4-20. MANDIBULAR CUSPID
The mandibular cuspid (figure 4-30) resembles the maxillary cuspid in many
respects. The mandibular cuspid is long and firmly anchored in the alveolar bone. It
occupies a key position in the dental arch.
a. Facial Surface. The facial surface is narrower than the facial surface of the
maxillary cuspid. The distal slope of the incisal margin is almost twice the length of the
mesial slope. The mesial margin is almost parallel to the long axis of the tooth.
Otherwise, the facial surface is much the same as that of the maxillary cuspid.
b. Lingual Surface. The lingual surface is narrower but similar in outline to the
facial surface. The marginal ridges, the cingulum, and the lingual axial ridge are not
nearly so pronounced as they are on the maxillary cuspid.
c. Mesial Surface. The mesial surface of the crown is triangular in outline. It is
flat, forming an almost continuous flat surface with the root. The contact area is located
at the junction of the incisal and middle thirds.
Figure 4-30. Mandibular right cuspid.
MD0501
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