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Anatomy and conditions
Molar
Also called back tooth
A large back tooth used for grinding food.
Molars are the broad teeth at the back of the mouth that grind food. Adults usually have twelve, counting wisdom teeth. Their deep grooves trap food and bacteria, so they often get cavities and sealants. Molars have multiple roots, which can make root canals more complex. Insurance sometimes pays differently for back teeth than front teeth, such as for fillings and crowns.
Example at the front desk
The cracked tooth is a lower molar, so book extra time for the crown prep.