Organ
Dentition
Primary and permanent teeth with different tooth classes
High-yield
Per quadrant: primary teeth number two incisors, one canine and two molars. The permanent pattern adds two premolars and has three molars; third-molar presence and eruption vary.
Overview
The usual primary dentition contains 20 teeth. Permanent dentition can contain 32 when all third molars develop and erupt. Permanent incisors, canines and premolars replace primary teeth; the permanent molars are added behind them. Each tooth combines mineralized supporting tissues with a living pulp.
Reference facts
- Location
- Roots occupy alveolar sockets in the maxilla or mandible.
- Parts
- Enamel covers the crown, dentin forms its main bulk, and cementum covers the root. Pulp contains vessels and nerves; periodontal ligament connects cementum to socket bone.
- Blood supply
- Superior alveolar arterial branches supply upper teeth; inferior alveolar branches supply lower teeth.
- Innervation
- Superior alveolar branches of V2 supply upper teeth. Inferior alveolar branches of V3 supply lower teeth; its incisive branch continues anteriorly while the mental branch exits to the lip and chin.
- Relations
- Primary eruption usually begins in infancy and is largely complete by about age three. Permanent teeth begin erupting around six years; the later third-molar stage is variable.
- Function
- Incisors cut, canines assist tearing, and premolars and molars crush and grind; teeth also support articulation and facial form.
Clinical correlation
Decay begins with mineral loss at the tooth surface. Early enamel lesions can remineralize, whereas a formed cavity represents structural damage. Infection reaching the pulp and tissues around a root can spread beyond the tooth.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the dentition located?
The dentition lies roots occupy alveolar sockets in the maxilla or mandible.
What does the dentition do?
Incisors cut, canines assist tearing, and premolars and molars crush and grind; teeth also support articulation and facial form.
What are the parts of the dentition?
Enamel covers the crown, dentin forms its main bulk, and cementum covers the root. Pulp contains vessels and nerves; periodontal ligament connects cementum to socket bone.
What is the blood supply of the dentition?
Superior alveolar arterial branches supply upper teeth; inferior alveolar branches supply lower teeth.