The Importance Of The First Permanent Molar

The first permanent molar is a very important tooth from both functional and developmental
point of view.It is otherwise known as "six year molar"

This tooth erupts between 5 and 1/2 to 6 and 1/2 years of age.It is the first non-succedaneous
tooth to erupt in to the oral cavity.As it has a large occlusal table,it bears the maximum load
of occlusal forces.It is considered a key to occlusion.As this tooth erupts posterior to the
deciduous second molar(milk tooth),it is also instrumental in establishing the arch perimeter.

The first permanent molar also has maximum root surface and so is the most important
anchorage unit used in tooth movement.This tooth is often ingored by parents as they are not
awareof the importance of it.They misunderstand it for a deciduous/milk tooth thinking that
even if it decays,it will be shed and another tooth will take its place.Thus if there is a decay,it
is ignored and finally after acute pain,the child is taken to the dentist.Either root canan
treatment is done to save the tooth or it is removed at the request of the parent.

Due to the presence of deep pits and fissures,food lodgement is common in this tooth
resulting in rapid decay.Extraction or removal of this tooth leads to problems in space
management,tooth movement,mastication and occlusion.So every attempt should be made to
save this tooth in case it gets decayed.Prevention is always better.

The first permanent molar

-bears the maximum occlusal load

-maintains arch perimeter

-is key factor in occlusion

-has maximum surface area

-provides best anchorage

-is a growth centre

-is most commonly decayed.