HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What characterizes a developmental depression?

1. A flat surface on a tooth crown

2. A concavity occurring at the junction of two lobes

3. A vertical groove running along the root

4. A natural opening in the gums

The correct answer is: A concavity occurring at the junction of two lobes

A developmental depression is characterized by a concavity that develops at the junction of two lobes of a tooth. This feature results from the way teeth develop during the formative stages, where the lobes of the tooth come together and may leave a slight indentation or depression at their meeting point. This is a normal anatomical variation that can be observed in various types of teeth, particularly molars, where multiple lobes are present. The other options describe different dental features that do not define a developmental depression. A flat surface on a tooth crown refers to a lack of contour on the tooth's topmost surface, while a vertical groove running along the root pertains to a linear indentation on the tooth's root structure. A natural opening in the gums could refer to a variety of anatomical structures, such as a periodontal pocket, but does not relate specifically to the concept of a developmental depression on the tooth crown.