The document describes the anatomical features and characteristics of the permanent maxillary premolars. Some key points: - The maxillary first premolar typically has two roots and two canals, while the second premolar usually has a single root with one or two canals. - The maxillary first premolar has two approximately equal-sized cusps, with the lingual cusp about 1mm shorter than the facial cusp. It emerges after the lateral incisor but before the canine. - Both maxillary premolars are wider from facial to lingual than from mesial to distal. The first premolar crown profile is hexagonal while the second is more ovoid.

1. Permanent Maxillary Premolars
Charles J. Arcoria, DDS, MBA

2. Permanent Maxillary Premolars
Class Traits & Key Considerations:
1. Maxillary premolars have two cusps (facial & lingual)
2. Mandibular premolars have a single facial cusp with one or more lingual cusps
The preferred nomenclature for these teeth is “premolar” rather than “bicuspid”
which implies the tooth has two and only two cusps
3. There are two major cusps, facial and lingual, that are approximately equal in
size and prominence
4. The maxillary first premolar presents a lingual cusp that is approximately 1.0 mm
shorter than the facial cusp
5. The crowns, from the occlusal aspect, are relatively much wider (2.0 mm)
faciolingually than they are mesiodistally
6. Facial profiles viewed from the proximal aspect, are only slightly inclined
lingually from height of contour to cusp apex
7. Lingual height of contour is situated approximately midway between cervical line
and the cusp tip in the middle 1/3 of the crown
8. There is a much greater morphological similarity between the two maxillary
premolars than between the two mandibular premolars

3. Permanent Maxillary Premolars – Type Traits
Aspect First Premolar Second Premolar
Facial > Prominent, broad shoulders
> Facial cusp tip distal of center
> Prominent facial lobes
> Narrow shoulders
> Facial cusp tip mesial of center
> Facial lobes not prominent
Lingual > Entire facial profile of crown visible > Little or none of the facial profile visible
Mesial > Mesial marginal ridge developmental
groove interrupts mesial marginal ridge.
> Usually two roots, facial and lingual.
> Mesial developmental depression
extends from bifurcation of root across the
cervical line and well onto crown almost to
contact area.
> No mesial marginal ridge
developmental groove.
> Single root.
> Mesial depression restricted to root
surface.

4. Permanent Maxillary Premolars – Type Traits
Aspect First Premolar Second Premolar
Occlusal > Crown profile hexagonal.
> Mesiofacial and distofacial line
angles are sharp.
> Mesial and distal profiles converge
lingually.
> Occlusal table outline trapezoidal.
> Facial cusp ridge has a slight mesial
cant, giving the crown a twisted
appearance.
> Facial cusp wider than lingual cusp.
> Central groove long.
> Supplemental grooves rare.
> Facial ridge, developmental
depressions and lobes visible.
> Crown profile ovoid.
> Mesiofacial and distofacial line angles
more rounded.
> Little lingual convergence; mesial and
distal marginal ridges parallel.
> Occlusal table outline rectangular.
> Crown not twisted in appearance.
> Short central groove & wide marginal
ridges
> Many supplemental grooves giving a
“wrinkled” appearance
Cross
Section
of Root
> Outline is kidney shaped with
concavity on mesial.
> One root canal at cervix, two root
canals as root bifurcates
> Outline is ovoid.
> One root with one or two root canals
with varied pulp morphology

5. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar – Introductory Points
•The maxillary first premolar typically has two roots, one facial and one
lingual. It always has (at least) two canals. If a third canal is present, it will
be in the facial root.
•Rarely, the maxillary 1st
premolar will present with 3 roots. These teeth will
have two roots situated facially (MF & DF) and one root situated lingually.
•The lingual cusp is typically 1.0 mm shorter than the facial cusp.
•The mesial marginal ridge is taller than the distal marginal ridge (the DMR is
more cervical than the MMR).
•The middle facial lobe is the most developed of the facial lobes and gives
rise to a prominent facial ridge.
•The maxillary first premolar emerges into the oral cavity after the permanent
maxillary lateral incisor but before the permanent maxillary canine.

6. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Facial
M D
· Facial outline of the crown is a trapezoid with the shorter parallel side at the cervix.
· The tooth is broad shouldered when viewed from this aspect with markedly convex mesial
and distal contours.
· The cusp tip is relatively pointed and will be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector. (This is a distinctive characteristic since this is the only permanent tooth where the mesial
cuspal ridge of the facial cusp is longer than the distal cuspal ridge).
· The mesial proximal contact is slightly more cervically placed than the distal proximal
contact. (This is a characteristic of both maxillary and mandibular first premolars and would be
expected since the mesial contact meets the distal contact of a canine and both maxillary and
mandibular canines have their distal contact areas in the middle 1/3 of the crown incisogingivally).
· The mesial outline of the crown between the mesial contact area and the cervical line is
slightly concave. This is principally due to the developmental root depression on the mesial
surface that extends over the CEJ onto the crown surface better described from the mesial aspect.
Although not visible from the facial aspect, this outline is said by one text to be a mirror image of
the distal contour of the adjacent canine.
· The distal outline of the crown between the contact area and the cervical line is slightly
convex.
· The apical crest of curvature of the cervical line on premolar crowns will usually be
centered but may be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· The root of this tooth is usually bifurcated into a facial and a lingual root. Since the facial
root is usually wider than the lingual root, the lingual root will not always be visible from the
facial aspect. However, dental charts depicting a drawing of this tooth from a facial view will
usually show the apices of both roots on the drawing.
· The apices of both the facial and lingual roots will usually be slightly distal to the
mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· There is a tendency for the facial surface of the crown to show evidence of lobe formation
by having a prominent facial ridge running axially from the facial cusp that is bordered by
noticeable developmental depressions mesial and distal to it.

7. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Facial
M D
· Facial outline of the crown is a trapezoid with the shorter parallel side at the cervix.
· The tooth is broad shouldered when viewed from this aspect with markedly convex
mesial and distal contours.
· The cusp tip is relatively pointed and will be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector. (This is a distinctive characteristic since this is the only permanent tooth where the mesial
cuspal ridge of the facial cusp is longer than the distal cuspal ridge).
· The mesial proximal contact is slightly more cervically placed than the distal proximal
contact. (This is a characteristic of both maxillary and mandibular first premolars and would be
expected since the mesial contact meets the distal contact of a canine and both maxillary and
mandibular canines have their distal contact areas in the middle 1/3 of the crown incisogingivally).
· The mesial outline of the crown between the mesial contact area and the cervical line is
slightly concave. This is principally due to the developmental root depression on the mesial
surface that extends over the CEJ onto the crown surface better described from the mesial aspect.
Although not visible from the facial aspect, this outline is said by one text to be a mirror image of
the distal contour of the adjacent canine.
· The distal outline of the crown between the contact area and the cervical line is slightly
convex.
· The apical crest of curvature of the cervical line on premolar crowns will usually be
centered but may be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· The root of this tooth is usually bifurcated into a facial and a lingual root. Since the facial
root is usually wider than the lingual root, the lingual root will not always be visible from the
facial aspect. However, dental charts depicting a drawing of this tooth from a facial view will
usually show the apices of both roots on the drawing.
· The apices of both the facial and lingual roots will usually be slightly distal to the
mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· There is a tendency for the facial surface of the crown to show evidence of lobe formation
by having a prominent facial ridge running axially from the facial cusp that is bordered by
noticeable developmental depressions mesial and distal to it.

8. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Facial
M D
· Facial outline of the crown is a trapezoid with the shorter parallel side at the cervix.
· The tooth is broad shouldered when viewed from this aspect with markedly convex mesial
and distal contours.
· The cusp tip is relatively pointed and will be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector. (This is a distinctive characteristic since this is the only permanent tooth where the
mesial cuspal ridge of the facial cusp is longer than the distal cuspal ridge).
· The mesial proximal contact is slightly more cervically placed than the distal proximal
contact. (This is a characteristic of both maxillary and mandibular first premolars and would be
expected since the mesial contact meets the distal contact of a canine and both maxillary and
mandibular canines have their distal contact areas in the middle 1/3 of the crown incisogingivally).
· The mesial outline of the crown between the mesial contact area and the cervical line is
slightly concave. This is principally due to the developmental root depression on the mesial
surface that extends over the CEJ onto the crown surface better described from the mesial aspect.
Although not visible from the facial aspect, this outline is said by one text to be a mirror image of
the distal contour of the adjacent canine.
· The distal outline of the crown between the contact area and the cervical line is slightly
convex.
· The apical crest of curvature of the cervical line on premolar crowns will usually be
centered but may be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· The root of this tooth is usually bifurcated into a facial and a lingual root. Since the facial
root is usually wider than the lingual root, the lingual root will not always be visible from the
facial aspect. However, dental charts depicting a drawing of this tooth from a facial view will
usually show the apices of both roots on the drawing.
· The apices of both the facial and lingual roots will usually be slightly distal to the
mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· There is a tendency for the facial surface of the crown to show evidence of lobe formation
by having a prominent facial ridge running axially from the facial cusp that is bordered by
noticeable developmental depressions mesial and distal to it.

9. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Facial
M D
· Facial outline of the crown is a trapezoid with the shorter parallel side at the cervix.
· The tooth is broad shouldered when viewed from this aspect with markedly convex mesial
and distal contours.
· The cusp tip is relatively pointed and will be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector. (This is a distinctive characteristic since this is the only permanent tooth where the mesial
cuspal ridge of the facial cusp is longer than the distal cuspal ridge).
· The mesial proximal contact is slightly more cervically placed than the distal
proximal contact. (This is a characteristic of both maxillary and mandibular first premolars
and would be expected since the mesial contact meets the distal contact of a canine and both
maxillary and mandibular canines have their distal contact areas in the middle 1/3 of the
crown incisogingivally).
· The mesial outline of the crown between the mesial contact area and the cervical line is
slightly concave. This is principally due to the developmental root depression on the mesial
surface that extends over the CEJ onto the crown surface better described from the mesial aspect.
Although not visible from the facial aspect, this outline is said by one text to be a mirror image of
the distal contour of the adjacent canine.
· The distal outline of the crown between the contact area and the cervical line is slightly
convex.
· The apical crest of curvature of the cervical line on premolar crowns will usually be
centered but may be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· The root of this tooth is usually bifurcated into a facial and a lingual root. Since the facial
root is usually wider than the lingual root, the lingual root will not always be visible from the
facial aspect. However, dental charts depicting a drawing of this tooth from a facial view will
usually show the apices of both roots on the drawing.
· The apices of both the facial and lingual roots will usually be slightly distal to the
mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· There is a tendency for the facial surface of the crown to show evidence of lobe formation
by having a prominent facial ridge running axially from the facial cusp that is bordered by
noticeable developmental depressions mesial and distal to it.

10. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Facial
M D
· Facial outline of the crown is a trapezoid with the shorter parallel side at the cervix.
· The tooth is broad shouldered when viewed from this aspect with markedly convex mesial
and distal contours.
· The cusp tip is relatively pointed and will be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector. (This is a distinctive characteristic since this is the only permanent tooth where the mesial
cuspal ridge of the facial cusp is longer than the distal cuspal ridge).
· The mesial proximal contact is slightly more cervically placed than the distal proximal
contact. (This is a characteristic of both maxillary and mandibular first premolars and would be
expected since the mesial contact meets the distal contact of a canine and both maxillary and
mandibular canines have their distal contact areas in the middle 1/3 of the crown incisogingivally).
· The mesial outline of the crown between the mesial contact area and the cervical line
is slightly concave. This is principally due to the developmental root depression on the
mesial surface that extends over the CEJ onto the crown surface better described from the
mesial aspect. Although not visible from the facial aspect, this outline is said by one text to
be a mirror image of the distal contour of the adjacent canine.
· The distal outline of the crown between the contact area and the cervical line is slightly
convex.
· The apical crest of curvature of the cervical line on premolar crowns will usually be
centered but may be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· The root of this tooth is usually bifurcated into a facial and a lingual root. Since the facial
root is usually wider than the lingual root, the lingual root will not always be visible from the
facial aspect. However, dental charts depicting a drawing of this tooth from a facial view will
usually show the apices of both roots on the drawing.
· The apices of both the facial and lingual roots will usually be slightly distal to the
mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· There is a tendency for the facial surface of the crown to show evidence of lobe formation
by having a prominent facial ridge running axially from the facial cusp that is bordered by
noticeable developmental depressions mesial and distal to it.

11. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Facial
M D
· Facial outline of the crown is a trapezoid with the shorter parallel side at the cervix.
· The tooth is broad shouldered when viewed from this aspect with markedly convex mesial
and distal contours.
· The cusp tip is relatively pointed and will be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector. (This is a distinctive characteristic since this is the only permanent tooth where the mesial
cuspal ridge of the facial cusp is longer than the distal cuspal ridge).
· The mesial proximal contact is slightly more cervically placed than the distal proximal
contact. (This is a characteristic of both maxillary and mandibular first premolars and would be
expected since the mesial contact meets the distal contact of a canine and both maxillary and
mandibular canines have their distal contact areas in the middle 1/3 of the crown incisogingivally).
· The mesial outline of the crown between the mesial contact area and the cervical line is
slightly concave. This is principally due to the developmental root depression on the mesial
surface that extends over the CEJ onto the crown surface better described from the mesial aspect.
Although not visible from the facial aspect, this outline is said by one text to be a mirror image of
the distal contour of the adjacent canine.
· The distal outline of the crown between the contact area and the cervical line is
slightly convex.
· The apical crest of curvature of the cervical line on premolar crowns will usually be
centered but may be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· The root of this tooth is usually bifurcated into a facial and a lingual root. Since the facial
root is usually wider than the lingual root, the lingual root will not always be visible from the
facial aspect. However, dental charts depicting a drawing of this tooth from a facial view will
usually show the apices of both roots on the drawing.
· The apices of both the facial and lingual roots will usually be slightly distal to the
mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· There is a tendency for the facial surface of the crown to show evidence of lobe formation
by having a prominent facial ridge running axially from the facial cusp that is bordered by
noticeable developmental depressions mesial and distal to it.

12. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Facial
M D
· Facial outline of the crown is a trapezoid with the shorter parallel side at the cervix.
· The tooth is broad shouldered when viewed from this aspect with markedly convex mesial
and distal contours.
· The cusp tip is relatively pointed and will be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector. (This is a distinctive characteristic since this is the only permanent tooth where the mesial
cuspal ridge of the facial cusp is longer than the distal cuspal ridge).
· The mesial proximal contact is slightly more cervically placed than the distal proximal
contact. (This is a characteristic of both maxillary and mandibular first premolars and would be
expected since the mesial contact meets the distal contact of a canine and both maxillary and
mandibular canines have their distal contact areas in the middle 1/3 of the crown incisogingivally).
· The mesial outline of the crown between the mesial contact area and the cervical line is
slightly concave. This is principally due to the developmental root depression on the mesial
surface that extends over the CEJ onto the crown surface better described from the mesial aspect.
Although not visible from the facial aspect, this outline is said by one text to be a mirror image of
the distal contour of the adjacent canine.
· The distal outline of the crown between the contact area and the cervical line is slightly
convex.
· The apical crest of curvature of the cervical line on premolar crowns will usually be
centered but may be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· The root of this tooth is usually bifurcated into a facial and a lingual root. Since the facial
root is usually wider than the lingual root, the lingual root will not always be visible from the
facial aspect. However, dental charts depicting a drawing of this tooth from a facial view will
usually show the apices of both roots on the drawing.
· The apices of both the facial and lingual roots will usually be slightly distal to the
mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· There is a tendency for the facial surface of the crown to show evidence of lobe formation
by having a prominent facial ridge running axially from the facial cusp that is bordered by
noticeable developmental depressions mesial and distal to it.

13. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Facial
M D
· Facial outline of the crown is a trapezoid with the shorter parallel side at the cervix.
· The tooth is broad shouldered when viewed from this aspect with markedly convex mesial
and distal contours.
· The cusp tip is relatively pointed and will be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector. (This is a distinctive characteristic since this is the only permanent tooth where the mesial
cuspal ridge of the facial cusp is longer than the distal cuspal ridge).
· The mesial proximal contact is slightly more cervically placed than the distal proximal
contact. (This is a characteristic of both maxillary and mandibular first premolars and would be
expected since the mesial contact meets the distal contact of a canine and both maxillary and
mandibular canines have their distal contact areas in the middle 1/3 of the crown incisogingivally).
· The mesial outline of the crown between the mesial contact area and the cervical line is
slightly concave. This is principally due to the developmental root depression on the mesial
surface that extends over the CEJ onto the crown surface better described from the mesial aspect.
Although not visible from the facial aspect, this outline is said by one text to be a mirror image of
the distal contour of the adjacent canine.
· The distal outline of the crown between the contact area and the cervical line is slightly
convex.
· The apical crest of curvature of the cervical line on premolar crowns will usually be
centered but may be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· The root of this tooth is usually bifurcated into a facial and a lingual root. Since the
facial root is usually wider than the lingual root, the lingual root will not always be visible
from the facial aspect. However, dental charts depicting a drawing of this tooth from a
facial view will usually show the apices of both roots on the drawing.
· The apices of both the facial and lingual roots will usually be slightly distal to the
mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· There is a tendency for the facial surface of the crown to show evidence of lobe formation
by having a prominent facial ridge running axially from the facial cusp that is bordered by
noticeable developmental depressions mesial and distal to it.
Lingual
Facial

14. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Facial
M D
· Facial outline of the crown is a trapezoid with the shorter parallel side at the cervix.
· The tooth is broad shouldered when viewed from this aspect with markedly convex mesial
and distal contours.
· The cusp tip is relatively pointed and will be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector. (This is a distinctive characteristic since this is the only permanent tooth where the mesial
cuspal ridge of the facial cusp is longer than the distal cuspal ridge).
· The mesial proximal contact is slightly more cervically placed than the distal proximal
contact. (This is a characteristic of both maxillary and mandibular first premolars and would be
expected since the mesial contact meets the distal contact of a canine and both maxillary and
mandibular canines have their distal contact areas in the middle 1/3 of the crown incisogingivally).
· The mesial outline of the crown between the mesial contact area and the cervical line is
slightly concave. This is principally due to the developmental root depression on the mesial
surface that extends over the CEJ onto the crown surface better described from the mesial aspect.
Although not visible from the facial aspect, this outline is said by one text to be a mirror image of
the distal contour of the adjacent canine.
· The distal outline of the crown between the contact area and the cervical line is slightly
convex.
· The apical crest of curvature of the cervical line on premolar crowns will usually be
centered but may be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· The root of this tooth is usually bifurcated into a facial and a lingual root. Since the facial
root is usually wider than the lingual root, the lingual root will not always be visible from the
facial aspect. However, dental charts depicting a drawing of this tooth from a facial view will
usually show the apices of both roots on the drawing.
· The apices of both the facial and lingual roots will usually be slightly distal to the
mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· There is a tendency for the facial surface of the crown to show evidence of lobe formation
by having a prominent facial ridge running axially from the facial cusp that is bordered by
noticeable developmental depressions mesial and distal to it.
Lingual
Facial

15. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Facial
M D
· Facial outline of the crown is a trapezoid with the shorter parallel side at the cervix.
· The tooth is broad shouldered when viewed from this aspect with markedly convex mesial
and distal contours.
· The cusp tip is relatively pointed and will be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector. (This is a distinctive characteristic since this is the only permanent tooth where the mesial
cuspal ridge of the facial cusp is longer than the distal cuspal ridge).
· The mesial proximal contact is slightly more cervically placed than the distal proximal
contact. (This is a characteristic of both maxillary and mandibular first premolars and would be
expected since the mesial contact meets the distal contact of a canine and both maxillary and
mandibular canines have their distal contact areas in the middle 1/3 of the crown incisogingivally).
· The mesial outline of the crown between the mesial contact area and the cervical line is
slightly concave. This is principally due to the developmental root depression on the mesial
surface that extends over the CEJ onto the crown surface better described from the mesial aspect.
Although not visible from the facial aspect, this outline is said by one text to be a mirror image of
the distal contour of the adjacent canine.
· The distal outline of the crown between the contact area and the cervical line is slightly
convex.
· The apical crest of curvature of the cervical line on premolar crowns will usually be
centered but may be slightly distal to the mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· The root of this tooth is usually bifurcated into a facial and a lingual root. Since the facial
root is usually wider than the lingual root, the lingual root will not always be visible from the
facial aspect. However, dental charts depicting a drawing of this tooth from a facial view will
usually show the apices of both roots on the drawing.
· The apices of both the facial and lingual roots will usually be slightly distal to the
mesiodistal long axis bisector.
· There is a tendency for the facial surface of the crown to show evidence of lobe
formation by having a prominent facial ridge running axially from the facial cusp that is
bordered by noticeable developmental depressions mesial and distal to it.

16. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Lingual
M
D
The entire tooth converges toward the lingual and the lingual cusp is
shorter than the facial cusp. The outline is a reverse image of the
facial outline.
The lingual cusp tip is less pointed and about 1.0 mm shorter than the
facial cusp.
The lingual cusp tip is slightly mesial to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector; therefore, the mesial cuspal ridge will be shorter than the distal
cuspal ridge. It is characteristic of the lingual cusps of both maxillary
premolars to “swing” or “point” to the mesial.
The mesial and distal outlines of the lingual cusp will both be slightly
convex.
A small amount of both the mesial and distal surfaces of the crown will
be visible.
The fact that the tip of the facial cusp is distal and the tip of the lingual
cusp is mesial to the mesiodistal long axis bisector is very significant in
distinguishing between the lingual views of maxillary premolars.

17. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Lingual
M
D
The entire tooth converges toward the lingual and the lingual cusp is
shorter than the facial cusp. The outline is a reverse image of the facial
outline.
The lingual cusp tip is less pointed and about 1.0 mm shorter than
the facial cusp.
The lingual cusp tip is slightly mesial to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector; therefore, the mesial cuspal ridge will be shorter than the distal
cuspal ridge. It is characteristic of the lingual cusps of both maxillary
premolars to “swing” or “point” to the mesial.
The mesial and distal outlines of the lingual cusp will both be slightly
convex.
A small amount of both the mesial and distal surfaces of the crown will
be visible.
The fact that the tip of the facial cusp is distal and the tip of the lingual
cusp is mesial to the mesiodistal long axis bisector is very significant in
distinguishing between the lingual views of maxillary premolars.

18. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Lingual
M
D
The entire tooth converges toward the lingual and the lingual cusp is
shorter than the facial cusp. The outline is a reverse image of the facial
outline.
The lingual cusp tip is less pointed and about 1.0 mm shorter than the
facial cusp.
The lingual cusp tip is slightly mesial to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector; therefore, the mesial cuspal ridge will be shorter than the
distal cuspal ridge. It is characteristic of the lingual cusps of both
maxillary premolars to “swing” or “point” to the mesial.
The mesial and distal outlines of the lingual cusp will both be slightly
convex.
A small amount of both the mesial and distal surfaces of the crown will
be visible.
The fact that the tip of the facial cusp is distal and the tip of the lingual
cusp is mesial to the mesiodistal long axis bisector is very significant in
distinguishing between the lingual views of maxillary premolars.

19. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Lingual
M
D
The entire tooth converges toward the lingual and the lingual cusp is
shorter than the facial cusp. The outline is a reverse image of the facial
outline.
The lingual cusp tip is less pointed and about 1.0 mm shorter than the
facial cusp.
The lingual cusp tip is slightly mesial to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector; therefore, the mesial cuspal ridge will be shorter than the distal
cuspal ridge. It is characteristic of the lingual cusps of both maxillary
premolars to “swing” or “point” to the mesial.
The mesial and distal outlines of the lingual cusp will both be
slightly convex.
A small amount of both the mesial and distal surfaces of the crown will
be visible.
The fact that the tip of the facial cusp is distal and the tip of the lingual
cusp is mesial to the mesiodistal long axis bisector is very significant in
distinguishing between the lingual views of maxillary premolars.

20. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Lingual
M
D
The entire tooth converges toward the lingual and the lingual cusp is
shorter than the facial cusp. The outline is a reverse image of the facial
outline.
The lingual cusp tip is less pointed and about 1.0 mm shorter than the
facial cusp.
The lingual cusp tip is slightly mesial to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector; therefore, the mesial cuspal ridge will be shorter than the distal
cuspal ridge. It is characteristic of the lingual cusps of both maxillary
premolars to “swing” or “point” to the mesial.
The mesial and distal outlines of the lingual cusp will both be slightly
convex.
A small amount of both the mesial and distal surfaces of the crown
will be visible.
The fact that the tip of the facial cusp is distal and the tip of the lingual
cusp is mesial to the mesiodistal long axis bisector is very significant in
distinguishing between the lingual views of maxillary premolars.

21. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Lingual
M
D
The entire tooth converges toward the lingual and the lingual cusp is
shorter than the facial cusp. The outline is a reverse image of the facial
outline.
The lingual cusp tip is less pointed and about 1.0 mm shorter than the
facial cusp.
The lingual cusp tip is slightly mesial to the mesiodistal long axis
bisector; therefore, the mesial cuspal ridge will be shorter than the distal
cuspal ridge. It is characteristic of the lingual cusps of both maxillary
premolars to “swing” or “point” to the mesial.
The mesial and distal outlines of the lingual cusp will both be slightly
convex.
A small amount of both the mesial and distal surfaces of the crown will
be visible.
The fact that the tip of the facial cusp is distal and the tip of the lingual
cusp is mesial to the mesiodistal long axis bisector is very significant in
distinguishing between the lingual views of maxillary premolars.

22. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Mesial
F
L
The greatest contour facially will be the crest of the cervical ridge at a level within the cervical
1/3 of the crown. The greatest contour lingually will be the crest of the wide convex arc of the
lingual outline of the crown. This will occur at the middle 1/3 of the lingual outline of the crown.
The faciolingual width of the occlusal table is about ½ that of the total faciolingual width of the
tooth crown. This places the cusp tips well within the confines of the root trunk.
The facial outline of the crown is slightly convex from the facial cusp tip to the crest of the
cervical ridge.
The lingual outline is evenly convex from the lingual cusp tip to the cervical line.
The occlusal outline between cusps reflects the outline of the triangular ridges which meet at a
point hidden by the outline of the mesial marginal ridge. This will be slightly lingual to the
faciolingual long axis bisector. Triangular ridges on maxillary premolars tend to be approximately
the same length. Their slope toward the central groove is said to be steeper than for any other
tooth.
The mesial cuspal ridges of the facial and lingual cusps converge cervically from their respective
cusp tips to meet the facial and lingual segments of the mesial marginal ridge. The crest of this
mesial marginal ridge is almost perpendicular to the faciolingual long axis bisector. It is divided
into a facial and a lingual segment by the MESIAL MARGINAL DEVELOPMENTAL GROOVE
which crosses the ridge from the occlusal surface and extends onto the mesial surface. The mesial
developmental depression must always be of concern to the dentist during restorative and
periodontal treatment procedures.
The mesial proximal contact area is located just cervical to the facial segment of the mesial
marginal ridge, facial to the mesial marginal developmental groove.
The area of this crown cervical to the mesial contact area will be slightly concave.
The faciolingual measurement of the root trunk at the cervical line is about 1.0 mm less than the
overall faciolingual crown measurement (0.5 mm overhang facially and 0.5 mm overhang
lingually).
The length of the root trunk will vary but usually the apical ¼ of the root system will definitely
present a facial and lingual root. This tooth may present a single root but will almost always have
two root canals and two apical foramina.
All forms will have a relatively deep root depression that increases in width occlusally from the
point of bifurcation to the cervical line.

23. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Mesial
F
L
The greatest contour facially will be the crest of the cervical ridge at a level within the cervical
1/3 of the crown. The greatest contour lingually will be the crest of the wide convex arc of the
lingual outline of the crown. This will occur at the middle 1/3 of the lingual outline of the crown.
The faciolingual width of the occlusal table is about ½ that of the total faciolingual width of the
tooth crown. This places the cusp tips well within the confines of the root trunk.
The facial outline of the crown is slightly convex from the facial cusp tip to the crest of the
cervical ridge.
The lingual outline is evenly convex from the lingual cusp tip to the cervical line.
The occlusal outline between cusps reflects the outline of the triangular ridges which meet at a
point hidden by the outline of the mesial marginal ridge. This will be slightly lingual to the
faciolingual long axis bisector. Triangular ridges on maxillary premolars tend to be approximately
the same length. Their slope toward the central groove is said to be steeper than for any other
tooth.
The mesial cuspal ridges of the facial and lingual cusps converge cervically from their respective
cusp tips to meet the facial and lingual segments of the mesial marginal ridge. The crest of this
mesial marginal ridge is almost perpendicular to the faciolingual long axis bisector. It is divided
into a facial and a lingual segment by the MESIAL MARGINAL DEVELOPMENTAL GROOVE
which crosses the ridge from the occlusal surface and extends onto the mesial surface. The mesial
developmental depression must always be of concern to the dentist during restorative and
periodontal treatment procedures.
The mesial proximal contact area is located just cervical to the facial segment of the mesial
marginal ridge, facial to the mesial marginal developmental groove.
The area of this crown cervical to the mesial contact area will be slightly concave.
The faciolingual measurement of the root trunk at the cervical line is about 1.0 mm less than the
overall faciolingual crown measurement (0.5 mm overhang facially and 0.5 mm overhang
lingually).
The length of the root trunk will vary but usually the apical ¼ of the root system will definitely
present a facial and lingual root. This tooth may present a single root but will almost always have
two root canals and two apical foramina.
All forms will have a relatively deep root depression that increases in width occlusally from the
point of bifurcation to the cervical line.

24. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Mesial
F
L
The greatest contour facially will be the crest of the cervical ridge at a level within the cervical
1/3 of the crown. The greatest contour lingually will be the crest of the wide convex arc of the
lingual outline of the crown. This will occur at the middle 1/3 of the lingual outline of the crown.
The faciolingual width of the occlusal table is about ½ that of the total faciolingual width of the
tooth crown. This places the cusp tips well within the confines of the root trunk.
The facial outline of the crown is slightly convex from the facial cusp tip to the crest of the
cervical ridge.
The lingual outline is evenly convex from the lingual cusp tip to the cervical line.
The occlusal outline between cusps reflects the outline of the triangular ridges which meet at a
point hidden by the outline of the mesial marginal ridge. This will be slightly lingual to the
faciolingual long axis bisector. Triangular ridges on maxillary premolars tend to be approximately
the same length. Their slope toward the central groove is said to be steeper than for any other
tooth.
The mesial cuspal ridges of the facial and lingual cusps converge cervically from their respective
cusp tips to meet the facial and lingual segments of the mesial marginal ridge. The crest of this
mesial marginal ridge is almost perpendicular to the faciolingual long axis bisector. It is divided
into a facial and a lingual segment by the MESIAL MARGINAL DEVELOPMENTAL GROOVE
which crosses the ridge from the occlusal surface and extends onto the mesial surface. The mesial
developmental depression must always be of concern to the dentist during restorative and
periodontal treatment procedures.
The mesial proximal contact area is located just cervical to the facial segment of the mesial
marginal ridge, facial to the mesial marginal developmental groove.
The area of this crown cervical to the mesial contact area will be slightly concave.
The faciolingual measurement of the root trunk at the cervical line is about 1.0 mm less than the
overall faciolingual crown measurement (0.5 mm overhang facially and 0.5 mm overhang
lingually).
The length of the root trunk will vary but usually the apical ¼ of the root system will definitely
present a facial and lingual root. This tooth may present a single root but will almost always have
two root canals and two apical foramina.
All forms will have a relatively deep root depression that increases in width occlusally from the
point of bifurcation to the cervical line.

25. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Mesial
F
L
The greatest contour facially will be the crest of the cervical ridge at a level within the cervical
1/3 of the crown. The greatest contour lingually will be the crest of the wide convex arc of the
lingual outline of the crown. This will occur at the middle 1/3 of the lingual outline of the crown.
The faciolingual width of the occlusal table is about ½ that of the total faciolingual width of the
tooth crown. This places the cusp tips well within the confines of the root trunk.
The facial outline of the crown is slightly convex from the facial cusp tip to the crest of the
cervical ridge.
The lingual outline is evenly convex from the lingual cusp tip to the cervical line.
The occlusal outline between cusps reflects the outline of the triangular ridges which meet at a
point hidden by the outline of the mesial marginal ridge. This will be slightly lingual to the
faciolingual long axis bisector. Triangular ridges on maxillary premolars tend to be approximately
the same length. Their slope toward the central groove is said to be steeper than for any other
tooth.
The mesial cuspal ridges of the facial and lingual cusps converge cervically from their respective
cusp tips to meet the facial and lingual segments of the mesial marginal ridge. The crest of this
mesial marginal ridge is almost perpendicular to the faciolingual long axis bisector. It is divided
into a facial and a lingual segment by the MESIAL MARGINAL DEVELOPMENTAL GROOVE
which crosses the ridge from the occlusal surface and extends onto the mesial surface. The mesial
developmental depression must always be of concern to the dentist during restorative and
periodontal treatment procedures.
The mesial proximal contact area is located just cervical to the facial segment of the mesial
marginal ridge, facial to the mesial marginal developmental groove.
The area of this crown cervical to the mesial contact area will be slightly concave.
The faciolingual measurement of the root trunk at the cervical line is about 1.0 mm less than the
overall faciolingual crown measurement (0.5 mm overhang facially and 0.5 mm overhang
lingually).
The length of the root trunk will vary but usually the apical ¼ of the root system will definitely
present a facial and lingual root. This tooth may present a single root but will almost always have
two root canals and two apical foramina.
All forms will have a relatively deep root depression that increases in width occlusally from the
point of bifurcation to the cervical line.

26. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Mesial
F
L
The greatest contour facially will be the crest of the cervical ridge at a level within the cervical
1/3 of the crown. The greatest contour lingually will be the crest of the wide convex arc of the
lingual outline of the crown. This will occur at the middle 1/3 of the lingual outline of the crown.
The faciolingual width of the occlusal table is about ½ that of the total faciolingual width of the
tooth crown. This places the cusp tips well within the confines of the root trunk.
The facial outline of the crown is slightly convex from the facial cusp tip to the crest of the
cervical ridge.
The lingual outline is evenly convex from the lingual cusp tip to the cervical line.
The occlusal outline between cusps reflects the outline of the triangular ridges which meet at a
point hidden by the outline of the mesial marginal ridge. This will be slightly lingual to the
faciolingual long axis bisector. Triangular ridges on maxillary premolars tend to be approximately
the same length. Their slope toward the central groove is said to be steeper than for any other
tooth.
The mesial cuspal ridges of the facial and lingual cusps converge cervically from their respective
cusp tips to meet the facial and lingual segments of the mesial marginal ridge. The crest of this
mesial marginal ridge is almost perpendicular to the faciolingual long axis bisector. It is divided
into a facial and a lingual segment by the MESIAL MARGINAL DEVELOPMENTAL GROOVE
which crosses the ridge from the occlusal surface and extends onto the mesial surface. The mesial
developmental depression must always be of concern to the dentist during restorative and
periodontal treatment procedures.
The mesial proximal contact area is located just cervical to the facial segment of the mesial
marginal ridge, facial to the mesial marginal developmental groove.
The area of this crown cervical to the mesial contact area will be slightly concave.
The faciolingual measurement of the root trunk at the cervical line is about 1.0 mm less than the
overall faciolingual crown measurement (0.5 mm overhang facially and 0.5 mm overhang
lingually).
The length of the root trunk will vary but usually the apical ¼ of the root system will definitely
present a facial and lingual root. This tooth may present a single root but will almost always have
two root canals and two apical foramina.
All forms will have a relatively deep root depression that increases in width occlusally from the
point of bifurcation to the cervical line.

27. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Mesial
F
L
The greatest contour facially will be the crest of the cervical ridge at a level within the cervical
1/3 of the crown. The greatest contour lingually will be the crest of the wide convex arc of the
lingual outline of the crown. This will occur at the middle 1/3 of the lingual outline of the crown.
The faciolingual width of the occlusal table is about ½ that of the total faciolingual width of the
tooth crown. This places the cusp tips well within the confines of the root trunk.
The facial outline of the crown is slightly convex from the facial cusp tip to the crest of the
cervical ridge.
The lingual outline is evenly convex from the lingual cusp tip to the cervical line.
The occlusal outline between cusps reflects the outline of the triangular ridges which meet at a
point hidden by the outline of the mesial marginal ridge. This will be slightly lingual to the
faciolingual long axis bisector. Triangular ridges on maxillary premolars tend to be approximately
the same length. Their slope toward the central groove is said to be steeper than for any other
tooth.
The mesial cuspal ridges of the facial and lingual cusps converge cervically from their respective
cusp tips to meet the facial and lingual segments of the mesial marginal ridge. The crest of this
mesial marginal ridge is almost perpendicular to the faciolingual long axis bisector. It is divided
into a facial and a lingual segment by the MESIAL MARGINAL DEVELOPMENTAL GROOVE
which crosses the ridge from the occlusal surface and extends onto the mesial surface. The mesial
developmental depression must always be of concern to the dentist during restorative and
periodontal treatment procedures.
The mesial proximal contact area is located just cervical to the facial segment of the mesial
marginal ridge, facial to the mesial marginal developmental groove.
The area of this crown cervical to the mesial contact area will be slightly concave.
The faciolingual measurement of the root trunk at the cervical line is about 1.0 mm less than the
overall faciolingual crown measurement (0.5 mm overhang facially and 0.5 mm overhang
lingually).
The length of the root trunk will vary but usually the apical ¼ of the root system will definitely
present a facial and lingual root. This tooth may present a single root but will almost always have
two root canals and two apical foramina.
All forms will have a relatively deep root depression that increases in width occlusally from the
point of bifurcation to the cervical line.

28. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Mesial
F
L
The greatest contour facially will be the crest of the cervical ridge at a level within the cervical
1/3 of the crown. The greatest contour lingually will be the crest of the wide convex arc of the
lingual outline of the crown. This will occur at the middle 1/3 of the lingual outline of the crown.
The faciolingual width of the occlusal table is about ½ that of the total faciolingual width of the
tooth crown. This places the cusp tips well within the confines of the root trunk.
The facial outline of the crown is slightly convex from the facial cusp tip to the crest of the
cervical ridge.
The lingual outline is evenly convex from the lingual cusp tip to the cervical line.
The occlusal outline between cusps reflects the outline of the triangular ridges which meet at a
point hidden by the outline of the mesial marginal ridge. This will be slightly lingual to the
faciolingual long axis bisector. Triangular ridges on maxillary premolars tend to be approximately
the same length. Their slope toward the central groove is said to be steeper than for any other
tooth.
The mesial cuspal ridges of the facial and lingual cusps converge cervically from their respective
cusp tips to meet the facial and lingual segments of the mesial marginal ridge. The crest of this
mesial marginal ridge is almost perpendicular to the faciolingual long axis bisector. It is divided
into a facial and a lingual segment by the MESIAL MARGINAL DEVELOPMENTAL GROOVE
which crosses the ridge from the occlusal surface and extends onto the mesial surface. The mesial
developmental depression must always be of concern to the dentist during restorative and
periodontal treatment procedures.
The mesial proximal contact area is located just cervical to the facial segment of the mesial
marginal ridge, facial to the mesial marginal developmental groove.
The area of this crown cervical to the mesial contact area will be slightly concave.
The faciolingual measurement of the root trunk at the cervical line is about 1.0 mm less than the
overall faciolingual crown measurement (0.5 mm overhang facially and 0.5 mm overhang
lingually).
The length of the root trunk will vary but usually the apical ¼ of the root system will definitely
present a facial and lingual root. This tooth may present a single root but will almost always have
two root canals and two apical foramina.
All forms will have a relatively deep root depression that increases in width occlusally from the
point of bifurcation to the cervical line.

29. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Mesial
F
L
The greatest contour facially will be the crest of the cervical ridge at a level within the cervical
1/3 of the crown. The greatest contour lingually will be the crest of the wide convex arc of the
lingual outline of the crown. This will occur at the middle 1/3 of the lingual outline of the crown.
The faciolingual width of the occlusal table is about ½ that of the total faciolingual width of the
tooth crown. This places the cusp tips well within the confines of the root trunk.
The facial outline of the crown is slightly convex from the facial cusp tip to the crest of the
cervical ridge.
The lingual outline is evenly convex from the lingual cusp tip to the cervical line.
The occlusal outline between cusps reflects the outline of the triangular ridges which meet at a
point hidden by the outline of the mesial marginal ridge. This will be slightly lingual to the
faciolingual long axis bisector. Triangular ridges on maxillary premolars tend to be approximately
the same length. Their slope toward the central groove is said to be steeper than for any other
tooth.
The mesial cuspal ridges of the facial and lingual cusps converge cervically from their respective
cusp tips to meet the facial and lingual segments of the mesial marginal ridge. The crest of this
mesial marginal ridge is almost perpendicular to the faciolingual long axis bisector. It is divided
into a facial and a lingual segment by the MESIAL MARGINAL DEVELOPMENTAL GROOVE
which crosses the ridge from the occlusal surface and extends onto the mesial surface. The mesial
developmental depression must always be of concern to the dentist during restorative and
periodontal treatment procedures.
The mesial proximal contact area is located just cervical to the facial segment of the mesial
marginal ridge, facial to the mesial marginal developmental groove.
The area of this crown cervical to the mesial contact area will be slightly concave.
The faciolingual measurement of the root trunk at the cervical line is about 1.0 mm less than the
overall faciolingual crown measurement (0.5 mm overhang facially and 0.5 mm overhang
lingually).
The length of the root trunk will vary but usually the apical ¼ of the root system will definitely
present a facial and lingual root. This tooth may present a single root but will almost always have
two root canals and two apical foramina.
All forms will have a relatively deep root depression that increases in width occlusally from the
point of bifurcation to the cervical line.

30. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Mesial
F
L
The greatest contour facially will be the crest of the cervical ridge at a level within the cervical
1/3 of the crown. The greatest contour lingually will be the crest of the wide convex arc of the
lingual outline of the crown. This will occur at the middle 1/3 of the lingual outline of the crown.
The faciolingual width of the occlusal table is about ½ that of the total faciolingual width of the
tooth crown. This places the cusp tips well within the confines of the root trunk.
The facial outline of the crown is slightly convex from the facial cusp tip to the crest of the
cervical ridge.
The lingual outline is evenly convex from the lingual cusp tip to the cervical line.
The occlusal outline between cusps reflects the outline of the triangular ridges which meet at a
point hidden by the outline of the mesial marginal ridge. This will be slightly lingual to the
faciolingual long axis bisector. Triangular ridges on maxillary premolars tend to be approximately
the same length. Their slope toward the central groove is said to be steeper than for any other
tooth.
The mesial cuspal ridges of the facial and lingual cusps converge cervically from their respective
cusp tips to meet the facial and lingual segments of the mesial marginal ridge. The crest of this
mesial marginal ridge is almost perpendicular to the faciolingual long axis bisector. It is divided
into a facial and a lingual segment by the MESIAL MARGINAL DEVELOPMENTAL GROOVE
which crosses the ridge from the occlusal surface and extends onto the mesial surface. The mesial
developmental depression must always be of concern to the dentist during restorative and
periodontal treatment procedures.
The mesial proximal contact area is located just cervical to the facial segment of the mesial
marginal ridge, facial to the mesial marginal developmental groove.
The area of this crown cervical to the mesial contact area will be slightly concave.
The faciolingual measurement of the root trunk at the cervical line is about 1.0 mm less than the
overall faciolingual crown measurement (0.5 mm overhang facially and 0.5 mm overhang
lingually).
The length of the root trunk will vary but usually the apical ¼ of the root system will definitely
present a facial and lingual root. This tooth may present a single root but will almost always have
two root canals and two apical foramina.
All forms will have a relatively deep root depression that increases in width occlusally from the
point of bifurcation to the cervical line.

31. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Mesial
F
L
The greatest contour facially will be the crest of the cervical ridge at a level within the cervical
1/3 of the crown. The greatest contour lingually will be the crest of the wide convex arc of the
lingual outline of the crown. This will occur at the middle 1/3 of the lingual outline of the crown.
The faciolingual width of the occlusal table is about ½ that of the total faciolingual width of the
tooth crown. This places the cusp tips well within the confines of the root trunk.
The facial outline of the crown is slightly convex from the facial cusp tip to the crest of the
cervical ridge.
The lingual outline is evenly convex from the lingual cusp tip to the cervical line.
The occlusal outline between cusps reflects the outline of the triangular ridges which meet at a
point hidden by the outline of the mesial marginal ridge. This will be slightly lingual to the
faciolingual long axis bisector. Triangular ridges on maxillary premolars tend to be approximately
the same length. Their slope toward the central groove is said to be steeper than for any other
tooth.
The mesial cuspal ridges of the facial and lingual cusps converge cervically from their respective
cusp tips to meet the facial and lingual segments of the mesial marginal ridge. The crest of this
mesial marginal ridge is almost perpendicular to the faciolingual long axis bisector. It is divided
into a facial and a lingual segment by the MESIAL MARGINAL DEVELOPMENTAL GROOVE
which crosses the ridge from the occlusal surface and extends onto the mesial surface. The mesial
developmental depression must always be of concern to the dentist during restorative and
periodontal treatment procedures.
The mesial proximal contact area is located just cervical to the facial segment of the mesial
marginal ridge, facial to the mesial marginal developmental groove.
The area of this crown cervical to the mesial contact area will be slightly concave.
The faciolingual measurement of the root trunk at the cervical line is about 1.0 mm less than the
overall faciolingual crown measurement (0.5 mm overhang facially and 0.5 mm overhang
lingually).
The length of the root trunk will vary but usually the apical ¼ of the root system will definitely
present a facial and lingual root. This tooth may present a single root but will almost always have
two root canals and two apical foramina.
All forms will have a relatively deep root depression that increases in width occlusally from the
point of bifurcation to the cervical line.

32. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Mesial
F
L
The greatest contour facially will be the crest of the cervical ridge at a level within the cervical
1/3 of the crown. The greatest contour lingually will be the crest of the wide convex arc of the
lingual outline of the crown. This will occur at the middle 1/3 of the lingual outline of the crown.
The faciolingual width of the occlusal table is about ½ that of the total faciolingual width of the
tooth crown. This places the cusp tips well within the confines of the root trunk.
The facial outline of the crown is slightly convex from the facial cusp tip to the crest of the
cervical ridge.
The lingual outline is evenly convex from the lingual cusp tip to the cervical line.
The occlusal outline between cusps reflects the outline of the triangular ridges which meet at a
point hidden by the outline of the mesial marginal ridge. This will be slightly lingual to the
faciolingual long axis bisector. Triangular ridges on maxillary premolars tend to be approximately
the same length. Their slope toward the central groove is said to be steeper than for any other
tooth.
The mesial cuspal ridges of the facial and lingual cusps converge cervically from their respective
cusp tips to meet the facial and lingual segments of the mesial marginal ridge. The crest of this
mesial marginal ridge is almost perpendicular to the faciolingual long axis bisector. It is divided
into a facial and a lingual segment by the MESIAL MARGINAL DEVELOPMENTAL GROOVE
which crosses the ridge from the occlusal surface and extends onto the mesial surface. The mesial
developmental depression must always be of concern to the dentist during restorative and
periodontal treatment procedures.
The mesial proximal contact area is located just cervical to the facial segment of the mesial
marginal ridge, facial to the mesial marginal developmental groove.
The area of this crown cervical to the mesial contact area will be slightly concave.
The faciolingual measurement of the root trunk at the cervical line is about 1.0 mm less than the
overall faciolingual crown measurement (0.5 mm overhang facially and 0.5 mm overhang
lingually).
The length of the root trunk will vary but usually the apical ¼ of the root system will definitely
present a facial and lingual root. This tooth may present a single root but will almost always have
two root canals and two apical foramina.
All forms will have a relatively deep root depression that increases in width occlusally from the
point of bifurcation to the cervical line.

33. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Distal
F
L
The distal outline of both the crown and root will be the reverse of the
mesial outline.
The crest of the distal marginal ridge will be more cervically positioned
(relative to the MMR) and it will be uninterrupted. There is no groove
crossing the distal marginal ridge.
The distal contact area will still be facial to the faciolingual long axis
bisector but it will be slightly higher on the tooth occlusally than the mesial
contact and a little wider faciolingually since it contacts a wider tooth.
The crown surface cervical to the level of the contact area will be smoothly
convex.
The root depression will not likely be as broad nor as deep as seen on the
mesial surface and it does not extend across the cervical line. In fact, the root
trunk in the cervical 1/3 is usually convex.
The cervical line crosses the surface with very little or no curvature toward
the occlusal (your text lists a zero for the curvature of the cervical line on the
distal surface of all permanent posterior teeth).
Cervical ridge extends facially 0.5 mm relative to the CEJ
The distal proximal contact is located in the middle 1/3 of the crown
occlusogingivally.

34. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Distal
F
L
The distal outline of both the crown and root will be the reverse of the mesial
outline.
The crest of the distal marginal ridge will be more cervically positioned
(relative to the MMR) and it will be uninterrupted. There is no groove
crossing the distal marginal ridge.
The distal contact area will still be facial to the faciolingual long axis
bisector but it will be slightly higher on the tooth occlusally than the mesial
contact and a little wider faciolingually since it contacts a wider tooth.
The crown surface cervical to the level of the contact area will be smoothly
convex.
The root depression will not likely be as broad nor as deep as seen on the
mesial surface and it does not extend across the cervical line. In fact, the root
trunk in the cervical 1/3 is usually convex.
The cervical line crosses the surface with very little or no curvature toward
the occlusal (your text lists a zero for the curvature of the cervical line on the
distal surface of all permanent posterior teeth).
Cervical ridge extends facially 0.5 mm relative to the CEJ
The distal proximal contact is located in the middle 1/3 of the crown
occlusogingivally.

35. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Distal
F
L
The distal outline of both the crown and root will be the reverse of the mesial
outline.
The crest of the distal marginal ridge will be more cervically positioned
(relative to the MMR) and it will be uninterrupted. There is no groove
crossing the distal marginal ridge.
The distal contact area will still be facial to the faciolingual long axis
bisector but it will be slightly higher on the tooth occlusally than the
mesial contact and a little wider faciolingually since it contacts a wider
tooth.
The crown surface cervical to the level of the contact area will be smoothly
convex.
The root depression will not likely be as broad nor as deep as seen on the
mesial surface and it does not extend across the cervical line. In fact, the root
trunk in the cervical 1/3 is usually convex.
The cervical line crosses the surface with very little or no curvature toward
the occlusal (your text lists a zero for the curvature of the cervical line on the
distal surface of all permanent posterior teeth).
Cervical ridge extends facially 0.5 mm relative to the CEJ
The distal proximal contact is located in the middle 1/3 of the crown
occlusogingivally.

36. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Distal
F
L
The distal outline of both the crown and root will be the reverse of the mesial
outline.
The crest of the distal marginal ridge will be more cervically positioned
(relative to the MMR) and it will be uninterrupted. There is no groove
crossing the distal marginal ridge.
The distal contact area will still be facial to the faciolingual long axis
bisector but it will be slightly higher on the tooth occlusally than the mesial
contact and a little wider faciolingually since it contacts a wider tooth.
The crown surface cervical to the level of the contact area will be
smoothly convex.
The root depression will not likely be as broad nor as deep as seen on the
mesial surface and it does not extend across the cervical line. In fact, the root
trunk in the cervical 1/3 is usually convex.
The cervical line crosses the surface with very little or no curvature toward
the occlusal (your text lists a zero for the curvature of the cervical line on the
distal surface of all permanent posterior teeth).
Cervical ridge extends facially 0.5 mm relative to the CEJ
The distal proximal contact is located in the middle 1/3 of the crown
occlusogingivally.

37. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Distal
F
L
The distal outline of both the crown and root will be the reverse of the mesial
outline.
The crest of the distal marginal ridge will be more cervically positioned
(relative to the MMR) and it will be uninterrupted. There is no groove
crossing the distal marginal ridge.
The distal contact area will still be facial to the faciolingual long axis
bisector but it will be slightly higher on the tooth occlusally than the mesial
contact and a little wider faciolingually since it contacts a wider tooth.
The crown surface cervical to the level of the contact area will be smoothly
convex.
The root depression will not likely be as broad nor as deep as seen on the
mesial surface and it does not extend across the cervical line. In fact, the
root trunk in the cervical 1/3 is usually convex.
The cervical line crosses the surface with very little or no curvature toward
the occlusal (your text lists a zero for the curvature of the cervical line on the
distal surface of all permanent posterior teeth).
Cervical ridge extends facially 0.5 mm relative to the CEJ
The distal proximal contact is located in the middle 1/3 of the crown
occlusogingivally.

38. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Distal
F
L
The distal outline of both the crown and root will be the reverse of the mesial
outline.
The crest of the distal marginal ridge will be more cervically positioned
(relative to the MMR) and it will be uninterrupted. There is no groove
crossing the distal marginal ridge.
The distal contact area will still be facial to the faciolingual long axis
bisector but it will be slightly higher on the tooth occlusally than the mesial
contact and a little wider faciolingually since it contacts a wider tooth.
The crown surface cervical to the level of the contact area will be smoothly
convex.
The root depression will not likely be as broad nor as deep as seen on the
mesial surface and it does not extend across the cervical line. In fact, the root
trunk in the cervical 1/3 is usually convex.
The cervical line crosses the surface with very little or no curvature
toward the occlusal (your text lists a zero for the curvature of the cervical
line on the distal surface of all permanent posterior teeth).
Cervical ridge extends facially 0.5 mm relative to the CEJ
The distal proximal contact is located in the middle 1/3 of the crown
occlusogingivally.

39. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Distal
F
L
The distal outline of both the crown and root will be the reverse of the mesial
outline.
The crest of the distal marginal ridge will be more cervically positioned
(relative to the MMR) and it will be uninterrupted. There is no groove
crossing the distal marginal ridge.
The distal contact area will still be facial to the faciolingual long axis
bisector but it will be slightly higher on the tooth occlusally than the mesial
contact and a little wider faciolingually since it contacts a wider tooth.
The crown surface cervical to the level of the contact area will be smoothly
convex.
The root depression will not likely be as broad nor as deep as seen on the
mesial surface and it does not extend across the cervical line. In fact, the root
trunk in the cervical 1/3 is usually convex.
The cervical line crosses the surface with very little or no curvature toward
the occlusal (your text lists a zero for the curvature of the cervical line on the
distal surface of all permanent posterior teeth).
Cervical ridge extends facially 0.5 mm relative to the CEJ
The distal proximal contact is located in the middle 1/3 of the crown
occlusogingivally.

40. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Distal
F
L
The distal outline of both the crown and root will be the reverse of the mesial
outline.
The crest of the distal marginal ridge will be more cervically positioned
(relative to the MMR) and it will be uninterrupted. There is no groove
crossing the distal marginal ridge.
The distal contact area will still be facial to the faciolingual long axis
bisector but it will be slightly higher on the tooth occlusally than the mesial
contact and a little wider faciolingually since it contacts a wider tooth.
The crown surface cervical to the level of the contact area will be smoothly
convex.
The root depression will not likely be as broad nor as deep as seen on the
mesial surface and it does not extend across the cervical line. In fact, the root
trunk in the cervical 1/3 is usually convex.
The cervical line crosses the surface with very little or no curvature toward
the occlusal (your text lists a zero for the curvature of the cervical line on the
distal surface of all permanent posterior teeth).
Cervical ridge extends facially 0.5 mm relative to the CEJ
The distal proximal contact is located in the middle 1/3 of the crown
occlusogingivally.

41. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Occlusal
M
D
Occlusal outline is a hexagon with unequal sides.
The facial outline has three lobes that make up the facial half with slight indentations in the outline corresponding to
the developmental depressions.
The mesial contact area is closer to the faciolingual bisector than the distal contact area.
The mesiofacial and distofacial line angles are angular and prominent.
The mesial segment of the outline measures less faciolingually than the distal outline. The mesial outline reflects the
contour of a reverse figure “3” due to the presence of the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal segment of the outline is slightly convex and blends into the arc of the lingual segment.
The crest of the lingual segment lingually is distinctly mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the facial cusp are in line with each other but angle slightly across the surface.
The mesial end of the connected cuspal ridge line is more lingual than the distal end.
The facial cusp tip is distal to the mesiodistal bisector and half the distance from the facial outline to the faciolingual
bisector of the crown.
The mesial marginal ridge is divided into two segments by the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal marginal ridge is longer, uninterrupted and is slightly curved.
The mesial marginal ridge meets the mesial cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at a 90° angle while the distal marginal
ridge meets the distal cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at an acute angle.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the lingual cusp meet at the cusp tip forming a continuous curve.
The lingual cusp tip is mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown. The lingual cusp tip is nearer the lingual
outline of the crown than the facial cusp tip is to the facial outline.
The mesial cuspal ridge of the lingual cusp is shorter than its distal cuspal ridge.
Triangular ridges from the facial and lingual cusps meet near the center of the occlusal table but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the crown. A true transverse ridge can exist, but is separated by a deep central groove.
The central groove is long and crosses the occlusal table mesiodistally, parallel to but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the occlusal table, bisecting the occlusal table into facial and lingual halves. It connects the
mesial and distal triangular fossae and extends over the mesial marginal ridge as the mesial marginal ridge
developmental groove.
The mesial and distal triangular fossae are far apart and close to the mesial and distal occlusal outlines.
The marginal ridges are narrow mesiodistally.
There are minimal supplemental grooves.
The short mesial vs. distal surface measurement and position of the facial and lingual cusp tips produce a “twisted” or
“rotated” appearance around its long axis.

42. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Occlusal
M
D
Occlusal outline is a hexagon with unequal sides.
The facial outline has three lobes that make up the facial half with slight
indentations in the outline corresponding to the developmental depressions.
The mesial contact area is closer to the faciolingual bisector than the distal contact area.
The mesiofacial and distofacial line angles are angular and prominent.
The mesial segment of the outline measures less faciolingually than the distal outline. The mesial outline reflects the
contour of a reverse figure “3” due to the presence of the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal segment of the outline is slightly convex and blends into the arc of the lingual segment.
The crest of the lingual segment lingually is distinctly mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the facial cusp are in line with each other but angle slightly across the surface.
The mesial end of the connected cuspal ridge line is more lingual than the distal end.
The facial cusp tip is distal to the mesiodistal bisector and half the distance from the facial outline to the faciolingual
bisector of the crown.
The mesial marginal ridge is divided into two segments by the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal marginal ridge is longer, uninterrupted and is slightly curved.
The mesial marginal ridge meets the mesial cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at a 90° angle while the distal marginal
ridge meets the distal cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at an acute angle.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the lingual cusp meet at the cusp tip forming a continuous curve.
The lingual cusp tip is mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown. The lingual cusp tip is nearer the lingual
outline of the crown than the facial cusp tip is to the facial outline.
The mesial cuspal ridge of the lingual cusp is shorter than its distal cuspal ridge.
Triangular ridges from the facial and lingual cusps meet near the center of the occlusal table but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the crown. A true transverse ridge can exist, but is separated by a deep central groove.
The central groove is long and crosses the occlusal table mesiodistally, parallel to but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the occlusal table, bisecting the occlusal table into facial and lingual halves. It connects the
mesial and distal triangular fossae and extends over the mesial marginal ridge as the mesial marginal ridge
developmental groove.
The mesial and distal triangular fossae are far apart and close to the mesial and distal occlusal outlines.
The marginal ridges are narrow mesiodistally.
There are minimal supplemental grooves.
The short mesial vs. distal surface measurement and position of the facial and lingual cusp tips produce a “twisted” or
“rotated” appearance around its long axis.

43. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Occlusal
M
D
Occlusal outline is a hexagon with unequal sides.
The facial outline has three lobes that make up the facial half with slight indentations in the outline corresponding to
the developmental depressions.
The mesial contact area is closer to the faciolingual bisector than the distal
contact area.
The mesiofacial and distofacial line angles are angular and prominent.
The mesial segment of the outline measures less faciolingually than the distal outline. The mesial outline reflects the
contour of a reverse figure “3” due to the presence of the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal segment of the outline is slightly convex and blends into the arc of the lingual segment.
The crest of the lingual segment lingually is distinctly mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the facial cusp are in line with each other but angle slightly across the surface.
The mesial end of the connected cuspal ridge line is more lingual than the distal end.
The facial cusp tip is distal to the mesiodistal bisector and half the distance from the facial outline to the faciolingual
bisector of the crown.
The mesial marginal ridge is divided into two segments by the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal marginal ridge is longer, uninterrupted and is slightly curved.
The mesial marginal ridge meets the mesial cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at a 90° angle while the distal marginal
ridge meets the distal cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at an acute angle.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the lingual cusp meet at the cusp tip forming a continuous curve.
The lingual cusp tip is mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown. The lingual cusp tip is nearer the lingual
outline of the crown than the facial cusp tip is to the facial outline.
The mesial cuspal ridge of the lingual cusp is shorter than its distal cuspal ridge.
Triangular ridges from the facial and lingual cusps meet near the center of the occlusal table but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the crown. A true transverse ridge can exist, but is separated by a deep central groove.
The central groove is long and crosses the occlusal table mesiodistally, parallel to but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the occlusal table, bisecting the occlusal table into facial and lingual halves. It connects the
mesial and distal triangular fossae and extends over the mesial marginal ridge as the mesial marginal ridge
developmental groove.
The mesial and distal triangular fossae are far apart and close to the mesial and distal occlusal outlines.
The marginal ridges are narrow mesiodistally.
There are minimal supplemental grooves.
The short mesial vs. distal surface measurement and position of the facial and lingual cusp tips produce a “twisted” or
“rotated” appearance around its long axis.

44. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Occlusal
M
D
Occlusal outline is a hexagon with unequal sides.
The facial outline has three lobes that make up the facial half with slight indentations in the outline corresponding to
the developmental depressions.
The mesial contact area is closer to the faciolingual bisector than the distal contact area.
The mesiofacial and distofacial line angles are angular and prominent.
The mesial segment of the outline measures less faciolingually than the distal outline. The mesial outline reflects the
contour of a reverse figure “3” due to the presence of the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal segment of the outline is slightly convex and blends into the arc of the lingual segment.
The crest of the lingual segment lingually is distinctly mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the facial cusp are in line with each other but angle slightly across the surface.
The mesial end of the connected cuspal ridge line is more lingual than the distal end.
The facial cusp tip is distal to the mesiodistal bisector and half the distance from the facial outline to the faciolingual
bisector of the crown.
The mesial marginal ridge is divided into two segments by the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal marginal ridge is longer, uninterrupted and is slightly curved.
The mesial marginal ridge meets the mesial cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at a 90° angle while the distal marginal
ridge meets the distal cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at an acute angle.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the lingual cusp meet at the cusp tip forming a continuous curve.
The lingual cusp tip is mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown. The lingual cusp tip is nearer the lingual
outline of the crown than the facial cusp tip is to the facial outline.
The mesial cuspal ridge of the lingual cusp is shorter than its distal cuspal ridge.
Triangular ridges from the facial and lingual cusps meet near the center of the occlusal table but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the crown. A true transverse ridge can exist, but is separated by a deep central groove.
The central groove is long and crosses the occlusal table mesiodistally, parallel to but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the occlusal table, bisecting the occlusal table into facial and lingual halves. It connects the
mesial and distal triangular fossae and extends over the mesial marginal ridge as the mesial marginal ridge
developmental groove.
The mesial and distal triangular fossae are far apart and close to the mesial and distal occlusal outlines.
The marginal ridges are narrow mesiodistally.
There are minimal supplemental grooves.
The short mesial vs. distal surface measurement and position of the facial and lingual cusp tips produce a “twisted” or
“rotated” appearance around its long axis.

45. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Occlusal
M
D
Occlusal outline is a hexagon with unequal sides.
The facial outline has three lobes that make up the facial half with slight indentations in the outline corresponding to
the developmental depressions.
The mesial contact area is closer to the faciolingual bisector than the distal contact area.
The mesiofacial and distofacial line angles are angular and prominent.
The mesial segment of the outline measures less faciolingually than the distal
outline. The mesial outline reflects the contour of a reverse figure “3” due to
the presence of the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal segment of the outline is slightly convex and blends into the arc of the lingual segment.
The crest of the lingual segment lingually is distinctly mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the facial cusp are in line with each other but angle slightly across the surface.
The mesial end of the connected cuspal ridge line is more lingual than the distal end.
The facial cusp tip is distal to the mesiodistal bisector and half the distance from the facial outline to the faciolingual
bisector of the crown.
The mesial marginal ridge is divided into two segments by the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal marginal ridge is longer, uninterrupted and is slightly curved.
The mesial marginal ridge meets the mesial cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at a 90° angle while the distal marginal
ridge meets the distal cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at an acute angle.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the lingual cusp meet at the cusp tip forming a continuous curve.
The lingual cusp tip is mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown. The lingual cusp tip is nearer the lingual
outline of the crown than the facial cusp tip is to the facial outline.
The mesial cuspal ridge of the lingual cusp is shorter than its distal cuspal ridge.
Triangular ridges from the facial and lingual cusps meet near the center of the occlusal table but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the crown. A true transverse ridge can exist, but is separated by a deep central groove.
The central groove is long and crosses the occlusal table mesiodistally, parallel to but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the occlusal table, bisecting the occlusal table into facial and lingual halves. It connects the
mesial and distal triangular fossae and extends over the mesial marginal ridge as the mesial marginal ridge
developmental groove.
The mesial and distal triangular fossae are far apart and close to the mesial and distal occlusal outlines.
The marginal ridges are narrow mesiodistally.
There are minimal supplemental grooves.
The short mesial vs. distal surface measurement and position of the facial and lingual cusp tips produce a “twisted” or
“rotated” appearance around its long axis.

46. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Occlusal
M
D
Occlusal outline is a hexagon with unequal sides.
The facial outline has three lobes that make up the facial half with slight indentations in the outline corresponding to
the developmental depressions.
The mesial contact area is closer to the faciolingual bisector than the distal contact area.
The mesiofacial and distofacial line angles are angular and prominent.
The mesial segment of the outline measures less faciolingually than the distal outline. The mesial outline reflects the
contour of a reverse figure “3” due to the presence of the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal segment of the outline is slightly convex and blends into the arc of
the lingual segment.
The crest of the lingual segment lingually is distinctly mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the facial cusp are in line with each other but angle slightly across the surface.
The mesial end of the connected cuspal ridge line is more lingual than the distal end.
The facial cusp tip is distal to the mesiodistal bisector and half the distance from the facial outline to the faciolingual
bisector of the crown.
The mesial marginal ridge is divided into two segments by the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal marginal ridge is longer, uninterrupted and is slightly curved.
The mesial marginal ridge meets the mesial cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at a 90° angle while the distal marginal
ridge meets the distal cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at an acute angle.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the lingual cusp meet at the cusp tip forming a continuous curve.
The lingual cusp tip is mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown. The lingual cusp tip is nearer the lingual
outline of the crown than the facial cusp tip is to the facial outline.
The mesial cuspal ridge of the lingual cusp is shorter than its distal cuspal ridge.
Triangular ridges from the facial and lingual cusps meet near the center of the occlusal table but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the crown. A true transverse ridge can exist, but is separated by a deep central groove.
The central groove is long and crosses the occlusal table mesiodistally, parallel to but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the occlusal table, bisecting the occlusal table into facial and lingual halves. It connects the
mesial and distal triangular fossae and extends over the mesial marginal ridge as the mesial marginal ridge
developmental groove.
The mesial and distal triangular fossae are far apart and close to the mesial and distal occlusal outlines.
The marginal ridges are narrow mesiodistally.
There are minimal supplemental grooves.
The short mesial vs. distal surface measurement and position of the facial and lingual cusp tips produce a “twisted” or
“rotated” appearance around its long axis.

47. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Occlusal
M
D
Occlusal outline is a hexagon with unequal sides.
The facial outline has three lobes that make up the facial half with slight indentations in the outline corresponding to
the developmental depressions.
The mesial contact area is closer to the faciolingual bisector than the distal contact area.
The mesiofacial and distofacial line angles are angular and prominent.
The mesial segment of the outline measures less faciolingually than the distal outline. The mesial outline reflects the
contour of a reverse figure “3” due to the presence of the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal segment of the outline is slightly convex and blends into the arc of the lingual segment.
The crest of the lingual segment lingually is distinctly mesial to the
mesiodistal bisector of the crown.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the facial cusp are in line with each other but angle slightly across the surface.
The mesial end of the connected cuspal ridge line is more lingual than the distal end.
The facial cusp tip is distal to the mesiodistal bisector and half the distance from the facial outline to the faciolingual
bisector of the crown.
The mesial marginal ridge is divided into two segments by the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal marginal ridge is longer, uninterrupted and is slightly curved.
The mesial marginal ridge meets the mesial cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at a 90° angle while the distal marginal
ridge meets the distal cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at an acute angle.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the lingual cusp meet at the cusp tip forming a continuous curve.
The lingual cusp tip is mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown. The lingual cusp tip is nearer the lingual
outline of the crown than the facial cusp tip is to the facial outline.
The mesial cuspal ridge of the lingual cusp is shorter than its distal cuspal ridge.
Triangular ridges from the facial and lingual cusps meet near the center of the occlusal table but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the crown. A true transverse ridge can exist, but is separated by a deep central groove.
The central groove is long and crosses the occlusal table mesiodistally, parallel to but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the occlusal table, bisecting the occlusal table into facial and lingual halves. It connects the
mesial and distal triangular fossae and extends over the mesial marginal ridge as the mesial marginal ridge
developmental groove.
The mesial and distal triangular fossae are far apart and close to the mesial and distal occlusal outlines.
The marginal ridges are narrow mesiodistally.
There are minimal supplemental grooves.
The short mesial vs. distal surface measurement and position of the facial and lingual cusp tips produce a “twisted” or
“rotated” appearance around its long axis.

48. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Occlusal
M
D
Occlusal outline is a hexagon with unequal sides.
The facial outline has three lobes that make up the facial half with slight indentations in the outline corresponding to
the developmental depressions.
The mesial contact area is closer to the faciolingual bisector than the distal contact area.
The mesiofacial and distofacial line angles are angular and prominent.
The mesial segment of the outline measures less faciolingually than the distal outline. The mesial outline reflects the
contour of a reverse figure “3” due to the presence of the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal segment of the outline is slightly convex and blends into the arc of the lingual segment.
The crest of the lingual segment lingually is distinctly mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the facial cusp are in line with each
other but angle slightly across the surface. The mesial end of the connected
cuspal ridge line is more lingual than the distal end.
The facial cusp tip is distal to the mesiodistal bisector and half the distance from the facial outline to the faciolingual
bisector of the crown.
The mesial marginal ridge is divided into two segments by the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal marginal ridge is longer, uninterrupted and is slightly curved.
The mesial marginal ridge meets the mesial cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at a 90° angle while the distal marginal
ridge meets the distal cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at an acute angle.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the lingual cusp meet at the cusp tip forming a continuous curve.
The lingual cusp tip is mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown. The lingual cusp tip is nearer the lingual
outline of the crown than the facial cusp tip is to the facial outline.
The mesial cuspal ridge of the lingual cusp is shorter than its distal cuspal ridge.
Triangular ridges from the facial and lingual cusps meet near the center of the occlusal table but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the crown. A true transverse ridge can exist, but is separated by a deep central groove.
The central groove is long and crosses the occlusal table mesiodistally, parallel to but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the occlusal table, bisecting the occlusal table into facial and lingual halves. It connects the
mesial and distal triangular fossae and extends over the mesial marginal ridge as the mesial marginal ridge
developmental groove.
The mesial and distal triangular fossae are far apart and close to the mesial and distal occlusal outlines.
The marginal ridges are narrow mesiodistally.
There are minimal supplemental grooves.
The short mesial vs. distal surface measurement and position of the facial and lingual cusp tips produce a “twisted” or
“rotated” appearance around its long axis.

49. Permanent Maxillary First Premolar - Occlusal
M
D
Occlusal outline is a hexagon with unequal sides.
The facial outline has three lobes that make up the facial half with slight indentations in the outline corresponding to
the developmental depressions.
The mesial contact area is closer to the faciolingual bisector than the distal contact area.
The mesiofacial and distofacial line angles are angular and prominent.
The mesial segment of the outline measures less faciolingually than the distal outline. The mesial outline reflects the
contour of a reverse figure “3” due to the presence of the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal segment of the outline is slightly convex and blends into the arc of the lingual segment.
The crest of the lingual segment lingually is distinctly mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the facial cusp are in line with each other but angle slightly across the surface.
The mesial end of the connected cuspal ridge line is more lingual than the distal end.
The facial cusp tip is distal to the mesiodistal bisector and half the distance
from the facial outline to the faciolingual bisector of the crown.
The mesial marginal ridge is divided into two segments by the mesial marginal ridge developmental groove.
The distal marginal ridge is longer, uninterrupted and is slightly curved.
The mesial marginal ridge meets the mesial cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at a 90° angle while the distal marginal
ridge meets the distal cuspal ridge of the facial cusp at an acute angle.
The mesial and distal cuspal ridges of the lingual cusp meet at the cusp tip forming a continuous curve.
The lingual cusp tip is mesial to the mesiodistal bisector of the crown. The lingual cusp tip is nearer the lingual
outline of the crown than the facial cusp tip is to the facial outline.
The mesial cuspal ridge of the lingual cusp is shorter than its distal cuspal ridge.
Triangular ridges from the facial and lingual cusps meet near the center of the occlusal table but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the crown. A true transverse ridge can exist, but is separated by a deep central groove.
The central groove is long and crosses the occlusal table mesiodistally, parallel to but slightly lingual to the
faciolingual bisector of the occlusal table, bisecting the occlusal table into facial and lingual halves. It connects the
mesial and distal triangular fossae and extends over the mesial marginal ridge as the mesial marginal ridge
developmental groove.
The mesial and distal triangular fossae are far apart and close to the mesial and distal occlusal outlines.
The marginal ridges are narrow mesiodistally.
There are minimal supplemental grooves.
The short mesial vs. distal surface measurement and position of the facial and lingual cusp tips produce a “twisted” or
“rotated” appearance around its long axis.