera, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the congenital absence of all primary or permanent teeth. It is associated with the group of skin and nerve syndromes called the ectodermal dysplasias. A
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Mandibular first premolar:
The mandibular first premolar is the tooth located laterally (away from the midline of the face) from both the mandibular canines of the mouth but mesial (toward the midline of the face) from both mandibular second premolars. The function of this pre
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Maxillary third molar:
The maxillary third molar is the tooth located laterally (away from the midline of the face) from both the maxillary second molars of the mouth with no tooth posterior to it in permanent teeth. In deciduous (baby) teeth, there is no maxillary third m
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Mandibular third molar:
The mandibular third molar, commonly known as a wisdom tooth, is the tooth located distally (away from the midline of the face) from both the mandibular second molars of the mouth with no tooth posterior to it in permanent teeth. In deciduous (baby)
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Mandibular first molar:
The mandibular first molar (also known as 6 yr molar) is the tooth located distally (away from the midline of the face) from both the mandibular second premolars of the mouth but mesial (toward the midline of the face) from both mandibular second mol
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Cementoblast:
A cementoblast is a biological cell that forms from the follicular cells around the root of a tooth, and whose biological function is cementogenesis, which is the creation of cementum (the hard tissue that covers the root of the tooth). Cementoblasts
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Outer enamel epithelium:
The outer enamel epithelium, also known as the external enamel epithelium, is a layer of cuboidal cells located on the periphery of the enamel organ in a developing tooth. This layer is first seen during the bell stage. The rim of the enamel organ wh
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Maxillary second premolar:
The maxillary second premolar is the tooth located laterally (away from the midline of the face) from both the maxillary first premolars of the mouth but mesial (toward the midline of the face) from both maxillary first molars. The function of this p
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Mandibular second premolar:
The mandibular second premolar is the tooth located distally (away from the midline of the face) from both the mandibular first premolars of the mouth but mesial (toward the midline of the face) from both mandibular first molars. The function of this
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Mandibular second molar:
The mandibular second molar is the tooth located distally (away from the midline of the face) from both the mandibular first molars of the mouth but mesial (toward the midline of the face) from both mandibular third molars. This is true only in perma
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Macrodontia (tooth):
Macrodontia is a condition in which the teeth appear larger than normal. It is commonly associated with gigantism.
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Dental restorative materials:
This page is about types of dental restorative materials. For dental fillings see dental restorations Dental restorative materials are specially fabricated materials, designed for use as dental restorations (fillings), which are used to restore tooth
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Turner's hypoplasia:
Turner's hypoplasia is an abnormality found in teeth. Its appearance is variable, though usually is manifested as a portion of missing or diminished enamel on permanent teeth. Unlike other abnormalities which affect a vast number of teeth, Turner's h
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Dens evaginatus:
Dens envaginatus is a condition found in teeth where the outer surface appears to form an extra bump or cusp. Premolars are more likely to be affected than any other tooth. This may be seen more frequently in Asians.
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Concrescence:
Concrescence is a condition of teeth where the cementum overlying the roots of at least two teeth join together. The cause can sometimes be attributed to trauma or crowding of teeth. Surgical separation of the teeth may be necessary if one is to be e
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Taurodontism:
Taurodontism is a condition found in teeth where the body of the tooth and pulp chamber is enlarged. As a result, the floor of the pulp and the furcation of the tooth is moved apically down the root. The term means "bull like" teeth derived from simi
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Microdontia:
Microdontia is a condition in which teeth appear smaller than normal. In the generalized form, all teeth are involved. In the localized form, only a few teeth are involved. The most common teeth affected are the upper lateral incisors and third molar
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Internal resorption:
Internal resorption is an unusual condition of a tooth when the dentin and pulpal walls begin to resorb centrally within the root canal. The first evidence of the lesion may be the appearance of a pink-hued area on the crown of the tooth; this condit
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Supernumerary roots:
Supernumerary roots is a condition found in teeth there may be a larger number of roots than expected. The most common teeth affected are mandibular (lower) canines, premolars, and molars, especially third molars. Canines and most premolars, except f
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Regional odontodysplasia:
Regional odontodysplasia is a developmental abnormality of teeth, usually localized to a certain area and nonhereditary. The enamel, dentin, and pulp of teeth are affected, and on radiographs the teeth are described as "ghost teeth".
