The Different Types of Molars

Dr. Khuong Nguyen

May 10, 2022

According to Dr. Khuong Nguyen, molars are the flat teeth on the top and bottom of the jaw that are used in chewing food. Their flat shape is derived from Latin Polaris, which means millstone. The molars on either side of the mouth work together to crush food that is too coarse. Most adults have twelve molars, three on each side. They are called molars because they are flat and serve many important functions in the mouth.

Premolars

The premolars are the first teeth in the permanent dentition and are similar to molars in structure. They have two cusps, one at each end of the crown, which help break down food. They are also called bicuspids. The first premolars emerge around the age of 10 and are accompanied by a second one that appears around age 11 and replaces the first and second primary molars.

The premolars have similar anatomy to the second and first molars but are smaller in size. The roots of the premolars are firmly planted in the bone, which helps the teeth stay in place. In adults, they have up to 12 molars, which are the largest, strongest teeth in the mouth. As adults, we have eight premolars and six molars, which are both located at the back of the mouth next to the cheek.

Incisors

Dr. Khuong Nguyen pointed out that, “anatomically, incisors are similar to molars in their morphology. Their odontoblast processes are located in the buccolingual region of the incisor and along the longitudinal axis of the tooth. They have a flat shape with irregular edges and are similar to the odontoblast processes of molars. This unique geometry is associated with the continued growth of incisors.”

Symptoms of an incisor in molars include a throbbing and beating pain that is renewed on cold air or pressure of the tongue. The pain may extend into the cheek or into the jaw, and it can be accompanied by sensitivity to cold air or water. A toothache may also be accompanied by swelling of the cheeks and gums. An incisor in molar can shift out of place.

Dr. Khuong Nguyen believes that, comparative dental morphology has an important role in understanding dental morphology and evolutionary history. It shows how teeth adapt to environmental aggressions and reveal precise occlusion. The study of the oral cavity by J. M. Rensberger elucidates the role of transrectal stem cell niches and the relationship between diet and dental morphology. And since the emergence of incisors in molars is a continuous process, they do not have the same limitations as molars.

Bicuspids

Bicuspid molars are the teeth at the back of the mouth. They have a broad chewing surface and resemble both molars and canines. They are largely responsible for chewing and tearing food, and are the first permanent teeth to come in after the primary ones. Bicuspids should be taken care of by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings.

The three molars, also known as wisdom teeth, are in this category. The 3rd molar, also known as the wisdom tooth, is located next to the second bicuspid. These are accompanied by the frontal branch of the superficial temporal a. system. As the last permanent tooth in the mouth, the 2nd bicuspid is the most prominent among them. Moreover, the third molar is also known as the third molar.

Wisdom teeth

In Dr. Khuong Nguyen’s opinion, the last set of three molars is known as the “wisdom teeth.” This group of molars develops between the ages of 17 and 25. Though these teeth do not differ significantly from other teeth, their rapid growth can cause issues with the bite and gum tissue. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the wisdom teeth to avoid any issues. If you are concerned about the growth of your wisdom teeth, consider visiting a dentist.

While they are considered valuable for the mouth, they can cause many dental problems. If they grow in crooked, they can push or dislodge nearby molars or even disrupt the way the upper and lower jaws meet while biting. This may warrant extraction. A dentist can perform extractions to ensure that your wisdom teeth are healthy and safe. Wisdom teeth that erupt too far can also damage nearby teeth. If not extracted, they can develop cysts and bone loss in the jaw area.