We hear some of our providers use “Class” when referring to a tooth surface. How do these “classes” relate to what is normally used (mesial, buccal, distal, etc)?

The G.V. Black system of classification is as follows:

·   Class I: Pits and fissures of the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth, as well as the lingual surfaces of anterior teeth

·   Class II: Proximal surfaces of posterior teeth

·   Class III: Proximal surfaces of anterior teeth

·   Class IV: Proximal surfaces of anterior teeth that involve an incisal edge.

·   Class V: Gingival third (i.e., closest to the gumline/gingiva) of the facial, buccal, or lingual surfaces of anterior and posterior teeth

·   Class VI: Cusp tips

Therefore, a carious lesion on the proximal surface of the maxillary left canine could therefore be referred to as a “Class III lesion on 11.”