Characteristics of Second Maxillary Premolars

Eruption of the 2nd premolar

Occurs between 10 to 12 years.

Root Completion of the 2nd premolar

Finalizes around 12 to 14 years.

Maxillary 2nd Premolar resembles what

Resembles 1st premolar but less angular.

Root Characteristics of the 2nd premolar

1 root, longer than the 1st premolar.

Crown Variations of the 2nd premolar

More variations than 1st premolars.

Size Comparison of the 2nd premolar

Generally smaller than 1st premolars.

Marginal Groove of the 2nd premolar

No mesial marginal groove present.

Cusp Pointing of the 2nd premolar

less pointed than the 1st premolar

Cusp Ridge Length of the 2nd premolar

Mesial cusp ridge shorter than distal.

Buccal Ridge of the 2nd premolar

Less prominent than 1st premolar.

Contact Areas of the 2nd premolar

Same as 1st premolar, at junction of the occlusal and middle thirds

Distal Contact Position of the 2nd premolar

Slightly more cervical than mesial.

Root Count of the 2nd premolar

one root unlike first premolar

Lingual Cusp Length of the 2nd premolar

Lingual cusp is longer compared to first premolar, so the crown appears longer.

Cusp Size Comparison of the 2nd premolar

Lingual cusp is almost as long as the buccal cusp on the 2nd premolar

Mesial Surface of the 2nd premolar

Convex crown without developmental depression.

Root Depression of the 2nd premolar

Shallow mesial root depression noted.

Distal Root Depression of the 2nd premolar

Deeper than mesial root depression.

Distal Root Surface Characteristic of the 2nd premolar

Deeper distal which Opposite of maxillary 1st premolar, which is deeper on the mesial surface of the root

Occlusal Shape of the 2nd premolar

Oval shaped

Central Groove of the 2nd premolar

Shorter than that of the 1st premolar.

Supplemental Grooves of the 2nd premolar

More grooves, giving a wrinkled appearance compared to first premolar

Premature Tooth Loss of the 2nd premolar

Can cause maxillary first molar to drift.

Arch Leeway Space

Closure prevents normal eruption of the 2nd premolar

How are these clinical considerations for the 2nd premolar prevented? ^

Interceptive Orthodontic Therapy: Includes space maintainers for mixed dentition.