Types of Teeth

As a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Peter Evans is proficient in a vast array of dental and oral health procedures. But in order for patients to understand the options available to them, they first have to understand the different functions their teeth serve and what kinds of problems each is most likely to encounter.

Adults usually grow four incisors, two cuspids, four premolars, and six molars in each jaw, totaling up to thirty-two teeth. The incisors are the flat teeth and the front of the mouth that are used for tearing pieces of food. They are the most important teeth for speech function and are the most common location for caries in babies. The cuspids are also called canines and eyeteeth. They are for piercing and stabilize the overall arch of the teeth, but the upper ones often have difficulty erupting.

The molars and premolars have horizontal area and multiple cusps. Their large roots and ligaments allow them to tolerate the pressure of chewing. Lower molars usually have two roots, upper molars often have three. The molars furthest in back are the wisdom teeth. They are the largest teeth and commonly have difficulty erupting as well, but they are more often removed than corrected.

Dr. Peter Evans operates Evans Dental Care at 103 Bulifants Blvd., Suite B, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23188. To schedule an appointment, visit Evans Dental Care or call 757-349-8877.