17. Morphology of the molar teeth.

Question 1

1. General function of maxillary molars

Answer 1

A. 16, 17, 18, 26, 27, 28
B. The function of this molar is similar to that of all molars in regard to grinding being the principal action during mastication.

Question 2

1. General structure of maxillary molars

Answer 2

A. 16, 17, 18, 26, 27, 28
B. There are usually four cusps on maxillary molars, two on the buccal and two palatal.
C. In maxillary first molars (less in second molars) there may also be a fifth smaller cusp on the palatal side known as the Cusp of Carabelli

Question 3

2. Mandibular first molar
   a/ Location of mandibular first molars

Answer 3

A. 36, 46
B. The mandibular first molar or six-year molar is located on the mandibular (lower) arch of the mouth, and generally opposes the maxillary (upper) first molars and the maxillary 2nd premolar in normal class I occlusion.

Question 4

2. Mandibular first molar
   a/ Location of mandibular first molars

Answer 4

A. 36, 46
B. The mandibular first molar or six-year molar is located on the mandibular (lower) arch of the mouth, and generally opposes the maxillary (upper) first molars and the maxillary 2nd premolar in normal class I occlusion.

Question 5

2. Mandibular first molar
   B/ Structure of mandibular first molars

Answer 5

A. 36, 46
B. There are usually five well-developed cusps: three buccal and two lingual (two buccal, two lingual and one distal).
C. There are great differences between the deciduous (primary) mandibular molars and those of the permanent mandibular molars, even though their function are similar.
D. surfaces – 5
E. Roots – 2 (mesial, distal)

Question 6

3. Mandibular second molar
   A/ Location of mandibular second molars

Answer 6

A. 37, 47
B. The mandibular second molar is the tooth located distally (away from the midline of the face) from the mandibular first molars of the mouth but mesial (toward the midline of the face) from both mandibular third molars.

Question 7

3. Mandibular second molar
   b/ Function of mandibular second molars

Answer 7

A. 37, 47
B. 4 cusps on mandibular second molars: 2 on the buccal side and 2 on the lingual side.
C. 5 surfaces
D. Roots – 2 (mesial, distal)

Question 8

4. Wisdom teeth
   a/ Characteristics of wisdom teeth

Answer 8

A. Usually appear between the ages of 16–25y.

B. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, but it is possible to have fewer (hypodontia), or more (supernumerary teeth)

C. Wisdom teeth commonly affect other teeth as they develop, becoming impacted or “coming in sideways.”
=> Therefore, they are often extracted