Dental Anatomy: Occlusal Outline and Surface Features

Study Notes

Occlusal outline displays a more pronounced mesial slope than distal slope, distinctive from other permanent teeth.
Both slopes are nearly concave; the buccal cusp is pointed and elongated.
Facial surface exhibits maximum convexity at the cervical third, representing the cervical ridge.
Buccal ridge extends from the cusp tip to the cervical ridge, a result of the overdevelopment of the middle buccal lobe.
Shallow mesial and distal depressions are present adjacent to the buccal ridge.

The buccal root tapers from cervix to a pointed, distally curved apex, with a smooth and convex surface.
Maximum convexity equates to the height of contour and crest of curvature.
Geometric outline on lingual surface appears trapezoidal, with M and D surfaces converging lingually, making the lingual surface narrower than the buccal.
Cervical line is convex toward the root; M and D outlines convex from cervical line to contact areas.
Lingual cusp is approximately 1 mm smaller and shorter than the buccal cusp; the distal slope of the lingual cusp is steeper than the mesial slope.

80% of upper first premolars present with two roots (buccal and palatal), while 20% have a single root.
In cases with two roots, the palatal root is shorter and narrower than the buccal root.
The root trunk's length is about half the length of the root; the bifurcation occurs at the apical one-third in two-root cases.
Mesial aspect of the root trunk is smooth except for a deep developmental depression, while the distal aspect features a shallower depression.

Geometric outline is hexagonal, with buccolingual (BL) thickness greater than mesiodistal (MD) width.
The crown displays lingual convergence; surfaces converge lingually, causing a narrower crown on the lingual side compared to the buccal.
Elevations include a buccal cusp longer than the lingual cusp by 1 mm, with respective triangular ridges having differing slopes.
Marginal ridges present on both mesial and distal sides, with a central developmental groove and associated triangular fossae.

Bucco-lingual section showcases a wide pulp chamber with two pulp horns; single or double roots generally have two tapering canals.
In cases with a palatal root, the canal is wider and more accessible.
Mesio-distal section of the pulp cavity resembles that of the upper canine but is narrower.

Five aspects include buccal, lingual, mesial, distal, and occlusal views.
Mesial contact with the upper first premolar and distal contact with the upper first molar.
80% have two roots, while 20% present with one root; the root trunk is longer in two-root cases.
Geometric outline varies; second premolar is oval while first premolar is hexagonal.

Marginal ridges differ: first premolar has thinner ridges while second premolar has thicker.
Central developmental grooves differ in length and presence of supplemental grooves; second premolar may have additional grooves.
Pulp chamber variability: typically one canal in single-root cases, but can show division by a dentin island; two-root scenarios feature distinct canals.

Upper first premolar has a hexagonal outline with more pronounced features such as the buccal cusp.
Upper second premolar presents an oval outline, thicker marginal ridges, and may have supplemental grooves.
The pulp chamber and number of root canals differ based on the root structure and complexity.