ERUPTION AND EXFOLIATION [SHEDDING]:

DENTITION:

Dentition pertains to the development of teeth and their arrangement in the mouth. In particular, the characteristic arrangement, kind, and number of teeth in a given species at a given age. That is, the number, type, and morpho-physiology of the teeth of an animal.
Animals whose teeth are all of the same type, such as most non-mammalian vertebrates, are said to have homodont dentition, whereas those whose teeth differ morphologically are said to have heterodont dentition. The dentition of animals with two successions of teeth ((deciduous, permanent) is referred to as diphyodont, while the dentition of animals with only one set of teeth throughout life is monophyodont. The dentition of animals in which the teeth are continuously discarded and replaced throughout life is termed polyphyodont.



<sup>TYPES OF DENTITION IN HUMANS:
Deciduous:commonly known as milk teeth which are temporary.
Permanent:which emerge in oral cavity after shedding of deciduous dentition.


DENTAL FORMULA:</sup>

1. Deciduous: (di² − dc¹ − dp²) / (di₂ − dc₁ − dp₂)x2 = 20. This can also be written as . Or as , if the fact that it pertains to deciduous teeth is clearly stated, per examples found in some texts such as The Cambridge Dictionary of Human Biology and Evolutio
2. Permanent: (I² − C¹ − P² − M³) / (I₂ − C₁ − P₂ − M₃) = 32. This can also be written as . When the upper and lower dental formulae are the same, some texts write the formula without a fraction (in this case, 2.1.2.3), on the implicit assumption that the reader will realise it must apply to both upper and lower quadrants. This is seen for example throughout The Cambridge Dictionary of Human Biology and Evolution.

NORMAL TOOTH ANATOMY

CROWN:It is the part of the tooth, visible in mouth.
ROOT:It is the part of the tooth not visible in mouth [hidden underneath gums].
ENAMEL:Outermost covering of the tooth [most hardest tissue of the body, even harder than bone.]
DENTIN:underlying enamel, less harder, it is sensitive because it is present closer to the vital dental tissue, the PULP, which is soft due to the presence of substance called collagen [will be discussed later]. Pulp contains nerve and vessels, has the capability of regeneration and provides nutrition for the tooth.
CEMENTUM:It is hard, present in root region, covering and protecting dentin.
Nerves and vessels enter the tooth from below [as shown in diagram] through an opening called APICAL FORAMEN.

Prevention of dental caries:The most common tooth problem

Dentists also encourage prevention of dental caries through proper hygiene (tooth brushing and flossing), fluoride, and tooth polishing. Dental sealants are plastic materials applied to one or more teeth, for the intended purpose of preventing dental caries (cavities) or other forms of tooth decay. Recognized but less conventional preventive agents include xylitol, which is bacteriostatic, casein derivatives, and proprietary products such as Cavistat BasicMints.

 

Dental surgery and treatments:

Dentistry usually encompasses very important practices related to the oral cavity. Oral diseases are major public health problems due to their high incidence and prevalence across the globe with the disadvantaged affected more than other socio-economic groups.^[2]
Although modern day dental practice centres around prevention, many treatments or interventions are still needed. The majority of dental treatments are carried out to prevent or treat the two most common oral diseases which are dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal disease (gum disease or pyorrhea). Common treatments involve the restoration of teeth as a treatment for dental caries (fillings), extraction or surgical removal of teeth which cannot be restored, scaling of teeth to treat periodontal problems and endodontic root canal treatment to treat abscessed teeth.
All dentists train for around 4 or 5 years at University and qualify as a 'dental surgeon'. By nature of their general training they can carry out the majority of dental treatments such as restorative (fillings, crowns, bridges), prosthetic (dentures), endodontic (root canal) therapy,periodontal (gum) therapy, and exodontia (extraction of teeth), as well as performing examinations, radiographs (x-rays) and diagnosis. Dentists can also prescribe certain medications such as antibiotics, fluorides, and sedatives but they are not able to prescribe the full range that physicians can.
Dentists need to take additional qualifications or training to carry out more complex treatments such as sedation, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and implants. Whilst the majority of oral diseases are unique and self limiting, some can indicate poor general health,tumours,blood dyscrasias and abnormalities including genetic problems.
[source:wikkipedia]

What is dentidtry?

Dentistry, which is a part of stomatology, is the branch of medicine that is involved in the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and surgical or non-surgical treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body.^[1] Dentistry is widely considered necessary for complete overall health. Those who practice dentistry are known as dentists. The dentist's supporting team aides in providing oral health services, which includes dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental technicians, and dental therapists.