The first maxillary molar contains several grooves and pits on its occlusal surface. The names of the grooves are as follows:

The buccal groove does not cross the buccal height of the contour. In contrast, the distolingual groove can extend beyond the lingual height of the contour. Moreover, it can also continue to the root and present as a lingual root groove.

Sometimes it can be challenging to identify the transverse groove that crosses the oblique ridge. Some authors state that the transverse groove is just a continuation of the central groove.

The first maxillary molar tooth has three pits - mesial, central and distal. All of the mentioned pits serve as the apexes of the mesial, central and distal fossae. The central pit is the most evident and deepest pit, which also means that it is a common site for tooth decay formation.

From the mesial and distal marginal ridges towards the center of the occlusal surface go two triangular-shaped fossae - distal triangular fossa and mesial triangular fossa.

Unlock with Premium

First maxillary molar (part 3)