Tooth anatomy: A practical guide part 1: drawing posterior teeth

Abstract

Abstract: Understanding the anatomy of anterior and posterior teeth is important as the main aims of restorative dentistry are to restore the form, function and the aesthetics of damaged teeth. The anatomy of individual teeth is complex and infinitely variable, making it difficult to learn and challenging to teach. As tooth anatomy programs often occur in the early part of pre-clinical training it may also be difficult for clinical students to recall anatomical principles and apply them later to restorative treatment. This paper is the first of two describing an innovative method of teaching and learning tooth anatomy that includes a program of step-by-step drawing exercises. The posterior tooth drawing exercises described here and the anterior versions in part two were originally designed for undergraduates studying tooth anatomy for the first time. Since their inception these exercises have also proved popular with experienced clinicians aiming to refine their dental anatomical knowledge for application in restorative procedures. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Detailed understanding of tooth anatomy will help clinicians to plan, accurately and predictably, the restoration of posterior and anterior teeth.