Anatomy of Primary Dentition Flashcards
What is one essential function of primary teeth related to food intake?
They are needed for mastication (chewing)
How do primary teeth support facial appearance?
They support the cheeks and lips, contributing to a normal facial appearance.
Why are primary teeth important for speech development?
They help in forming sounds and are necessary for speech development.
What role do primary teeth play for permanent teeth?
They act as space maintainers for permanent teeth, guiding their eruption.
Exfoliation
the process by which primary (deciduous) teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth
What is the consequence of early exfoliation or extraction of primary teeth?
It can lead to orthodontic problems due to loss of space for permanent teeth.
What dental device may be used if primary teeth are lost prematurely?
Space maintainers may be used to prevent loss of space.
How does caries progression in primary teeth compare to that in permanent teeth?
Caries progresses faster in primary teeth (Vanderas, 2004).
What is the primary dentition period?
The period from approximately 6 months until about 6 years old.
What is mixed dentition?
The period between 6 to 12 years old when both primary and permanent teeth are present.
What is exfoliation in dental terms?
The process of primary teeth being lost or shed.
What are succedaneous teeth?
Teeth that replace primary teeth.
What are nonsuccedaneous teeth?
Permanent maxillary and mandibular first, second, and third molars, which do not replace primary teeth.
When does the adult dentition period typically begin?
Around age 12, when all primary teeth have usually been replaced by permanent teeth.
How many teeth are in the primary dentition?
20 teeth
How many incisors are in the primary dentition?
8 incisors
How many canines are in the primary dentition?
4 canines
How many molars are in the primary dentition?
8 molars
Are there premolars in the primary dentition?
no premolars in primary dentition
How does the variability of primary dentition compare to permanent dentition?
primary dentition shows less variability than the permanent dentition
What numbering system is commonly used for primary dentition in the United States and most commonly used by insurance companies?
The Universal Numbering System.
What other numbering system can be used for the primary dentition?
Palmer Numbering System
How are primary teeth labeled in the Universal Numbering System?
By letters A to T.
In the Universal Numbering System, what letters represent the maxillary (upper) primary teeth?
A to J
In the Universal Numbering System, what letters represent the mandibular (lower) primary teeth?
K to T
How are supernumerary primary teeth designated?
By adding an “S” to the end of the letter of the most adjacent tooth. (Example: DS)
How are supernumerary permanent teeth designated?
By adding 50 to the number of the most adjacent tooth. (Example: 59)
How does the volume and exposed enamel area of primary teeth compare to that of permanent teeth?
Primary teeth have about half the volume and exposed enamel area of their permanent successors.
How do the primary incisors and canines compare mesiodistally to their permanent successors?
They are narrower mesio-distally than the permanent incisors and canines.
How do the primary molars compare mesiodistally to the permanent premolars?
Primary molars are wider mesiodistally than their permanent successors, the premolars.
What is “Primate Space” in primary dentition?
Natural spacing found mesial to the maxillary canines and distal to the mandibular canines.
What is “Leeway Space”?
The mesio-distal width difference between primary molars and their permanent replacements (premolars).
How much leeway space is typically found in the upper arch per quadrant?
Between 0.9 to 1.1 mm per quadrant.
How much leeway space is typically found in the lower arch per quadrant?
Between 1.7 to 2.4 mm per quadrant.
Why is leeway space important in orthodontics?
If there is about 4 mm of crowding per arch (or 2 mm per quadrant), comprehensive orthodontic treatment is often recommended.
Why are primary teeth smaller than permanent teeth?
To compensate for the smaller jaw in which they must erupt and function.
Baume Type 1 spacing
ideal spacing between primary teeth
Baume Type 2 spacing
limited/no spacing between primary teeth
In general, who experiences primary tooth eruption earlier, girls or boys?
Girls tend to experience primary tooth eruption earlier than boys.
How do primary teeth tend to erupt?
Primary teeth tend to erupt in pairs.
Which teeth typically erupt first, mandibular or maxillary teeth?
Mandibular teeth tend to erupt before maxillary teeth.