HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which part of the tooth undergoes wear and creates the incisal edge?

1. The root

2. The incisal ridge

3. The gingival papillae

4. The dentin

The correct answer is: The incisal ridge

The incisal edge of a tooth is formed from the incisal ridge, which is the upper part of the anterior teeth that is used for cutting. As teeth wear down over time from regular use and natural occlusion—such as biting and chewing—this wear occurs primarily at the incisal ridge. The incisal edge develops as the tooth undergoes wear and gets flattened or shaped into a sharper cutting edge, which is crucial for the functional purpose of anterior teeth in cutting food. In contrast, the root is the part of the tooth that anchors it in the bone and is not involved in cutting or biting, and therefore does not contribute to the formation of the incisal edge. The gingival papillae refer to the soft tissue that fills the space between teeth and is not related to tooth structure or wear. Dentin, while it is a crucial part of the tooth underneath the enamel, does not directly create the incisal edge, as the incisal ridge is primarily enamel that becomes shaped through wear. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the role of the incisal ridge in achieving the functional edge of the anterior teeth.