Tooth Number Chart

Tooth #2: Upper Right Second Molar (FDI 17)

Tooth number 2 is the upper right second molar, a permanent (adult) tooth. In the FDI (ISO 3950) system it is 17, and in Palmer notation it is 7┘.

Patient’s rightUpperPatient’s left
Patient’s rightLowerPatient’s left

Tooth #2 at a glance

Universal (US)2
FDI / ISO 395017
Palmer7┘
NameUpper right second molar
TypeSecond molar (adult tooth)
JawUpper (maxilla)
SidePatient’s right
Comes in12-13 yrs
Roots3
Root canals (usual)3
Chewing surface4 cusps

Where it is and what it does

It sits in the upper jaw on the patient’s right side, seventh from the midline. Molars are the main grinding teeth. Their broad, cusped chewing surfaces do the heavy work of breaking food down.

Neighbouring and related teeth

  • In front of it (toward the midline): Tooth number 3, the upper right first molar
  • Behind it: Tooth number 1, the upper right third molar
  • Same tooth on the other side: Tooth number 15
  • The matching tooth in the lower jaw: Tooth number 31
  • It does not replace a baby tooth. Adult molars grow in behind the baby teeth.

Common dental work on this tooth

Molars get more cavities than any other teeth because of the deep grooves on their chewing surfaces. Common treatments include sealants, fillings, crowns and root canals.

Questions

What tooth is number 2?

Tooth number 2 is the upper right second molar. Numbers 1 to 32 are used for adult teeth in the Universal system used in the United States, starting with the upper right wisdom tooth.

What is tooth number 2 in the FDI and Palmer systems?

In FDI it is 17, said digit by digit (“one-seven”). The first digit is the quadrant and the second is the position from the midline. In Palmer notation it is 7┘.

When does tooth 2 come in?

Usually at about 12-13 yrs. Timing varies from person to person.

For education only. This is not dental advice; your dentist can tell you what is right for your own teeth.