How do dentists refer to specific teeth?

Hi :)





My son's just had his teeth inspected by the school dentist. He brought back a report that says he needs a filling in tooth 36.





Do I need to add here that I don't trust them?





So I counted his teeth .. he has 24 and a cavity in the 36th one ....





So I look it up on the internet .. humans get 32 .. horses get 36-44 maybe they have mixed up his paperwork?





Does anyone know where this number might have come from? I'd just like to know which one they're referring too so I can see if it's really necessary, he still has most of his baby teeth and no toothaches or problems - brushes his teeth religiously twice a day, eats well yada yada.





Anyway thanks for any help. If it makes any difference I'm in Australia .. dunno maybe Australian dentists count differently? LOL





Thanks!


Mandie

How do dentists refer to specific teeth?
The dentist's right. Different countries actually uses different codes. It's called FDI.


#36 (no. 3 6, not 36) is the lower left first molar. If it's obvious, you can actually spot out the cavity. It's usually with stains. However, if there is a cavity, the surface is actually sticky and dental professionals use a probe (a kind of instrument like a pencil) to check it. B4 you do anything, don't go poking at the cavity coz it can get deeper!


Just because there is no toothache, it doesn't mean that your son has no cavities. Once there's pain, it usually means that the bacteria has progressed to the pulp and things can get worse from there.


Don't worry, let the dentist fill up your son's tooth. He's trained and a professional. If you are still worried, you can always call the dental office. I'm sure there's a number on the report. =)
Reply:Maybe the dentist is wrong.. There is a numbering system for teeth 1 to 32. check out


http://www.ada.org/public/topics/tooth_n...


The dentist might have written the wrong number. or the handwriting might be illegible.


You can inspect his teeth to see which tooth has a cavity or consult some other local dentist.
Reply:I just had a bunch of teeth pulled and they called them by number. 7,8,9... the front uppers to the canine.
Reply:torching
Reply:Dentists refer to adult teeth by number and children's teeth by letter. This system has been in use for about 10 to 15 years, and is considered "universal".