Maxillary First Molar - External Root Morphology

External Root Morphology

The maxillary first molar normally has three roots.

  1. The Mesiobuccal Root is broad buccolingually and has prominent depressions or flutings on its mesial and distal surfaces. The internal canal morphology is highly variable, but the majority of the mesiobuccal roots contain two canals.
  2. The Distobuccal Root is generally rounded or ovoid in cross section and usually contains a single canal.
  3. The Palatal Root is more broad mesiodistally than buccolingually and ovoidal in shape but normally contains only a single canal. Although the palatal root generally appears straight on radiographs, there is usually a buccal curvature in the apical third. Depressions on the buccal and palatal surfaces of the palatal root can be present but are generally shallow.

There are prominent depressions found on the distal aspect of the mesiobuccal roots. Depressions can also be found on the furcal side of the distobuccal and palatal roots.

The overall average length of the maxillary first molar is 20.5 mm with an average crown length of 7.5 mm and an average root length of 13 mm.

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