Tooth number 19 is the lower left first molar, a permanent (adult) tooth. In the FDI (ISO 3950) system it is 36, and in Palmer notation it is ┌6.
Tooth #19 at a glance
| Universal (US) | 19 |
| FDI / ISO 3950 | 36 |
| Palmer | ┌6 |
| Name | Lower left first molar |
| Type | First molar (adult tooth) |
| Jaw | Lower (mandible) |
| Side | Patient’s left |
| Comes in | 6-7 yrs |
| Roots | 2 (mesial and distal) |
| Root canals (usual) | usually 3 |
| Chewing surface | 5 cusps |
Where it is and what it does
It sits in the lower jaw on the patient’s left side, sixth from the midline, the first of the big back teeth. 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 20, the lower left second premolar
- Behind it: Tooth number 18, the lower left second molar
- Same tooth on the other side: Tooth number 30
- The matching tooth in the upper jaw: Tooth number 14
- 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 19?
Tooth number 19 is the lower left first 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 19 in the FDI and Palmer systems?
In FDI it is 36, said digit by digit (“three-six”). The first digit is the quadrant and the second is the position from the midline. In Palmer notation it is ┌6.
When does tooth 19 come in?
Usually at about 6-7 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.