Introduction to Human
dentition
Prepared by : Dr Hanaa Salem Moubarak
Lecturer of Oral Biology
Minia university/ lotus univeristy
Definition
The study of development,
morphology, function, identity of
human teeth as well as the way
they relate in shape, form,
structure, color and function to
other teeth in the same dental
arch and of opposing arch
Function of teeth
Mastication Break down food into smaller pieces for
(Chewing) easier swallowing and digestion.
Aid in articulation and pronunciation of
Speech sounds by guiding tongue and lip
movements.
Contribute to facial appearance, smile,
Esthetics and overall self-confidence.
Provide structural support to lips and
Support cheeks, maintaining facial profile.
Help in jaw movement and proper
Guidance alignment during biting and chewing.
Overview of Human Incisors
Teeth Types Incisors are sharp-edged front teeth used for cutting
food into manageable pieces during chewing.
Canines
Canines are pointed teeth designed for tearing food
and gripping items, especially meat.
Premolars
Premolars have cusps that tear, crush and grind
food into smaller particles for digestion.
Molars
Anterior Posterior Molars are the largest teeth at the back, responsible
for thoroughly grinding food before swallowing.
Maxillary teeth
(maxilla= upper jaw)
Mandibular teeth
(mandible=lower jaw)
Dentition Sets in Humans
Definition and Eruption Timeline
Primary teeth, also called deciduous, baby, milk
teeth or predecessors, start erupting at six months
and complete by age three.
Dental Formula Explained
I:2/2 - C:1/1 - M:2/2
The dental formula [Link] shows two incisors, one
canine, no premolars, and two molars per quadrant.
I: incisor, C: canine, M: Molar
Functions of Primary Teeth
Primary (Deciduous) These teeth aid in chewing, speech development,
and maintain space for permanent teeth.
Dentition 8
Permanent Dentition
The second and final set of teeth, also called
succedaneous,
erupting from age six into adulthood.
Dental Formula
I:2/2 - C:1/1 - P:2/2 - M:3/3
The formula [Link] per quadrant
I: incisor, C: canine, P: Premolar, M: Molar
Functional Importance
Permanent teeth enable effective chewing, clear speech,
and contribute to overall oral health.
Enhanced Functionality
Premolars and additional molars in permanent dentition
improve chewing efficiency compared to primary teeth. 9
Total number=32
Total number=20
Each quarter has:
Each quarter has:
2 incisors
2 incisors
1 canine
1 canine B permanent dentition 2 premolars
2 molars
3 molars
Primary Dentition Period
The primary dentition begins at 6 months with the first
baby tooth and ends near 6 years at first permanent
molar eruption.
Mixed Dentition Period
Mixed dentition from 6 to 12 years, starts by eruption of
lower first permanent molar, features both deciduous
and permanent teeth with temporary misalignment.
Permanent Dentition Period
Permanent dentition starts around 12 years with
shedding of last baby tooth and lasts throughout life.
Age Range of Stage
Ugly duckling stage The Ugly Duckling Stage typically occurs between
7 and 12 years during dental development.
Cause of Spacing
Spacing happens due to permanent canines
erupting and pushing adjacent teeth apart
naturally.
Natural Resolution
As canines settle, gaps close naturally without
orthodontic treatment in most cases.
Parental Reassurance
This stage is normal dental development and
usually does not require intervention.
Introduction to Tooth
Numbering Systems
Importance and
Overview
Role in Dentistry
Tooth numbering systems standardize identification,
improving diagnosis and communication among dental
professionals.
Primary Numbering Systems
Main systems include FDI, Universal, and Palmer, each
with distinct formats and regional uses.
Global Usage and Variations
Usage varies worldwide; FDI is international, Universal
common in US, Palmer popular in UK.
Modern Integration
Systems integrate with digital records and AI to enhance
clinical utility and accuracy.
Quadrant-Based Notation System
Palmer Notation uses quadrant symbols and
numbers to clearly identify tooth locations in dental
charts.
Primary and Permanent Teeth Labeling
Permanent teeth are numbered 1 to 8, while primary
teeth are labeled A to E in the Palmer system.
Educational and Manual Use
The method provides visual clarity, making it popular
in education and hand-drawn dental charting.
Limitations for Digital Systems
Graphical symbols challenge digital integration and
limit use in electronic health records and global
communication.
Universal Numbering System System Overview
The Universal Numbering System numbers permanent
(American system- ADA) teeth 1 to 32 and labels primary teeth A to T for easy
identification.
# is add before the number
Ease of Use
This system is simple, easy to use for manual charting
and keyboard input, making it popular in the U.S.
Limitations
Lacks quadrant specificity and international
acceptance, which can cause confusion in
collaborative dental environments.
Practical Usage
Widely used in American dental practice due to
historical usage and suitability for quick referencing.
[Link]
org/files/publications/cdt/ada_utds_value_set_v1_2022_aug.pdf
FDI World Dental Federation
System (ISO 3950) Numbering System Structure
The FDI system uses a two-digit format indicating
quadrant and tooth position from the midline.
Permanent and Primary Teeth Quadrants
Quadrants 1 to 4 represent permanent teeth; 5 to 8
represent primary teeth following the clockwise direction.
Clinical and Digital Compatibility
The system is compatible with computerized charting,
aiding digital dental records and AI diagnostics.
International Adoption
Widely adopted by WHO and FDI, it minimizes ambiguity
across international and multidisciplinary dental
practices.
Tooth anatomy
The tooth has two main parts:
1. Crown
2. Root
They are seperated by cemento enamel junction CEJ or
cervical line (neck)
There are four tissues from which the tooth is formed:
Enamel, Cementum, Dentin → hard tissues
Pulp → soft tissue (blood and nerve supply)
• Dentin : form the main bulk of tooth
• Enamel cover the dentin in the crown
• Cementum cover dentin in roots
• The pulp is enclosed in pulp cavity which
is divided into two parts:
• Pulp chamber:contain the coronal
pulp tissue
• Root canal: contain radicular pulp
• The pulp chamber has fine extensions
under cusps called pulp horn
• Root canals end with the apical foramen
• There may be accessory or lateral root
canals
Anatomical vs clinical crown/root
• Anatomical crown: part of the tooth
covered by enamel
• Clinical crown: part of the tooth seen
above the gingiva
• Anatomical root: part of the tooth
covered by cementum
• Clinical root: part of the tooth covered by
gingiva and not seen in the oral cavity
Anatomical vs clinical crown
Tooth Surfaces
Each tooth has 5 surfaces:
Buccal or Labial Surfaces
Buccal surface faces the cheek, mainly on posterior teeth; labial
surface faces the lips on anterior teeth.
Lingual or palatal Surface
The lingual surface faces the tongue and is present on all teeth, aiding
in speech and food manipulation. Palatal for upper teeth and face the
palate
Mesial and Distal Surfaces
Mesial surface faces the midline of the dental arch; distal surface faces
away from the midline.
Occlusal or Incisal Surfaces
Occlusal surface is the chewing surface of posterior teeth; incisal edge
is the cutting surface of anterior teeth. 28