Tooth Morphology Part 7: National Exam Summary Charts – Compare and Identify
This chapter consolidates previously discussed morphological traits into comparative tables for quick reference. These charts are designed to help students and clinicians prepare for board exams and improve chairside diagnostic accuracy. The focus is on practical memorization, distinguishing features, and identifying similar but distinct teeth. All values are based on standard FDI numbering.
🔢 Universal FDI Comparison Table
| Tooth | FDI | No. of Cusps | Roots | Key Feature | Side ID Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxillary Central Incisor | 11 / 21 | 1 | 1 | Widest crown mesiodistally | Mesio-incisal angle sharper |
| Mandibular Central Incisor | 31 / 41 | 1 | 1 | Most symmetric tooth | Very subtle side difference |
| Maxillary 1st Premolar | 14 / 24 | 2 | 2 | Often bifurcated roots | Longer buccal cusp mesially |
| Mandibular 2nd Premolar | 35 / 45 | 2 or 3 | 1 | Can have Y groove (3 cusps) | Lingual cusp larger mesially |
| Maxillary 1st Molar | 16 / 26 | 4 or 5 | 3 | Oblique ridge, Cusp of Carabelli | ML cusp largest, DL cusp smallest |
| Mandibular 1st Molar | 36 / 46 | 5 | 2 | 3 buccal cusps, Y groove | Distal cusp smallest and lowest |
🤝 Common Confusions: Quick-Compare List
- Maxillary 1st vs 2nd Premolar: 1st has sharper cusps, 2nd is more symmetrical
- Mandibular 1st vs 2nd Premolar: 1st has pronounced lingual tilt, 2nd may have 3 cusps
- Maxillary 1st vs 2nd Molar: 1st has oblique ridge + cusp of Carabelli
- Mandibular 1st vs 2nd Molar: 1st has 5 cusps, 2nd has 4 in rectangular pattern
🎓 Exam Memory Tips
- “ML cusp is the King” – Maxillary molars’ Mesiolingual cusp is always the largest
- “Distal is delicate” – Distal cusps are smaller and help in side identification
- Use Y-groove patterns and cusp numbers to quickly flag molars on radiographs
🌟 Summary: Key Points to Remember
- Quick tables help identify tricky differences between morphologically similar teeth
- Side identification tips are based on angles, root curves, and cusp inclinations
- Mnemonic aids improve exam performance and clinical recognition speed
From archived insight to open reflection – a living note of science and thought.
Next up: Part 8 – Illustrated Atlas: Tooth diagrams and occlusal views.
