[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Head and neck](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/head-and-neck/) › Upper right first premolar [Digestive system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/digestive-system/) · [Head and neck](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/head-and-neck/) # Upper right first premolar The upper right first premolar (tooth 14) is the tooth just behind the canine; it helps crush and grind food. [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=head_neck&select=teeth_14&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is A transition tooth between the canine and the molars, with two cusps (cheek side and [tongue](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/tongue/) side); the upper first premolar often has two roots. ## What it does Crushes and tears food. ## Key points - Usually the only premolar with 2 root canals; a missed canal is a classic cause of failed root canal treatment in this tooth - Its buccal cusp is clearly taller than the palatal one, so from the side it looks like a small canine - First premolars are the teeth most often extracted to make room when crowding is treated with braces ## Key facts **Joints with** Alveolar socket of the [maxilla](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/maxilla/) (gomphosis held by the periodontal ligament); bites against the opposing teeth **Landmarks** FDI 14, upper right first premolar: usually 2 roots (buccal and palatal); two cusps; often removed for orthodontic space; erupts at about 10–11 years; nerve: middle superior alveolar nerve (V2) ## Relations **In front** The [upper right canine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/upper-right-canine/) **Behind** The [upper right second premolar](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/upper-right-second-premolar/) **Medial** Hard palate, closest to the palatal root **Below** Opposes the [lower right first premolar](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/lower-right-first-premolar/) and the [lower right second premolar](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/lower-right-second-premolar/) ## How to find it Fourth tooth from the midline on the upper right, just behind the canine; two cusps, the cheek-side one clearly taller. ## On imaging Bitewings show decay at its contacts, including the hollow mesial surface next to the canine. A periapical taken at an angle separates its buccal and palatal roots or canals. ## Common problems - Often the tooth removed to make space in orthodontic treatment. ## Clinical notes - Middle superior alveolar nerve when that branch exists; it is missing in many people (texts differ on how often), and then the anterior and posterior superior alveolar nerves share the premolars through the upper dental plexus - A hollow on the mesial side of its crown and root (mesial concavity), next to the canine, traps plaque and makes the contact hard to restore - Wedge-shaped notches at the gum line (non-carious cervical lesions) are especially common on premolars like this one ## Anatomical variants - Rarely 3 roots (two buccal, one palatal), like a small molar ## Development Replaces the primary [upper right first molar](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/upper-right-first-molar/) (FDI 54): premolars take the place of the primary molars, not of other premolars. ## Related conditions - [Dental caries](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/dental-caries/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## How many root canals does the upper right first premolar usually have? Two; it is usually the only premolar with 2 canals, and a missed canal is a classic cause of failed root canal treatment. ## Which nerve supplies the upper right first premolar? The middle superior alveolar nerve (V2) when present; when it is missing, the anterior and posterior superior alveolar nerves share it through the upper dental plexus. ## Which primary tooth does the upper right first premolar replace? The primary upper right first molar (FDI 54): premolars replace the primary molars. ## Which teeth are most often extracted for orthodontic treatment of crowding? The first premolars, such as the upper right first premolar. [Add to my cards (4)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/upper-right-first-premolar/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Related - [Maxillae](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/maxilla/) Sources: [Anatomy, Head and Neck, Teeth](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557543/); [Anatomy, Permanent Dentition](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570590/); [Anatomy, Head and Neck, Tooth Eruption](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549878/); [Anatomy, Head and Neck: Alveolar Nerve](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546712/); [23.3 The Mouth, Pharynx, and Esophagus](https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/23-3-the-mouth-pharynx-and-esophagus) (OpenStax (Rice University), 2022) · adapted, [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/upper-right-first-premolar/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/upper-right-first-premolar/