Before You Start … Here are some terms to know: Modified Triadan System A system for numbering each tooth in the mouth. Maxilla Consists of the upper teeth– maxillary teeth, ie maxillary canine.
Mandible Consists of the lower teeth– mandibular teeth, ie mandibular dog. Introduction The use of the customized Triadan system has become common place in veterinary medicine. The majority of hospitals used an oral charting system as part of a patient’s long-term medical record. These charts use the modified Triadan system to recognize abnormalities and subsequent treatments. Understanding the customized Triadan system helps to simplify interaction with our customers and colleagues.
You previously discovered instrumentation utilized in veterinary dentistry, and now you will find out how to determine each tooth so you can chart it, know what type of tooth it is and its structure.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you ought to be able to:
- Determine the instruments used in oral charting.
- Explain the functions of the instruments utilized in oral charting.
- List the instruments in a periodontal pack, as well as those in a surgical pack.
The Customized Triadan System
Each tooth is appointed a 3-digit number:
- The first number determines which quadrant the tooth remains in;
- The second and 3rd recognize the place of the tooth, beginning with 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 showed on pet head If there are milk teeth present, the numbering system is the exact same with the quadrants continuing to progress in number.
| Quadrant Number | Quadrant |
|---|---|
| 500 | Deciduous right upper/maxillary |
| 600 | Deciduous left upper/maxillary |
| 700 | Deciduous left lower/mandibular |
| 800 | Deciduous ideal lower/mandibular |
Image: Triadan quadrants demonstrated on pet head (with deciduous)
It is in some cases beneficial to orient yourself to the quadrant by understanding how to number your own quadrants. Beginning in the upper right side, move counterclockwise to form a C when numbering your own quadrants. When looking directly at your patient when both are standing, start on the client’s best side (your left side) and move clockwise to number the quadrants (reverse C). Understanding this viewpoint will help to label 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 | Always molars |
Hint: While there are differences in some species, the following are constantly real:
- Tooth 04 is the canine tooth.
- Tooth 09 is the first molar.
It is simpler to chart a specific clients oral and dental anatomy if we understand their oral formula, as well as specific subtleties for each types.
Canine Dental Solution
Pet dogs have 42 teeth. The dental formula for dogs is as follows:2 (I3/I3, C1/C1, P4/P4, M2/M3).
Let’s break down this formula to assist us comprehend how we calculate the teeth based on this formula.
Initially, the signs:
- The I represents incisors. Incisors are utilized to cut, scoop, select at or up, and groom.
- The C means the canine tooth. Canines are utilized to slash and tear or pierce and hold prey.
- The P stands for premolars, which are utilized to hold and bring food, simplifying into smaller pieces.
- The M stands for molars, which are utilized to grind food.
Then, the numbers:
- The numerator (leading 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 arcade).
- The 2 at the front of the equation indicates we can get to the overall number of teeth for this species by increasing the number 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 oral formula for cats is as follows:2 (I3/I3, C1/C1, P3/P2, M1/M1).
In contrast to canines, felines are missing out on the following 12 teeth:
- First premolar (05) in all quadrants– 4 overall;
- Mandibular (lower) second premolar (06)– 2 overall;
- Maxillary (upper) second molar (10)– 2 total;
- Mandibular (lower) 2nd and 3rd molars (10, 11)– 4 total.
When we put our knowledge of how to number teeth with the information relating to oral solutions, we can more easily recognize a specific tooth in a canine or feline client’s mouth.
For instance, 05 and 06 premolars don’t exist in a feline client’s ideal 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 cat’s mouth is numbered, and how to combine our understanding of oral solutions to help identify a specific tooth in a pet or feline’s mouth. This is very essential for notating pathology of a specific tooth or area in a client’s mouth.
In our next lesson, we will integrate this understanding with our understanding of dental anatomy and directional terminology to determine the area of pathology within our client’s mouth
Before Proceeding …
Use the self-check activity below to practice charting a canine mouth utilizing the Modified Triadan System.
OSU Students: In the skills center, you will have additional chances to practice counting teeth and recognizing specific teeth utilizing the Magnetic Board Activity (“Magna Charta”).
