The eruption date of a lower permanent second molar is:

• A. 11-12 years
• B. 9-10 years
• C. 12-13 years
• D. 10-11 years

Answer: (A)

The timing tested is when the lower permanent second molar typically erupts, which occurs during late mixed dentition as the jaw has grown enough to accommodate it. In most individuals, this tooth erupts around 11 to 12 years of age, after the first molar and many of the anterior teeth have completed eruption. This window is the best fit for the usual eruption pattern, since 9–10 years would be earlier than is typical for a second molar, and 12–13 years, while possible, sits at the later edge of the common range. Individual variation exists, but 11–12 years remains the most representative timing in standard teaching.