Permanent teeth

Permanent teeth, also called adult teeth, take the place of the primary teeth. Most adults have 32 of them: eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars and twelve molars. The molars include the four wisdom teeth.

No second set grows in after these. Adult teeth do not grow back if they are lost, and they can be lost to decay, gum disease or injury. Good brushing, cleaning between teeth and regular dental visits help protect them.

If a tooth is missing, a dentist can talk with you about ways to replace it. Our office lists these on its page about tooth replacement.