DENTAL FORMULA Meaning and
Definition
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A dental formula is a numerical representation that describes the arrangement and number of teeth in a particular species or individual. It provides a standardized way to classify and compare species based on their dental characteristics and enables researchers and dentists to identify and categorize teeth accurately.
The dental formula typically consists of a series of numbers and symbols that represent each type of tooth found in the upper and lower jaws. The numbers indicate the number of each type of tooth, while symbols like "I" represent incisors, "C" represents canines, "P" represents premolars, and "M" represents molars. The dental formula can be written for one side of the upper and lower jaw or for both sides, depending on the level of detail required.
For example, the dental formula for a cat is written as 2I 1C 3P 1M/2I 1C 2P 1M. This means that on one side of the upper jaw, there are 2 incisors, 1 canine, 3 premolars, and 1 molar, while on one side of the lower jaw, there are 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, and 1 molar.
Dental formulas are vital tools in comparative anatomy, evolutionary studies, and dental health assessments. They allow researchers to determine tooth types and count teeth accurately, aiding in the understanding of various species' adaptations and evolutionary trends related to feeding habits and dietary preferences. Additionally, dental formulas are crucial for dentists and oral health professionals to diagnose dental diseases, plan treatments, and ensure proper oral health for humans and animals alike.
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A statement in tabular form of the number of each kind of teeth in the jaw; the dental formula for man is, for the milk teeth: i.2-2/2-2, c.1-1/1-1, m.2-2/2-2=20; permanent teeth; i.2-2/2-2, c.1-1/1-1, pm.2-2/2-2, m.3-3/3-3=32.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DENTAL FORMULA
- sental formula
- xental formula
- cental formula
- fental formula
- rental formula
- eental formula
- dwntal formula
- dsntal formula
- ddntal formula
- drntal formula
- d4ntal formula
- d3ntal formula
- debtal formula
- demtal formula
- dejtal formula
- dehtal formula
- denral formula
- denfal formula
- dengal formula
- denyal formula
Etymology of DENTAL FORMULA
The word "dental" is derived from the Latin word "dens", meaning "tooth". The word "formula" comes from the Latin word "formula", meaning "a little form" or "a set form". Therefore, the term "dental formula" refers to a standardized arrangement or representation of teeth in a specific order, commonly used in the field of comparative dental anatomy.
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