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Mandibular left canine

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

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FDI

33

Universal

22

Palmer

LL3

Roots

One, occasionally bifurcated

Root canals

Usually one

Eruption

About 9–10 years

Form and anatomy

The crown is long and narrower mesiodistally than the maxillary canine's. Its mesial outline runs almost in a straight line with the mesial surface of the root, and the cusp tip sits close to the centre or slightly mesial, with a short mesial and a longer distal cusp ridge. The cusp is less sharp than the maxillary canine's and often worn flat. The lingual surface is smoother, with a lower, smaller cingulum and less pronounced ridges. The root is long, wide labiolingually and grooved on its proximal sides; in a small proportion of teeth it divides into labial and lingual roots near the apex, each with its own canal. The mandibular canine's long root and strong bone support explain why it is often among the last teeth retained in older adults.

Function

Grasping and tearing food; lateral guidance.

Clinical relevance

Occasionally has a bifurcated root.

Neighbouring teeth

Mesial neighbour

Mandibular left lateral incisor

Distal neighbour

Mandibular left first premolar

Same tooth, other side

Mandibular right canine

Opposing tooth

Maxillary 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.