## Permanent Dentition Eruption Sequence **Key Point:** The third molar (wisdom tooth) is the last permanent tooth to erupt in both maxilla and mandible, typically between 17–21 years of age, though eruption may be delayed or absent. ### Eruption Timeline of Permanent Teeth (Maxilla) | Tooth | Eruption Age (Years) | Sequence | | --- | --- | --- | | Central incisor | 7–8 | 1st | | Lateral incisor | 8–9 | 2nd | | Canine | 11–12 | 3rd | | First premolar | 10–11 | 4th | | Second premolar | 10–12 | 5th | | First molar | 6–7 | 6th (earliest) | | Second molar | 12–13 | 7th | | Third molar | 17–21 | **8th (latest)** | **High-Yield:** The **third molar eruption at 17–21 years** is a forensically critical marker. Its presence, absence, or stage of eruption helps distinguish late adolescence from early adulthood. **Clinical Pearl:** Third molar eruption is highly variable and influenced by genetics, jaw size, and space availability. Some individuals never develop third molars (agenesis), and others may have delayed or impacted eruption. This variability makes it less reliable than other dental markers for precise age estimation but still useful as a broad age bracket indicator. ### Forensic Application Presence of erupted third molars → age ≥ 17–18 years (minimum) Absence of third molars (with complete eruption of second molars) → may indicate agenesis or delayed development; requires radiographic confirmation **Mnemonic:** **"CILF-SMT"** — Central, Incisor, Lateral, First premolar, Second premolar, Molar (1st), Molar (2nd), molar (3rd/Tooth). Helps recall the eruption sequence from earliest to latest.
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