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Dental Scope: free interactive 3D dental anatomy

Dental Scope is a free, open-source 3D dental anatomy explorer. Rotate a full skull and both jaws, pick any of the 32 permanent teeth, and dissect a tooth layer by layer, from enamel and dentin down to the pulp and root canals. It runs in the browser with nothing to install.

Open the 3D explorer →

What you can do

Explore the whole mouth in 3D: skull, maxilla, mandible, gums and all permanent teeth, including third molars (wisdom teeth).
See inside every tooth: enamel, dentin, cementum, periodontal ligament, pulp chamber, pulp horns and root canals.
Dissect anatomy: separate the layers step by step, or lay every structure out side by side.
Section view: cut through the model to see cross-sections of teeth and bone.
Three numbering systems: FDI (ISO 3950), Universal (ADA) and Palmer, switchable at any time.
Nerves, vessels and muscles: inferior alveolar, lingual and superior alveolar nerves, the temporomandibular joint and the muscles of mastication.
Search: any structure or tooth by name or number.
English, Swedish, German, Spanish and Latin: switch the language with the flags at the top of the explorer.

All 32 permanent teeth

Each link opens the 3D explorer with that tooth selected.

Upper right (FDI quadrant 1)

Maxillary right central incisor FDI 11 · Universal 8 · Palmer UR1
Maxillary right lateral incisor FDI 12 · Universal 7 · Palmer UR2
Maxillary right canine FDI 13 · Universal 6 · Palmer UR3
Maxillary right first premolar FDI 14 · Universal 5 · Palmer UR4
Maxillary right second premolar FDI 15 · Universal 4 · Palmer UR5
Maxillary right first molar FDI 16 · Universal 3 · Palmer UR6
Maxillary right second molar FDI 17 · Universal 2 · Palmer UR7
Maxillary right third molar FDI 18 · Universal 1 · Palmer UR8

Upper left (FDI quadrant 2)

Maxillary left central incisor FDI 21 · Universal 9 · Palmer UL1
Maxillary left lateral incisor FDI 22 · Universal 10 · Palmer UL2
Maxillary left canine FDI 23 · Universal 11 · Palmer UL3
Maxillary left first premolar FDI 24 · Universal 12 · Palmer UL4
Maxillary left second premolar FDI 25 · Universal 13 · Palmer UL5
Maxillary left first molar FDI 26 · Universal 14 · Palmer UL6
Maxillary left second molar FDI 27 · Universal 15 · Palmer UL7
Maxillary left third molar FDI 28 · Universal 16 · Palmer UL8

Lower left (FDI quadrant 3)

Mandibular left central incisor FDI 31 · Universal 24 · Palmer LL1
Mandibular left lateral incisor FDI 32 · Universal 23 · Palmer LL2
Mandibular left canine FDI 33 · Universal 22 · Palmer LL3
Mandibular left first premolar FDI 34 · Universal 21 · Palmer LL4
Mandibular left second premolar FDI 35 · Universal 20 · Palmer LL5
Mandibular left first molar FDI 36 · Universal 19 · Palmer LL6
Mandibular left second molar FDI 37 · Universal 18 · Palmer LL7
Mandibular left third molar FDI 38 · Universal 17 · Palmer LL8

Lower right (FDI quadrant 4)

Mandibular right central incisor FDI 41 · Universal 25 · Palmer LR1
Mandibular right lateral incisor FDI 42 · Universal 26 · Palmer LR2
Mandibular right canine FDI 43 · Universal 27 · Palmer LR3
Mandibular right first premolar FDI 44 · Universal 28 · Palmer LR4
Mandibular right second premolar FDI 45 · Universal 29 · Palmer LR5
Mandibular right first molar FDI 46 · Universal 30 · Palmer LR6
Mandibular right second molar FDI 47 · Universal 31 · Palmer LR7
Mandibular right third molar FDI 48 · Universal 32 · Palmer LR8

Tooth numbering systems

Dentists name teeth with a short code. Dental Scope shows all three systems in common use, so you can learn to read each one. Take the lower left first molar as an example:

System	How it works	Lower left first molar
FDI (ISO 3950)	Two digits: the quadrant (1 upper right, 2 upper left, 3 lower left, 4 lower right), then the position from the midline (1 central incisor to 8 third molar). Used in most of the world.	36
Universal (ADA)	Numbers 1 to 32, starting at the upper right third molar, running along the upper arch to the upper left, then back along the lower arch from the lower left third molar to the lower right. Used mainly in the United States.	#19
Palmer	A quadrant symbol with the position number 1 to 8, written here in text form as UR, UL, LL or LR plus the position. Common in the United Kingdom and in orthodontics.	LL6

Tooth types

The permanent dentition has eight teeth in each quadrant: two incisors, one canine, two premolars and three molars. Typical textbook values are shown; individual anatomy varies.

