Mandibular lateral incisor

Mandibular Lateral Incisor

The mandibular lateral incisor is one of the incisor teeth located in the lower jaw (mandible). It is situated between the mandibular central incisor and the mandibular canine. The primary function of the mandibular lateral incisor is to cut food during mastication.

Anatomy

The mandibular lateral incisor typically has a single root and a single canal. The crown of the tooth is slightly larger than that of the mandibular central incisor. The incisal edge is usually straight, and the tooth has a sharp mesioincisal angle and a more rounded distoincisal angle. The lingual surface of the tooth features a cingulum, which is less pronounced compared to the maxillary incisors.

Development

The mandibular lateral incisor develops from four lobes: three labial lobes and one lingual lobe. The tooth begins to calcify around the age of 10 months and typically erupts between the ages of 7 and 8 years. The root is usually fully formed by the age of 10 years.

Function

The primary function of the mandibular lateral incisor is to cut food during the process of mastication. It also plays a role in the aesthetics of the smile and in the phonetics of speech, particularly in the articulation of certain sounds.

Clinical Significance

The mandibular lateral incisor can be subject to various dental issues, including dental caries, periodontal disease, and malocclusion. Proper dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential to maintain the health of this tooth.

Variations

There can be variations in the size, shape, and number of roots and canals in the mandibular lateral incisor. Some individuals may have an additional root canal, which can complicate endodontic treatment.

Related Articles

• Mandibular central incisor
• Mandibular canine
• Maxillary lateral incisor
• Dental anatomy
• Tooth development
• Mastication
• Dental caries
• Periodontal disease
• Malocclusion