The maxillary first molar is the tooth located laterally (away from the midline of the face) from both the maxillary second premolars of the mouth but mesial (toward the midline of the face) from both maxillary second molars. The function of this molar is similar to that of all molars in regard to grinding being the principle action during mastication, commonly known as chewing. There are usually four cusps on maxillary molars, two on the buccal (side nearest the cheek) and two palatal (side nearest the palate). There may also a fifth smaller cusp on the palatal side known as the Cusp of Carabelli. There are great differences between the deciduous (baby) maxillary molars and those of the permanent maxillary molars, even though their function are similar. It is important to note that the permanent maxillary molars are not considered to have any teeth that precede it. Despite being named molars, the deciduous molars are followed by permanent premolars.

In the universal system of notation, the deciduous maxillary first molars are designated by a letter written in uppercase. The right deciduous maxillary first molar is known as "B", and the left one is known as "I". The international notation has a different system of notation. Thus, the right deciduous maxillary first molar is known as "54", and the left one is known as "64".

In the universal system of notation, the permanent maxillary first molars are designated by a number. The right permanent maxillary first molar is known as "3", and the left one is known as "14". In the Palmer notation, a number is used in conjunction with a symbol designating in which quadrant the tooth is found. For this tooth, the left and right first molars would have the same number, "6", but the right one would have the symbol, "┘", underneath it, while the left one would have, "└". The international notation has a different numbering system than the previous two, and the right permanent maxillary first molar is known as "16", and the left one is known as "26".

Pathologies

The maxillary first molars are the second most common carious teeth and the second most common teeth to underwent endodontic treatment or extraction (with mandibular first molars the most common diseased teeth). Up to 21% of all extracted teeth are maxillary first molars.

References

• Ash, Major M.; Nelson, Stanley J. (2003). Wheeler’s Dental Anatomy, Physiology, and Occlusion. 8th ed,