What are cusps for?
They form the shaped chewing surface.
← All explanationsTooth cusp
Why are chewing surfaces not flat?
A cusp is a raised part of a tooth crown. On back teeth, cusps combine with grooves and hollows to form the chewing surface. Their number and shape vary with tooth type and development; not every uneven area is damage.
For training & practice ↓
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Raised and recessed areas
The shaped surface helps break down food. Cusps are tooth structure, not deposits or attached stones.
Working together in the bite
Upper and lower surfaces work together during chewing. A new filling is also checked for interfering contacts.
If a piece breaks
A newly fractured cusp or pain on biting needs assessment. Do not file it down or repeatedly bite to test it.
At a glance
What is assessed with symptoms?
Tooth tissue, cracks and bite contacts.
What should be avoided?
Do not file the tooth or use hard objects as a bite test.
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
Raised and recessed areas
The shaped surface helps break down food. Cusps are tooth structure, not deposits or attached stones.
Working together in the bite
Upper and lower surfaces work together during chewing. A new filling is also checked for interfering contacts.
If a piece breaks
A newly fractured cusp or pain on biting needs assessment. Do not file it down or repeatedly bite to test it.
Often confused
Cusp or fissure?
A cusp is a raised area. A fissure is a narrow groove within the chewing surface.
Quick answers
Do all back teeth have the same number?
No. Tooth types and individual forms differ. One count does not apply to every tooth.
Is a dark groove between cusps decay?
Not necessarily. Staining and decay need assessment on the actual tooth.
Can a broken cusp be restored?
Treatment may be possible; the choice depends on remaining tissue, crack extent and tooth condition.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Is only a cusp affected, or does the change extend deeper?
A new sharp edge or chewing pain? Have the tooth and bite checked.
Have the tooth and bite checkedAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Occlusal
- Relating to the chewing surface.
- Fissure
- A narrow groove in the tooth surface.
- Cusp fracture
- Fracture of part of a cusp.
Make the distinction
A cusp is a raised area. A fissure is a narrow groove within the chewing surface.
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.