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Mandibular left first premolar

A premolar with a large buccal cusp and a small lingual cusp, giving it a canine-like appearance.

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FDI

34

Universal

21

Palmer

LL4

Roots

One

Root canals

Usually one, sometimes two

Eruption

About 10–12 years

Form and anatomy

The crown looks transitional between a canine and a premolar. The buccal cusp is large and pointed and dominates the occlusal outline, while the lingual cusp is small, often little more than a raised cingulum, and does not take part in chewing. The crown tilts lingually over the root, and a transverse ridge runs from the buccal to the lingual cusp, separating small mesial and distal fossae, each ending in a pit. A mesiolingual groove often separates the mesial marginal ridge from the lingual cusp. The single root is conical and tapers to a pointed apex. Its canal usually stays single but can divide into two in the middle or apical third, one of the more frequent surprises in endodontics. The mental foramen typically opens near the apices of the mandibular premolars.

Function

Assists the canine in tearing and begins crushing.

Clinical relevance

Usually one canal, but canal anatomy is notably variable.

Neighbouring teeth

Mesial neighbour

Mandibular left canine

Distal neighbour

Mandibular left second premolar

Same tooth, other side

Mandibular right first premolar

Opposing tooth

Maxillary left first premolar

This text is a draft and has not yet been reviewed by a dental professional. Educational reference only, not for diagnosis or treatment.