National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What is the term for the visible portion of the tooth in the mouth?

1. Cervix

2. Clinical Crown

3. Alveolar Process

4. Eruption

The correct answer is: Clinical Crown

The term for the visible portion of the tooth in the mouth is the clinical crown. This part of the tooth is the portion that is above the gum line and is the part that is most readily seen when a person smiles or opens their mouth. The clinical crown encompasses the enamel and any other structures that are exposed in the oral cavity, playing a crucial role in both aesthetics and dental function. The cervix, on the other hand, refers to the area of the tooth at the junction of the crown and the root, typically where the gum tissue meets the tooth. It is not visible because it is usually covered by gum tissue. The alveolar process is the bony structure that contains the sockets for the teeth and is beneath the gum line. Lastly, eruption describes the process by which a tooth emerges into the oral cavity but does not refer to the visible portion of a tooth. Understanding these distinctions is important for recognizing the anatomy of the tooth and its relation to oral health.