Quadrant dentistry explained

Quadrant dentistry is a treatment approach sometimes used in individuals who need much dental treatment.^[1] Quadrant dentistry means that all the dental treatment required in a quadrant is carried out in a single appointment. This is perceived as convenient for some dentists and some patients, as fewer appointments are required overall.

The dentition is divided into quadrants:

• Upper right quadrant: upper right first incisor to upper right wisdom tooth
• Upper left quadrant: upper left first incisor to upper left wisdom tooth
• Lower right quadrant: lower right first incisor to lower right wisdom tooth
• Lower left quadrant: lower left first incisor to lower left wisdom tooth

Inferior alveolar nerve blocks anesthetize all the teeth in a lower quadrant, so it can be convenient as only one injection is required for quadrant dentistry carried out in the lower teeth. Rubber dam is often used in this technique.^[2] If a tooth extraction is carried out in the same appointment as placing an amalgam filling, amalgam tattoo can result.

Notes and References

1. Book: Satish Chandra. Shaleen Chandra. Girish Chandra. forewords by Anil Kohli, A. P. Tikku. Textbook of operative dentistry (with MCQs). 2007. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Ltd.. New Delhi. 9788180618932.
2. Book: Theodore M. Roberson. Harald O. Heymann. Edward J. Swift Jr. Sturdevant's art and science of operative dentistry. 2006. Mosby/Elsevier. St. Louis, Mo.. 9780323078191. 5th.