The maxillary canines are generally considered the longest teeth in humans, measuring from the crown to the root tip. However, the term "tallest" can be ambiguous, as it could refer to crown height alone, or total length including the root.
Understanding Tooth Length and Height
The provided references highlight several key points regarding tooth size:
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Crown vs. Total Length: Some sources emphasize the maxillary canines as the longest teeth overall, encompassing both crown and root. (Which Tooth Is The Longest? - StudentRDH Blog) This suggests that while other teeth may have taller crowns, the canines have a longer overall length.
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Canine Length: Another source specifically mentions that canines are the longest type of tooth, extending further into the mouth and deeper into the jaw. ([Canines](Reference provided in question prompt)) This corroborates the findings about maximal canine length.
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Variability: Tooth size varies considerably between individuals and species. Human tooth size is influenced by genetics, nutrition, and other factors. The references regarding fossil teeth and mosasaurs illustrate the significant size variations among different species. (How large can a mosasaur tooth reach(only measuring crown ..., Paleobiologist clarifies scientific record of the size of extinct ...)
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Measurement Considerations: Precision in measuring tooth height depends on the method used. A study analyzing tooth loss and height mentions that adult height reflects early life conditions. (Association between adult height and tooth loss in a representative ...) This indirectly implies that accurate tooth measurements require careful consideration of developmental factors. The mention of a 10.57 mm height on a dental matrix ring highlights the precision needed for even small measurements. (Composi-Tight® 3D Fusion™ Matrix Rings)
In summary: While the "tallest" tooth depends on the definition (crown height or total length), the maxillary canines generally possess the greatest overall length. However, this is a generalization; individual variation exists.
