Dental anatomy and basic dental care

However, the Triadan system of dental nomenclature is more commonly used (Fig 1), which utilises three digits to identify each tooth; the first digit refers to the quadrant and the second and third numbers refer to the specific tooth such that each tooth has a number and is easily identified for subsequent case discussion. Deciduous teeth are similarly numbered using the prefix 5–8 for the four quadrants (add 4 onto the first number of the adult formula). The deciduous incisors erupt within a few days of birth (01s), 4–6 weeks (02s) and 6–9 months (03s), respectively. These teeth are whiter and contain wider and shallower infundibulae than their permanent successors that erupt on their lingual aspect. The permanent incisors erupt at 2.5 years (01s), 3.5 years (02s) and 4.5 years (03s). Canine teeth (05s) are usually only present in males, although vestigial canines can be found in mares. Canines usually erupt around 5 years of age. Wolf teeth (06s) have no deciduous precursor and erupt around 1 year of age although many are lost when the deciduous precursor of the 06 is shed ...