MICAP- a novel system for identification and communication of dental problems
Aim: To design a new tooth notation system to record and communicate dental and periodontal problems around the world.Methodology: The design of a new tooth notification system is based on the first letter of each tooth class, M-molar, I-incisor, C-canine and P-premolar, termed as ANAASEA letters and digits (1, 2, 3), termed as TOT digits, assigned to appropriate tooth types to record the
right and left maxillary and mandibular teeth of both permanent and deciduous dentitions for specifically dental and periodontal charting and generally other dental oriented purposes. The letter ‘d’ is written along with the ANAASEA letters used for deciduous tooth classes.Results: The MICAP system records and communicates dental and periodontal problems manually as well as electronically by using letters I, C, P, M and assigned digits 1, 2, 3. The assigned digits are written as superscript and subscript on right and left sides of letters I, C, P and M not only to identify teeth during oral examination but also in writing referral letters and submitting dental claims for various performed dental procedures.
Conclusions: The identification of and communication about human teeth by the MICAP system is simple, error free and user/computer friendly.
Tooth notation, being a fundamental concept, is a guiding principal in dental and periodontal charting, used by dentists all over the world to record the dental status of their patients at initial presentation and subsequent follow-up appointments. There are many tooth notification methods used to make referral notes, claim insurance and treatment charges and make malpractice notes and these methods are considered to be trustworthy and interpersonal forms of communication in the dental community. Most of the methods use numbers when referring to a particular tooth class (Incisor, Canine, Premolar and Molar)1 and divide the mouth into four quadrants which are indicated as upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left. The most commonly used systems are Zsigmondy/Palmer notation method, the FDI two-digit notation, Universal numbering system and Haderup tooth notation which are briefly explained before the MICAP tooth notation system is described.
