Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which dental term is associated with the structure of a tooth that has three cusps?

1. Trifurcated

2. Bifurcated

3. Pulp

4. Cusp

The correct answer is: Trifurcated

The term associated with the structure of a tooth that has three cusps is "trifurcated." In dental terminology, trifurcated refers to a tooth that is divided into three parts or branches. This is particularly applicable to certain molars that may exhibit three distinct cusps on their chewing surfaces, allowing for effective grinding of food. Understanding the specific arrangement and number of cusps is important in dental practice, as it influences the tooth's function, the complexity of dental procedures, and the anatomical considerations for restorative work. In contrast, bifurcated refers to a splitting into two parts, which is not applicable here since the question specifically asks about three cusps. Terms like pulp and cusp describe different aspects of tooth structure, but they do not specifically indicate the branching nature of a tooth's anatomy.