Roots and canals of teeth. Access molars in lower molars

Date: 25.04.2019

Most of the oral cavity is occupied by organs, the main function of which is chewing and grinding food into smaller pieces. This contributes to its full digestion and better assimilation of nutrients. A tooth is an organ that has a characteristic shape and consists of several parts. The external visible part was called a crown in dentistry, the internal part - the root. The element connecting the crown and the root is the neck.

An interesting fact is that, unlike a crown, a tooth root may have more than one root. How many roots of teeth, as a rule, depends on the location and purpose of the organ. In addition, the hereditary factor affects its structure and the number of roots. A final clarification of the situation is possible only with the help of an x-ray.

The article provides detailed information about how many roots are in the frontal, lateral chewing teeth, as well as in the figure eight, or the so-called. In addition, you can find out what the purpose of the tooth root is, why chewing units need nerves. The dental advice provided in the following material will help prevent the development of dental diseases.

The tooth root is located in the inside of the gums. This invisible part makes up about 70% of the entire organ. An unequivocal answer to the question: how many roots does one or another organ have, since their number is individual for each individual patient.

Factors affecting the number of roots include:

location of the organ;
degree of load on it, functional features (chewing, frontal);
heredity;
patient age;
race.

Additional Information! The root system of representatives of the Negroid and Mongoloid race is somewhat different from the European one, it is more ramified than, in fact, a larger number of roots and channels are justified.

Dentists have developed a special tooth numbering system, thanks to which it is almost impossible for a specialist to get confused in units of the upper and lower dentition. To understand the principle of numbering, it is necessary to mentally divide the skull in half vertically. The first are the incisors - the frontal units of the upper and lower rows on the right and left. There are two on each side: central (No. 1) and side (No. 2). Next, fangs or the so-called triples follow. Four (No. 4) and five (No. 5) are the first and second premolar. And also these teeth are called small molars. All of the above units are united by the fact that they have only one “root” of a conical shape in both the upper and lower rows.

The situation with the first, second and third is somewhat different; we are talking about tooth number 6, 7 and 8. The upper six and seven (large molars) are endowed with three roots, however, in the wisdom tooth located on top, as a rule, there are also 3 bases . In the sixth tooth and in the 7th lower row, usually one root less than that of the upper counterparts. The exception is the lower eight, in this tooth there may even be not three, but four roots. This feature should be considered during the treatment of a four-channel tooth.

Additional Information! Many people mistakenly believe that the temporary milk teeth of their children do not have “roots”. This is absolutely untrue. There are reasons, and their number can reach three, with their help the chewing organs of babies are attached to the jaw. By the time of the change of dairy units to permanent “roots” disappear, as a result of which the parents have the opinion that they did not exist at all.

How many canals are in the teeth

It should immediately be noted that the number of channels does not have to correspond to the number of roots. These concepts are not identical. Accurately determine how many channels in the tooth you can using an x-ray.

So, the upper incisors, as a rule, are endowed with two or three channels, in some cases it can be one, but branched in two. It all depends on the characteristics of the root system and genetic predisposition. The lower central incisors are predominantly single-channel, in 70% of cases, the remaining 30% have two recesses.

Lower side incisors in most cases, they are endowed with 2 channels, however, like the lower fangs. Only in rare cases, canines located on the lower jaw are two-channel (5-6%).

The distribution of the recesses in the remaining units of the dentition is carried out according to the following scheme, from which you can find out how many channels each tooth has:

upper first premolar - 1 (9% of cases), 2 (85%), 3 (6%);
lower four - 1, less often 2;
upper second premolar (No. 5) - 1 (75% of cases), 2 (24%), 3 (1%);
lower 5 is mainly single-channel;
upper first molar - 3 or 4;
lower first molar - 3 (60% of cases), less often - 2, extremely rarely - 4;
upper and lower seven - 3 (70%), 4 - in other cases.

How many channels has a wisdom tooth

The eight or the so-called third molar is slightly different from other units of the dentition. To begin with, it should be noted that not all people have it, which is associated with genetic factors.

This body, in addition to the inconvenient location, which causes discomfort during the time, has other differences. So, the upper third molar is the only unit whose number of channels can reach 5. It is worth noting that this is extremely rare, mainly a three- or four-channel wisdom tooth. The bottom eight has no more than 3 recesses.

Eight is often the cause of the development of dental pathologies. For example, the incorrect location of the third molar can contribute to disruption of the growth of neighboring units. In such cases, its removal is required. If the figure eight does not bother or hurt, pulling it out is not necessary. The indication for removal is only the presence of pain and the negative impact of the third molar on other units of the series.

To avoid problems with the figure eight, dentists are advised to adhere to the following rules for oral care:

due to the inconvenient location of the figure eight, it is necessary to use a special brush;
the owners of the third molar should be visited at least 2 times a year to conduct a routine dental examination.

Why does a tooth need a nerve?

A feature of the deepening in the tooth is the presence of branched nerve endings in it, grouped in branches. The number of nerve endings depends on the number of roots and channels.

The purpose of the dental nerves:

influence the development and growth of dental units;
thanks to nerves, the organ is sensitive to external influences;
the dental nerve makes the chewing organ difficult, and a living unit of the oral cavity.

It is possible to prevent the development of dental pathologies only if you follow the advice of qualified doctors and adhere to the rules of oral hygiene.

do not abuse hygiene rules; brush your teeth only in the evening and in the morning. A more frequent effect on tooth enamel contributes to its abrasion;
hygiene procedures should be carried out half an hour after a meal;
use rinsing agents to destroy the remaining germs in the mouth after cleaning;
clean at least 3 minutes in a circular motion.

Main rule - if the first signs of the disease are detected, you should immediately consult a dentist. This will help prevent the further development of pathology and preserve teeth.

Video: tooth anatomy

Many people often ask the question - how many roots does a molar have? This issue is relevant for most doctors. Because the complexity of many treatment procedures depends on the number of roots, starting from treatment, recovery, and ending with removal. After birth, every person begins to grow milk teeth from about 8 months old, which should be 20 by 3 years old. Then after 6-7 years, dairy are replaced by indigenous units, which should already become almost 1.5 times more - 32. At the same time, dairy can have only one root, but the indigenous ones grow with several roots.

Often the root is located in the area under the gums, below the level of the surface of the neck and its size is about 70% of the total organ volume. The number of chewing organs and their roots is not the same. In dentistry, there is a special system by which they identify the number of roots, for example, in the sixth unit at the top or a wisdom tooth.

This image shows the side of the upper and lower dentition, which shows the number of roots that each tooth has.

So how many roots do adults have? This indicator is different for each person, it depends on different reasons - from heredity, from size, from location, from age and race of a person. For example, the representatives of the Mongoloid and Negroid race have one more root than the representatives of the Caucasian race, and they also grow together quite often.