Central incisors

Maxillary central incisor (upper)

The most prominent tooth of the smile. A single-rooted incisor with a broad, flat labial surface and a straight incisal edge used for cutting food.

Function. Incising (biting and cutting) food; supports the upper lip, contributes to speech (labiodental and dental sounds) and to facial appearance.

Notes. Frequently involved in dental trauma because of its forward position. Newly erupted incisors may show mamelons (small rounded bumps) on the incisal edge.

Roots: Usually one conical root
Root canals: Usually one canal
Eruption: About 7–8 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Anterior superior alveolar nerve, a branch of the infraorbital nerve (V2).
Cheek or lip side gum: Anterior superior alveolar nerve.
Palatal gum: Nasopalatine nerve, which leaves the incisive foramen just behind the central incisors.
Numbing: Usually a local infiltration beside the tooth; the palatal gum needs a separate nasopalatine injection.

How to identify it

Which tooth: The widest incisor: a broad, shovel-shaped crown with a straight cutting edge and one conical root.
Upper or lower: Upper: much wider than a lower incisor, with a deep lingual fossa and a clear cingulum; lower incisors are narrow, with a root flattened from side to side.
Right or left: The mesial corner of the cutting edge is almost a right angle; the distal corner is rounded. Hold it crown down with the lip side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Maxillary right central incisor (11 · #8), Maxillary left central incisor (21 · #9)

Mandibular central incisor (lower)

The smallest tooth of the permanent dentition: a narrow, symmetrical incisor with a single root that is flattened mesiodistally.

Function. Cutting food against the maxillary incisors.

Notes. Although usually single-rooted, a second (lingual) canal is present in a notable minority.

Roots: One, flattened mesiodistally
Root canals: Usually one, sometimes two
Eruption: About 6–7 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Incisive nerve, the continuation of the inferior alveolar nerve (V3) in front of the mental foramen; fibres from the other side cross the midline.
Cheek or lip side gum: Mental nerve.
Tongue side gum: Lingual nerve.
Numbing: An inferior alveolar block may leave it partly sensitive because of the crossing fibres; local infiltration is also effective for lower incisors.

How to identify it

Which tooth: The smallest permanent tooth: a narrow, almost symmetrical crown with sharp corners and a straight cutting edge, and one root flattened from side to side.
Upper or lower: Lower: much narrower than an upper incisor, with a smooth lingual surface and a small cingulum; upper incisors are wider with a rounded root.
Right or left: Right and left are very hard to tell apart because both corners are sharp; a slightly deeper groove along the distal root surface is the most useful clue. Hold it crown up with the lip side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Mandibular left central incisor (31 · #24), Mandibular right central incisor (41 · #25)

Lateral incisors

Maxillary lateral incisor (upper)

A smaller incisor beside the central incisor, with a more rounded incisal outline and the greatest variation in form of the anterior teeth.

Function. Cutting food; contributes to the smile and to anterior guidance.

Notes. Common site of developmental variation, including peg-shaped laterals and congenital absence.

Roots: Usually one root
Root canals: Usually one canal
Eruption: About 8–9 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Anterior superior alveolar nerve, a branch of the infraorbital nerve (V2).
Cheek or lip side gum: Anterior superior alveolar nerve.
Palatal gum: Nasopalatine nerve.
Numbing: Usually a local infiltration beside the tooth; the palatal gum needs a separate nasopalatine injection.

How to identify it

Which tooth: Like a smaller central incisor: a narrower crown with more rounded corners, often a pit in the lingual fossa, and one root.
Upper or lower: Upper: a marked cingulum and lingual fossa and a rounded root; lower incisors have a smooth lingual surface and a root flattened from side to side.
Right or left: The distal corner is clearly rounder than the mesial one, and the root tip often bends distally. Hold it crown down with the lip side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Maxillary right lateral incisor (12 · #7), Maxillary left lateral incisor (22 · #10)

Mandibular lateral incisor (lower)

Slightly larger than the mandibular central incisor, with a crown that is slightly twisted distally on the arch curve.

