If you’ve ever watched the show House, M.D., you may have heard one of the doctors mention the tooth numbering system when talking about the different teeth in the mouth. The tooth numbering system helps dentists and oral surgeons to identify specific teeth in relation to other teeth in the mouth, which makes it easier to carry out treatment plans more effectively and efficiently. Here’s how it works!
What Is A Dental Tooth Number Chart?
A dental tooth numbers chart helps dentists and other dental professionals keep track of which teeth are impacted by cavities, infections, or trauma. A list of numbers is associated with each tooth in a patient’s mouth, starting from one and continuing through to thirty-two (except for wisdom teeth—they aren’t typically included on tooth charts). Each number corresponds to a specific tooth, so it can be helpful for patients who aren’t aware of which particular molars or incisors need attention. When it comes time to schedule your next visit to a dentist, understanding how the numbering system works will help you communicate more effectively about any concerns you have about your oral health.
How Are Teeth Numbered?
A tooth numbering system assigns letters and numbers to teeth. Adult teeth in both upper and lower jaws have a tooth number for identification, starting with #1 on each side, moving toward your ears. #4 is located between your canine teeth, and #8 is located next to your incisors (next to your nose). These are all permanent teeth, meaning they will not grow back once they are lost (you also have baby teeth or primary teeth that fall out after a child reaches age 6). In some instances of dental treatment, a permanent tooth may be extracted and later replaced by an implant. For example, you may need implants because of lost or damaged natural-grown roots.
What Are Wisdom Teeth Numbers?
Wisdom teeth numbers can be a bit trickier, since they don’t fall in line with a basic tooth chart numbering system. First off, wisdom teeth are categorized as extra molars, and those usually fall between your first molars (the ones at either side of your front teeth) and third molars (the wisdom ones in back). If you count these topmost teeth, then your wisdom teeth would come out to 25. But that doesn’t mean you have only one third-molar tooth per quadrant. Like regular molars, wisdom teeth often appear in pairs—usually two upper and two lower—which is why there are so many different numbering systems for them out there.
What Are The Different Types Of Tooth Numbering System?
There are two different types of tooth numbering systems, one used in dentistry and another used in orthodontics. In general, dentists will use mesiodistal notation (or dental notation) while orthodontists will use buccolingual notation (or orthodontic notation). Most laypeople are familiar with dental terminology, so we’ll stick to that. To help you understand how it works, here is a diagram and explanation: As you can see above, there are four quadrants of teeth that are numbered. These numbers go from 1-8 starting at upper left front teeth and work clockwise through each quadrant.
What Are Teeth Numbers And Names?
Teeth are numbered and named based on their position in your mouth. Your top front teeth, for example, are teeth number 1 or central incisors. Teeth on each side of your central incisors are teeth number 2, and so on. Each set of teeth should be numbered separately; in other words, there is no tooth numbers chart 12. Also note that different sets of teeth have different names. In some cases, another term may also be used to describe a tooth (for example, wisdom teeth).
Universal Numbering System
The universal numbering system, a commonly used nomenclature for teeth, includes 18 teeth arranged in three arches of six. The upper arch consists of numbers 1 through 6 and is known as maxillary teeth. On either side are canines (3) and premolars (4, 5 and 6). These middle six teeth all share one root. In front of them are six more premolars, numbered 7 through 12 that share two roots with their neighboring molars behind them. All 12 of these premolars are known as mandibular teeth, or lower arch teeth.
Palmer Notation Numbering System
Palmer notation is a standard method of numbering teeth and is common in North America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The system identifies all 28 adult teeth (6 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars). Each tooth is identified by a three-number code such as 16-8-24. This means that there are 16 teeth on top (6 incisors), 8 teeth on bottom (4 incisors plus 4 canines), and 24 teeth total.