Attention! For ease of determination in dentistry, each tooth has a specific number. This system involves numbering according to the following principle - the jaw of each person is visually dissected in the center vertically, while the incisors are left and right, from which the count is taken. From the area of \u200b\u200bthe central incisors, numbering is done to the ears.

According to the numbered system, each tooth has its own number and certain features of the root system:

Units number 1 and number 2 are called incisors, under number 3 - fangs, and under number 4 and number 5 are small indigenous. They grow in the upper and lower parts. Usually, they all have one base, which has the appearance of a cone;
The organs of a number under the numbers No. 6-7, No. 8, which are located on top, are called large molars and a wisdom tooth. They usually have three bases. The same units that are below, have two roots, in addition to the wisdom tooth. It can have three, and sometimes four, bases.

This system applies to adults. But as for children's milk teeth, their root system has some differences. Many believe that dairy bases are absent, and they grow without them, but this is not so. Usually the first teeth appear already from the root system, each unit usually has one base, which at the time of precipitation completely dissolves. Therefore, many believe that they do not exist at all.

How many channels

Important! It is worth considering that the number of channels does not match the number of root bases. In the place of the incisors, there can be two or three, but there can be one that is divided into several. However, each person has a different number of recesses. For this reason, the doctor usually carries out an X-ray examination to accurately determine.

There are no requirements for the number of recesses in dentistry, they are usually determined according to the percentage.

The root system of the canals is the anatomical space inside the root of the tooth. It consists of a space in the crown part connected to one or more main channels in the root part of the tooth.

Features of the number of channels:

The upper and lower organs may have some differences. Usually in the region of incisors and canines of the upper jaw there is one channel;
The central lower row can have two recesses. But in almost 70% there is only one, and already in the remaining 30% - two;
In the area of \u200b\u200bthe second incisor of the lower jaw, in almost 50% of cases, adults have two channels, in 6% of situations, the canine has only one recess, and in the rest it has similar properties to the second incisor;
Dental unit No. 4, also called premolar, which is located at the top, has three recesses. But the three-channel fourth premolar occurs only in 6% of cases, in the rest it has one or two recesses;
A similar fourth premolar, which is located below, has no more than two, but in most cases there is only one;
The upper fifth premolar may have a different number of recesses. In 1% of cases, there are units with three channels, in 24% - two, and in other cases there is one recess;
The lower fifth premolar meets with one channel;
The sixth upper organ has the same ratio of recesses - three or four;
Bottom six sometimes meet with two channels, in almost 60% of cases with three, can also be with four;
The upper and lower seventh tooth has three channels in 70% of cases, and 4 in 30% of cases.

How many channels does a wisdom tooth have?

How much can a wisdom tooth have? This is a difficult question, because this body has a very extraordinary structure. If it is located at the top, then it can have four, and sometimes even five channels. If this tooth is in the lower row, then usually it has no more than 3 recesses.
In most cases, when teething and already at the time of full growth, the figure eight gives unpleasant sensations and severe discomfort. To clean it, it is recommended to use a special brush, which is designed for hard to reach places. Typically, a wisdom tooth has narrow depressions that have irregular shapes. This property causes great difficulties in performing medical procedures. Often, when eruption occurs or other pathological processes, a complete removal of the eight is performed.

The wisdom tooth is cut last, it is as if fighting for a place in the jaw, often shifting the dentition and bringing discomfort. Tooth roots have a swirling, intertwined shape, therefore, tooth channels can not always respond to treatment.

What is the nerve for?

Attention! In addition to the roots and canals, each tooth has a nerve. Typically, nerve fibers cover the area of \u200b\u200bthe canals, with the nerves grouping in branches. Each base of the unit has a nerve branch, and often there are several branches at the same time, while in the upper part the branch is divided.

So how many nerves can there be? The number of nerves is related to the number of available bases and channels.
Nerve fibers can affect the process of development and growth of dental units, due to which sensitivity properties are provided. Due to the presence of roots, the tooth is not just a piece of the jaw, but is a living organ that has sensitivity and reactions.
Tooth anatomy is a rather complicated science that covers all areas. Despite the fact that this organ is not large, it contains all the vital parts that ensure its normal and full functioning. Thanks to all these qualities, we can chew and eat food every day, as well as perform other important processes.

Root canals - a complex system that requires special treatment methods. The main problems are their large number, tortuosity, as well as difficulties with access, especially when it comes to third molars. How many channels are there in a tooth, why are they needed and what are their features?

What are root canals?

The tooth consists of three parts - the neck, root, crown. The main task of the root is to keep the tooth in the hole hidden by the gum. There can be several roots - from one in the incisors, fangs, to 4-5 in the third molars. The determining factor is the chewing load: the higher it is, the stronger the fastening should be. The quantity also depends on age, genetic factors, even race: it is known that the Mongoloids have more.

The size of the tooth affects the root length, but they necessarily reach the alveoli, the source of nutrients. Inside the roots there are holes - channels through which the vessels and nerves of the pulp located in the root and crown parts pass.

The number of channels in the tooth

The number of channels is not always equal to the number of roots. In fangs, for example, there is one root, and there can be two channels, they run parallel to each other. In addition, one hole is often bifurcated. Another feature is a strong convolution or narrowing, which greatly complicates the treatment.

The average number of canals in each anterior and molar reflects the table. Interest is the probability of certain combinations.

"By eye" the dentist can not determine the number of channels and the features of their location, for each person, these parameters are individual. The exact value can only be found with an x-ray.

Wisdom tooth

The difficulties of treating wisdom teeth are due to several factors:

Often they erupt incorrectly, because they do not have enough space in the already formed jaw.
Often eights erupt incompletely. Bacteria accumulate under the “hood” that covers them, which leads to inflammation.
The brush does not reach hard to reach places, therefore caries is a frequent occurrence.

Untreated caries develops into pulpitis, requiring canal treatment. Due to the fact that there are many of them (especially if it is a tooth of the upper jaw), they are uneven and difficult to pass, endodontic treatment of third molars is difficult.

Treatment features

An understanding of topography is necessary for the correct definition of endodontic treatment, which involves cleaning and filling the canals. Typically, dentists are guided by the following principles:

An x-ray diagnostics is mandatory, 4 pictures are taken - diagnostic, determining the length, filling control, quality assessment.
Channels are considered accessible if they are 25 degrees warped.
25-50 degrees - impassable curvature.
With a curvature of more than 50 degrees, instrumental access is not possible.

The latter case, when treatment with dental tools is excluded, refers, as a rule, to the wisdom teeth both above and below. If one channel can be expanded, then curing three or more in this case is a practically impossible task. In this regard, eights are usually removed, not treated.

