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Restorative & Materials · single question

A restoration is planned on a maxillary first premolar. Which anatomical feature presents the greatest challenge?

  1. The prominent distolingual cusp
  2. The mesial concavity of the root and crown (the 'canine fossa' developmental depression)
  3. The lingual inclination of the buccal cusp
  4. The absence of a central groove
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. The mesial concavity of the root and crown (the 'canine fossa' developmental depression)

  • A. ❌ A prominent distolingual cusp is a feature of the maxillary first MOLAR.
  • B. ✅ CORRECT — The maxillary first premolar has a pronounced MESIAL CONCAVITY that runs from the mesial marginal ridge apically onto the root surface (the mesial developmental depression / canine fossa). It complicates matrix adaptation, makes a tight proximal contact difficult, is a trap for plaque, and is a common site for perforation during post space preparation and for furcation involvement.
  • C. ❌ The buccal cusp is not lingually inclined; that description does not fit this tooth.
  • D. ❌ Premolars have a well-defined central groove.

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