Definition

Noun: A permanent tooth is any one of the set of 32 adult teeth that replace the primary (baby or deciduous) teeth during childhood and adolescence. These teeth are designed to last for the majority of a person's life.

Usage

The term "permanent tooth" is used in dental, medical, and general contexts to refer to the final set of teeth in humans. It distinguishes adult teeth from the temporary primary teeth.

Examples

• The dentist explained that the molar coming in was a permanent tooth and needed to be cared for properly.
• After her front baby tooth fell out, she was excited for her new permanent tooth to grow in.
• Good oral hygiene is essential to protect your permanent teeth from decay.

Advanced Usage

• Eruption of permanent teeth: The process by which permanent teeth emerge through the gums, typically beginning around age 6.
• Loss of a permanent tooth: Unlike primary teeth, the loss of an adult permanent tooth is not natural and usually results from injury or disease.

Variants and Related Words

• Adult tooth: A common synonym for permanent tooth.
• Secondary tooth: Another technical term for a permanent tooth.
• Deciduous tooth: The primary or baby tooth that a permanent tooth replaces.
• Succedaneous tooth: A dental term for any permanent tooth that replaces a primary tooth (e.g., incisors, canines, premolars).

Synonyms

• Adult tooth
• Secondary tooth

Antonyms

• Baby tooth
• Deciduous tooth
• Primary tooth
• Milk tooth

Related Phrases

• Permanent dentition: Refers to the complete set of 32 permanent teeth.
• Mixed dentition: The dental stage when a person has both primary teeth and permanent teeth present in the mouth.

Noun

1. any of the 32 teeth that replace the deciduous teeth of early childhood and (with luck) can last until old age