Most adults have 12 molars in total-three molars in each of the four quadrants of the mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left). This includes the first molars, second molars, and third molars (also known as wisdom teeth)

• If wisdom teeth are present, adults have 12 molars.
• If wisdom teeth have been removed or never developed, adults typically have 8 molars remaining

Molars are the large teeth at the back of the mouth, primarily used for grinding and crushing food

. In summary:

• Total molars with wisdom teeth: 12
• Total molars without wisdom teeth: 8

This is consistent across most adults by their late teens or early twenties when all permanent teeth have usually erupted