What is formed when three surfaces meet on the crown surface of a tooth?

When three surfaces meet on the crown surface of a tooth, that specific junction is referred to as a point angle. This term describes a unique geometric configuration where the convergence of three different surfaces occurs. In dental anatomy, point angles are significant for understanding tooth structure and facilitating various clinical procedures.

While the other terms relate to tooth structure, they do not describe the convergence of three surfaces. A fossa refers to a depression or hollow area on the tooth surface, which is not defined by the meeting of surfaces. A cuspid specifically denotes a type of tooth, commonly known as a canine, characterized by a single pointed cusp, and it does not relate to the meeting of surfaces. The incisal edge is the cutting edge found on the anterior teeth, which is not a point where three surfaces meet but rather a specific location on the tooth's edge. Thus, the term point angle accurately captures the interaction of three surfaces on the tooth crown.