Dental problems

Background

Dental Numbering

Classic dental numbering.

Adult (permanent) teeth identified by numbers
- From the midline to the back of the mouth on each side, there is a central incisor, a lateral incisor, a canine, two premolars (bicuspids), and three molars
Children (non-permanent) teeth identified by letters
Common landmarks:
- 1: Right upper wisdom
- 8 & 9: Upper incisors
- 16: Left upper wisdom
- 17: Left lower wisdom
- 24 & 25: Lower incisors
- 32: Right lower wisdom

Diagram of the tooth displaying the enamel, dentin, and pulp

Anatomy of the periodontium. The crown of the tooth is covered by enamel (A). Dentin (B). The root of the tooth is covered by cementum. C, alveolar bone. D, subepithelial connective tissue. E, oral epithelium. F, free gingival margin. G, gingival sulcus. H, principal gingival fibers. I, alveolar crest fibers of the periodontal ligament (PDL). J, horizontal fibers of the PDL. K, oblique fibers of the PDL.

Tooth descriptors

Maxillary teeth: upper row
Mandibular teeth: lower row
Facial: Portion of tooth seen when the mouth is open/smiles. Applicable to all teeth
- Labial: facial surface of the incisors and canines
- Buccal: facial surface of the premolars and molars
Oral: Portion of tooth that faces the tongue or palate. Applies to all teeth
- Lingual: Toward the tongue; the oral surface of the mandibular teeth
- Palatal: Toward the palate; the oral surface of the maxillary teeth
Apical: Toward the tip of the root of the tooth
Coronal: Toward the crown or the biting surface of the tooth
- Occlusal: Biting or chewing surface of the premolars and molars
- Incisal: Biting or chewing surface of the incisors and canines
Approximal/interproximal: contacting surfaces between two adjacent teeth
- Mesial: interproximal surface facing anteriorly or closest to the midline
- Distal: interproximal surface facing posteriorly or away from the midline ^[1]