Location and Function of the Mandibular Second Molar - The mandibular second molar is located distally from the mandibular first molars and mesial from the mandibular third molars. - It is involved in grinding during mastication. - There are usually four cusps on mandibular second molars - two on the buccal side and two on the lingual side. - The function of permanent mandibular molars is similar to that of deciduous molars. - Permanent mandibular molars do not have any teeth preceding them.

Notation for Deciduous Mandibular Second Molars - In the universal system of notation, the right deciduous mandibular second molar is designated as T, and the left one as K. - The international notation uses numbers - the right deciduous mandibular second molar is known as 85, and the left one as 75.

Notation for Permanent Mandibular Second Molars - In the universal system of notation, the right permanent mandibular second molar is designated as 31, and the left one as 18. - The Palmer notation uses a number and a symbol to indicate the quadrant - both second molars have the number 7, with the right one having the symbol ┐ and the left one having ┌. - The international notation uses different numbers - the right permanent mandibular second molar is known as 47, and the left one as 37.

Additional Cusp - An eighth cusp was discovered in a primary second lower molar in an Argentinean child. - This finding suggests variations in tooth morphology.

References - Ash, Major M. and Stanley J. Nelson, 2003. 'Wheelers Dental Anatomy, Physiology, and Occlusion.' 8th edition. - Rodriguez-Florez, C.D. et al., 2006. 'Occurrence of an Eighth Cusp on Primary Second Mandibular Molars of a Contemporary Argentinean Child.' Dental Anthropol 19(3): 83-85. (https://anthropology.osu.edu/DAA/back%20issues/DA%20Vol%2019%203.pdf)