Function. Cutting food.

Notes. Like the central incisor, may contain two canals.

Roots: One
Root canals: Usually one, sometimes two
Eruption: About 7–8 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Incisive nerve (inferior alveolar nerve, V3), with some fibres crossing from the other side.
Cheek or lip side gum: Mental nerve.
Tongue side gum: Lingual nerve.
Numbing: An inferior alveolar block or an incisive block at the mental foramen; local infiltration is also used for these teeth.

How to identify it

Which tooth: Slightly larger than the lower central incisor, with a more rounded distal corner and one flattened root.
Upper or lower: Lower: much narrower than an upper incisor, with a smooth lingual surface and a small cingulum; upper incisors are wider with a rounded root.
Right or left: The cutting edge is twisted distolingually to follow the curve of the arch, the cingulum lies distal to the centre and the distal corner is rounder. Hold it crown up with the lip side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Mandibular left lateral incisor (32 · #23), Mandibular right lateral incisor (42 · #26)

Canines

Maxillary canine (upper)

A long, single-cusped tooth at the corner of the arch. The maxillary canine usually has the longest root in the dentition.

Function. Grasping and tearing food; guides the jaw in lateral movements (canine guidance); supports the corner of the lip.

Notes. Its long root anchors it well; it is a common site of impaction, usually palatally.

Roots: One long root
Root canals: Usually one canal
Eruption: About 11–12 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Anterior superior alveolar nerve (V2, through the infraorbital nerve).
Cheek or lip side gum: Anterior superior alveolar nerve.
Palatal gum: Nasopalatine nerve, overlapping here with the greater palatine nerve.
Numbing: Usually a local infiltration; the palatal gum needs a separate injection.

How to identify it

Which tooth: One long, pointed cusp and the longest root in the mouth.
Upper or lower: Upper: a sharper cusp and a broader crown with a strong cingulum and lingual ridge; the lower canine is narrower and smoother lingually, and its mesial outline runs almost straight into the root.
Right or left: The mesial cusp ridge is shorter than the distal one, and the distal contact area lies closer to the root. Hold it crown down with the lip side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Maxillary right canine (13 · #6), Maxillary left canine (23 · #11)

Mandibular canine (lower)

The mandibular cornerstone tooth: a long single-cusped tooth with a long root, narrower than its maxillary counterpart.

Function. Grasping and tearing food; lateral guidance.

Notes. Occasionally has a bifurcated root.

Roots: One, occasionally bifurcated
Root canals: Usually one
Eruption: About 9–10 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Incisive nerve (inferior alveolar nerve, V3).
Cheek or lip side gum: Mental nerve.
Tongue side gum: Lingual nerve.
Numbing: An inferior alveolar block, or an incisive block at the mental foramen, which also reaches the premolars and incisors on that side.

How to identify it

Which tooth: One pointed cusp on a long, single root.
Upper or lower: Lower: a narrower crown that is smooth lingually, a blunter cusp, and a mesial outline that runs almost straight into the root; the upper canine is broader, with a strong cingulum and lingual ridge.
Right or left: The mesial cusp ridge is the shorter one and the mesial outline is almost straight with the root, while the distal contact area lies closer to the root. Hold it crown up with the lip side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Mandibular left canine (33 · #22), Mandibular right canine (43 · #27)

First premolars

Maxillary first premolar (upper)

A two-cusped (buccal and palatal) premolar. It usually has two roots, which distinguishes it from most other premolars.

Function. Transitions from tearing to grinding; holds and crushes food.

Notes. Frequently extracted for orthodontic space. Two canals are typical, so both must be located in endodontic treatment.

Roots: Usually two (buccal and palatal)
Root canals: Usually two
Eruption: About 10–11 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Anterior superior alveolar nerve, helped by the middle superior alveolar nerve where that branch exists (it is missing in many people).
Cheek or lip side gum: The same superior alveolar nerves.
Palatal gum: Greater palatine nerve.
Numbing: Usually a local infiltration; the palatal gum needs a separate greater palatine injection.

