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Maxillary right second molar
A smaller molar behind the first molar, with three roots that are often closer together.
- FDI
- 17
- Universal
- 2
- Palmer
- UR7
- Roots
- Usually three, sometimes fused
- Root canals
- Usually three
- Eruption
- About 12–13 years
Form and anatomy
The crown is smaller than that of the first molar and more varied. The distopalatal cusp is reduced and in many teeth absent, which gives a heart-shaped, three-cusped occlusal outline; when present, the four-cusp form resembles a smaller first molar. The oblique ridge is less prominent, and the cusp of Carabelli is rare. The three roots, mesiobuccal, distobuccal and palatal, are shorter, less divergent and more inclined toward the distal than those of the first molar, and two or all three are sometimes fused. The palatal canal is usually the widest, and a second mesiobuccal canal is found less often than in the first molar. Like the first molar, its root apices often lie close to the floor of the maxillary sinus, which matters in extraction and implant planning.
Function
Grinding food.
Clinical relevance
Roots may be partly fused; relationship to the maxillary sinus is clinically relevant.
Canal counts in a study
| Canals | Observed frequency |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.2% |
| 3 | 69.5% |
| 4 | 28.7% |
| 5 | 0.6% |
Teeth examined: 167. Adults from a radiology practice in Toulouse, France; left and right teeth combined. CBCT, 200 µm voxels Canal count observed on CBCT; small canals may go undetected.
These are sample frequencies, not universal probabilities. Population, sampling and method affect the results. Root count and canal configuration are different measurements. The 3D model shows one configuration; it does not change with these percentages.
Monsarrat et al. (2016), Table 2
Neighbouring teeth
- Mesial neighbour
- Maxillary right first molar
- Distal neighbour
- Maxillary right third molar
- Same tooth, other side
- Maxillary left second molar
- Opposing tooth
- Mandibular right second molar
This text is a draft and has not yet been reviewed by a dental professional. Educational reference only, not for diagnosis or treatment.