Posterior teeth

Posterior teeth refer to the premolars and molars, which are the teeth located in the back of the mouth behind the canines. These teeth are primarily responsible for grinding and chewing food.

Specifically, the posterior teeth include:

• Premolars (bicuspids): First and second premolars on each side of each arch (8 total in adults)

• Molars: First, second, and third molars on each side of each arch (12 total in adults, including wisdom teeth)

In total, there are 20 posterior teeth in a complete adult dentition (10 per arch). They are distinguished from the anterior teeth (incisors and canines), which are located in the front of the mouth and are primarily used for cutting and tearing food.

Key characteristics of posterior teeth:

• Broader, flatter occlusal (biting) surfaces with cusps and grooves designed for mastication

• Larger and stronger roots (molars often have multiple roots) to withstand greater occlusal forces

• Located posterior to the canines in both the maxillary and mandibular arches

In dental notation, the posterior teeth are typically numbered as teeth 1-5 and 12-16 (maxillary) and 17-21 and 28-32 (mandibular) in the Universal Numbering System.