The number of roots and canals in a person’s teeth

The number of roots in each tooth

This image shows the side of the upper and lower dentition, which shows the number of roots that each tooth has.

How many channels

The root system of the canals is the anatomical space inside the root of the tooth. It consists of a space in the crown part connected to one or more main channels in the root part of the tooth.

Features of the number of channels:

The upper and lower organs may have some differences. Usually in the region of incisors and canines of the upper jaw there is one channel;
The central lower row can have two recesses. But in almost 70% there is only one, and already in the remaining 30% - two;
In the area of \u200b\u200bthe second incisor of the lower jaw, in almost 50% of cases, adults have two channels, in 6% of situations, the canine has only one recess, and in the rest it has similar properties to the second incisor;
Dental unit No. 4, also called premolar, which is located at the top, has three recesses. But the three-channel fourth premolar occurs only in 6% of cases, in the rest it has one or two recesses;
A similar fourth premolar, which is located below, has no more than two, but in most cases there is only one;
The upper fifth premolar may have a different number of recesses. In 1% of cases, there are units with three channels, in 24% - two, and in other cases there is one recess;
The lower fifth premolar meets with one channel;
The sixth upper organ has the same ratio of recesses - three or four;
Bottom six sometimes meet with two channels, in almost 60% of cases with three, can also be with four;
The upper and lower seventh tooth has three channels in 70% of cases, and 4 in 30% of cases.

How many channels does a wisdom tooth have?

What is the nerve for?

How many canals are in the teeth, location table and detailed description

Teeth, regardless of location, name, purpose, have the same structure: they consist of a crown, neck and root. Inside the roots there are channels that the doctor seals with pulpitis or periodontitis. Read in the article: how many channels in the teeth - a table of layout and useful information.

What are channels?

Each tooth has a certain number of roots located under the gum.

How many roots do teeth have? The answer to this question depends on several factors - the position of the unit, the person’s age, heredity, even race. Mongoloids are known to have more roots than Caucasians.

The standard quantity is as follows:

Incisors, fangs - 1.
Premolars - 1-3.
Upper molars - 3-4.
Lower molars - 2.
Third molars - 3-5.

Inside the crown is a pulp - a tissue consisting of vessels and nerve endings. They pass into the pulp through the apical opening located at the apex of the root, and through the canals - narrow cavities inside the root. Their number is not always equal to the number of roots.

The photo shows the beginning of the root canals.

How many channels in a tooth?

The configurations of the cavities in the roots are different. There are several varieties of them. The tooth root can have two apical openings, branching inside, converging to one opening, or two internal cavities running in parallel. The percentage of possible combinations is indicated in the table.

In the treatment of pulpitis, the root canals are cleaned and sealed.

Knowing the structure and location of the canals is important for treating pulpitis. In case of pulp inflammation, the root cavities must be cleaned, so before starting treatment, the doctor should have a clear idea of \u200b\u200bhow many of them are, how they look. This information can only be obtained using an x-ray.

Features of the structure of the channels cause difficulties in treatment. Often there are a number of problems:

the cavity is impassable for tools (curved, branched);
microorganisms accumulate in intra-root spaces, which are especially resistant to standard antiseptics;
bacteria tend to re-enter through the dentinal tubules;

To overcome these problems, dentists use modern equipment and materials - endodontic motors designed for machining, fillings with strong antiseptics.

Root canal treatment

Filling cavities inside the root is one of the main conditions for the successful treatment of pulpitis and periodontitis. The stages of the doctor’s work are as follows:

Definition of length. The doctor removes the pulp and, using special, finest instruments, measures the length. In good clinics, the process is controlled by an apex locator, a device that displays the moment the instrument reaches the root apex.
Processing for expansion, preparation for filling. The procedure is done manually or using an endodontic tip.
Medication using disinfectants administered through a thin needle.
Gutta-percha filling. The pin is selected according to the size of the expanded space, it is filled with paste, the pin is installed and fixed.
X-ray quality control.
Removing surplus, installing a temporary seal.

Tools for processing channels.

Dental care standards do not allow simultaneous filling of canals and tooth cavities. The crown should be restored at the next visit.

Treatment is not an easy task. Often it entails complications:

- Injury in the area of \u200b\u200bthe apex of the tooth root: damage to the walls with tools, inaccurate pulp removal, antiseptics getting into the tissues surrounding the apex.
- Poor filling: fillings do not reach the end of the cavities, so the bacteria in these areas continue to multiply. This is evidenced by pain, swelling of the gums.
- The filling material penetrates beyond the apex.
- Perforation of the root, arising due to a doctor’s error or with bent channels that are difficult to process.

The most common way to correct errors is to re-fill, involving re-opening the cavities. To avoid this, you need to carefully consider the choice of the clinic and the doctor who will treat pulpitis. The best option is to prevent the development of the disease, observing the rules of hygiene, visiting a doctor for preventive purposes.

Cohen S., Burns R. Endodontics. E-book, 8th edition, 2007.
Borovsky E.V. Therapeutic dentistry. Moscow, 2003.

How many canals are in the upper and lower teeth

Correctly determining the number of channels in a tooth is possible only with the help of an x-ray. Of course, their number depends on where the tooth is located - with a greater chewing load on the teeth in the back of the jaw and the retaining system is stronger, respectively, they are larger, have more roots and channels. However, this is a variable indicator, and it does not mean that the upper or lower incisors will have only one channel, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the structures of the jaw of each person. Therefore, how many channels in a diseased tooth require filling, the dentist can determine when opening or using an x-ray.

Interest calculation

Due to the fact that each person is individual and there are no clear norms and rules for determining how many channels are in the teeth, in dentistry the data on this issue are given in percentage terms. Initially, they are repelled by the fact that the same teeth of the upper and lower jaw are very different from each other. If the first three upper incisors in almost a hundred percent of cases have only one canal, then with the same teeth of the lower jaw everything is much more complicated, and they have approximately the following percentage:

In the first incisor, most often there is only one channel - this is 70% of the total statistics and only 30% of them can be two;
The second tooth in almost equal proportion can have either one or two channels, or rather, the ratio of 56% to 44%;
The third incisor of the lower jaw almost always has only one channel and in only 6% of cases there can be two.

Premolars have a larger structure, they are already under more pressure and load; accordingly, it is logical to assume that there are more channels in the tooth, however, and this is not so simple. For example, in the fourth tooth of the upper jaw really only 9% of teeth have one canal, in 6% of cases, there may even be three, but the others most often occur with two. But at the same time, the next premolar (fifth tooth), which seems to have an even stronger load, most often has one channel and only in some cases more (of which only 1% are in three branches).

At the same time, the situation on the lower jaw is a completely different situation - the first and second premolars do not meet three-channel at all, and most often they have only one channel (74% - four and 89% - five) and in only 26% of cases for four and 11% for five - two.

