Dental Assistant Practice Exam

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What is the term for the portion of the tooth that is encased in enamel and extends above the gum line?

Anatomical crown
Apex
Cemento-Enamel Junction
Clinical crown

The correct answer is: Anatomical crown

The term for the portion of the tooth that is encased in enamel and extends above the gum line is known as the anatomical crown. This part of the tooth is covered by a hard, protective layer called enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body and serves to protect the underlying dentin and pulp from damage and decay. The anatomical crown is distinct from other terms associated with dental anatomy. For instance, the clinical crown refers to the part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line, but this can change due to gum recession or other conditions, making it a less stable descriptor. The apex refers to the tip of the tooth’s root, while the cemento-enamel junction is the area where the enamel meets the cementum that covers the root of the tooth. Therefore, the anatomical crown accurately describes the entire portion of the tooth that is covered by enamel and is present above the gum line.