Ch. 17 - Permanent Molars

What are the general features of permanent molars?

They have the largest and strongest crowns, shorter occlusocervically, and function in grinding food during mastication.

How many cusps do the occlusal surfaces of permanent molars typically have?

They usually have 3 or more cusps, with 2 being buccal cusps.

What is a prominent feature found on the buccal surface of permanent molars?

A prominent cervical ridge in the cervical one-third.

What is the root structure of maxillary molars?

Maxillary molars usually have 3 root branches.

What is the root structure of mandibular molars?

Mandibular molars typically have 2 root branches.

What is the controversy surrounding third molar removal?

About 25% of patients need their third molars removed before age 25 due to potential complications.

What complications can arise from not removing third molars?

Infections, caries, cysts, or periodontal disease may develop by age 45.

What is ectopic eruption?

A disturbance where a tooth does not follow its usual course, leading to malposition.

What are the four causes of ectopic eruption?

1. Small arches, 2. Deviant paths of eruption, 3. Lack of forward movement of primary teeth, 4. Early eruption of maxillary first permanent molars.

What are mulberry molars?

Molars affected in children with congenital syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum leading to enamel hypoplasia.

What is an enamel pearl?

A developmental disturbance found on the buccal surface of second molars, extending into the root furcation areas.

When do permanent maxillary molars typically erupt?

Between 6 months and 1 year after the corresponding permanent mandibular molar.

What is the occlusal outline shape of maxillary molars?

Rhomboidal.

What unique feature is present on the occlusal table of maxillary molars?

An oblique ridge.

What is the risk associated with the lingual pit in maxillary molars?

Increased risk of caries due to biofilm retention.

What is concrescence?

The union of the root structures of two or more teeth through cementum only.

What are the specific overall features of permanent maxillary first molars?

Roots are twice as long as the crown, with the lingual root being the largest and longest.

What is the location of the buccal furcation in maxillary first molars?

4mm apical to the CEJ.

How many pulp horns do maxillary first molars typically have?

Four pulp horns, one for each major cusp.

What is the shape of the maxillary first molar from the buccal view?

Trapezoidal.

What is the largest cusp on the occlusal surface of maxillary first molars?

The mesiolingual cusp.

What is the occlusal view shape of maxillary first molars?

Rhomboidal with four sides and opposite sides parallel.

What happens to maxillary first molars if they are lost?

Loss leads to mesial inclination and drift of the maxillary second molar into the open space.

What is the significance of the central fossa in maxillary first molars?

It is mesial to the oblique ridge and contains a central pit.

What are the three main pulp canals usually present in maxillary first molars?

One for each of the three roots.

What are the permanent maxillary second molars?

#2 and #15

When do permanent maxillary second molars erupt?

Between 12 and 13 years of age

What is the root completion age for permanent maxillary second molars?

Between ages 14 and 16

What is a notable feature of the permanent maxillary second molars?

Crown has 4 cusps but can also have 3

How many roots do permanent maxillary second molars have?

3 roots

What are the furcations present in permanent maxillary second molars?

Buccal, Mesial, Distal

What is the pulp chamber configuration in permanent maxillary second molars?

Contains 3 main pulp canals, one for each root

What is the eruption age for permanent maxillary third molars?

Between 17 and 21 years of age

What are the permanent maxillary third molars known for?

Smallest molar and most variable in shape

What is the root completion age for permanent maxillary third molars?

Between ages 18 and 25

What are the general features of permanent mandibular molars?

Erupt between 6 months and 1 year before corresponding permanent maxillary molars

How many major cusps do permanent mandibular molars typically have?

4 or 5 major cusps

What is the occlusal outline shape of permanent mandibular molars?

Rectangular or pentagonal

What is a unique feature of the permanent mandibular first molars?

Crown is typically 5 sided with 3 buccal and 2 lingual cusps

What is the eruption age for permanent mandibular first molars?

Between 6 and 7 years of age

What is the root completion age for permanent mandibular first molars?

Between ages 9 and 10

What is the furcation configuration of permanent mandibular first molars?

Typically bifurcated with mesial and distal roots

What is the occlusal view shape of permanent mandibular second molars?

Crown outline is rectangular with 4 cusps

What is the eruption age for permanent mandibular second molars?

Between 11 and 13 years of age

What is the root completion age for permanent mandibular second molars?

Between ages 14 and 15

What is a common clinical consideration for permanent mandibular molars?

Instrumentation or restoration can be difficult due to narrow lingual surfaces

What are the clinical considerations for permanent mandibular third molars?

Impaction and potential for pericoronitis

What is the most common type of impaction for permanent mandibular third molars?

Mesioangular impaction

What is Ludwig angina?

Cellulitis of the submandibular space that impacts breathing

What is the typical pulp configuration for permanent mandibular second molars?

More likely to have 3 pulp canals

What distinguishes the roots of permanent maxillary third molars?

Roots are poorly developed, shorter, and may be fused

What is the occlusal table component of permanent maxillary second molars?

Includes cusp ridges, transverse ridge, and developmental grooves

What is a defining feature of the occlusal view of permanent mandibular first molars?

Crown outline is pentagonal with a 5th side created by the distal cusp

What is a common feature of the occlusal surface of permanent mandibular third molars?

Wrinkled with irregular groove patterns and numerous supplemental grooves

What is the significance of the buccal pit in permanent mandibular first molars?

Increased risk of caries and dental biofilm retention