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Maxillary left third molar

The wisdom tooth — the last tooth of the arch, with the most variable crown and root form.

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FDI

28

Universal

16

Palmer

UL8

Roots

Variable, often fused

Root canals

Variable

Eruption

About 17–21 years, if at all

Form and anatomy

The crown is the smallest and least predictable of the maxillary molars. The most common form has three cusps in a heart-shaped outline, with a poorly developed or missing distopalatal cusp and an occlusal surface full of supplemental grooves. The crown is short cervico-occlusally and tapers toward the palatal side. The roots are short and usually fused into a single conical mass that curves distally, although separate roots also occur. The crown begins to calcify in late childhood and eruption, when it happens, is in the late teens or early twenties. Third molars are the teeth most often missing congenitally, and maxillary third molars that do form may stay impacted high in the tuberosity, often tilted distally or buccally.

Function

Grinding when erupted in function.

Clinical relevance

Often impacted or partially erupted; frequently extracted. In Dental Scope this tooth is a derived approximation (see provenance).

Neighbouring teeth

Mesial neighbour

Maxillary left second molar

Same tooth, other side

Maxillary right third molar

Opposing tooth

Mandibular left third molar

This text is a draft and has not yet been reviewed by a dental professional. Educational reference only, not for diagnosis or treatment.