Permanent Teeth
The typical adult dentition consists of 32 teeth which can be divided into two categories of Upper (Maxillary) and Lower (Mandibular) as well as the type of tooth based on their function. The upper and lower categories can be broken down again into sides (left and right) which allows for the ability to break the dentition into Quadrants. In most people, each quadrant consists of the same order and number of teeth.
Incisors
8 incisors (4 upper and 4 lower) can be found in the typical adult dentition. They are designed for cutting food as it enters the human mouth. The incisors are the most central (medial) teeth in the mouth. There are 2 incisors when the dentition is divided into quadrants one central and one lateral.
Canines
4 canines (2 upper and 2 lower) can be found in the typical adult dentition. They are pointed and used for tearing food. Canines can be found adjacent to the lateral incisor in each quadrant.
Premolars
8 premolars (4 upper and 4 lower) can be found in the typical adult dentition. They are designed for grinding and reducing food as we chew. The first and second premolars are located on the lateral side of the canine in each quadrant.
Molars
12 molars (6 upper and 6 lower) can be found in the typical adult dentition. They are also designed for grinding and reducing food while chewing. The first, second and third molars are located on the lateral side of the second premolar in each quadrant. The first molar is more commonly known as the wisdom tooth.
Deciduous teeth
The deciduous dentition can be used to estimate the age of a subadult as each tooth has an average age of eruption.
