DENT 111: Oral Anatomy Module 1

Introduction to Oral Anatomy

• Oral anatomy is the study of the stomatognathic system, encompassing the teeth and supporting structures.
• Key terms: "stoma" refers to the mouth, while "gnatha" relates to the jaw or temporomandibular joint.

Dentition Formation

• Human dentition is classified as diphyodont and heterodont:
  • Diphyodont means having two successive sets of teeth.
  • Heterodont describes the variety of tooth shapes aligning with their functions.

Dental Formulas

• Dental formulas describe the types and number of teeth in a half-arch:
  • Universal system uses letters and numbers. For example:
    • I = incisor
    • C = cuspid (canine)
    • PM = premolar
    • M = molar

Primary Dentition

• Primary teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, are the first set:
  • Begin erupting around 6 months old.
  • Usually, all primary teeth erupt by age 3.5.
  • Total count: 20 primary teeth.

Permanent Dentition

• The second set of teeth, known as permanent dentition:
  • First permanent tooth typically erupts around age 6.
  • All permanent teeth should emerge by ages 17-25, excluding third molars.
  • Total count: 32 permanent teeth.

Mixed Dentition

• Mixed dentition occurs when both primary and permanent teeth are present:
  • Typically observed between ages 6-12 until all primary teeth are shed.

Types of Teeth

• Dentition is categorized into anterior and posterior teeth:
  • Anterior Teeth (front teeth):
    • Incisors and cuspids (canines).
  • Posterior Teeth (at the corners):
    • Premolars and molars.