Dental Assistant Practice Exam

How is a trifurcated tooth defined?

1. Tooth with one root

2. Tooth with two roots

3. Tooth with three roots

4. Tooth with four roots

The correct answer is: Tooth with three roots

A trifurcated tooth is defined as a tooth that has three distinct roots. This anatomical feature is commonly found in some molars, particularly maxillary molars, which have three roots: two buccal roots (mesiobuccal and distobuccal) and one palatal root. The presence of three roots allows for better stability and support of the tooth within the dental arch, facilitating the ability to withstand the forces of mastication. Understanding the definition of a trifurcated tooth is crucial in dentistry as it aids in diagnosis, treatment planning, and performing procedures such as root canal therapy or extractions. In contrast, teeth with one or two roots do not exhibit this characteristic division into three distinct root structures, and a tooth with four roots would be classified as a quadrifurcated tooth, which does not fall under the trifurcation definition.