Notes

Outline

Anatomy of Primary Teeth Theory and Practice of Pediatric Dentistry

Lecture Overview Primary Dentition General Morphological considerations Implications of Primary tooth morphology Procedures in Primary teeth

Primary Dentition 20 primary teeth as compared to 32 permanent teeth No premolars in the primary dentition The primary molars are replaced by the premolars. The permanent molars erupt distal to the primary second molars

General Morphologic considerations Crown Pulp Root

Crown of Primary Teeth Shorter Narrower occlusal table Constricted in the cervical portion Thinner enamel and dentin layers Enamel rods in the cervical area direct occlusally Broad and flat contacts Color is usually lighter

Crown of Primary Teeth Prominent mesio-buccal cervical bulge seen in primary molars

Pulp of Primary Teeth Larger Pulp horns are closer to the outer surface Mesial pulp horn is higher Md molar pulp is larger than the Mx pulp Form of the pulp follows the external surface of the crown Usually a pulp horn under each cusp

Root of Primary Teeth Anterior teeth roots are narrower mesio-distally Posterior teeth have longer and more slender roots in relation to crown size Molar roots flare more as they approach the apex

Implications of Primary tooth morphology The progress of caries is much faster in the primary dentition, so incipient lesions should be restored sooner than later! Thinner enamel and dentin Mesial pulp horn higher

Procedures in Primary Teeth Restorative Dentistry Enamel thickness is less, therefore modifications are necessary in the cavity prep. Broad contacts need to be restored Beware of the mesio-buccal pulp horn May need to do SSC if both proximal surfaces involved Preserve the buccal cervical ridge to obtain mechanical retention for SSC

Procedures in Primary Teeth Surgical Procedures Conical anterior roots facilitate easy removal Flared roots of the molars - use a lot of caution as premolar buds are located between the roots Pulp Therapy Tortuous and irregular pulp canals Pulpotomy Pulpectomy

Summary Primary teeth have Thinner enamel and dentin layers Pulp horns closer to the outer surface Mesial pulp horn much higher Larger pulps Enamel rods direct slightly occlusally in the cervical area Cervical area is constricted significantly Roots flare as they approach the apex More tortuous and irregular pulp canals