The molars are already larger and the number of channels is still increasing. Six of the upper jaw are equally likely to have either three or four branches. On the lower jaw, a two-channel tooth can sometimes be found (usually not more often than in 6% of cases), but most often these are three channels (65%) and sometimes four.

Back molars usually have the following ratio:

Upper Seven: 70 to 30% three and four channels;
Lower seven: 13 to 77% two and three channels.

Wisdom tooth

Eight or wisdom tooth is quite unique and does not fall within standards and statistics. The upper one can have a completely different structure with channels from one up to five. The lower eight is most often three-channel, however, additional branches can often be found during autopsy during treatment.

Among other things, the wisdom tooth differs from others in that its canals are quite rarely of the correct shape, often very curved and with a narrow passage greatly complicating their treatment and filling.

Erroneous opinion

Since the tooth consists of roots and a pre-coronal part, sometimes an erroneous opinion is found that there are as many canals in the teeth as there are roots. This is far from the case, because the channels quite often branch and bifurcate around the pulp. Moreover, in one root several channels can go parallel to each other. There are also cases of their bifurcation at the apex, due to which it turns out that one root has two tips and this, of course, complicates the work of doctors when filling such teeth.

Given all the features of the individual structure of the teeth, dentists need to be very careful when treating and filling, so as not to miss any branch. Indeed, sometimes without an X-ray, it is very difficult even to open to reveal how many channels in the teeth.

The development of modern medicine and dentistry in particular, today makes it possible to preserve those diseased teeth that yesterday had to be removed due to the impossibility of treatment. Root canal treatment the teeth themselves are quite complex, because they are filled with soft tissue - pulp, which contains a large number of nerve endings, blood vessels and other connective tissues. Today, a separate section of dentistry deals with this - endodontics, the development of which can improve the condition of human teeth and cure even complex problems in more than 80% of cases, preserving the tooth itself.

The goals of this treatment are:

Removing a developing infection within the root system;
Prevention of pulp decay or its removal;
Removal of infected dentin;
Preparing the canal for filling (giving it the desired shape);
Enhancing the effect of drugs.

The complexity of this treatment of the root system is that the dentist is quite difficult to get to sick canals and monitor the progress of the procedure. After all, if you do not remove even the microscopic part of the infection, after a while it can develop again.

One of the main indicators for such treatment is the inflammatory process, which leads to damage to the soft tissues of the pulp inside the canals. Most often, various diseases such as caries and pulpitis lead to this, but canal treatment may also be necessary for periodontitis.

The first symptoms of the need for such treatment are tooth pain or swollen gums. However, it should be borne in mind that in the case of the transition of the disease to the chronic stage, the pain may not be observed, and the disease develops and eventually leads to tooth loss. That is why it is so important to undergo regular preventive check-ups at the dentist.

The process and stages of channel treatment

The root canal treatment process has a clear sequence of steps:

If the doctor has any doubts (usually this occurs with an inconvenient location of the tooth and difficult access to tools) - he puts a temporary sealand then sends the patient to an x-ray, from the photo of which he checks whether he has removed the entire infection and cleaned all the channels. A permanent filling is then put in about two weeks after that.

The whole procedure, of course, is not very pleasant, but it allows you to save the tooth. Its duration depends on the location of the tooth, the number of channels in it, the complexity of the developed infection, and usually takes from thirty minutes to one hour. And success depends on the professionalism of the doctor and the work done by him qualitatively, since it is necessary to remove all the affected pulp from the canals without leaving a drop of infection, otherwise it may develop again and tightly fill the tooth so that nothing could get into the cleaned cavity.

Post-treatment prophylaxis

After the root system treatment for a while stress should be avoided on a cured tooth, moreover, it is impossible to take food earlier than two hours after therapy, otherwise an incompletely filled filling may simply fall out. However, the same thing can happen when a doctor uses poor-quality drugs or conduct improper treatment (for example, the canals were dried or not dried before filling).

Also, after filling a tooth for a while (up to several days) can give pain when pressed or just whining, cause discomfort, have increased sensitivity. Usually this is a normal condition, if the pain is severe, you can take painkillers. If the pain does not go away after a certain time, this can also be an indicator of poor treatment (insufficient cleaning of the infection or infected pulp, leaky filling, use of poor-quality medicines or materials).

Sometimes there are cases allergic reactions, which is also accompanied by ongoing pain, sometimes itching and rash appear on the body. It can be caused by a reaction to the drug or material that was used for the filling. In this case, it must be replaced with another one that will not cause allergies.

In all these situations, it is imperative to consult a doctor in the shortest possible time for re-examination and dental prophylaxis in order to identify the cause of deviations from the norm.

The number of roots and canals in human teeth

The article provides detailed information about how many roots are in the frontal, lateral, chewing teeth, as well as in the figure of eight, or the so-called wisdom tooth. In addition, you can find out what the purpose of the tooth root is, why chewing units need nerves. The dental advice provided in the following material will help prevent the development of dental diseases.

The number of roots in human teeth

Factors affecting the number of roots include:

location of the organ;
degree of load on it, functional features (chewing, frontal);
heredity;
patient age;
race.

The situation with the first, second and third molars is somewhat different; we are talking about tooth No. 6, 7 and 8. The upper six and seven (large molars) are endowed with three roots, however, in the wisdom tooth located on top, as a rule, also 3 grounds. In the sixth tooth and in the 7th lower row, usually one root less than that of the upper counterparts. The exception is the lower eight, in this tooth there may even be not three, but four roots. This feature should be considered during the treatment of a four-channel tooth.

Additional Information! Many people mistakenly believe that the temporary milk teeth of their children do not have “roots”. This is absolutely untrue. There are reasons, and their number can reach three, with their help the chewing organs of babies are attached to the jaw. By the time of the change of dairy units to permanent “roots” disappear, as a result of which the parents have the opinion that they did not exist at all.

How many channels in the teeth

Lower side incisors in most cases, they are endowed with 2 channels, however, like the lower fangs. Only in rare cases, canines located on the lower jaw are two-channel (5-6%).

The distribution of the recesses in the remaining units of the dentition is carried out according to the following scheme, from which you can find out how many channels each tooth has:

upper first premolar - 1 (9% of cases), 2 (85%), 3 (6%);
lower four - 1, less often 2;
upper second premolar (No. 5) - 1 (75% of cases), 2 (24%), 3 (1%);
lower 5 is mainly single-channel;
upper first molar - 3 or 4;
lower first molar - 3 (60% of cases), less often - 2, extremely rarely - 4;
upper and lower seven - 3 (70%), 4 - in other cases.

How many channels has a wisdom tooth

This body, in addition to the inconvenient location, which causes discomfort during oral hygiene, has other differences. Thus, the upper third molar is the only unit whose number of channels can reach 5. It is worth noting that this is extremely rare, mainly a three- or four-channel wisdom tooth. The bottom eight has no more than 3 recesses.