How to identify it

Which tooth: Two cusps, buccal (cheek side) and palatal, with the buccal cusp clearly the larger; most often two roots, one buccal and one palatal.
Upper or lower: Upper: two cusps of almost the same width on a crown that sits straight on the root; lower premolars tilt their crown towards the tongue, and the lower first premolar has only a tiny lingual cusp.
Right or left: A concavity on the mesial side of the crown neck, continuing onto the root and crossed by a groove over the mesial marginal ridge, marks mesial. Hold it crown down with the cheek side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Maxillary right first premolar (14 · #5), Maxillary left first premolar (24 · #12)

Mandibular first premolar (lower)

A premolar with a large buccal cusp and a small lingual cusp, giving it a canine-like appearance.

Function. Assists the canine in tearing and begins crushing.

Notes. Usually one canal, but canal anatomy is notably variable.

Roots: One
Root canals: Usually one, sometimes two
Eruption: About 10–12 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Inferior alveolar nerve (V3) through its incisive branch; the mental foramen usually lies below the premolar roots.
Cheek or lip side gum: Mental nerve.
Tongue side gum: Lingual nerve.
Numbing: An inferior alveolar block or an incisive block at the mental foramen.

How to identify it

Which tooth: Looks like a small canine: a large pointed buccal cusp, a tiny non-working lingual cusp and one root.
Upper or lower: Lower: the crown leans towards the tongue over the root and the lingual cusp is tiny; upper premolars have two cusps of similar width on an upright crown.
Right or left: A mesiolingual groove separates the mesial marginal ridge from the lingual cusp, and the mesial marginal ridge sits lower than the distal one. Hold it crown up with the cheek side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Mandibular left first premolar (34 · #21), Mandibular right first premolar (44 · #28)

Second premolars

Maxillary second premolar (upper)

A two-cusped premolar similar to the first premolar, with cusps closer in size and usually a single root.

Function. Crushing and grinding food.

Notes. Usually one canal, but two canals occur in a substantial minority.

Roots: Usually one
Root canals: One, sometimes two
Eruption: About 10–12 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Anterior superior alveolar nerve, helped by the middle superior alveolar nerve where that branch exists (it is missing in many people).
Cheek or lip side gum: The same superior alveolar nerves.
Palatal gum: Greater palatine nerve.
Numbing: Usually a local infiltration; the palatal gum needs a separate greater palatine injection.

How to identify it

Which tooth: Two cusps of almost equal height, a short central groove with extra small grooves, and usually a single root.
Upper or lower: Upper: buccal and palatal cusps of similar size on an upright crown; lower second premolars are squarer and often have two lingual cusps.
Right or left: There is no deep mesial concavity; the palatal cusp tip lies slightly mesial and the root often bends distally. Hold it crown down with the cheek side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Maxillary right second premolar (15 · #4), Maxillary left second premolar (25 · #13)

Mandibular second premolar (lower)

A premolar with a better-developed lingual portion than the first premolar, often with two lingual cusps.

Function. Crushing and grinding food.

Notes. The mental foramen commonly lies near the apices of the mandibular premolars — relevant to surgery and anaesthesia.

Roots: One
Root canals: Usually one
Eruption: About 11–12 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Inferior alveolar nerve (V3) through its incisive branch; the mental foramen usually lies below the premolar roots.
Cheek or lip side gum: Mental nerve.
Tongue side gum: Lingual nerve.
Numbing: An inferior alveolar block or an incisive block at the mental foramen.

How to identify it

Which tooth: A squarer crown with a larger lingual part than the first premolar: either three cusps (one buccal and two lingual, with Y-shaped grooves) or two cusps (H- or U-shaped grooves), and one root.
Upper or lower: Lower: the crown tilts towards the tongue on a single root; upper second premolars have two even cusps on an upright crown.
Right or left: In the three-cusp form the mesiolingual cusp is larger than the distolingual one; in the two-cusp form the lingual cusp tip lies mesially. Hold it crown up with the cheek side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Mandibular left second premolar (35 · #20), Mandibular right second premolar (45 · #29)

First molars

Maxillary first molar (upper)

The largest tooth of the maxillary arch, with four major cusps and three roots: mesiobuccal, distobuccal and palatal.

Function. Primary grinding tooth; a key determinant of the occlusal relationship between the jaws.

Notes. The mesiobuccal root frequently contains a second canal (MB2), which is easily missed in root canal treatment. Its roots lie close to the floor of the maxillary sinus.

Roots: Three (mesiobuccal, distobuccal, palatal)
Root canals: Three or four — a second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) is frequently present
Eruption: About 6–7 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Posterior superior alveolar nerve, which always contributes; where a middle superior alveolar nerve exists, it also supplies this tooth in some people.
Cheek or lip side gum: Posterior superior alveolar nerve.
Palatal gum: Greater palatine nerve.
Numbing: Infiltration or a posterior superior alveolar block; a small share of people need an extra injection mesial to the tooth, and the palatal gum needs a greater palatine injection.

