Oblique Fracture through tooth #8

Findings:

There is an oblique mildly displaced fracture through the right upper central incisor, tooth 8. The right lateral margin of this tooth is also chipped.

Discussion/Differential Diagnosis:

Dental numbering is performed starting at the upper right and ending at the lower right with 8 secondary teeth in each quadrant. Each quadrant consists of a central incisor, lateral incisor, canine, 2 premolar, and 3 molar teeth. Since the third molars are typically extracted due to impaction and/or maleruption, teeth numbers 1, 16, 17, and 32 are often absent. A cracked tooth has compromised vascular supply and often dies and/or becomes infected, and is a common indication for root canals and/or extraction.

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