Deciduous Maxillary Central Incisor

There are two deciduous maxillary central incisors. They are centered in the maxillary dental arch. The deciduous maxillary central incisors have some resemblance in morphology and outline with the permanent maxillary central incisor. The deciduous maxillary central incisor performs a cutting function.

Development and Eruption of Primary Maxillary Central Incisor

The primary maxillary central incisor erupts into the oral cavity at the age of 10 months. The root of the tooth is completed by the age of 1.5 years. The deciduous maxillary central incisors are exfoliated by the age of 7 years and are replaced by the permanent maxillary central incisor teeth.

Labial Aspect

• The crown of the deciduous maxillary central incisor is wider mesiodistally as compared to the inciso-cervical length.
•  The mesial and the distal outlines of the crown of the deciduous maxillary central incisor are more rounded as compared to permanent maxillary central incisors.
• The incisal surface of the deciduous maxillary central incisor slopes towards the distal aspect.
• The mesioincisal angle is sharp and the distoincisal angle is rounded.
• The root is single and conical in shape. The root appears longer as compared to the length of the crown.
• The incisal surface of the newly erupted deciduous maxillary central incisor has no mamelons, unlike the permanent maxillary central incisor which has three mamelons on the incisal surface.
• The labial surface of the tooth is smooth with no developmental depression or grooves.

Lingual Aspect

• The cingulum is present on the cervical third of the crown. The cingulum is more well developed as compared to the permanent maxillary central incisor.
•  The mesial and distal marginal ridges are more prominent as compared to the permanent maxillary central incisor.
• A small fossa that is referred to as lingual or palatal fossa is present on the lingual aspect of the tooth.
• The root is narrower on the lingual side therefore part of the mesial and distal aspects of the tooth is visible from the lingual aspect.

Mesial Aspect

• The curvature of the cervical line is towards the incisal aspect. The extent of the curvature is more on the mesial aspect of the tooth.
• The crown of the deciduous maxillary central incisor appears thicker at the middle third of the crown.
• The mesial surface of the root has either a developmental depression or groove.

Distal Aspect

• The curvature of the cervical line on the distal aspect is less compared to the mesial aspect.
• The crown and the root of the deciduous maxillary central incisor on the distal aspect are convex and there is no developmental depression or groove.
• The cervical portion of the crown has well-developed cervical ridges of enamel. This feature is visible both from the mesial and distal aspects.

Incisal Aspect

• The crown of the deciduous maxillary central incisor appears wider as compared to the labiolingual dimension.
• The labial surface of the tooth is more broad and smooth as compared to the lingual surface.
• The incisal ridge is straight mesiodistally.

Video Lecture describing Morphology of Maxillary Deciduous Central Incisor

Demonstration of the Morphology of the Maxillary Deciduous Central Incisor