What type of teeth are maxillary and mandibular 04s classified as?

The maxillary and mandibular 04s are classified as premolars. In domestic animals, premolars are positioned between the canines and molars, playing a crucial role in the process of chewing by helping to shear and grind food.

Understanding this classification is important in veterinary dentistry because it informs treatment approaches and the anatomy of the dental arch. The fourth premolars, specifically, are designed for their function with a distinctive shape and surface compared to distinct tooth types like incisors—which are primarily used for cutting—or molars, which are better suited for grinding larger food particles. The canine teeth serve a different purpose, acting more for puncturing or holding rather than grinding or shearing.

Therefore, the maxillary and mandibular 04s are correctly identified as premolars due to their location and function in the dental structure.