Canine
Canines are the four pointed teeth at the arch’s corners, vital for tearing food and guiding the bite. Learn their anatomy, function, and clinical role.
Category: Dental Anatomy
Dental anatomy is the foundation every clinical decision rests on — knowing where a structure sits, what it does, and how it relates to neighboring tissues. This section of the Rebrief Dental Glossary catalogs the anatomy of the tooth and its supporting structures: enamel, dentin, cementum, and dental pulp inside the tooth itself; the alveolar bone, alveolar process, and alveolar crest of the supporting socket; and the periodontal ligament, gingiva, and gingival sulcus that hold and protect each tooth in place. We cover surface and directional terminology — buccal, lingual, mesial, distal, occlusal — that lets clinicians describe lesions and restorations precisely. You’ll find detailed entries on tooth-specific structures (apical foramen, apical delta, cervical line, cuspal ridge), individual tooth designations across the permanent dentition, and the soft-tissue landmarks that define the periodontium. Each term entry includes a working clinical definition, the anatomical context that matters in practice, and links to related conditions and procedures elsewhere in the glossary. Whether you’re a dental student building a vocabulary, a hygienist refreshing landmarks for a charting course, or a practicing clinician documenting a case, this is a quick reference for the structural terms that show up in records, consults, and patient education materials. Browse alphabetically below or search across the full glossary.
Cervical Line
The cervical line marks where enamel meets cementum on a tooth — a key landmark for diagnosing periodontal disease and planning dental treatment.
Dentin
Dentin forms the bulk of every tooth beneath the enamel and cementum. Learn its structure, types, and why exposed dentin causes sensitivity.
Dental Pulp
Dental pulp is the living tissue at the tooth’s core, housing nerves and blood vessels. Learn its role in tooth health and why protecting it matters.
Alveolus
The alveolus is the bony socket in the jaw that holds each tooth root. Learn its structure, clinical role, and why healthy alveoli matter for your smile.
Alveolar Bone
Alveolar bone forms the tooth sockets in the jaw, anchoring teeth via the periodontal ligament. Learn its structure, function, and clinical significance.
Alveolar Process
The alveolar process is the jaw bone ridge that houses tooth sockets. Discover its role in periodontal health, tooth loss, and implant planning.
Apical Foramen
The apical foramen is the small opening at a tooth’s root tip — critical to root canal treatment, working length, and long-term endodontic success.
Buccal Surface
The buccal surface faces the cheek and is key in dental exams. Discover its anatomy, clinical significance, and connection to decay and gum disease.
Cementum
Cementum is the mineralized tissue covering tooth roots that anchors the periodontal ligament. Discover its types, functions, and clinical role in periodontal health.