Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What are the four Molars often referred to as wisdom teeth?

1. Upper central and lateral incisors

2. Lower canine and premolars

3. Upper first and second molars

4. Lower third molars

The correct answer is: Lower third molars

Wisdom teeth are specifically identified as the lower third molars, which typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. These teeth are positioned at the back of the mouth and are the last in the sequence of molars to develop. The term "wisdom teeth" implies a time in life when one is presumably wiser, as these teeth often erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. In contrast, the other choices refer to different sets of teeth that do not correspond with the definition of wisdom teeth. The upper central and lateral incisors are front teeth focused on cutting, while the lower canines and premolars serve different functional roles in the mouth. The upper first and second molars are also molars but do not fall under the category of wisdom teeth, as they are not the third molars in the dental arch. Thus, identifying the lower third molars as wisdom teeth is accurate and reflects established dental terminology.