The molar (from the Latin molaris, coming from mola, meaning grinding wheel) is a type of tooth that is mainly used for grinding food.

Number and position. Located in the oral cavity, the molars make up the most posterior teeth in the dental arch (1). The human dentition has 12 permanent molars distributed as follows (2):

• six upper molars, three of which are located on each upper half-jaw and follow the upper premolars.
• six lower molars, three of which are located on each lower half jaw and follow the lower premolars.

Six lower molars, three of which are located on each lower half jaw and follow the lower premolars.

• The crown, the visible part of the tooth, is made up of enamel, dentin and the pulp chamber. In the case of the molar, the crown is cubic with rounded edges.
• The neck is the point of union between the crown and the root.
• The root, an invisible part of the tooth, is anchored in the alveolar bone and covered by the gum. It is made up of cement, dentin and pulp canal. Molars implanted in the maxilla have three roots, while those implanted in the mandible have only two.

Teething. In humans, three dentitions follow one another, where molars appear for each of them. During the first dentition, two molars appear in children between 20 and 24 months, and constitute part of the temporary teeth or milk teeth. (2) Around the age of 6, the temporary teeth fall out to make way for the permanent teeth, including the first molars. The 2nd molars appear between 10 and 12 years old. These molars correspond to the second dentition. The third dentition corresponds to the growth of the third molars or wisdom teeth around 18 years old (3).

Role in food. (4) Depending on their shape and position, each type of tooth has a specific role in chewing. With their cubic shape and rounded tips, molars are used to grind food.

Bacterial infections.

• Tooth decay. It refers to a bacterial infection that damages the enamel and can affect the dentin and pulp. The symptoms are dental pain as well as tooth decay. (5)
• Tooth abscess. It corresponds to an accumulation of stinks due to a bacterial infection and is manifested by sharp pain.

Periodontal disease.

• Gingivitis. It corresponds to an inflammation of the gum due to bacterial dental plaque. (5)
• Periodontitis. Periodontitis, also called periodontitis, is inflammation of the periodontium, which is the supporting tissue of the tooth. The symptoms are mainly characterized by gingivitis accompanied by loosening of the teeth. (5)

Eruption of third molars. Known as wisdom teeth, the eruption of these molars can be a source of problems and pain. In particular, they can cause infections or displacement of the teeth.

Dental abnormalities. Various dental anomalies exist whether in size, number or structure.

Dental trauma. The structure of the tooth can be altered following a shock. (6)

Oral treatment. Daily oral hygiene is necessary to limit the onset of dental disease. Descaling can also be carried out.

Drug treatments. Depending on the pathology diagnosed, certain medications may be prescribed such as painkillers and antibiotics.

Dental surgery. Depending on the pathology diagnosed and its evolution, a surgical intervention may be implemented with, for example, the fitting of a dental prosthesis.

Orthodontic treatment. This treatment consists of correcting malformations or bad dental positions.

Dental examinatione. Carried out by the dentist, this examination makes it possible to identify anomalies, diseases or trauma in the teeth.

X-rayIf a pathology is proven, an additional examination is carried out by radiography of the dentition.

The third molars are also known as the “wisdom teeth”. This term is linked to their late appearance in human dentition. (7)