Dental Anatomy

Dental anatomy encompasses the study of the structure and function of the human teeth. The teeth are calcified structures contained within the mouth that are rooted into the upper and lower jaw. There are thirty-two human teeth with several functions such as breaking down food for digestion, speech, breathing, and providing structure to our face.

To further your understanding of dental anatomy, our comprehensive range of anatomical charts and dental posters offers clear, precise visuals to support both learning and teaching. Whether you're studying dentistry, teaching oral health, or working clinically, these charts make even the most intricate dental structures easier to grasp.

The tooth can be divided into the crown and the root. The crown of the tooth is the area which is visible and the root is any part of the tooth embedded within the jaw.

The crown is covered by a strong substance called enamel which protects the inside of the tooth. Underneath the enamel lies the dentin, which has a critical role in protecting the inner pulp cavity, this part of the tooth is very sensitive as it contains vessels and nerves.

The root of the tooth is the part that sits within the jawbones. Part of the pulp cavity continues into the root. Cementum is a substance which covers the surface of the root and helps to attach teeth to the bone through the periodontal ligament.

In humans there are two types of teeth: primary teeth (milk teeth or baby teeth) and permanent teeth (adult teeth). 

• Primary teeth are made up of eight incisors, four canines and eight molars.
• Permanent teeth consist of eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars and twelve molars.
  
  

The incisors help with biting pieces of food. The canines are used for tearing pieces of food. The premolars and molars crush and grind food into smaller pieces for the first stage of digestion.

Our high-quality dental models offer an accurate and detailed representation of the human teeth, jaw, and oral cavity. These models highlight everything from the structure of individual teeth to full dental arches, allowing for better comprehension of alignment, function, and nerve pathways. Ideal for dental students, educators, and clinical settings, these dental anatomy models are essential tools for mastering dental anatomy and improving communication.

Adequate dental blood supply is essential for maintaining the health and vitality of the teeth and surrounding structures. It helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the dental pulp, supporting tissue repair and defence against infection. The maxillary artery plays a key role as the main vascular supply to both the upper dental arch and portions of the face.

One of its key branches, the inferior alveolar artery, supplies blood to the lower jaw (mandible) and the lower dental arch, nourishing the roots and surrounding bone. The superior alveolar arteries, also branches of the maxillary artery, serve the upper teeth, including the incisors, canines, and molars. These arteries enter the teeth through the apical foramen, supplying the dental pulp and contributing to overall oral health.

Without a healthy dental blood supply, teeth are more susceptible to necrosis, periodontal disease, and complications following procedures such as extractions.

The dental nerve supply is crucial for sensation and overall oral function, allowing us to detect pressure, pain, and temperature changes within the mouth. Sensory nerves are found in the dental pulp of each tooth and play a vital role in alerting the body to decay, trauma, or infection.

The primary nerves involved in dental innervation come from the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), which has three major branches. The maxillary branch (V2) provides sensory innervation to the upper teeth, upper gums, and part of the cheek. It gives rise to the superior alveolar nerves, which penetrate the maxilla to reach the upper dental pulp.

The mandibular branch (V3) of the trigeminal nerve gives rise to the inferior alveolar nerve, which enters the mandibular canal and supplies the lower teeth. This nerve also affects the lower lip and chin after emerging from the mental foramen as the mental nerve.

Damage or disruption to these dental nerves can result in numbness, tingling, or pain, highlighting their importance in both clinical dentistry and daily oral sensation.

Studying the teeth and oral cavity is far more effective with visual support. Our selection of dental anatomy models, posters, and study aids has been carefully curated to assist students and professionals alike. Whether you're preparing for exams, teaching anatomy, or explaining treatment to a patient, our tools make complex concepts accessible and engaging.