Types and Functions of Teeth

Posterior teeth consist of premolars and molars.
Maxillary:
- Three molars (first, second, and third).
- Two premolars (first and second).
Mandibular:
- Three molars (first, second, and third).
- Two premolars (first and second).
These teeth are generally harder to see unless someone has a very large smile.

The main function is to help with eating.
They allow us to cut, tear, and grind food:
- Incisors and canines (anterior teeth) are used for tearing food, like pizza.
- Premolars and molars (posterior teeth) are used for chewing tougher foods like chicken, steak, and fish.

Consists of incisors, canines, and molars.
- Two molars, one canine, two incisors.
- Two incisors, one canine, two molars.
Missing premolars, which are present in permanent dentition.

There are four incisors on the maxillary and four on the mandibular, totaling eight incisors.
- Two central incisors (in the center).
- Two lateral incisors (next to the central incisors).
Incisors are single-rooted teeth with sharp, thin edges.
Used to tear food due to their sharpness.
Located in the front of the mouth and are visible when smiling.
The lingual surface (tongue side) is shaped like a shovel to help guide food into the mouth.

Also known as cuspids.
Located at the corners of the arch.
Designed for cutting and tearing food.
They are the longest teeth with the longest roots.
Often referred to as the cornerstone of the dental arch due to their sturdy crown, long root, and location.

In the permanent dentition, there are four maxillary and four mandibular premolars.
- First premolar is closest to the midline.
- Second premolar is closest to the molars.
Also known as bicuspids because they are a cross between canines and molars.
The buccal cusp helps hold food, while the lingual cusp grinds it.
Premolars are not as long as canines and have a broader surface for chewing food.
Sometimes, a premolar is extracted to create space for orthodontics.

There are 12 molars in the permanent dentition:
- Three on the maxillary right.
- Three on the maxillary left.
- Three on the mandibular left.
- Three on the mandibular right.
First molar (closest to the midline).
Second molar (in between the first and third).
Third molar (wisdom tooth).
A patient may or may not have their third molars, depending on whether they've been extracted.
There are 32 teeth in a complete permanent dentition. If the third molars have been extracted, there are 28 teeth.
In the primary dentition, there are no premolars; the premolars in the permanent dentition take the place of the molars in the primary dentition.
The three molars are considered nonsuccidaneous because they do not replace any teeth in the primary dentition.
The function of molars is to chew or grind food.
These teeth have more cusps than any other teeth.
Used to eat meat, chicken, steak, and other foods that need to be torn and grinded.