Before You Start … Here are some terms to know: Customized Triadan System A system for numbering each tooth in the mouth. Maxilla Includes the upper teeth– maxillary teeth, ie maxillary dog.
Mandible Consists of the lower teeth– mandibular teeth, ie mandibular dog. Introduction Using the customized Triadan system has become common location in veterinary medication. The majority of health centers used a dental charting system as part of a client’s long-term medical record. These charts utilize the modified Triadan system to determine irregularities and subsequent treatments. Comprehending the customized Triadan system helps to improve communication with our clients and associates.
You formerly learned instrumentation used in veterinary dentistry, and now you will discover how to determine each tooth so you can chart it, understand what kind of tooth it is and its structure.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you ought to have the ability to:
- Recognize the instruments used in oral charting.
- Explain the functions of the instruments utilized in dental charting.
- List the instruments in a gum pack, as well as those in a surgical pack.
The Modified Triadan System
Each tooth is appointed a 3-digit number:
- The first number determines which quadrant the tooth is in;
- The second and 3rd determine the place of the tooth, starting from front (rostral) to back (caudal) of the mouth.
Numbering Quadrants
| Quadrant Number | Quadrant |
|---|---|
| 100 | Right upper/maxillary |
| 200 | Left upper/maxillary |
| 300 | Left lower/mandibular |
| 400 | Right lower/mandibular |
Image: Triadan quadrants demonstrated on pet dog head If there are milk teeth present, the numbering system is the same with the quadrants continuing to progress in number.
| Quadrant Number | Quadrant |
|---|---|
| 500 | Deciduous ideal upper/maxillary |
| 600 | Deciduous left upper/maxillary |
| 700 | Deciduous left lower/mandibular |
| 800 | Deciduous best lower/mandibular |
Image: Triadan quadrants demonstrated on pet head (with deciduous)
It is often beneficial to orient yourself to the quadrant by understanding how to number your own quadrants. Beginning in the upper ideal side, relocation counterclockwise to form a C when numbering your own quadrants. When looking straight at your patient when both are standing, begin on the client’s ideal side (your left side) and move clockwise to number the quadrants (reverse C). Comprehending this perspective will help to identify the quadrant no matter the orientation of your patient.
Numbering Teeth in Dogs
| Tooth Number | Quadrant |
|---|---|
| 01, 02, 03 | Always incisors |
| 04 | Always canine |
| 05, 06, 07, 08 | Constantly premolars |
| 09, 10, 11 | Constantly molars |
Tip: While there are differences in some types, the following are constantly real:
- Tooth 04 is the canine tooth.
- Tooth 09 is the first molar.
It is easier to chart a specific clients oral and dental anatomy if we understand their dental formula, along with specific subtleties for each types.
Canine Dental Formula
Dogs have 42 teeth. The oral formula for dogs is as follows:2 (I3/I3, C1/C1, P4/P4, M2/M3).
Let’s break down this formula to help us understand how we determine the teeth based upon this formula.
First, the signs:
- The I stands for incisors. Incisors are used to cut, scoop, select at or up, and groom.
- The C represents the canine tooth. Canines are utilized to slash and tear or pierce and hold victim.
- The P means premolars, which are used to hold and bring food, simplifying into smaller pieces.
- The M represents molars, which are utilized to grind food.
Then, the numbers:
- The numerator (top number) amounts to the number of teeth on one side of the mouth in the maxilla (upper arcade).
- The denominator (lower number) is equal to the number of teeth on one side of the mouth in the mandible (lower game).
- The 2 at the front of the equation suggests we can come to the overall variety of teeth for this species by multiplying the variety of teeth we calculate in this formula by 2– there are 2 sides of the mouth (right and left).
Feline Dental Solution
Felines have 30 teeth. The dental formula for cats is as follows:2 (I3/I3, C1/C1, P3/P2, M1/M1).
In contrast to pets, cats are missing the following 12 teeth:
- First premolar (05) in all quadrants– 4 overall;
- Mandibular (lower) second premolar (06)– 2 total;
- Maxillary (upper) second molar (10)– 2 overall;
- Mandibular (lower) second and 3rd molars (10, 11)– 4 overall.
When we put our knowledge of how to number teeth with the information regarding dental solutions, we can more easily recognize a specific tooth in a canine or feline patient’s mouth.
For example, 05 and 06 premolars do not exist in a feline patient’s best lower/mandibular quadrant (400 ), neither do 10 and 11 molars, we would skip them when we count:
- Incisors– 401, 402, 403
- Dog– 404
- Premolars– 405, 406, 407, 408
- Molars– 409
Finishing up
In this lesson, we discovered the quadrants of the mouth, how each tooth in a pet or feline’s mouth is numbered, and how to combine our understanding of dental solutions to assist identify a specific tooth in a pet or feline’s mouth. This is incredibly important for notating pathology of a specific tooth or area in a patient’s mouth.
In our next lesson, we will integrate this knowledge with our knowledge of oral anatomy and directional terminology to determine the area of pathology within our client’s mouth
Before Moving On …
Utilize the self-check activity below to practice charting a canine mouth using the Customized Triadan System.
OSU Students: In the abilities center, you will have extra opportunities to practice counting teeth and recognizing specific teeth using the Magnetic Board Activity (“Magna Charta”).
