Dental Science for Dental Assisting Exam Study Guide (page 3)

Practice problems for this study guide can be found at:

Dental Science for Dental Assisting Exam Practice Problems

Tooth numbering systems, tooth surfaces, cavity classifications, anatomic features of the teeth, and angles and divisions of the teeth are the framework for understanding most dental procedures. Oral embryology and histology, along with head and neck anatomy, are also important subjects of interest for the dental assistant.

Concepts and Skills

Dental Science is broken down into 11 main areas:

• Dentition Overview
• Tooth Morphology
• Oral Embryology and Histology
• Head and Neck Anatomy
• Dental Caries Process
• Periodontal Disease Process
• Preventive Dentistry
• Nutrition
• Oral Pathology
• General Anatomy
• General Physiology

The outline below chronicles the most current information available regarding each area of Dental Science, but remember to study your textbook as well.

Dentition Overview

A dentition is a complete set of teeth. Humans have two dentitions, or sets of teeth, in their lifetimes. These are the primary and the permanent dentitions.

The Dentitions

Primary Dentition – 20 teeth

The primary dentition, commonly referred to as “baby teeth,” occurs between six months and six years of age. Other names for this dentition include the deciduous dentition and the succedaneous dentition. These teeth are exfoliated, or “lost,” beginning at approximately age six.

Mixed Dentition – varied numbers

This dentition occurs on a child between the ages of approximately seven to 12 years of age. In a mixed dentition, there are both primary and permanent teeth present in the mouth at the same time.

Permanent Dentition – 32 teeth

The permanent dentition, also known as “adult teeth,” begins erupting at about age six. The teeth will continuously erupt until approximately age 12. There will be a pause in eruption until ages 17 to 21, when the wisdom teeth, or third molars, begin the eruption process. These are the last teeth to erupt.

Dental Arches

Maxillary

The upper arch in the mouth is referred to as the maxillary arch. This is named for the bone of the upper arch, which is called the maxilla. The maxillary arch holds 16 of the 32 permanent teeth and 10 of the 20 primary teeth.

Mandibular

The lower arch in the mouth is referred to as the mandibular arch. This is named for the bone of the lower arch, which is called the mandible. The mandible is the only movable bone in the skull. The mandibular arch holds the lower 16 of the 32 permanent teeth, and the lower 10 of the 20 primary teeth. The curvature formed by the maxillary and mandibular arches is known as the curve of Spee.

Quadrants

The mouth can be divided into smaller areas to make charting and communication easier. One such division is called a quadrant. The mouth is divided into four quadrants: Upper Right, Upper Left, Lower Left, and Lower Right. Each quadrant holds eight teeth.

Anterior Teeth

These teeth are located at the front of the mouth. They consist of the central and lateral incisors and the cuspids (canines). Anterior teeth are designed for cutting and tearing of food. These teeth have incisal edges. There are six anterior teeth in each arch in both the primary and permanent dentitions.

Posterior Teeth

These teeth are located at the back of the mouth. They consist of premolars (bicuspids) and molars. Posterior teeth are designed for chewing and grinding of food just prior to swallowing. These teeth have biting surfaces that have grooves, pits, and fissures to aid in chewing, which are known as the occlusal surfaces. There are ten posterior teeth in each arch in the permanent dentition and only four posterior teeth per arch in the primary dentition.

Names of the Teeth

Central Incisors

These teeth are located at the midline of the face, at the anterior of the mouth. They are the teeth that are most visible when smiling. These teeth are used for cutting and tearing of food.

Lateral Incisors

These teeth are located next to the centrals, at the anterior of the mouth, and are smaller in size than the centrals. These teeth are also used for cutting and tearing of food.

Cuspids

These teeth are located at the corners of both arches and are the longest rooted teeth in the mouth. Cuspids are sometimes referred to as canines or “eye-teeth” because of their pointy shape. They are anterior teeth and are considered to be the cornerstone of the arches.

Premolars or Bicuspids

These teeth are located in the posterior of the mouth and used for chewing and grinding of food. They are smaller than the molars and can be single or double rooted, depending on the individual. There are two premolars in each quadrant: a first premolar and a second premolar.

Molars

These teeth are located in the posterior of the mouth and are used for chewing and grinding of food. There are three molars in each quadrant: first molar, second molar, and third molar (wisdom teeth). These teeth are multirooted and can have as many as four roots.

Tooth Surfaces

Mesial

This is the surface of the tooth closest to the midline. It is located interproximally, or in between the teeth.

Distal

This is the surface of the tooth that is the furthest distance away from the midline. It is located interproximally, or in between the teeth.

