Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What is the anatomical point where the enamel stops and cementum begins?

1. Anatomical crown

2. Clinical crown

3. Cemento-Enamel Junction

4. Root tip

The correct answer is: Cemento-Enamel Junction

The anatomical point where the enamel stops and cementum begins is known as the Cemento-Enamel Junction (CEJ). This junction plays a crucial role in dentistry as it marks the boundary between the two types of dental hard tissues: enamel— which covers the anatomical crown of the tooth—and cementum, which covers the root. Understanding this junction is important because it is significant in various dental treatments and assessments, including root scaling and planning for restorative procedures. The CEJ also helps in evaluating periodontal health, as changes in this area can indicate gum disease or other oral health conditions. While the other terms mentioned relate to different aspects of dental anatomy, they do not specifically describe the point where enamel meets cementum. The anatomical crown refers to the part of the tooth covered by enamel, the clinical crown refers to the visible part of the tooth above the gum line regardless of the underlying structures, and the root tip refers to the end of the tooth root, farthest from the crown and deeper in the jawbone.