Intro to Dentistry

An adult tooth is divided into:

Exposed crown and submerged root

Exposed crown

Visible to naked eye

Submerged root

Underneath gingiva

The exposed crown and submerged root both join at the ___

Cementoenamel junction

What is enamel?

Hardest portion of the tooth, ~96% mineral

Where is enamel the hardest?

Biting edges/cusps

Is enamel living tissue?

No, it contains no nerves

How does primary tooth enamel differ from permanent enamel?

It is softer and thinner

Can enamel regenerate?

No

What is cementum?

Layer covering the tooth root

Cementum is similar in composition to what?

Bone

Can cementum regenerate?

Yes

What is dentin?

Calcified tissue surrounding the pulp underneath enamel

How does dentin change with age?

Thin in immature adult teeth then becomes thicker over time

What is the pulp?

Innermost tooth portion containing nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatics

What is pulp within the crown called?

Pulp chamber

What is pulp within the root called?

Root canal

What can cause pain involving the pulp?

Inflammation, nerve exposure from fractures, or bacterial infection through the apical delta/delta foramina

What structures make up the periodontium?

Cementum, alveolar bone, gingiva, and periodontal ligament

What is the function of the periodontium?

Surrounds and holds the tooth in place

What is gingiva?

Tissue around the tooth that protects the underlying alveolar bone

What does the periodontal ligament connect?

Cementum to alveolar bone

What does the periodontal ligament have a rich supply of?

Nerves and blood vessels

What is the function of alveolar bone?

Surrounds and supports tooth roots

What happens to alveolar bone when a tooth is lost?

It resorbs, causing loss of alveolar ridge dimensions

What is alveolar bone called radiographically?

Lamina dura

What cells constantly remodel alveolar bone?

Osteoblasts and osteoclasts

How many incisors are in the maxilla and mandible?

6 maxillary and 6 mandibular

What are the functions of incisors?

Cutting, nibbling, grooming, and grasping

How many roots do incisors have?

1 root

How many canine teeth are present?

2 maxillary and 2 mandibular

What are the functions of canine teeth?

Grabbing/tearing food and protection

How many roots do canine teeth have?

1 root

How does the canine root compare to its crown?

Root is longer than the crown

Which teeth are most prone to fractures?

Canine teeth

Where are premolars located?

Behind the canines

What are the functions of premolars?

Shearing and crushing food

How many premolars do dogs have?

8 maxillary and 8 mandibular

How many premolars do cats have?

6 maxillary and 4 mandibular

How many roots can maxillary premolars have?

1-3 roots

How many roots can mandibular premolars have?

1-2 roots

Where are molars located?

Behind the premolars

What are the functions of molars?

Grinding and crushing food

How many molars do dogs have?

4 maxillary and 6 mandibular

How many roots do dog molars have?

2-3 roots

How many molars do cats have?

2 maxillary and 2 mandibular

How many roots do cat molars have?

1-2 roots

What are carnassial teeth?

Large, pointed cheek teeth in carnivores

What is the function of carnassial teeth?

Shearing flesh and bone

Which teeth are the carnassial teeth?

Upper 4th premolar and lower 1st molar

Mesaticephalic

Medium length and width

Examples of mesaticephalic breeds

Poodles, labs, shorthair cats

Doliocephalic

Long and narrow

Examples of doliocephalic breeds

Collies and greyhounds

Brachycephalic

Short and wide

Examples of brachycephalic breeds

Boxers, pugs, persians

Facial

Toward the face

Lingual

Toward the tongue

Palatal

Toward the palate on maxillary teeth

Mesial

Toward the midline

Rostral

Toward the nose

Buccal

Toward the cheeks

Furcation

Space between two roots where they meet the crown

Incisal

Biting surface of incisors

Occlusal

Chewing surface

Coronal

Toward the crown

Apical

Toward the roots

Contact area

Area touching the adjacent tooth in the same arch

Interproximal space

Area between adjacent teeth

What does a dental formula describe?

Number of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars

What do I, C, P, and M stand for?

Incisor, canine, premolar, molar

How many permanent teeth does an adult dog have?

42

Adult canine dental formula

2 x (I 3/3, C 1/1, P 4/4, M 2/3)

How many permanent teeth does an adult cat have?

30

Adult feline dental formula

2 x (I 3/3, C 1/1, P 3/2, M 1/1) = 30

What is the Triadan system?

3 digit numbering system for identifying teeth

How many quadrants are used in the Triadan system?

4

What does the first Triadan digit identify?

Quadrant of the mouth

In what direction do the quadrants move?

Clockwise

Adult quadrant 1

Upper right

Adult quadrant 2

Upper left

Adult quadrant 3

Lower left

Adult quadrant 4

Lower right

Primary quadrant 5

Upper right

Primary quadrant 6

Upper left

Primary quadrant 7

Lower left

Primary quadrant 8

Lower right

What do the last two digits of a Triadan number identify?

The actual tooth

Where does Triadan counting begin?

Incisors in the middle of the mouth

What order are teeth counted in Triadan numbering?

Incisors, canine, premolars, molars

How are adult teeth written in the alphanumeric system?

Capitalized

How are deciduous teeth written in the alphanumeric system?

Lowercase

When should a complete oral exam be performed?

As soon as the patient is under anesthesia

What would you look for during the complete oral exam?

Masses, foreign bodies, fractures, deformities, missing teeth, lacerations, ulcerations, and abrasions

Where should you check for oral foreign bodies?

Palate, on/under tongue, and back of throat

Why take before and after dental pictures?

To show clients the importance of dental cleaning

Circled tooth

Missing

X on tooth

Extracted

CWD

Crowding of teeth

ROT

Rotated