Lingual

This is the surface of the tooth closest to the tongue.

Facial/Buccal

This is the surface of the tooth closest to the face or cheek. Facial is the term used for the anterior teeth. Buccal is the term used for the posterior teeth. The two names designate the same area of the tooth but are site-specific to the area of the mouth.

Occlusal/Incisal

This is the surface of the tooth used for chewing or cutting of food. Occlusal is the term used for the chewing surface of posterior teeth, and incisal is the term used for the cutting edge of the anterior teeth. The two names designate the same area of the tooth but are site-specific to the area of the mouth.

Life Cycle of a Tooth

Every tooth passes through stages of growth. The bud, cap, and bell stages are the growth periods of a tooth. Teeth grow very similarly to the way a baby grows. They are contained in a sac and continue to move through the growth periods prior to eruption.

Oral Histology

Oral histology is the study of the function and structure of the teeth as well as the tissues surrounding them. Each tooth consists of a crown and root. The surrounding tissues are called the periodontium and support the tooth in its socket.

Layers of the Tooth

Teeth have three layers. The first layer is the enamel. This is a protective layer that is stronger than bone. Enamel is the hardest structure in the body. The second layer is the dentin. Dentin is softer than enamel and will decay very rapidly. Dentin is the only layer of the tooth that can regenerate, or rebuild, itself, known as secondary dentin. The third layer of the tooth is the pulp. The pulp is the “heart” of the tooth. It supplies oxygen, blood, nutrients, and vitamins to the tooth. If the pulp becomes damaged or injured, it is possible that it will die or begin the process of dying. The tooth will need a root canal if this occurs.

Head and Neck Anatomy

A dental assistant should be knowledgeable in the anatomy of the head and neck. Bones, muscles, glands, nerves, and sinuses all play a role in dental health.

Bones of the Skull

The human skull is divided into the cranium and the face. The cranium consists of eight bones that protect the brain. The face has 14 bones.

Features of the Face and Neck

The face muscles are responsible for our facial expressions and play important roles in chewing, digestion, and speaking. Facial landmarks include the nostrils, known as anterior nares.

Salivary Glands

Saliva lubricates, cleans the mouth, and begins the digestion process. There are three major salivary glands and numerous minor salivary glands. The three major glands are the parotid salivary, the submandibular, and the sublingual.

Parotid Salivary Gland

• It is located in the cheeks, just below the ears.
• It is the largest of the three major salivary glands.
• It secretes approximately 25% of the saliva in the mouth.
• The Stensen’s duct delivers the saliva to the mouth from the gland.
• The Stensen’s duct opens on the buccal surface of the maxillary first molars.

Submandibular Salivary Gland

• It is the size of a walnut, located in the deep floor of the mouth.
• It secretes approximately 60% of the saliva in the mouth.
• The Wharton’s duct delivers saliva to the oral cavity.

Sublingual Salivary Gland

• It is located in the floor of the mouth just under the tongue.
• It is the smallest of the three major salivary glands.
• It provides approximately 10% of the saliva in the mouth.
• The Bartholin’s duct delivers saliva to the oral cavity.

Blood and Nerve Supply

Arteries and veins carry blood to the neck and face. The internal carotid artery carries blood to the brain, and the exterior carotid artery carries blood to the face and mouth. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves.

Sinuses

Sinuses are air-filled cavities in the face and skull that produce mucus. There are several sinus cavities: ethmoid sinuses, sphenoid sinuses, maxillary sinuses, and frontal sinuses. The sinuses can become blocked, which can cause discomfort for the patient similar to a toothache.

Dental Caries Process

Dental caries are known as tooth decay and are often called “cavities” by patients. This is an infectious process. Caries is caused by a bacterial infection and is contagious. The bacteria are found in dental plaque. The bacteria can be transmitted from person to person. The condition of the mouth must have the following present for caries to form: Lactobacillus (LB) bacteria, Mutanstreptococci (MS) bacteria, a diet high in fermentable carbohydrates (sugars), and a susceptible tooth.

Caries Process

The caries process takes approximately two years, but it can be halted or disrupted.

Stages of Carious Lesions

• Incipient: This is the very start of tooth decay. The decay has not yet reached the dentinal layer.
• Overt: The decay has reached the dentinal layer, and there is a visible hole in the tooth.
• Rampant: There are overt carious lesions present in many teeth in the mouth at the same time. This is common in patients with poor oral hygiene.

Diagnosis of Caries

A dentist will check for dental caries at each exam appointment. There are two main ways in which a dentist can detect caries: radiographs and dental explorers.

