What does the term explain?
The position and typical shape of a tooth type.
← All explanationsCanine tooth
Which tooth is a canine?
A canine is the third tooth from the centre of a dental arch. Its crown has a prominent point. It sits between the incisors and premolars; in the primary dentition, a primary molar follows it. A complete primary dentition and a complete permanent dentition each have four canines.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Third from the centre
Starting at the centre, two incisors are followed by the canine. The name describes a tooth type, not a disease.
One point, usually one root
The pointed crown helps bite and tear food. A canine usually has one long root; individual anatomy can vary.
Primary or permanent?
Children have canines too. Primary canines are replaced by permanent ones during tooth replacement. An examination establishes the individual situation.
At a glance
Is the point a problem?
Not in itself. Tooth condition, position and symptoms matter.
How is its position checked?
By examination, with further imaging only when needed to answer the specific question.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Third from the centre
Starting at the centre, two incisors are followed by the canine. The name describes a tooth type, not a disease.
One point, usually one root
The pointed crown helps bite and tear food. A canine usually has one long root; individual anatomy can vary.
Primary or permanent?
Children have canines too. Primary canines are replaced by permanent ones during tooth replacement. An examination establishes the individual situation.
Often confused
Canine or premolar?
The canine is the third tooth from the centre. A premolar is a small back tooth behind it, with a different chewing-surface shape.
Quick answers
Is a pointed canine unusual?
A visible point is part of its normal shape. Whether a particular shape, wear pattern or position needs treatment depends on the findings and symptoms.
Are canines and incisors the same?
No. Incisors have a cutting edge, while canines have a more prominent point. Both are in the front part of the dentition.
What if a canine is not visible?
It may not have erupted, may be displaced or may be absent. A photograph alone cannot distinguish these possibilities; a dental examination is appropriate.
At the practice
For a personal conversation
An editorially suggested question for a conversation with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Is the position of my canine unremarkable, or should it be examined more closely?
An unfamiliar tooth position or unclear finding can be discussed in person.
Discuss a tooth positionAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Canine
- The pointed tooth between the incisors and back teeth.
- Quadrant
- One of four sections of the dentition: right and left in each jaw.
- Cusp
- A raised part of a tooth crown; the canine has a prominent point.
Make the distinction
The canine is the third tooth from the centre. A premolar is a small back tooth behind it, with a different chewing-surface shape.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.