Mamelon (dentistry)

Mamelon (dentistry)

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Diagram of a tooth showing the location of mamelons on the incisal edge.

Mamelons are rounded protuberances found on the incisal edges of newly erupted permanent teeth. They are typically present on the incisors and are most noticeable in children and young adults. Mamelons are a normal part of tooth development and are usually worn away over time through the process of occlusion and mastication.

Structure

Mamelons are composed of enamel, the hard, outermost layer of the tooth. They are formed during the development of the tooth and are a result of the way the enamel is laid down in lobes. Each mamelon corresponds to a lobe of enamel, and the number of mamelons typically reflects the number of lobes that contributed to the formation of the tooth.

Function

The primary function of mamelons is to aid in the eruption of the tooth through the gingiva. They help the tooth to break through the gum tissue more easily. Once the tooth has fully erupted and comes into contact with opposing teeth, the mamelons are gradually worn down through normal use.

Clinical Significance

In most individuals, mamelons are worn away by the time they reach adulthood. However, in some cases, mamelons may persist if the teeth do not come into proper contact with opposing teeth, a condition known as malocclusion. Persistent mamelons can sometimes be an aesthetic concern for patients, and they can be removed by a dentist through a simple procedure known as enameloplasty.

Related Conditions

• Malocclusion
• Tooth eruption
• Enamel hypoplasia

See Also

• Tooth development
• Dental anatomy
• Occlusion (dentistry)
• Mastication