To avoid problems with the figure eight, dentists are advised to adhere to the following rules for oral care:

due to the inconvenient location of the figure eight, it is necessary to use a special brush;
the owners of the third molar should be visited at least 2 times a year to conduct a routine dental examination.

Why does a tooth need a nerve?

A feature of the deepening in the tooth is the presence of branched nerve endings in it, grouped in branches. The number of nerve endings depends on the number of roots and channels.

The purpose of the dental nerves:

influence the development and growth of dental units;
thanks to nerves, the organ is sensitive to external influences;
the dental nerve makes the chewing organ difficult, and a living unit of the oral cavity.

It is possible to prevent the development of dental pathologies only if you follow the advice of qualified doctors and adhere to the rules of oral hygiene.

do not abuse hygiene rules; brush your teeth only in the evening and in the morning. A more frequent effect on tooth enamel contributes to its abrasion;
hygiene procedures should be carried out half an hour after a meal;
use rinsing agents to destroy the remaining germs in the mouth after cleaning;
clean at least 3 minutes in a circular motion.

Main rule - if the first signs of the disease are detected, you should immediately consult a dentist. This will help prevent the further development of pathology and preserve teeth.

Video: tooth anatomy

The contours of the intradental cavities are similar in these teeth. The central incisors are large, an average of 23 mm in length (range 18-29 mm). The lateral incisors are shorter - 21-22 mm (span 17-29 mm). The shape of the canals is usually of type I and extremely rare in these teeth, more than one root or more than one canal. If abnormalities exist, then usually in the lateral teeth, and can be represented as an additional root (dens invaginatus), doubling or fusion of the roots (Shafer et al., 1963).

The pulp chamber on the vestibulo-oral incision narrows to the cutting edge and expands at the level of the neck. Medially distal pulp chambers of these teeth follow the contours of their crowns and the widest space at the cutting edge. In central incisors, young patients usually have three horns of pulp. Lateral usually have two horns and the contours of the intradental chamber tend to be more rounded than in the central incisors.

Top first cutter

The dashed line indicates the contours of access to the intradental cavity. The contours of the intradental cavity are marked in gray at a young age, in black - in the elderly. Two root sections are shown:

1 - 3 mm from the apex,

2 - at the level of the channel mouth. (By Harty).

In the vestibulo-oral projection, the canals are much wider than in the medial distal, and often have a narrowing immediately below the level of the neck of the tooth. Typically, textbooks indicate that the coronal cavity in these teeth directly passes into the root canals. However, this narrowing largely resembles the mouth in multi-rooted teeth. This narrowing, as a rule, is not visible on the roentgenogram, but this should be taken into account when instrumental processing of the channels (it is better to open with a spherical bur at low speeds).

The channels of the upper incisors narrow to the apex and first have an oval or irregular shape in the neck, which gradually becomes round to the apex.

Usually there is very little apical curvature in the central incisors in the distal or labial side. The apical part of the lateral incisor is often curved, usually in the distal direction.

Upper second incisor

The frequency of occurrence of lateral (lateral) channels in the central incisors is 24%, in the lateral - 26%, and the frequency of deltoid branches (additional channels) in the central incisors is about 1%, in lateral - 3%.

The apical opening in the central incisors in 80% of cases is at a distance of 0-1 mm from the radiologically determined root apex, in 20% of cases - by 1 - 2 mm. In lateral incisors in 90% of cases, these ratios are from 0 to 1 mm, in 10% - from 1 to 2 mm. With age, the anatomy of the intradental pulp changes due to the deposition of secondary dentin, and the roof of the pulp chamber can appear at the level of the neck, although in young teeth the roof of the pulp chamber reaches 1/3 of the length of the clinical crown of the incisors. A significant narrowing can be determined medially distally on the radiograph. However, it must be remembered that the canal is wider in the labial-palatal direction, therefore it can often be relatively easy to pass, although on the radiograph it looks very thin or not visible at all.

Upper canine

This is the longest tooth in the mouth, an average of 26.5 mm (range 20-38 mm). Very rarely has more than one root canal. The pulp chamber is relatively narrow and has only one horn; it is much wider on the vestibulo-oral incision than on the medial distal. The root canal is type I and takes on a circular shape only in the apical third. Apical constriction is not as pronounced as in incisors. This fact and the fact that often the apical part of the root is significantly narrowed, as a result of which the canal becomes very narrow at the apex, makes it difficult to determine the length of the canal.

Upper canine

The canal is usually direct, but sometimes at the apex it bends to the distal (in 32% of cases) and, less often, the lateral side. In 13% of cases, vestibular deviation of the canal was recorded. The frequency of occurrence of lateral (lateral) canals is about 30%, and additional apical canals are 3%. The apical opening is located in 70% of cases in the range from 0 to 1 mm with respect to the apex of the root, and in 30% - in the range of 1 - 2 mm.

Access to upper incisors and canines

Access may vary in size and shape depending on the size of the pulp chamber. It should be such that the instruments can reach apical constriction without bending or obstruction from the side of the canal walls.

If the access is too close to the cingulum, this leads to significant bending of the tools and possible perforation or the formation of steps.

An improperly formed access cavity in the incisors and canines leads to the formation of a step on the labile surface of the channel due to a sharp curvature of the tool in the channel. Such access leads to the removal of residual pulp.

Ideally, the access should be close enough to the cutting edge to ensure unhindered entry of instruments to the apex. Sometimes the cutting edge and labial surface of the tooth are involved in the access (see fig.). At first glance, this is contraindicated in terms of aesthetics. However, if the root canal is not fully processed, then this will not ensure the long-term health of periodontal tissues.

Access to the upper incisors: a) view from the side of the sky; b) side view.

On the other hand, modern whitening and restorative techniques can provide aesthetics, strength and other requirements in the restoration of these defects.

Since the pulp chamber is wider at the cutting edge than at the neck, the access contour should be in the shape of a triangle sufficiently expanded medially and distally, and include pulp horns. With proper access, you need to expand the cervical narrowing for adequate instrumental processing of the channel.

Cutter access circuits:

a) the correct access contours in the incisors and fangs; b) the dashed line shows the wrong access contour at which infected material can remain in the pulp chamber and be pushed into the channel during its further instrumental processing. (by Harty)

Correct access is especially important in elderly patients, since the narrowed channel requires thinner instruments that can sharply bend or even break. In such patients, it is better to immediately access closer to the incisal edge than usual, since in connection with the narrowing of the pulp chamber, a direct line of transition of this chamber into the channel is formed. This will ensure the effectiveness of the preparation.

Access contours in the upper canine.

