Tooth number 3 is the upper right first molar, a permanent (adult) tooth. In the FDI (ISO 3950) system it is 16, and in Palmer notation it is 6┘.
Tooth #3 at a glance
| Universal (US) | 3 |
| FDI / ISO 3950 | 16 |
| Palmer | 6┘ |
| Name | Upper right first molar |
| Type | First molar (adult tooth) |
| Jaw | Upper (maxilla) |
| Side | Patient’s right |
| Comes in | 6-7 yrs |
| Roots | 3 (two buccal, one palatal) |
| Root canals (usual) | 3, often 4 (MB2) |
| Chewing surface | 4 cusps plus a small cusp of Carabelli |
Where it is and what it does
It sits in the upper jaw on the patient’s right 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 4, the upper right second premolar
- Behind it: Tooth number 2, the upper right second molar
- Same tooth on the other side: Tooth number 14
- The matching tooth in the lower jaw: Tooth number 30
- 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 3?
Tooth number 3 is the upper right 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 3 in the FDI and Palmer systems?
In FDI it is 16, said digit by digit (“one-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 3 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.