Radiographs

Radiographs, or X-rays, are one of the best tools a dentist has to detect caries interproximally. Today, many dentists use digital radiographs that eliminate the need for film.

Dental Explorers

The explorer is used to check the surfaces of the teeth. The explorer will stick to any suspicious area.

Periodontal Disease Process

Today, 75% of Americans have some form of periodontal disease.

Causes of the disease

The causes of periodontal disease are dental plaque and calculus. Bacteria in dental plaque cause inflammation and destroy tissue. The tissues will pull away from the plaque and bacteria, creating a periodontal pocket. More plaque and bacteria fills the periodontal pocket and hardens. Calculus is hardened plaque, and it is also called tartar. It builds up on the surface of the teeth, irritating the surrounding tissues and perpetuating the disease cycle.

Types of Periodontal Disease

Type I: Gingivitis Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gingiva, which can be caused by lack of oral hygiene, hormonal imbalance, or illness. It is totally reversible at this stage.

Type II: Early Periodontitis There has been a progression from gingivitis into the non-reversible start of periodontal disease. Early periodontitis is the beginning of the periodontal disease process. At this stage, the patient will experience bleeding and maybe some generalized or localized swelling of the gingiva. Pockets may have increased in size.

Type III: Moderate Periodontitis This is the middle stage of the disease process. There has been further progression of the disease. At this point, surgery may be recommended by the dentist or specialist. Bleeding has increased, pockets have grown in size, and the patient may be experiencing bad breath and/or swelling.

Type IV: Advanced Periodontitis The supporting structures of the mouth are being destroyed by the disease. There has been more damage and destruction to the periodontium. The patient is experiencing pain, increased bleeding, tooth mobility, swelling, and extreme bad breath. The patient will lose his or her teeth.

Signs and Symptoms

There are several signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. These include loose teeth, pain when chewing, gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing, redness, swollen gingiva, bad breath, soreness, and tenderness. In the early stages, periodontal disease is often painless and has minimal symptoms. Early detection through regular examinations is crucial.

Effects on Systemic Health

Periodontal disease has an effect on the entire human body. Whenever there is disease present in the human body, the immune system reacts. Periodontal disease causes the immune system to be on constant alert, thereby making the patient more susceptible to other illnesses by weakening the immune system. Periodontal disease has been scientifically linked with premature childbirth, heart disease and stroke, bacterial pneumonia, and diabetes.

Preventive Dentistry

The goal of dentistry is for the patient to keep his or her own teeth for life. This can be achieved through education by working together with the patient as a team regarding a preventative routine.

Patient Maintenance

Patients will be educated regarding the importance of cleanings and examinations every six months, sealants, and oral hygiene at home. The patient will establish an oral hygiene routine and schedule for maintaining dental health with help from the dental team.

Routine Cleanings

A dental prophylaxis should be performed every six months to maintain a proper cleaning schedule. This procedure may be performed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in many of the items that we use daily. Some community drinking water is fluoridated. Many types of toothpaste contain fluoride. Fluoride treatments are applied topically and allowed to contact tooth surfaces for a designated amount of time in the dental setting. Fluoride drops and supplements are prescribed by physicians and dentists to prevent tooth decay in babies and young children.

Sealants

This preventive measure is a form of flowable composite that is placed into the pits and fissures on the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth. This technique has been proven to prevent decay on the occlusal surfaces (not interproximal) and is recommended as soon as the permanent teeth have erupted fully into the oral cavity.

Oral Healthcare Instructions

The dentist depends on the dental assistant to provide the patients with accurate, concise oral hygiene instructions. In some offices, the dentist may ask the assistant to present treatment plans as well. Dental assistants are often the dental healthcare provider the patient will look to for clarification of the treatment being recommended by the dentist. It is important for dental assistants to understand the procedures they are assisting in and how to explain each step to the patient in a calm, reassuring, and informative manner.

Nutrition

A patient’s diet can have an impact on his or her dental health. Dental assistants are often tasked with discussing proper nutrition with the patient and/or the patient’s family. There are many different ways to discuss the importance of nutrition in a dental setting.

Food Pyramid

The food pyramid was designed and is maintained by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The pyramid’s aim is to help Americans know how many servings from each food group should be consumed for optimal health and nutrition. When discussing nutrition, it is important to refer to this guide.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins are essential to good oral health as well as overall health. The best way to receive these vitamins is from nutritious food, but supplements can help as well. Minerals are essential for optimal health. Both vitamins and minerals occur naturally in the food and drink we consume. This is why it is important to have a good balance between fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, oils, meats, and legumes.

Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats

Carbohydrates are products in foods that the body converts into energy. Proteins are essential to build and repair tissues. Fats protect the organs of the body and are utilized as sources of energy.

Water

Water is often referred to as “the forgotten nutrient.” Humans cannot survive without water. Humans can go longer without food than without water. The oral cavity needs water to remain hydrated. The FDA recommends that adults have eight glasses of water per day. Water is also found in some foods we eat.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can affect both men and women of all ages, and are usually associated with self-image issues. The two leading eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. In the oral cavity, dental healthcare providers can see the effects of these two disorders. The enamel layer is actually eaten away by the acids from the stomach each time patients cause themselves to vomit. The damage is quite obvious upon examination. The dental team is obligated to offer help to patients by referring them to a mental health professional.

Oral Pathology

Oral pathology is the study of the diseases of the oral cavity, and dental assistants need to be aware of any abnormalities to alert the dentist.

Diagnosis

Often, the patient will not realize there is an issue involving their soft tissue health. Upon examination, the dental healthcare provider will inspect the entire oral cavity. This is usually when an abnormality is discovered. The dentist then determines the best route for diagnosis. A biopsy is the most common method of diagnosis. Dental assistants cannot diagnose, but they do play an important role in helping the dentist to do so.

Lesions of the Oral Cavity

Oral lesions are abnormal tissue development in the mouth. These can include ulcers, abscesses, cysts, blisters, and plaques.

Classifications of Lesions

Lesions are classified by whether they extend above or below the oral mucosa. Ulcers, erosions, abscesses, and cysts are below the mucosal surface, while blisters and plaques are above that surface.

Soft Tissue Diseases

There are five major diseases of the oral soft tissues: leukoplakia, lichen planus, candidiasis, aphthous ulcers, and cellulitis. However, these are not the only soft tissue diseases.

Conditions of the Tongue

Inflammation of the tongue is called glossitis. Other conditions of the tongue include black hairy tongue, geographic tongue, and fissured tongue.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is more common than one would think. Like other cancers, the oral disease can be treated by radiation and chemotherapy or surgery.

Other Pathological Disorders

Symptoms of HIV/AIDS often include oral lesions. Other pathological disorders with oral symptoms include hairy leukoplakia, Kaposi’s sarcoma, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

General Anatomy

Every dental assistant must understand the shape and structure of the human body as well as its functions.

Body Planes

Imaginary lines known as planes divide the body into sections from top to bottom and left and right. Structural Components of the Body There are four structural components of the body. These are cell, tissues, organs, and body systems.

Cells

The human body contains about 75 trillion cells. Each cell has a nucleus surrounded by cytoplasm wrapped in a membrane.

Tissues

Hard and soft tissues are formed by many millions of cells that perform a similar function. There are four types of tissue in the human body: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nerve tissues.

Organs

The different types of tissues come together to form organs. These include, but are not limited to: the eyes, ears, lungs, heart, and liver.

Body Systems

A body system is formed when a group of organs work together to allow the body to function.

General Physiology

Physiology is the biological science that studies how the human body functions, in particular the ten systems of the human body. These systems are skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, integumentary, urinary, and endocrine.

Skeletal System

The skeletal system consists of 206 bones. The bones are connected by cartilage and joints.

Muscular System

The human body has more than 600 individual muscles, of which there are three types: striated, smooth, and cardiac.

Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system has three parts: the heart, the circulatory system, and the lymphatic system.

Nervous System

The human body is composed of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. These are the communication systems of the human body.

Respiratory System

The respiratory system delivers oxygen to cells and expels carbon dioxide. The system consists of the nose, throat or pharynx, epiglottis, larynx, trachea, and lungs.

Digestive System

The digestive system is the arrangement of interactive body organs that break down food into nutrients for the body to absorb. The digestive process has five stages: ingestion, digestion, movement, absorption, and elimination. The system consists of nine major structures: mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Reproductive System

The system includes the sexual organs that allow men and women to reproduce.

Integumentary System

The integumentary system is the outer covering of the body. Also known as the skin system, it consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat. Skin appendages in humans include hair, nails, and glands.

Urinary System

This body system filters out unneeded liquids from the food we eat as well as toxic wastes and then excretes them. The system consists of four main organs: kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.

Endocrine System

The endocrine system consists of a series of glands that secrete hormones directly into the circulatory system that regulates bodily functions.

Practice problems for this study guide can be found at:

Dental Science for Dental Assisting Exam Practice Problems