Types of Teeth

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.

Bite Checks

Bite checks are a regular part of any dental health check-up. At the Waltham office of Dr. Martin Urban, where many of our patients have implants or dentures, we’re particularly concerned with ensuring that their prosthetics still fit correctly. When a tooth or jaws are out of place, pain is likely to only get worse without intervention.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a condition affecting the joints that connect the lower jaw to the head. It may cause pain, tingling, or numbness along the jaw, neck, or shoulder muscles. TMD often exists in a vicious circle with bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. As people clench or grind their teeth in their sleep, their enamel is eroded and their teeth are pushed out of place. The pain from this can trigger more clenching, although people have also been known to grind their teeth in an unconscious effort to keep their airways open or as a way of coping with psychological stress.

Bruxism can crack teeth and deform dentures. During a dental examination, our hygienists will be able to recognize it by wear patterns in a patient’s teeth. We’ll also need patients to demonstrate how they close their teeth together and allow us to take x-rays to search for further evidence of misalignment. If a tooth or jaw is out of place, we can talk about corrective options. Patients may also need oral appliances to protect their teeth as they sleep.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.