Implants and periodontal therapy are our specialties at the dental office of Dr. Martin Urban. But to understand the full range of their treatment options, patients must first understand the basic function of their teeth. Adults normally grow thirty-two in total, and each type can have different issues.
The four teeth in the front of the mouth are called incisors. Their flat shape makes them useful for forming speech and they are the focus of most cosmetic care. In a small number of people, the upper lateral incisors may be missing, or the baby versions of the bottom central incisors may fail to fall out as their adult replacements come in. Framing the incisors are the cuspids, or canine teeth, which are sharp and used for piercing. They occupy the part of the jaw arch with the greatest change in rate of curvature and help to maintain facial stability.
The molars and premolars have multiple cusps and are used for grinding food. The premolars only have a single tooth root, but the lower molars have two and the upper ones have three. Wisdom teeth, the molars furthest in back, are often removed in teenagers because of their difficulty erupting and are generally not replaced. Molars are anchored by strong ligaments and are the only teeth capable of withstanding the pressure of chewing. But even they can crack if subjected to grinding during the patient’s sleep.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.
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