molari

Molari, in dental anatomy, refers to the molar teeth, the posterior teeth specialized for grinding food. In adult humans there are 12 molars: three per quadrant—first molars, second molars, and third molars (wisdom teeth). The primary dentition contains eight molars, two per quadrant. Molars have broad crowns with multiple cusps and a wide occlusal surface; maxillary molars typically have three roots (two buccal and one palatal), while mandibular molars usually have two roots.

Their primary function is to grind and crush food, complementing the sharper canines and premolars, and to help shape the bolus for swallowing. They also help maintain the vertical dimension and proper occlusion of the bite.

Eruption and development: In the permanent dentition, first molars erupt around ages 6–7, second molars around 11–13, and third molars typically erupt between the late teens and early twenties; third molars are often impacted or partially erupted and may require removal.

Clinical notes: Molars are susceptible to dental caries, periodontal disease, and wear from grinding. They can be affected by crowding or malocclusion, and third molars are frequently implicated in pericoronitis or eruption problems. Treatment varies with lesions and may include fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, or extraction. The term molar comes from Latin mola, meaning a grinder.