What is the standard permanent adult human dental formula representing one quadrant of the jaw (or one half of the upper and lower jaws)?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. i 2/2, c 1/1, pm 2/2, m 3/3 = 32 teeth

  1. Step 1: Human permanent dentition consists of 32 teeth. Step 2. Each half of each jaw contains 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars, and 3 molars: 2.1.2.3 / 2.1.2.3. Total = (2 + 1 + 2 + 3) × 4 = 32. Answer: i 2/2, c 1/1, pm 2/2, m 3/3 = 32 teeth. Why not the others: 44 teeth is the primitive placental mammal formula (pig); absence of canines describes herbivores with a diastema; 20 teeth describes human deciduous (milk) teeth.

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