Maxillary First Premolar Groove Pattern — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyDental Anatomy & OcclusionMaxillary First Premolar Groove PatternNDEB AFK

Which permanent tooth has a characteristic H-shaped or cross-shaped occlusal groove pattern?

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Correct answer: A — Maxillary first premolar

The maxillary first premolar has a characteristic H-shaped (or dumbbell-shaped) occlusal groove pattern. The central developmental groove runs mesiodistally, with mesial and distal marginal ridges. Supplemental grooves may radiate from the central groove. The two cusps (buccal and palatal) are approximately equal in size, with the buccal cusp slightly larger and more pointed. This tooth frequently has two roots (buccal and palatal), making extraction challenging.

Reference: Ash – Wheeler's Dental Anatomy, Physiology, and Occlusion, 11th ed., 2020