Understand the Tooth Numbering Chart
The first thing you should know when it comes to tooth chart numbered is that they’re based on age, not location within the mouth. This means that the central incisors are labeled I1, no matter where they sit in relation to other teeth. Here’s an example of what this looks like in practice
Why Is There a Tooth Numbering System?
There are several reasons why dentists and hygienists use tooth numbers dental system. Understanding them can help you better understand what your dentist or hygienist is talking about when they refer to these numbers during an appointment. First, it’s important to know that even though teeth look similar from person to person, no two mouths are exactly alike. Because of variations in your bite, positioning and other unique dental factors, it’s easier for dentists and dental hygienists to communicate about your individual teeth by referring to them by number rather than by name. If everyone had his or her own names for every tooth in their mouth then communication would be a lot more complicated.
How Does the Tooth Numbering System Work?
Like we mentioned above, teeth are numbered with Roman numerals on X-rays and dental charts. But what is that numbering system based on? Essentially, it’s a simple guide to help dentists describe where they’re talking about: The first number is always I or J and refers to incisors (the teeth in front) or canines (the pointy ones next to your incisors). Meanwhile, II or IV describes premolars, which are behind your canines; III or V refers to molars, which are at the back of your mouth. Again, it sounds confusing but once you’ve seen a few charts and X-rays, it makes more sense.
What Does Each Part of The Tooth Number Mean?
The number itself indicates which tooth in your mouth it is, starting from your lower-left molar all of way to your upper-right third molar. But knowing what each number signifies can be a little tricky. Here’s a quick breakdown: First Digit: This part of the number refers to how many teeth come before it. For example, if there are only two teeth before it (the 2nd and 3rd molars), then 20 would refer to the right side 2nd molar. If there were three (the 4th, 5th and 6th), then you would use 40 for that same right side tooth.
Which Side is which, Front or Back?
Knowing how to read a tooth numbering chart will help you understand which teeth are on which side of your mouth. There’s a simple trick to finding out which side of your mouth any particular tooth is located: Simply number all of your teeth as if you were counting by ones. So, for example, if you have two front teeth and one molar on top, your top row would be labeled with 1-2-3. Start at 1 (or 2) and count by twos until you get to three—this would represent your two front teeth. The same goes for back row. If there are two molars and one front tooth on bottom, that’s row 3: 2-3.
Which Is Incisor, Canine, Premolar, Molar
In general, dental teeth are numbered from front to back on both sides of your mouth, top and bottom. If you imagine a tooth’s number as an x-axis (horizontal), a tooth’s name is its y-axis (vertical). Where these two axes intersect describes which tooth. At any given time, every one of your teeth has three numbers: its side-to-side number and its top-to-bottom number, along with a name. For example, if you have four wisdom teeth on top that start at the lower right, they would be labeled [3] [3] [7] in reference to their location in both planes and their names would be called cuspid teeth.
Incisors Versus Canines Versus Premolars Versus Molars
The American Dental Association (ADA) states that an average human being has 32 permanent teeth, which range in number from four to eight per quadrant. Using a numbering system that correlates to these teeth, we can also determine where each tooth is positioned on your dental arch. For example, tooth No. 9 corresponds with your left third molar, and teeth Nos. 4 through 8 correspond with your lower left lateral incisors. Here’s what else you need to know about dental teeth numbering.
How Many Teeth Do We Have?
Our mouth contains a total of 32 teeth, including our wisdom teeth. Twenty-eight of these teeth are located in our mouths, and four are considered temporary or deciduous molars—these fall out soon after we begin teething. Many adults have lost all of their deciduous molars by adulthood, but if any remain it’s not usually a problem for dental health. Just remember that when it comes to wisdom teeth, don’t count on them for wisdom! They’re often very impacted in some people and may need to be removed to avoid infection or periodontal disease later in life.
