HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

A fissure in a tooth is most likely caused by what?

1. Excessive fluoride

2. Tooth decay

3. Imperfect fusion of dental lobes

4. Physical trauma to the tooth

The correct answer is: Imperfect fusion of dental lobes

A fissure in a tooth is primarily the result of an imperfect fusion of dental lobes during the tooth's development. When teeth are forming, they originate from several lobes that join together. If these lobes do not fuse completely or correctly, it creates a small crack or fissure in the tooth's surface. This imperfection can make the tooth more susceptible to plaque accumulation and cavities, particularly in the grooves of molars where these fissures often occur. In contrast, while excessive fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition characterized by discoloration of the enamel rather than fissures, other factors like tooth decay and physical trauma relate to damage or erosion of enamel or structural integrity rather than congenital fissures caused by developmental issues.