Dental Anatomy: Molars Overview

There are a total of 12 permanent molars, 6 in the upper jaw (maxillary) and 6 in the lower jaw (mandibular).

First molars typically erupt around age 6.

Molars are essential for chewing (mastication).

Molars are categorized as first, second, and third. This is based on their position in the jaw.

Third molars (wisdom teeth) typically erupt between ages 17 and 22, but may not erupt at all.

Molars are non-succedaneous, meaning they don't replace any baby teeth. They erupt directly into the adult dentition.

Molars are the primary teeth responsible for chewing (mastication). They grind food before it's swallowed.

The height of contour varies on the facial and lingual surfaces. On the facial surface, it's located in the cervical third. On the lingual surface, it's in the middle third.

The maxillary first molar is the widest tooth in the mouth. It has 4 large cusps and often a fifth cusp called the Cusp of Carabelli, located on the lingual surface.

Maxillary molars have 3-5 lobes, while mandibular molars have 4-5 lobes. These lobes correspond to the cusps on the chewing surface.

Teeth that do not replace any baby teeth. They erupt directly into the adult dentition.

The order in which molars erupt: First molars around 6 years, second molars around 12 years, and third molars (wisdom teeth) typically around 17-22 years.

A prominent, raised ridge on the occlusal surface of the maxillary first molar, running from the mesiobuccal to the distolingual cusp.

The maxillary first molar is the widest tooth buccolingually, with 4 large cusps and a 5th cusp (Cusp of Carabelli) often found on the lingual surface.

Areas where adjacent molars touch. Mesial contact is near the middle/occlusal thirds, while distal is more cervical.