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Reduced enamel epithelium:
The reduced enamel epithelium, sometimes called reduced dental epithelium, overlies a developing tooth and is formed by two layers: a layer of ameloblast cells and the adjacent layer of cuboidal cells (outer enamel epithelium) from the dental lamina.
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Talon cusp:
A talon cusp, also known as an "eagle's talon", is an extra cusp on an anterior tooth. The term refers to the same condition as dens evaginatus, but the talon cusp is the manifestation of dens evaginatus on anterior teeth. The incidence has been foun
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External resorption:
External resorption is a condition of a tooth where the root surface is lost. This can be caused by chronic inflammation, cysts, tumors, trauma, reimplantation of a tooth, or sometimes the cause is unknown.
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Dentin dysplasia:
Dentin dysplasia is a genetic disorder of teeth, commonly exhibiting an autosomal dominant inheritance. It is characterized by presence of normal enamel but atypical dentin with abnormal pulpal morphology. There are two types. Type I is the radicular
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Dens invaginatus:
Dens invaginatus, also known as dens in dente, is a condition found in teeth where the outer surface folds inward. There are coronal and radicular forms, with the coronal form being more common.
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Crown (dentistry):
Crown refers to the restoration of teeth using materials that are fabricated by indirect methods which are cemented into place. A crown is used to cap or completely cover a tooth. Traditionally, the teeth to be crowned are prepared by a dentist and r
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Lactic acid:
Lactic acid (IUPAC systematic name: 2-hydroxypropanoic acid), also known as milk acid, is a chemical compound that plays a role in several biochemical processes. It was first isolated in 1780 by a Swedish chemist, Carl Wilhelm Scheele, and is a carbo
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Tooth enamel:
Tooth enamel is the hardest and most highly mineralized substance of the body, Ross et al., p. 441 and with dentin, cementum, and dental pulp is one of the four major tissues which make up the tooth. It is the normally visible dental tissue of a toot
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Ectodermal dysplasia:
Ectodermal dysplasia is not a single disorder, but a group of syndromes all deriving from abnormalities of the ectodermal structures. More than 150 different syndromes have been identified. Despite some of the syndromes having different genetic cause
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Dental fluorosis:
Dental fluorosis occurs because of the excessive intake of fluoride either through fluoride in the water supply, naturally occurring or added to it; or through other sources. The damage in tooth development occurs between the ages of 6 months to 5 y
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Dental papilla:
The dental papilla is a condensation of ectomesenchymal cells called odontoblasts, seen in histologic sections of a developing tooth. It lies below a cellular aggregation known as the enamel organ. The dental papilla appears after 8-10 weeks intra ut
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Hutchinson's teeth:
Hutchinson's teeth (also known as Hutchinson's incisor, Hutchinson's sign or Hutchinson-Boeck teeth) are a sign of congenital syphilis. Babies with this have teeth that are smaller and more widely spaced than normal and which have notches on their bi
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Dental porcelain:
Dental porcelain (also known as dental ceramic) is a porcelain used by a dental technician to create biocompatible lifelike crowns and bridges for the dentist. The dentist will usually specify a shade of porcelain, corresponding to a set of bottles i
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Dentinogenesis imperfecta:
Dentinogenesis imperfecta (hereditary Opalescent Dentin) is a genetic disorder of tooth development. This condition causes teeth to be discolored (most often a blue-gray or yellow-brown color) and translucent. Teeth are also weaker than normal, makin
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Dilaceration:
Dilaceration is a developmental disturbance in shape of teeth. It refers to an angulation, or a sharp bend or curve, in the root or crown of a formed tooth.
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