ABSTRACT

Proper understanding of oral and dental anatomy is of utmost importance when treating issues involving the oral cavity. The maxillary and mandibular teeth are shown in Figure 29.1. Figure 29.2 shows an overview of intraoral anatomy. Teeth are composed of enamel, dentin, and pulp tissue and surrounded by the periodontium. The periodontium consists of the gingiva, periodontal ligament, and connective tissue fibers (Figure  29.3). The most common system used to identify teeth is the universal numbering system. The teeth are numbered 1 through 32 starting with the right maxillary third molar, continuing to the left maxillary third molar, down to the left mandibular third molar, and continuing to the right mandibular third molar (Figure 29.4). While the universal numbering system may be the most universally employed system, there are still other numbering systems used by dental professionals, such as the Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI). Understanding of dental and oral terminology will also facilitate communication regarding issues of the oral cavity.