Upper First Premolar

Upper first premolar with two roots

Typically, these teeth have two roots and two canals. The frequency of occurrence of a single-root variant, according to the literature, is from 31.5% to 39.5%.

These data show the ratio for persons of Caucasian origin. In Mongoloids, the frequency of occurrence of these teeth with one root exceeds 60% (Walker, 1988). In one study (Carns and Skidmore, 1973), 6% of teeth with three roots were found. A typical Caucasian tooth is with two well-developed roots that separate in the middle third of the root. In the Mongoloids, root fusion prevails.

Possible morphology of the roots of the upper first premolar on transverse sections

This tooth usually has two canals and, in the case of a single-root variant, these canals can merge and open with one apical opening. Many types of canal configurations and the presence of lateral canals were found in these teeth, especially in the apical region — 49.5% (Vertucci and Geganff, 1979). The variant with three roots has three canals: two buccal and one palatine.

Usually the average tooth length is 21 mm, which is shorter than the second premolar. The pulp chamber is wider in the buccal-palatal direction with two clearly distinguishable horns. The bottom of the chamber is round, with the highest point in the center and usually immediately below the level of the neck. The channel mouths are funnel-shaped.

With age, the size of the pulp chamber generally decreases due to the deposition of secondary dentin on the roof of the pulp chamber, which leads to the roof of the cavity becoming closer to the bottom. The bottom remains below the neck level and the roof due to dentine deposits can also be below the neck level.

The canals are usually divided and very rarely merge, take a ribbon-like shape characteristic of the second premolar. Usually they are straight and round in cross section.

Upper Second Premolar

Upper second premolar. (I type of channel configuration).

This tooth tends to be single-rooted. Type I canal configuration prevails, however, type II and III are present in 25%, and type IV - VII with two apical openings can be in 25%.

Thus, the main type of this tooth can be considered as single-root with one channel. Infrequently there can be two roots, and then the tooth resembles the first premolar with the location of the bottom of the cavity significantly below the neck of the tooth. The average length is slightly greater than the length of the first premolar and an average of 21.5 mm.

The pulp chamber is expanded in the buccal-palatal direction and has two pronounced horns. Compared to the first premolar, the bottom of the camera is closer to the apex.

The root canal is wider in the buccal-palatal direction and already in the medial distal. It narrows to the apex, rarely round in cross section, with the exception of two or three mm at the apex. Often the root of this single-root tooth is divided by a groove into two sections in the middle third of the root. These sections connect almost without options and form a common channel with a relatively large apical opening. The canal is usually straight, but the apex may have a distal and, less often, buccal curvature.

With age, the displacement of the roof of the pulp chamber is the same as in the first premolar.

Access in the upper premolars

Access to the upper premolars is always through the chewing surface. The access form is oval, elongated in the buccal-palatal direction. In the first premolars, the mouths of the canals are visible immediately below the level of the neck. At the second premolar channel in the form of a tape, the mouth is located significantly below the neck of the tooth.

Since the horns of the pulp chamber are well defined, they are easily exposed during preparation and may be mistaken for mouths of canals.

Upper first molar

Contours of access to the upper premolars.

This tooth usually has three roots and four root canals. Additionally, the channel is located in the medio-buccal root. The shape of the channel system was investigated both in vivo and in vitro. In in vitro studies, an additional channel was found in 55 - 69% of cases. The canal configuration is usually of type II, but type IV is present with two separate apical openings in more than 48.5% of cases. In in vivo studies, an additional second channel was less frequently found and there were difficulties in finding it. It was detected in 18 - 33% of cases.

Upper first molar.

Palatine and distal roots usually contain type I canal. In Caucasians, the length of this tooth is about 22 mm, the palatine root is slightly longer than the buccal. In the teeth of the Mongoloids there is a tendency to a closer and denser arrangement of the roots and the average length of the tooth is slightly less.

The pulp chamber is quadrangular in shape and wider in the buccal-palatal than in the medial distal direction. It has four pulp horns, of which the medio-buccal is the longest and sharpest in shape, and the distal-buccal horn is smaller than the medio-buccal, but larger than the two palatine. The bottom of the pulp chamber is usually located below the level of the neck and round with a bulge to the occlusal surface. The mouths of the main channels are funnel-shaped and lie in the center of the roots. The small medio-buccal canal, if any, lies on the line connecting the mouth of the medio-buccal and palatine canals. If this line is divided into three parts, then the mouth of the additional canal will lie about the first third, closer to the medial-buccal main canal.

It must be remembered that the shape of the cuts in the neck region and at the level of the middle of the crown of the pulp chamber of various configurations (the shape of the cut in the neck region is rhomboid rather than quadrangular). In this regard, the mouth of the medial-buccal canal is closer to the buccal wall than the mouth of the distal canal is distal. Therefore, the distal-buccal root, and hence the mouth of its canal, is closer to the middle of the tooth than the distal chamber wall. The mouth of the palatal canal is usually located easily.

Significant variations are observed in cross sections. Medial-buccal canals usually present the greatest difficulty in instrumentation, as they go in the medial direction. The small medial-buccal canal is often very narrow and winding and connects to the main canal. Since both medial-buccal canals lie in the buccal-palatal plane, they often overlap each other in an x-ray. Additional difficulties are encountered in connection with the frequent curvature of the medial-buccal root in the distal direction in the apical third of the root.

The distal-buccal canal is the shortest and often the narrowest of the three canals and moves away from the camera in the distal direction, it is oval in shape and then becomes round to the apex. Typically, the canal bends medially in the apical half of the root.

The palatine canal is the largest and longest of all three main canals and, throughout the section, has a round shape, tapering to the apex.

About 50% of the palatine roots are not straight, but bend to the buccal side in the apical part (4-5 mm from the apex). This curvature is not visible on the radiograph.

With age, the channels become narrower and their mouths are more difficult to find. Secondary dentin is deposited mainly on the roof of the pulp chamber and, to a lesser extent, on the bottom and walls. In this regard, the pulp chamber becomes very narrow between the roof and the bottom. This can lead to perforation of the furcation, especially when using a turbine tip, if the operator does not notice a narrow camera. To prevent this complication, it is advisable to limit the use of the turbine tip to the preparation of enamel and, in part, dentin, and to complete the formation of access at low speeds. You can estimate the distance between the hillock and the roof of the camera on the x-ray. This distance is marked on the bore, and it serves as a guide.

Comparatively recent clinical observations emphasize variations in the anatomy of the dental canals of these teeth. There are reports of teeth with two palatal canals.

Upper second molar

Upper second molar.

Usually this tooth is a small replica of the first molar, however, the roots usually diverge less and more often there is a merger of the two roots. The form with three channels and three apical openings prevails, the average length is 21 mm.

