Tooth Numbering System in Dentistry

Tooth Numbering Systems

• A tooth numbering system is used by dentists to identify and specify information about a particular tooth, allowing for easy identification, communication, and dental record maintenance.

Types of Tooth Numbering Systems

• There are three commonly used systems: Zsigmondy-Palmer system, Universal Numbering System, and FDI system numbering system.

Dental Quadrants

• The whole dentition is divided into four quadrants or sections: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left.

Zsigmondy-Palmer System (┘└ ┐┌)

• Developed by Adolf Zsigmondy in 1861, using a Zsigmondy cross to record quadrants of tooth positions.
• Uses numbers for permanent teeth and Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, V) for primary teeth.
• Consists of a symbol indicating the quadrant and a number indicating the position from the midline.
• Named after American dentist Dr. Corydon Palmer.

Universal Tooth Numbering System

• Proposed by German dentist Julius Parreidt in 1882 and accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 1968.
• Used by dental professionals in America.
• For primary teeth: starts from the upper arch right side to left side, lettered A to J.
• For permanent teeth: assigned numbers sequentially, starting from the posterior most region of the upper first quadrant.

FDI System (Federation Dentaire Internationale)

• A two-digit system for both primary and permanent dentitions, also known as the ISO 3950 notation system.
• Used to record information on the health of a patient's teeth and share information with other oral health professionals.
• Orientation of the chart is traditionally "dentist's view".
• For adults: the mouth is divided into quadrants numbered from 1 to 4 clockwise from the dentist's view, with teeth numbered from 1 to 8.
• For children: the mouth is divided into quadrants numbered from 5 to 8 clockwise.