(5) Fissure. A fissure (see figure 4-18) is a fault occurring along a
developmental groove caused by incomplete or imperfect joining of the lobes.
Figure 4-18. Fissure.
(6) Pit. A pit is a small, pointed depression in the enamel of a tooth. It is
usually found at the bottom of a fossa, or at the end of a developmental groove, where
two or more enamel lobes are joined, or at a place where two fissures intersect. (Note
that teeth with pits and fissures are hard to clean and are least likely to be protected
against decay by fluoride.)
(7) Example. Figure 4-19 shows features of the occlusal surface of a
maxillary first molar.
Figure 4-19. Features of the occlusal surface of a maxillary first molar.
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