Root fusion is found in 45-55% of the Caucasian race, and Mongoloids from 65 to 85% of cases. In these cases, usually the mouth of the canals and they themselves are closer to each other or merge.

Access contours in the upper molar.

Upper third molar

The upper third molar exhibits great variability. It can have three separate roots, but more often partial or complete merging of the roots is observed. Traditional endodontics, access and instrumentation can be very difficult.

Access to the cavity of the upper molars

Access contours are usually in the medial 2/3 of the occlusal surface in the form of a triangle with a base to the buccal surface and an angle to the palatine. Due to the location of the distal buccal canal further from the buccal surface, there is no need for a large removal of tissues in this place.

Lower center and side incisors

Lower first incisor. (I type of channel configuration).

Both teeth have an average length of 21 mm, although the central incisor is slightly shorter than the lateral. Dental canal morphology can have one of three configurations.

Lower second incisor. (IV type of channel configuration).

Type I - one main channel from the pulp chamber to the apical foramen.

Type II / III - two main channels, which merge in the middle or apical third into one channel with one apical opening.

Type IV - two main canals remain separate along the entire root dyne and with two apical openings.

All studies show that type I is the most predominant. Two channels are recorded in 41.4% of cases, and type IV in 5.5% of cases.

There is evidence that two channels are less common in the Mongoloids in these teeth.

Pulp chamber - a small replica of the upper incisors. There are three horns of pulp, not very pronounced, and the camera is wider in the labio-lingual direction. In the variant with one channel, it can bend to the distal and, less often, to the labial side. The channel begins to narrow in the middle third of the root and becomes round. With age, the changes are the same as in the upper incisors and the pulp chamber can be located below the level of the neck of the tooth.

Bottom fang

Bottom fang.

This tooth resembles an upper canine, although its size is smaller. Very rarely, it has two roots. Its average length is 22.5 mm. The type I channel is most prevalent, however, the main deviation in the fangs is the variant with two channels (frequency about 14%). In less than 6% of cases, it finds a canal configuration of type IV with two separate apical openings.

Access to lower incisors and fangs

Essentially, the access is identical to that in the upper teeth. However, with a pronounced curvature in the lingual side of the incisor crowns and in connection with very thin (especially in elderly people) canals, it is sometimes necessary to involve the cutting edge and, sometimes, the labial surface of the tooth to avoid bending of the tool.

The access contours in the lower canine are shown in Fig.

Access contours in the lower incisors.

Access contours in the lower canine.

Lower premolar

These teeth are usually with one root, but sometimes in the first premolar there may be a bifurcation of the root in the apical half.

Type I channel prevails. Where there are two channels (usually in the first premolar), there may be IV / V types of configurations. Types II / III are found in less than 5% of cases. Reports of the highest occurrence of two channels in the second premolar are 10.8% (Zillich and Dowson, 1973).

One report said that in the first premolar, African-Americans in the first premolar have two channels three times more likely than in whites (Trope et al., 1986). More often, this option is also found in southern Chinese. In less than 2%, three channels may be present in the first premolar.

The pulp chamber of the lower premolar is wider in the buccal-lingual direction than the medial distal, and has two horns, the buccal is better developed. The lingual horn is small in the first and more in the second premolar.

Lower first premolar. (II type of channel configuration). (By Harty).

The canals of the lower premolars are similar to canal canals, although they are smaller, but they are also wider in the buccal-lingual direction to the middle third of the root, when they narrow and acquire either a rounded shape or bifurcate.

Lower second premolar. (I type of channel configuration). (By Harty).

Access in the lower premolar

The access in the lower premolar is essentially the same as in the upper premolar through the chewing surface.

In versions with two channels, in the first premolar, there may be a need to expand access to the labile surface for unhindered access to the channels.

Access contours in the lower premolars.

Lower first molar

Usually this tooth has two roots, medial and distal. The latter is smaller and usually rounder than the medial. In Mongoloids, a variant with an additional distal lingual root is found with a frequency of 6 to 43.6% (Walker, 1988).

Lower first molar. (By Harty).

This two-root tooth usually has three channels; the average tooth length is 21 mm. Two channels are located in the medial root. In 40 - 45% of cases in the medial root there is only one apical opening. A single distal canal is usually larger and more oval than the medial canals, and in 60% of cases it opens on the distal surface of the root, close to the anatomical apex.

Skidmore and Bjorndal (1971), who showed that in the distal channel more than 25% of cases there are two channels, attracted the attention of specialists. In Mongoloids, due to the tendency to double the distal root, the frequency of occurrence of two channels in this root is even higher - about half (Walker, 1988).

There were reports of cases with five channels.

Lower first molar with five channels. (By Harty).

The pulp chamber is wider at the medial than at the distal wall and has five pulp horns. Lingual horns are higher and pointed. The bottom is round with a bulge to the chewing surface and lies immediately below the level of the neck. The mouths of the canals are funnel-shaped, and the medial canals are narrower than the distal ones.

Of the two medial channels, the medio-buccal and the media-lingual, the first of these is most difficult to pass because of the tortuosity. He leaves the pulp chamber in the medial direction, which changes to the distal in the middle third of the root. The media-lingual canal is slightly wider and usually straight, although it can bend to the medial side in the apical third of the root. These two channels can have a dense network of anastomoses among themselves along their entire length.

When there is an additional distal canal, it is lingual and tends to bend to the buccal side.

With age, dentin deposits from the roof, and the channels narrow.

Lower second molar

In Caucasians, the second molar resembles a small version of the first with an average length of 20 mm. There are two channels in the medial root, and only one in the distal root. The medial canals tend to merge in the apical third and form one apical foramen.

Lower second molar. (By Harty).

Studies conducted in 1988 showed a high tendency to merge roots in the Chinese (33-52% of cases). On a longitudinal section, such teeth resemble a horseshoe. Where there is an incomplete separation of the roots, an incomplete separation of the canals can be observed, which is accompanied by a dense network of anastomoses between the canals and can lead to unpredictable localization of the mouths. One of the localizations was called the middle buccal mouth with the middle buccal canal. In Caucasians, this anomaly is recorded in 8% of cases, which is significantly less than in the Chinese.

Lower third molar

This tooth is often underdeveloped with numerous and poorly developed tubercles. Usually there can be as many channels as there are bumps. Root canals are relatively larger than other molars, possibly due to the late development of this tooth.

Despite these shortcomings, it is usually less difficult to seal the roots of the lower than the upper wisdom tooth, since access is usually easier due to the inclination of the tooth to the medial side, and also because they more often follow normal anatomy, resembling a second molar, and less often have deviations from the norm.

Access in the lower molars

Access contours in the lower molars.

If there is a second distal canal in the first molar, it may be necessary to have a more quadrangular outline of the access. Care must be taken when removing the roof of the pulp chamber so as not to damage the bottom. To improve visual control of channel mouths, access can be expanded. Access walls should diverge to the chewing surface to counter chewing forces and prevent the displacement of temporary fillings.

