Description
The root (anatomical root) is the superior portion of the maxillary third molar tooth that is covered by cementum. It is separated from the crown by the cervical line, consists of three apices (mesiobuccal, distobuccal and lingual roots) and is lodged in the dental alveoli of the maxilla.
For descriptive purposes, the root of a maxillary tooth can be divided by two horizontal lines into three portions. From superior to inferior, these are the:
- apical third;
- middle third;
- cervical third.
The clinical root is a term used to describe the superior portion of a maxillary tooth that is covered by gingiva when viewed in the oral cavity.
