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Maxillary left canine
A long, single-cusped tooth at the corner of the arch. The maxillary canine usually has the longest root in the dentition.
- FDI
- 23
- Universal
- 11
- Palmer
- UL3
- Roots
- One long root
- Root canals
- Usually one canal
- Eruption
- About 11–12 years
Form and anatomy
This is usually the longest tooth in the mouth. The crown has a single pointed cusp; its mesial cusp ridge is shorter than the distal cusp ridge, so the cusp tip lies slightly mesial to the centre and the labial outline looks pentagonal. A vertical labial ridge runs from the cusp tip toward the cervical line, and on the lingual side a lingual ridge divides the surface into shallow mesial and distal fossae above a large cingulum. The root is thick labiolingually and very long, often about one and a half times the crown length, and the bony ridge it raises over the maxilla (the canine eminence) supports the corner of the mouth. Because it erupts late and has a long path to travel, the developing canine is monitored in children when it cannot be felt in the buccal sulcus.
Function
Grasping and tearing food; guides the jaw in lateral movements (canine guidance); supports the corner of the lip.
Clinical relevance
Its long root anchors it well; it is a common site of impaction, usually palatally.
Neighbouring teeth
- Mesial neighbour
- Maxillary left lateral incisor
- Distal neighbour
- Maxillary left first premolar
- Same tooth, other side
- Maxillary right canine
- Opposing tooth
- Mandibular left canine
This text is a draft and has not yet been reviewed by a dental professional. Educational reference only, not for diagnosis or treatment.