If the channel path is non-standard, access can be expanded and / or modified.

Thus, standard, universal, tabular methods for determining the working length of tooth canals cannot currently satisfy clinicians. Of course, you need to have a more or less correct idea of \u200b\u200bthe possible deviations of the morphological features of the cavities; the decisive, determining one is the X-ray examination with the introduction of files into the root canal. At the same time, it is advisable not to try to enter the instrument to its full working length, since it is almost impossible to obtain undistorted radiographs.

Despite all the individual characteristics of each person, the location of the teeth and their name are the same for everyone. This is due to the fact that dental elements begin to form long before birth (about 2-3 months of embryogenesis), and at birth, the child has all the dental primordia located deep in the jaw.

Babies older than two years in the dentition have 20 primary teeth

In both adults and children, the dentition is symmetrical - the upper and lower jaw have the same number of teeth of the same name (in this case, the midline of the face is taken as a reference point).

The table shows the arrangement of the teeth and their correct name.

Serial number	Dairy	Permanent
1	central incisor	central incisor
2	side cutter	side cutter
3	fang	fang
4	first molar	first (small) premolar
5	second molar	second (small) premolar)
6	—	first (large) molar
7	—	second (large) molar
8	—	third (large) molar

In adults, the number of permanent teeth can vary from 28 to 32 (this depends on whether the "wisdom teeth" erupted or not)

As can be seen from the table, the names and arrangement of only the front teeth (incisors and fangs) coincide in children and adults. The rear (or “root”) have significant differences.

Why is tooth numbering necessary?

All human teeth have their specific location by numbers. But how to understand on the upper or lower jaw it is located, as well as left or right? You can use the full formulations (for example, the first permanent molar of the upper jaw on the right) But such cumbersome names create certain difficulties for dentists and can often cause errors that are especially dangerous if the patient goes to tooth extraction.

In order to optimize the work of doctors and maximize simplification of the designation of tooth numbers, special numberings were invented.

Dental Numbering Schemes in Dentistry

Currently, tooth numbers in dentistry are systematized in accordance with several schemes:

Universal numbering system.
Sigmondi-Palmer square-to-digital or system.
Haderup system.
American numbering or alphanumeric system.
European Viola numbering or WHO system.

Let us consider in more detail the features of each of them.

Universal system

The basis of this numbering scheme is the assignment to each permanent tooth of a certain number from 1 to 32. In the milk bite, each tooth corresponds to its own letter. In this case, counting is carried out from the right half of the upper jaw clockwise from the wisdom tooth.

The dental formula of the permanent kit according to the universal system looks like this:

Scheme: numbers of permanent teeth of the upper and lower jaw

Milk teeth are marked according to the same principle, but only using the letters of the Latin alphabet:

Sigmondi-Palmer System

This numbering is the most imperfect, since it is indicated in the old way the teeth under the numbers without a more accurate indication of their location. At the same time, Arabic numbers from 1 to 8 are used for a permanent set, and Roman numerals (I-V) are used for dairy numbering.

The digital system does not exclude errors during diagnostic or therapeutic measures, therefore, today it is used only by orthodontists (for example, when installing and marking braces) or maxillofacial surgeons. And entries on it in the patient’s medical record are made only on a special scheme.

Haderup system

Haderup numbering also applies to digital. To indicate the teeth of an adult, Arabic numbers 1-8 are used with a plus or minus sign in front of them. The “+” sign is affixed to number the upper ones, and the “-” sign to indicate the lower ones.

The numbers of children's teeth are similarly registered in Arabic numerals with the signs “+” or “-”, but at the same time, the number “0” is assigned to them in front.

The disadvantage of such a system is the need to indicate the location of the tooth on the left or right side of the jaw.

American alphanumeric system

This numbering is widespread in the USA. The alphanumeric system is based on assigning an alphanumeric value to each group of teeth (capital for the permanent set, and capital for the milk), as well as a digital code that indicates the location of the tooth with a correct bite.

Literal meanings of teeth:

I (i) - permanent (milk) incisors;
C (s) - permanent (milk) fangs;
P - premolars (absent in the milk bite);
M (m) - permanent (milk) molars.

American numbering also does not take into account the left- or right-hand tooth position, which can cause certain difficulties.

European International Numbering Viola

Today it is the newest and most advanced tooth numbering system. Its essence lies in the fact that the jaws are divided into segments (2 on top and bottom), each of which is assigned its own number. In adults, digital values \u200b\u200bof 1-4 are used, and in children - 5-8. As a result, each tooth receives a two-digit number, the first digit of which designates a certain segment, and the second - serial number.

The convenience of the Viola system lies in the absence of bulky names with an exact indication of the location of the necessary tooth and at the minimum risk of error. This numbering is indispensable when referring the patient to an x-ray, as well as when designating teeth in a panoramic picture.

How to determine the number of a tooth - practice with examples

To determine which numbers of teeth is quite simple, you just need to practice a little with examples.

Tooth number 37 - which one?

To an unaware person who is not familiar with the numbering systems in dentistry, it may seem that we are talking about the extra 5 teeth in the mouth. But this is not so. According to the Viola system, teeth with numbers starting with a triple are located on the lower jaw on the left. A serial number 7 corresponds to the second molar. So the 37th tooth is the second lower molar on the left.

Which number corresponds to the upper right wisdom tooth (figure eight)?

In various systems, the third molar will be designated differently.

In the universal numerical scheme - number 1.
According to the Sigmondi-Palmer scheme - "upper right eight."
According to Haderup’s system - “+8 on the right”.
In the American scheme - "upper M3 on the right."
According to the Viola system - the number 18.

In a child of school age, the dental formula says that next to the 21 tooth is tooth 62. How can this be?

In children aged 6-7 years (less often in 8-9 years), a change in primary teeth begins. Therefore, in the mouth at the same time can be located both the teeth from the temporary set, and already erupted permanent. In this situation, they are numbered according to the Viola system, and their numbers indicate that the central upper incisor on the left (number 21) has already changed to the molar, but the lateral incisor is still from the milk bite (therefore, it is marked under number 62).

Abnormal tooth numbering

If a person has a normal number of teeth in his mouth, then their numbering does not cause difficulties and remains constant both at a young age and after 60 years.

If some teeth are lost (for example, due to various diseases or developmental abnormalities), then in the dental formula next to the corresponding number its absence is simply indicated.

But there are diseases of the dental system, which are characterized by an increase in the number of teeth with their atypical arrangement. With such options, the use of any numbering schemes is difficult and most often dentists refuse to use them. In this case, full information about the number of teeth, their description and location is entered into the medical documentation of the patient.