How to identify it

Which tooth: The largest upper crown: four main cusps, an oblique ridge from the mesiopalatal to the distobuccal cusp, often an extra Carabelli cusp on the palatal side, and three widely spread roots.
Upper or lower: Upper: three roots (two buccal and one long palatal) and a rhomboid crown outline; lower molars have two roots, mesial and distal.
Right or left: Turn the single palatal root towards the tongue. The large mesiopalatal cusp (with the Carabelli cusp, if present) and the broad mesiobuccal root are mesial, and the roots lean distally. Hold it crown down with the cheek side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Maxillary right first molar (16 · #3), Maxillary left first molar (26 · #14)

Mandibular first molar (lower)

The largest mandibular tooth: five cusps on a broad crown and two well-separated roots, mesial and distal.

Function. Primary grinding tooth of the lower arch.

Notes. Among the teeth most often restored and treated endodontically. The mesial root typically carries two canals (mesiobuccal and mesiolingual); the distal root one, sometimes two.

Roots: Two (mesial and distal)
Root canals: Usually three
Eruption: About 6–7 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Inferior alveolar nerve (V3), running in the mandibular canal below the roots.
Cheek or lip side gum: Buccal (long buccal) nerve.
Tongue side gum: Lingual nerve.
Numbing: An inferior alveolar block, which usually also reaches the lingual nerve; the cheek side gum needs a separate buccal nerve injection. The buccal nerve can also reach the molars through small retromolar foramina, one cause of incomplete numbness.

How to identify it

Which tooth: Five cusps: three on the buccal side (mesiobuccal, distobuccal and a small distal cusp) and two on the lingual side, plus two well-separated roots, mesial and distal.
Upper or lower: Lower: two roots side by side (mesial and distal) and a crown longer front to back than cheek to tongue; upper molars have three roots, including a palatal one.
Right or left: The small distal cusp marks the distal end, the lingual cusps are higher and more pointed, the mesial root curves distally and the straighter distal root slopes distally. Hold it crown up with the cheek side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Mandibular left first molar (36 · #19), Mandibular right first molar (46 · #30)

Second molars

Maxillary second molar (upper)

A smaller molar behind the first molar, with three roots that are often closer together.

Function. Grinding food.

Notes. Roots may be partly fused; relationship to the maxillary sinus is clinically relevant.

Roots: Usually three, sometimes fused
Root canals: Usually three
Eruption: About 12–13 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Posterior superior alveolar nerve, which enters the back of the maxilla near the tuberosity.
Cheek or lip side gum: Posterior superior alveolar nerve.
Palatal gum: Greater palatine nerve, which leaves the greater palatine foramen, usually palatal to the second or third molar.
Numbing: Infiltration or a posterior superior alveolar block; the palatal gum needs a greater palatine injection.

How to identify it

Which tooth: Smaller than the first molar, with a small or missing distopalatal cusp (often a heart-shaped, three-cusp outline), rarely a Carabelli cusp, and three roots that lie closer together.
Upper or lower: Upper: three roots (two buccal and one palatal); lower molars have two.
Right or left: Turn the palatal root towards the tongue; the roots lean distally and the mesial half of the crown is the larger. Hold it crown down with the cheek side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Maxillary right second molar (17 · #2), Maxillary left second molar (27 · #15)

Mandibular second molar (lower)

A four-cusped molar with two roots that are often closer together than those of the first molar.

Function. Grinding food.

Notes. Roots may converge or fuse; C-shaped canal configurations occur in some populations.

Roots: Two, sometimes fused
Root canals: Usually three
Eruption: About 11–13 years

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Inferior alveolar nerve (V3), running in the mandibular canal below the roots.
Cheek or lip side gum: Buccal (long buccal) nerve.
Tongue side gum: Lingual nerve.
Numbing: An inferior alveolar block, plus a buccal nerve injection for the cheek side gum.

How to identify it

Which tooth: Four cusps of similar size whose grooves cross in a plus-sign pattern, and two roots that are closer together and more parallel than the first molar’s.
Upper or lower: Lower: two roots side by side (mesial and distal) and a crown longer front to back than cheek to tongue; upper molars have three roots, including a palatal one.
Right or left: The roots slope distally and the mesiobuccal cusp is the largest. Hold it crown up with the cheek side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Mandibular left second molar (37 · #18), Mandibular right second molar (47 · #31)

Third molars

Maxillary third molar (upper)

The wisdom tooth — the last tooth of the arch, with the most variable crown and root form.

