Diagnosis

Tooth notation: FDI, Universal, Palmer

Convert between notation systems quickly.

FDI (two-digit, international): first digit = quadrant (permanent 1 UR, 2 UL, 3 LL, 4 LR; primary 5–8), second digit = tooth 1–8 from the midline. Universal (US): permanent 1–32 starting at the upper right third molar, across to the upper left (16), down to the lower left third molar (17) and around to the lower right (32). Primary teeth A–T. Palmer: quadrant grid symbol + 1–8 (primary A–E).

Tooth	FDI	Universal	Palmer
Upper right third molar	18	1	8┘
Upper right central incisor	11	8	1┘
Upper left central incisor	21	9	└1
Upper left first molar	26	14	└6
Lower left first molar	36	19	┌6
Lower left central incisor	31	24	┌1
Lower right central incisor	41	25	1┐
Lower right first molar	46	30	6┐
Primary upper right second molar	55	A	E┘

Sources

FDI World Dental FederationInternational
ADA — Oral health topics libraryUS

Checked against these sources on 2026-10-22. Guidelines change — open the source to confirm.

Summarised from the sources above. Always verify against current local guidelines and the patient's medical history.

Ask the DentaRef Assistant about this