Will the molars be replaced during the tooth replacement period?

Whether molars are replaced during the tooth replacement period depends on their specific type. Human teeth are divided into primary teeth and permanent teeth. There are 20 primary teeth in total, among which the primary molars are located at the back of the dental arch and perform the function of chewing. The tooth replacement period typically occurs between ages 6 to 12, during which the primary molars will gradually be replaced by permanent teeth. Generally, the first primary molar and the second primary molar will be replaced by the first premolar and the second premolar, respectively. This replacement process follows a certain chronological order and occurs symmetrically on both sides.

However, it should be noted that the molars in the permanent dentition, such as the first molar and the second molar, do not replace any primary teeth. The first molar usually erupts around age 6 behind the primary molars and is the earliest erupting permanent tooth. The second molar commonly erupts around age 12, and neither replaces any primary tooth. The third molars (wisdom teeth) erupt much later, and some individuals may never develop them. These teeth are not part of the tooth replacement process during the mixed dentition period.

Therefore, the molars replaced during the tooth replacement period are primarily the primary molars, which are replaced by premolars in the permanent dentition. However, the molars in the permanent dentition do not replace primary teeth but erupt directly into the dental arch. Understanding the pattern of tooth replacement helps in timely detection of abnormalities during the tooth replacement process. If conditions such as retention of primary teeth or abnormal eruption positions of permanent teeth occur, timely medical intervention should be sought.