Molars

MANDIBULAR SECOND MOLARS

  • Resemble the first molars buccally and lingually

  • No fifth or distal cusp

  • Roots are shorter, and closer together, more distally inclined

  • Cusps are nearly equal in size

BUCCAL ASPECT

  • When compared to the first molar, the second molar crown is shorter both mesiodistally and from the cervix to the occlusal surface

  • The two well-developed buccal cusps form the occlusal outline

  • There is no distal cusp as on the first molar

  • The buccal developmental groove appears between the buccal cusps and passes midway down the buccal surface toward the cervix

LINGUAL ASPECT

  • The crown is shorter than that of the first molar

  • The occlusal outline is formed by the mesiolingual and distolingual cusps

MESIAL ASPECT

  • The mesial profile resembles that of the first molar

  • Part of the distal root can be seen in the buccal

DISTAL ASPECT

  • The distal profile is formed by the distobuccal cusp, distal marginal ridge, and the distolingual cusp

  • There is no distal fifth cusp

  • Part of the mesial root can be seen on the lingual

OCCLUSAL ASPECT

  • Rectangular in outline

  • Cusps are equal in size

  • More secondary grooves are present