Editing Teeth

{{Infobox anatomy
| Name         = Human tooth
| Image        = [File:Tooth_Anatomy_Diagram.svg]
| Caption      = Cross-section of a human molar showing the layers of the tooth.
| Latin        = Dens
| System       = [[Digestive system]]
| Component    = [[Enamel]], [[Dentin]], [[Dental pulp]], [[Cementum]]
}}

==Introduction==
'''Teeth''' (singular: '''tooth''') are hard, mineralized structures found in the [[alveolar process|alveolar arches]] of the [[maxilla]] and [[mandible]]. Unlike bone, teeth are not technically part of the skeletal system; they are considered specialized organs of the [[integumentary system]] that have evolved for the mechanical breakdown of food ([[mastication]]) and to facilitate [[speech]].

==Anatomical Structure==
A tooth is divided into two primary parts:
* '''Crown''': The visible portion of the tooth above the [[gingival margin]].
* '''Root''': The portion embedded within the alveolar bone, anchored by the [[periodontal ligament]].
* '''Cervix (Neck)''': The slight constriction at the junction of the crown and the root ([[Cementoenamel junction]]).

===Tissue Layers===
A tooth is composed of four distinct tissues:
# '''[[Enamel]]''': The hardest substance in the human body. It is highly mineralized (96% hydroxyapatite) and covers the crown. It is non-vital and cannot regenerate.
# '''[[Dentin]]''': Located beneath the enamel and cementum. It is a vital, mineralized tissue that contains microscopic '''[[dentinal tubules]]'''.
# '''[[Dental pulp]]''': The unmineralized central chamber containing loose connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.
# '''[[Cementum]]''': A bone-like mineralized tissue covering the root surface, providing attachment for the [[periodontal ligament]].

==Types of Teeth==
Humans are '''[[diphyodont]]''', meaning they develop two sets of teeth during their lifetime:

===Primary Dentition (Baby Teeth)===
* **Count**: 20 teeth.
* **Composition**: 8 [[incisors]], 4 [[canines]], 8 [[molars]].
* **Eruption**: Typically begins at 6 months and is complete by age 3.

===Permanent Dentition (Adult Teeth)===
* **Count**: 32 teeth (including third molars).
* **Composition**: 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 [[premolars]], 12 molars.
* **Eruption**: Typically begins at age 6 and concludes in late adolescence.

==Dental Notation Systems==
To uniquely identify each tooth, clinicians use standardized systems:
* '''[[Universal Numbering System]]''': Primarily used in the United States (1–32).
* '''[[FDI World Dental Federation notation]]''': International standard using a two-digit quadrant-based system (e.g., 11, 21, 31, 41).
* '''[[Palmer notation method]]''': Uses a symbol ($┘, └, ┐, ┌$) representing the quadrant and a number.

==Clinical Significance==
* '''[[Dental caries]]''': The demineralization of tooth structure by bacterial acids.
* '''[[Bruxism]]''': Excessive grinding or clenching that leads to tooth wear ([[attrition]]).
* '''[[Endodontic therapy]]''': Treatment required when the dental pulp becomes infected or necrotic.
* '''[[Impacted tooth]]''': A tooth that fails to erupt fully into the oral cavity (common with [[wisdom teeth]]).

==See Also==
* [[Dental anatomy]]
* [[Occlusion (dentistry)]]
* [[Tooth eruption]]
* [[Odontogenesis]]

[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Restorative Dentistry]]
[[Category:Oral Biology]]