Tooth morphology practice questions
Fifteen questions on numbering systems, crown and root anatomy and the cells behind dental hard tissues. Pick an answer to see the explanation.
Written by the Quizard team. Last updated
Dental anatomy exams reward exact recognition: which tooth has which cusp, how many roots to expect, and how to move between numbering systems without slipping. School-written papers often test your own lab manual’s wording, so use these to find gaps, then go back to your course material.
| Tooth | Universal | FDI |
|---|---|---|
| Upper right first molar | 3 | 16 |
| Upper left first molar | 14 | 26 |
| Lower left first molar | 19 | 36 |
| Lower right first molar | 30 | 46 |
Questions
0 of 15 answered
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1. In the Universal system, which tooth is number 8?
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Answer: Upper right central incisor. Universal numbering runs from the upper right third molar (1) across the arch, so 8 is the upper right central incisor.
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2. Which FDI number is the lower right first molar?
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Answer: 46. In FDI the first digit is the quadrant, and 4 is lower right. The second digit counts back from the midline, and 6 is the first molar.
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3. A tooth is charted as Universal 30. What is its FDI number?
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Answer: 46. Universal 30 is the lower right first molar, which is FDI 46.
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4. How many teeth are in the full primary dentition?
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Answer: 20. The primary dentition has 20 teeth, and there are no premolars or third molars.
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5. Which FDI number is the upper right primary central incisor?
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Answer: 51. Primary quadrants are numbered 5 to 8, with 5 as upper right, so the first tooth from the midline is 51.
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6. The cusp of Carabelli is usually found on which cusp of the maxillary first molar?
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Answer: Mesiolingual. It is an accessory feature on the lingual surface of the mesiolingual cusp.
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7. How many roots does a maxillary first molar usually have?
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Answer: Three. It usually has three: mesiobuccal, distobuccal and palatal.
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8. How many roots does a mandibular first molar usually have?
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Answer: Two. It usually has two, a mesial and a distal root.
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9. How many cusps does a mandibular first molar typically have?
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Answer: Five. It typically has five: three buccal and two lingual.
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10. The oblique ridge is a feature of which teeth?
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Answer: Maxillary molars. It crosses the occlusal surface of maxillary molars from the mesiolingual to the distobuccal cusp.
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11. Which permanent premolar most often has two roots?
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Answer: Maxillary first. The maxillary first premolar commonly has a buccal and a palatal root.
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12. Which permanent tooth is generally the smallest?
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Answer: Mandibular central incisor. The mandibular central incisor is generally the smallest permanent tooth.
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13. Which permanent tooth generally has the longest root?
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Answer: Maxillary canine. The maxillary canine generally has the longest root in the arch.
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14. Which cells form enamel?
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Answer: Ameloblasts. Ameloblasts form enamel, odontoblasts form dentin and cementoblasts form cementum.
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15. The curve of Spee describes which feature?
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Answer: The anteroposterior curve of the occlusal plane. It is the anteroposterior curve of the occlusal alignment, seen from the side.
For exam study only, not clinical guidance. Doses, reference ranges and protocols vary, so follow your course, your local policy and current references. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
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