Function. Grinding when erupted in function.

Notes. Often impacted or partially erupted; frequently extracted. In Dental Scope this tooth is a derived approximation (see provenance).

Roots: Variable, often fused
Root canals: Variable
Eruption: About 17–21 years, if at all

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Posterior superior alveolar nerve.
Cheek or lip side gum: Posterior superior alveolar nerve.
Palatal gum: Greater palatine nerve, which leaves the greater palatine foramen, usually palatal to the second or third molar.
Numbing: Infiltration or a posterior superior alveolar block; the palatal gum needs a greater palatine injection.

How to identify it

Which tooth: The most variable tooth: usually a small, heart-shaped crown with three cusps and short roots that are often fused.
Upper or lower: Upper: any separate roots are two buccal and one palatal; lower third molars are longer front to back and usually keep a mesial and a distal root.
Right or left: The fused roots usually bend distally. With this much variation, identification is often by elimination. Hold it crown down with the cheek side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Maxillary right third molar (18 · #1), Maxillary left third molar (28 · #16)

Mandibular third molar (lower)

The mandibular wisdom tooth, highly variable in form and position.

Function. Grinding when erupted in function.

Notes. Frequently impacted. Its roots may lie close to the inferior alveolar canal, and the lingual nerve runs close to the lingual plate here. In Dental Scope this tooth is a derived approximation (see provenance).

Roots: Two, often fused
Root canals: Variable
Eruption: About 17–21 years, if at all

Nerve supply

Tooth (pulp): Inferior alveolar nerve (V3); the roots often lie close to the mandibular canal.
Cheek or lip side gum: Buccal (long buccal) nerve.
Tongue side gum: Lingual nerve, which can run just beneath the thin lingual bone beside this tooth.
Numbing: An inferior alveolar block, plus a buccal nerve injection for the cheek side gum.

How to identify it

Which tooth: Variable: a small crown with a wrinkled occlusal surface, four or five cusps, and short roots that are often fused.
Upper or lower: Lower: a crown longer front to back, with mesial and distal roots; upper third molars are often heart-shaped with three cusps.
Right or left: The roots, often fused, curve distally. Hold it crown up with the cheek side towards you: if mesial is on your right, it is from the right side of the mouth; if it is on your left, from the left side.

View in 3D: Mandibular left third molar (38 · #17), Mandibular right third molar (48 · #32)

Dental anatomy glossary

The structures you can select in the 3D model, in short.

Parts of a tooth

Crown: The part of the tooth covered by enamel, above the cementoenamel junction. Forms the working surface of the tooth for cutting, tearing or grinding.
Root: The part of the tooth covered by cementum, embedded in the alveolar bone and attached to it by the periodontal ligament. Anchors the tooth in the jaw and transmits chewing forces to the bone.
Cementoenamel junction (CEJ): The cementoenamel junction: the line where the enamel of the crown meets the cementum of the root, also called the cervical line.
Apex: The tip of the root.

Tooth tissues

Enamel: The outer covering of the crown and the hardest tissue in the human body, composed mostly of hydroxyapatite crystals. Provides a wear-resistant surface for chewing and protects the underlying dentin.
Dentin: The mineralised tissue that forms the bulk of the tooth, beneath the enamel in the crown and the cementum in the root. Supports the enamel and encloses the pulp. Dentinal tubules connect it with the pulp, making it sensitive.
Cementum: A thin layer of mineralised tissue covering the root dentin. Provides attachment for the fibres of the periodontal ligament that hold the tooth in its socket.
Pulp: The soft connective tissue at the centre of the tooth, containing blood vessels, nerves and the odontoblasts that form dentin. Forms dentin, nourishes the tooth and transmits sensation.
Pulp chamber: The part of the pulp cavity inside the crown and the cervical part of the tooth. Houses the coronal pulp; extensions toward the cusps form the pulp horns.
Pulp horn: An extension of the pulp chamber toward a cusp tip or incisal edge.
Root canals: The part of the pulp cavity that runs through the root(s), from the canal orifices to the apical foramen. Carries the nerves and blood vessels of the pulp between the tooth and the surrounding tissues.
Apical foramen: The opening at or near the root apex through which nerves and vessels enter and leave the pulp.

