National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

How are permanent teeth distinguished from primary teeth?

1. By their size

2. Primary teeth are smaller

3. Permanent teeth are known as succedaneous teeth

4. Permanent teeth erupt earlier

The correct answer is: Permanent teeth are known as succedaneous teeth

Permanent teeth are distinguished from primary teeth primarily because they are known as succedaneous teeth. This term refers to the fact that permanent teeth develop in place of primary teeth. The development of permanent teeth occurs after primary teeth, leading to their role in replacing the primary dentition as a child grows. To further understand this distinction, it’s helpful to recognize the characteristics of primary and permanent teeth. Primary teeth usually consist of a smaller set of teeth designed for a child's mouth and are eventually lost, making way for the larger, more durable permanent teeth that serve through adulthood. The distinction in terminology is critical as it underscores the progression from one set of teeth to another. While size and eruption timing are notable characteristics (with primary teeth typically being smaller and erupting before permanent teeth), these aspects do not encompass the definitive classification and functional relationship of permanent teeth to primary teeth as the term "succedaneous" does. Therefore, recognizing permanent teeth for their role in replacing primary teeth is central to understanding their classification in dental anatomy.