Final answer:
Secondary dentition leads to a count of 32 permanent teeth, which include incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, each designed for specific functions in chewing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Secondary dentition results in a permanent tooth count of 32.
During middle childhood, which is the time when secondary dentition occurs, the 20 deciduous, or baby teeth, are replaced by a set of permanent teeth. This new set includes 32 teeth that are structured to perform various functions in the process of mastication (chewing). These permanent teeth are composed of 8 incisors used for biting, 4 canines with pointed edges for tearing food, 8 premolars, and 12 molars which include the third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, that emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Types of Permanent Teeth
- 8 Incisors: for biting into food
- 4 Canines: for tearing up food
- 8 Premolars: for crushing and grinding
- 12 Molars: including wisdom teeth for grinding food