Periodontium (supporting tissues)

Periodontium: The tissues that support the teeth: gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar bone.
Gingiva: The gums: the part of the oral mucosa that covers the alveolar processes and surrounds the necks of the teeth. Protects the underlying periodontal tissues and forms a seal around each tooth.
Periodontal ligament (PDL): A thin layer of fibrous connective tissue between the root cementum and the alveolar bone. Suspends the tooth in its socket, absorbs chewing forces and provides sensory (proprioceptive) feedback.
Maxillary alveolar process: The ridge of the maxilla that contains the sockets (alveoli) of the upper teeth. Supports and anchors the teeth via the periodontal ligament.
Mandibular alveolar process: The upper part of the mandibular body containing the sockets of the lower teeth. Supports and anchors the lower teeth.

Jaws and joint

Maxilla: The paired bone forming the upper jaw. It holds the maxillary teeth, forms most of the hard palate and parts of the orbit floor and nasal cavity, and contains the maxillary sinus. Supports the upper dentition and the midface.
Maxillary sinus: An air-filled cavity in the body of the maxilla, below the orbit and lateral to the nasal cavity. Its floor lies near the roots of the upper premolars and molars. Mucus passes toward an opening high on its medial wall and then into the middle nasal meatus. The displayed space is derived from the atlas maxilla with approximate clearances; its ostium and drainage pathway are not modeled. Lightens the skull and adds resonance to the voice. Its mucous lining drains into the nose.
Mandible: The lower jaw — the only movable bone of the skull. It consists of a horseshoe-shaped body and two vertical rami ending in the condylar and coronoid processes. Holds the lower teeth and moves at the temporomandibular joints for chewing, speech and swallowing.
Mandibular condyle: The rounded head of the condylar process of the mandible, which articulates with the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint. Rotates and glides forward during jaw opening.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ): The temporomandibular joints connect the mandible to the temporal bones. Each is a synovial joint in which the mandibular condyle articulates with the mandibular fossa and articular eminence, separated by an articular disc. Allows both hinge (rotation) and gliding (translation) movements, so the jaw can open widely and move side to side.
Articular disc: A dense fibrous disc between the mandibular condyle and the temporal bone that divides each joint into upper and lower compartments. Allows smooth rotation and gliding and distributes load across the joint.
Mandibular foramen: The opening on the inner surface of the mandibular ramus where the inferior alveolar nerve and vessels enter the mandibular canal.
Mental foramen: An opening on the outer surface of the mandible, usually near the apices of the premolars, through which the mental nerve and vessels emerge.

Nerves and vessels

Inferior alveolar nerve: A branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3). It enters the mandibular foramen and runs through the mandibular canal beneath the roots of the lower teeth. Sensation to the mandibular teeth; gives off the mental nerve and continues as the incisive nerve.
Mental nerve: The terminal branch of the inferior alveolar nerve that emerges from the mental foramen. Sensation to the lower lip, chin and the labial gingiva of the anterior mandibular teeth.
Incisive nerve: The continuation of the inferior alveolar nerve within the bone, anterior to the mental foramen. Sensation to the mandibular canine and incisors.
Lingual nerve: A branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3) that runs forward medial to the ramus, close to the lingual plate near the third molar, to the floor of the mouth and tongue. General sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, the floor of the mouth and the lingual gingiva; it also carries taste fibres from the chorda tympani.
Infraorbital nerve: The continuation of the maxillary nerve (V2) through the floor of the orbit, emerging onto the face at the infraorbital foramen. Sensation to the lower eyelid, side of the nose and upper lip; gives rise to the anterior (and, when present, middle) superior alveolar nerves.
Posterior superior alveolar nerve: A branch of the maxillary nerve (V2) that enters the back of the maxilla near the tuberosity. Sensation to most maxillary molars and their buccal gingiva.
Middle superior alveolar nerve: A branch of the infraorbital nerve, present in only part of the population. When present, sensation to the maxillary premolars and part of the first molar.
Anterior superior alveolar nerve: A branch of the infraorbital nerve that descends in the anterior wall of the maxilla. Sensation to the maxillary incisors and canine.
Greater palatine nerve: A branch of the maxillary nerve (V2) from the pterygopalatine fossa. It descends through the greater palatine canal with the descending palatine artery and emerges from the greater palatine foramen, palatal to the upper molars. Sensation to the hard palate and the palatal gingiva from the canine backwards; near the canine its area overlaps with that of the nasopalatine nerve.
Nasopalatine nerve: A branch of the maxillary nerve (V2) that leaves the pterygopalatine fossa through the sphenopalatine foramen, runs down and forward on the nasal septum and enters the mouth through the incisive canal, just behind the central incisors. Sensation to the nasal septum and to the palatal mucosa and gingiva of the six upper front teeth. The right and left nerves join before they emerge from the incisive foramen.
Inferior alveolar artery: A branch of the maxillary artery that accompanies the inferior alveolar nerve through the mandibular canal. Blood supply to the mandible and mandibular teeth.

