The premolar (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. The premolars are positioned between the canines, located at the front of the dental arch, and the molars, located at the rear. The human dentition has eight permanent premolars distributed as follows (2):

• four upper premolars, two of which are located on each upper half jaw.
• four lower premolars, two of which are located on each lower half jaw.

Structure. The premolars are permanent teeth, slightly cubic in appearance, forming a crown generally having two rounded tubercles. Like all teeth, each premolar constitutes a mineralized organ, innervated, irrigated and composed of three distinct parts (1):

• The crown, the visible part of the tooth, is made up of enamel, dentin and the pulp chamber. In the case of the premolar, 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. The first premolars implanted in the maxilla have two roots, while those implanted in the maxilla and mandible have only one.

Teething. In humans, three dentitions follow one another, however the premolars are permanent teeth and do not appear until the second dentition. Around the age of 6, the temporary teeth fall out to make way for the permanent teeth, including the premolars that will appear between the ages of 9 and 11. (2)

Role in food. (3) Depending on their shape and position, each type of tooth has a specific role in chewing. With their cubic shape and rounded ends, premolars 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. (4)
• Tooth abscess. It corresponds to an accumulation of pus due to a bacterial infection and is manifested by sharp pain.

Periodontal diseases.

• Gingivitis. It corresponds to an inflammation of the gum due to bacterial dental plaque. (4)
• 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. (4)

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. (5)

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

X-ray. If a pathology is found, an additional examination is carried out by radiography of the dentition.

Modern dentistry appeared thanks to the work in dental surgery of Pierre Fauchard. In 1728, he published in particular his treatise “Le Chirurgien dentiste”, or “Treaty of the Dents”. (5)