Does Every Tooth Have a Name? Dentist Explains Human Tooth Naming System & Functions

Outline

1. Introduction

Core question: How many teeth do humans have? Why does each tooth have a specific name?

Engaging hook: Like fingerprints, each tooth is unique with distinct functions

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2. Basic Tooth Classification

Deciduous teeth (20) vs Permanent teeth (28-32)

Four functional groups:

Incisors (cutting)

Canines (tearing)

Premolars (crushing)

Molars (grinding)

3. Permanent Teeth Naming Guide (~600 words)

Maxillary Teeth (Upper Jaw, 14-16 teeth)

Mandibular Teeth (Lower Jaw, 14-16 teeth)

(Mirror table structure)

Includes: FDI Tooth Numbering System Diagram

4. How Dentists Record Tooth Positions?

FDI Two-Digit System:

First digit: Quadrant (1-4 permanent, 5-8 deciduous)

Second digit: Tooth position (1-8 from midline)

Example: #16 = Upper right first molar

Clinical Applications:

Medical records ("Caries on 26" = Upper left first molar)

Treatment planning

Insurance documentation

5. Special Teeth Explained

Wisdom teeth (Third molars): Evolutionary remnants

Supernumerary teeth: Extra teeth

Fused teeth: Two joined teeth

Impacted teeth: Failed eruption

6. Clinical Significance of Tooth Names

Treatment complexity:

Molar root canals (3-4 canals)

Canine extractions (longest roots)

Restoration choices:

Incisors: Aesthetic focus (veneers)

Molars: Durability focus (crowns)

7. Fun Dental Facts

Crocodiles have 50 replaceable teet

Sharks replace teeth weekly

Human incisors withstand 20kg bite force

First numbering system by Greek physicians