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Mandibular right first premolar
A premolar with a large buccal cusp and a small lingual cusp, giving it a canine-like appearance.
- FDI
- 44
- Universal
- 28
- Palmer
- LR4
- 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 right canine
- Distal neighbour
- Mandibular right second premolar
- Same tooth, other side
- Mandibular left first premolar
- Opposing tooth
- Maxillary right 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.