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The mandibular third molar is the third molar (commonly referred to as wisdom teeth) located distally (away from the midline of the face) from both the mandibular second molars of the mouth with no tooth posterior to it in permanent teeth. In deciduous (baby) teeth, there is no mandibular third molar. The function of this molar is similar to that of all molars in regard to grinding being the principal action during mastication (chewing).
In the universal system of notation, the permanent mandibular third molars are designated by a number. The right permanent mandibular third molar is known as "32", and the left one is known as "17". In the Palmer notation, a number is used in conjunction with a symbol designating in which quadrant the tooth is found. For this tooth, the left and right third molars would have the same number, "8", but the right one would have the symbol, "┐", over it, while the left one would have, "┌". The international notation has a different numbering system than the previous two, and the right permanent mandibular third molar is known as "48", and the left one is known as "38".
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