Humans are provided with six mandibular molars. Every side of the lower jaw has three molars - three are on the right and three on the left side of the mandible.

The same as with the maxillary molars, the main functions of the mandibular molars also include food crushing and grinding.

The mandibular molars present with a large occlusal surface that usually contains four cusps. However, it can also have more or even fewer cusps.

The mesiodistal length of the mandibular molars is longer than the buccolingual length. This is one of the main characteristic features that differ the mandibular molars from the maxillary molars.

There are a few more differences. The oblique ridge in mandibular molars is not present. Also, the mandibular molar teeth have a convex buccal surface that is tilted to the lingual surface (this characteristic is very similar to the mandibular premolars).

The first mandibular molars have the following numbers according to each dental notation system:

19 and 30 (Universal Tooth Numbering System)
36 and 46 (ISO-3950 system)
⎾6 and 6⏋(Palmer system)

The numbers of the second mandibular molars are as follows:

18 and 31 (Universal Tooth Numbering System)
37 and 47 (ISO-3950 system)
⎾7 and 7⏋(Palmer system)

The numbers of the third mandibular molars are:

17 and 32 (Universal Tooth Numbering System)
38 and 48 (ISO-3950 system)
⎾8 and 8⏋(Palmer system)

Note: The 3D model lacks the third mandibular molars.

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Mandibular molars