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Maxillary left lateral incisor
A smaller incisor beside the central incisor, with a more rounded incisal outline and the greatest variation in form of the anterior teeth.
- FDI
- 22
- Universal
- 10
- Palmer
- UL2
- Roots
- Usually one root
- Root canals
- Usually one canal
- Eruption
- About 8–9 years
Form and anatomy
The crown resembles a smaller central incisor: narrower, shorter and more rounded at both incisal angles, especially the distal one, which gives the incisal edge a curved outline. The lingual fossa is deeper and the marginal ridges and cingulum are more pronounced, and a lingual pit often lies where the fossa meets the cingulum. In some teeth a palatogingival (palatoradicular) groove runs from the cingulum down onto the root. The root is long in relation to the crown, slightly flattened mesiodistally, and often curves distally in its apical third. Of all permanent teeth, the maxillary lateral incisor varies most in form, from a full-sized incisor to a small peg-shaped crown, and it is also one of the teeth most often missing congenitally.
Function
Cutting food; contributes to the smile and to anterior guidance.
Clinical relevance
Common site of developmental variation, including peg-shaped laterals and congenital absence.
Neighbouring teeth
- Mesial neighbour
- Maxillary left central incisor
- Distal neighbour
- Maxillary left canine
- Same tooth, other side
- Maxillary right lateral incisor
- Opposing tooth
- Mandibular left lateral incisor
This text is a draft and has not yet been reviewed by a dental professional. Educational reference only, not for diagnosis or treatment.