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Dentistry vocabulary · Teeth and Oral Anatomy

Molar

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

/ˈmoʊlər/nounCore term

In dentistry, molar means: One of the large, wide teeth at the back of the mouth used for grinding food. Adults have up to twelve, including the four wisdom teeth.

In Turkish: büyük azı dişi, molar, azı dişi

How it is used

Molars are named first, second and third (the third is the wisdom tooth), and upper or lower. Children have primary molars too. It is also used as an adjective: molar region, molar teeth.

Example sentences

  1. There's a deep cavity in the lower left first molar.

  2. The first permanent molars usually come through at around the age of six.

Common collocations

  • first molar
  • lower molar
  • upper molar
  • molar region
  • primary molar
  • premolarOne of the teeth between the canines and the molars, usually with two points (cusps) on the biting surface. Adults normally have eight, while children's first teeth include none.
  • wisdom toothThe third and last molar at the back of each side of both jaws. It usually comes through between the late teens and the mid-twenties and often lacks space to erupt properly.
  • occlusalDescribes the biting or chewing surface of a back tooth, or anything to do with the way the upper and lower teeth meet.
  • toothOne of the hard, white structures in the jaws used for biting and chewing. Each one has a crown above the gum and one or more roots held in the bone.

More terms: Teeth and Oral Anatomy

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.