Root of Mandibular Third Molar Tooth

Description

The root (anatomical root) is the inferior portion of the mandibular third molar tooth that is covered by cementum. It is separated from the crown by the cervical line, consists of two apices (mesial and distal roots) and is lodged in the dental alveoli of the mandible.

For descriptive purposes, the root of a mandibular tooth can be divided by two horizontal lines into three portions. From superior to inferior, these are the:

- cervical third;

- middle third;

- apical third.

The clinical root is a term used to describe the inferior portion of a mandibular tooth that is covered by gingiva when viewed in the oral cavity.