Canine tooth
The canine is located as the third tooth from center (central incisor > lateral incisor > canine). It is a sharp tooth with a single point or cusp, designed for tearing or piercing food. The canine may also be called the eyetooth, fang or vampire tooth. Humans have four canine teeth, two maxillary canine teeth (left and right) and two mandibular canine teeth (left and right).
Like all teeth, canines have a crown (the part above the gum), a neck and a root (the part inside the bone). The outer surface is a thin layer of enamel which covers the inner dentin. There is a center core of pulp cavity that is connected to a richly vascularized and innervated root canal.
Terminology |
English: Canine tooth Latin: Dens caninus |
Definition and function | The canine is the third tooth from centre. It has a sharp single cusp designed for tearing and piercing food. Humans have 4 canine teeth. |
Learn more about the teeth with this study unit:
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