Muscles of mastication and the face

Masseter: A thick quadrilateral muscle from the zygomatic arch to the outer surface of the mandibular angle and ramus. Elevates the mandible (closes the jaw); a powerful muscle of mastication.
Temporalis: A fan-shaped muscle from the side of the skull that inserts on the coronoid process of the mandible. Elevates the mandible; its posterior fibres retract it.
Medial pterygoid: A muscle on the inner side of the mandibular ramus, mirroring the masseter. Elevates the mandible and helps move it forward and to the side.
Lateral pterygoid: A two-headed muscle running forward from the condyle and joint capsule to the sphenoid bone. Protrudes the mandible and helps open the jaw and move it to the opposite side.
Buccinator: The muscle of the cheek, deep in the lateral wall of the oral cavity. Keeps the cheek against the teeth and holds food on the occlusal surfaces during chewing.
Orbicularis oris: The sphincter-like muscle encircling the mouth within the lips. Closes and shapes the lips for speech, eating and expression.
Mentalis: A small muscle of the chin. Raises and protrudes the lower lip and wrinkles the skin of the chin.

Frequently asked questions

What is Dental Scope?

Dental Scope is a free, open-source, interactive 3D model of human dental anatomy that runs in the web browser. You can rotate the skull and jaws, select any of the 32 permanent teeth, peel away enamel and dentin to see the pulp and root canals, and look at the nerves, vessels and muscles around the teeth.

Is Dental Scope free?

Yes. It is free to use with no account or installation, and its source code is open under the MIT licence. The 3D anatomy is derived from BodyParts3D and shared under CC BY-SA 2.1 Japan.

Who is it for?

Dental students, dental hygiene and dental assisting students, teachers who want a 3D model to show in class, and anyone curious about how teeth are built and numbered.

Which tooth numbering systems does it support?

All three common systems. The FDI World Dental Federation system (ISO 3950) uses two digits: quadrant then position, so the lower left first molar is 36. The Universal system used in the United States numbers the teeth 1 to 32, making the same tooth #19. Palmer notation writes the quadrant and position, here LL6. Switch between them with the FDI, UNI and PAL buttons.

Can I see inside a tooth?

Yes. Select a tooth and open Dissect anatomy to separate it into enamel, dentin, cementum, periodontal ligament, pulp chamber and root canals, or use the Section tool to cut through the model.

Does it work on phones and tablets?

Yes, in any current version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari with WebGL, on desktop, tablet or phone.

Which languages is it available in?

English, Swedish, German, Spanish and Latin. The whole explorer, including the anatomical names and descriptions, is translated; choose a language with the flags at the top.

Can Dental Scope be used for diagnosis?

No. Dental Scope is an educational reference only. Internal tooth tissues are modeled with simplified proportions and nerves and vessels follow an anatomy atlas rather than measurements of one person, so it must not be used for diagnosis, treatment planning or clinical decisions.

Anatomy sources and licences

Made by Yoseph. The source code is on GitHub. The jaws, teeth, skull and muscles come from BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science, licensed under CC Attribution-Share Alike 2.1 Japan. Third molars, gums, alveolar bone and the joint are derived from those meshes; enamel, dentin, cementum, periodontal ligament, pulp and canals are modeled with simplified proportions. The dental nerve and vessel paths follow the Z-Anatomy atlas (CC BY-SA 4.0), fitted onto these jaws; the superior alveolar nerves, the inferior alveolar vein and the pterygoid plexus are schematic. V1, VII, IX, X and XII additions, skull-exit markers and joint movement are schematic teaching examples. The maxillary sinuses are modeled inside the maxilla, as neither source includes them.

Dental Scope is an educational reference. It is not intended for diagnosis, treatment planning or clinical decisions.