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An Overview of Dental Anatomy

Course Number: 500

Permanent Dentition

The permanent dentition is comprised of 32 teeth.  There are 16 teeth in the maxilla and 16 in the mandible.  In each arch there are two central incisors, two lateral incisors, two canines, four premolars, and six molars.  The permanent central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, and first and second premolars replace the primary dentition.  The primary molars are replaced with the permanent premolars, and the permanent molars erupt posterior to those.  Table 2 indicates the approximate eruption dates for the permanent molars.

Table 2. Permanent Dentition.3

ToothEruption Date
(Avg.)
Maxillary
Central Incisor7-8 Years
Lateral Incisor8-9 Years
Canine11-12 Years
1st Premolar10-11 Years
2nd Premolar10-12 Years
1st Molar6-7 Years
2nd Molar11-13 Years
3rd Molar17-21 Years
Mandibular
Central Incisor7-8 Years
Lateral Incisor8-9 Years
Canine9-10 Years
1st Premolar10-12 Years
2nd Premolar11-12 Years
1st Molar6-7 Years
2nd Molar11-13 Years
3rd Molar17-21 Years
permanent dentition

Figure 8. Permanent Dentition Teeth Named and Numbered.