Teeth classification | Introduction

Dental anatomy is a field of anatomy dedicated to the study of human tooth structures. The development, appearance, and classification of teeth fall within its purview. Tooth formation begins before birth, and teeth's eventual morphology is dictated during this time. Dental anatomy is also a taxonomical science: it is concerned with the naming of teeth and the structures of which they are made, this information serving a practical purpose in dental treatment.

Usually, there are 20 primary ("baby") teeth and 28 to 32 permanent teeth, the last four being third molars or "wisdom teeth", each of which may or may not grow in. Among primary teeth, 10 usually are found in the maxilla (=upper jaw) and the other 10 in the mandible (=lower jaw). Among permanent teeth, 16 are found in the maxilla and the other 16 in the mandible. Most of the teeth have distinguishing features.

There are several different dental notation systems for associating information to a specific tooth. The three most common systems are the FDI (The Federation Dentaire Internationale Numbering System), Universal numbering system (dental), and Palmer notation method. The FDI system is used worldwide, and the universal is used widely in the USA.

taxonomical = adjective from the science or technique of taxonomy (=classification)
notation system = a system of figures or symbols used in a specialized field to represent items
fall within = fit within a certain range, category, or parameters
purview = an area within which someone or something has authority, influence, or knowledge
morphology = a particular form, shape, or structure
dictate = determine
molar = a grinding tooth at the back of a mammal's mouth

See also

Mouth

#dentistry