Tooth ID

Started by scottyhoop
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scottyhoop

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Hey everyone...do any of you know of a good online resource to practice tooth identification? Have an exam coming up and I'm looking for more resources to practice with preferably with actual pictures, not illustrations. Thanks!!

Scotty
 
I don't have a website to offer but I will say this...

In a tooth ID exam they're going to have to present you with a tooth that has SOME distinguishing characteristic to it. If you get a multi-rooted premolar with a mesial concavity, think maxillary 1st. If you get a 5 cusp molar, think mandibular 1st.

You should know how to distinguish one tooth type from another (molar vs PM vs anterior).

You should try to list 2 or 3 unique characteristics of each specific type (mandibular incisor vs max incisor vs mand canine vs etc). For instance the maxillary premolars tend to be a bit longer B-L and the mandibular PM a bit more square shaped.

Then list the characteristics that separate teeth from there into specific teeth. The mand 2nd PM often times has the Y shaped groove with 2 lingual cusps. The mand 1st PM has an occlusal surface that is at a 45 degree slope and also a ML groove.

Remember... again... your instructor will make sure there is a way for you to ID it as a specific tooth. It might not always jump out at you but if you can narrow it down to 2 teeth you'll have an easier time.
 
Streetwolf said:
I don't have a website to offer but I will say this...

In a tooth ID exam they're going to have to present you with a tooth that has SOME distinguishing characteristic to it. If you get a multi-rooted premolar with a mesial concavity, think maxillary 1st. If you get a 5 cusp molar, think mandibular 1st.

You should know how to distinguish one tooth type from another (molar vs PM vs anterior).

You should try to list 2 or 3 unique characteristics of each specific type (mandibular incisor vs max incisor vs mand canine vs etc). For instance the maxillary premolars tend to be a bit longer B-L and the mandibular PM a bit more square shaped.

Then list the characteristics that separate teeth from there into specific teeth. The mand 2nd PM often times has the Y shaped groove with 2 lingual cusps. The mand 1st PM has an occlusal surface that is at a 45 degree slope and also a ML groove.

Remember... again... your instructor will make sure there is a way for you to ID it as a specific tooth. It might not always jump out at you but if you can narrow it down to 2 teeth you'll have an easier time.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the pointers! I'm starting to feel pretty comfy with it, just need lots of practice now. Found a few websites, so between that and your pointers I should be fine.

Scotty
 
scottyhoop said:
Hey everyone...do any of you know of a good online resource to practice tooth identification? Have an exam coming up and I'm looking for more resources to practice with preferably with actual pictures, not illustrations. Thanks!!

Scotty
Click to expand...

Okay, everything Street said is great, but don't underestimate the canines. I did about 15 jars of teeth for practice until I thought I had them down stat (missing none or one per jar). But I get to the exam...and they put mutliples of teeth on there, like 3 number 3's (that was easy..), and all sorts of other multiples, so it messes with your mind. Just be sure you can know numbers 11 from 27 and 6 from 22. A maxillary or mandibular attritioned down can look VERY similiar to its counterpart in the diagnonal quadrant.
 
to me the hardest teeth to distinguish outside of the mouth are mandibular canines from maxillary lateral incisors.

They can look very similar with wear.
 
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