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284 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

Occlusal

Crown
Coronal
Enamel

Attached
Neck
gingiva
Sulcus
Dentin
Pulp chamber
nerve/blood
vessel
Root Apical

Furcation
FIGURE 15.1 Tooth anatomy.

gingiva, the periodontal ligament (not shown), and the
alveolar bone (not shown). Labial
Teeth have different numbers of roots and it is impor-
tant to know this when assisting with tooth removal. In
dogs, the incisors, canine, first premolar, and the man-
dibular third molar have one root. The maxillary second
and third premolars and the mandibular second, third,
fourth premolars, and the first and second molars have
two roots. The maxillary fourth premolar, first and sec- Palatal
ond molar have three roots. Distal Mesial
The cat has one root on the incisors, canine, maxillary
second premolar, and maxillary first molar. The maxil-
lary third premolar and the mandibular third and fourth Maxilla
premolar, and first molar have two roots. The maxillary
fourth premolar is the only three rooted teeth in the cat.
Mandible
Dental Terminology Buccal Buccal

Lingual
The following terms are commonly used in veterinary
dentistry. A complete list is available at the American
Veterinary Dental College website at www.avdc.org:
CEJ – cemento‐enamel junction
Coronal – crown
Furcation – area where roots join FIGURE 15.2 Directional terms.
Gingiva – gum tissue
Inflammation – swelling, redness, infection Directional Terms
Interproximal – between teeth
Mandible – lower jaw Each surface of the tooth is designated by name. These
Maxilla – upper jaw terms are used for direction and charting of lesions
Occlusion – the way teeth fit together (Figures 15.1 and 15.2):
Recession – loss of gingival tissue
Subgingival – below gingiva Apical – toward apex of the root
Sulcus – area between free gingiva and tooth Buccal – toward the lips
Supragingival – above gingiva. Coronal – toward the crown or top of the tooth