permanent tooth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (especially in dentistry), Medical
Quick answer
What does “permanent tooth” mean?
Any of the second set of teeth in humans and most mammals, intended to last for life, typically consisting of 32 teeth in adults, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of the second set of teeth in humans and most mammals, intended to last for life, typically consisting of 32 teeth in adults, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.
A dental structure that, once it erupts, replaces the primary (deciduous) tooth in the same position. Its loss is not followed by natural replacement. In dental anthropology, it can serve as a marker of age and health.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. 'Adult tooth' is a common synonym in both varieties. In UK English, 'secondary tooth' may be used in highly technical writing, while 'permanent tooth' is the dominant clinical term in both regions.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both. No cultural connotations beyond dentistry and general health.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US professional dental contexts. Slightly less frequent in everyday conversation, where 'adult tooth' is more common.
Grammar
How to Use “permanent tooth” in a Sentence
The [permanent tooth] erupted.To [extract/lose] a [permanent tooth].The [permanent molar] is [carious/impacted].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “permanent tooth” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The canine is scheduled to be extracted.
- The molar has finally erupted.
American English
- The dentist will have to pull the molar.
- The incisor is beginning to come in.
adverb
British English
- The tooth is permanently lost.
- The space is permanently occupied.
American English
- The tooth is gone for good.
- That molar is there to stay.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in dental insurance or healthcare product marketing.
Academic
Common in dentistry, biology, anthropology, and paediatric medicine texts.
Everyday
Used in conversations about children's dental development and general dental health.
Technical
The standard, precise term in dentistry and forensic science for the second dentition.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “permanent tooth”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “permanent tooth”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “permanent tooth”
- Using 'permanent teeth' to refer to baby teeth. Incorrect pluralisation: 'permanents teeth' (should be 'permanent teeth'). Confusing 'permanent' with 'prominent' in speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, an adult human has 32 permanent teeth: 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars (including 4 wisdom teeth).
The first permanent teeth, usually the first molars, erupt around age 6. The process of replacing all primary teeth continues until the early teenage years, with wisdom teeth potentially appearing in late adolescence or early adulthood.
No, unlike primary teeth, permanent teeth do not have a natural successor. Once lost, they can only be replaced with artificial solutions like implants, bridges, or dentures.
Yes, the third molars, commonly called wisdom teeth, are the last of the permanent teeth to erupt, usually in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Any of the second set of teeth in humans and most mammals, intended to last for life, typically consisting of 32 teeth in adults, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.
Permanent tooth is usually formal, technical (especially in dentistry), medical in register.
Permanent tooth: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɜː.mə.nənt tuːθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɝː.mə.nənt tuːθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'PERMANENT' as in lasting forever, unlike temporary baby teeth. The word has 'man' in it, hinting at the teeth of an adult human.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEETH ARE TOOLS / POSSESSIONS (e.g., 'lose a permanent tooth', 'keep your permanent teeth for life').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a 'permanent tooth'?