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Differences between Maxillary and Mandibular First and Second Molars

August 1, 2017 by Dr. Varun Pandula 4 Comments

Maxillary and Mandibular teeth are different in every aspect starting from the size of the teeth to the number of roots (in the molars). This is a very important topic to know the differences between maxillary and mandibular molars to be able to do proper access cavity preparation, removal or caries and to build up tooth structure. When you are in college the differences are very important in Dental Anatomy practicals during wax carving.

Differences between Maxillary and Mandibular molars:

Maxillary molars – Features

Both the first and second molars have 3 roots

The Root trunk is shorter in comparison to Maxillary molars.

Crown is Square shaped when seen occlusaly

There are 3 major cusps

There are 2 Buccal cusps in both Maxillary molars

Differences between maxillary and mandibular molars

Occlusal View of Maxillary and Mandibular Molars

Lingual cusps are also unequal in both Molars

Oblique ridge is present

It has only one transverse ridge

Occlusion table is centered labiolingually

Equal amount of Buccal and lingual surfaces are seen from occlusal surface

Cusp of Carabelli is seen in first molar

The height of contour on the Lingual aspect is in middle 1/3 or just above junction of middle and cervical 1/3rd

Both the molars are wider Faciolingually than they are mesiodistally.

Both molars have a Distolingual groove.

Mandibular molars – Features

Both the first and second molars have only 2 roots (A third root is sometimes present, which is called – Radix Entomolaris)

The Root trunk is shorter in comparison to Maxillary molars

Crown is Pentagon shaped when seen oclussaly

Both Molars have 4 major cusps

There are 3 buccal cusps

Differences between Maxillary and Mandibular Molars

Buccal Aspect of Maxillary and Mandibular Molars

 

There are 2 lingual cusps

Oblique ridge is absent

There are two transverse ridges – Mesiobuccal and Mesiolingual cusps triangular ridges form a transverse ridge.

Occlusion table is lingual placed.

Cusp of Carabelli is absent in mandibular molars

More buccal surface than lingual surface may be seen from occlusal

Lingual height of counter in middle 1/30just below the junction of the middle and occluded 1/3s.

Wider mesiodistally than faciolingually.

Buccal pit is present in both molars

  • Differences between Maxillary and Mandibular Incisors

There are a total of 12 molars in the oral cavity – 6 Maxillary and 6 Mandibular molars. The occlusal surface of the Molar consists of cusps which help in mastication of food or chewing. The molars also help in maintaining the vertical height of the oral cavity and also the face. The occlusion of the molar cusps is very important in determining proper occlusion of the oral cavity and it is important in Orthodontic treatment as well.

Comments

  1. los angeles root canal treatments says

    August 16, 2017 at 6:14 am

    You giving us such a good information on this topic it very help us. I am very satisfied with your information and also I like your site its very interesting one.Thanks for sharing the best posts they amazing.

  2. Auriol says

    September 21, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    Cool
    Am a dental therapist … Am very impressed

  3. dafina says

    March 20, 2018 at 6:58 am

    Dear Varun,
    I am about to move to USA (migrate) and I want to see about possibilities working as a dentist there. I am dentist in my country and PhD candidate, but it looks like I have to start from the beginning if I want to practice dentistry. Please if you have any advice from where to start I will really appreciate.
    kind regards,
    dafina

  4. Varun says

    March 31, 2018 at 7:53 pm

    Which country are you currently working in ? In USA you need to start from right from taking NBDE exams to doing DDS to start working as a Dentist

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Varun Pandula

Varun Pandula

A Dentist by profession but a tech enthusiast by heart, trying to learn and enjoy both the professions.

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