Maxillary second premolar

Study entry

Location

Socket of the alveolar process of the maxilla, between the first premolar and the first molar.

Structure

It looks like the first premolar, but the two cusps (vestibular and palatal) have almost the same height. In most people it has a single root, with one or two canals. It erupts at about 11 to 12 years.

Neighborhood

The apex lies near the floor of the maxillary sinus.

Blood supply

Anterior and posterior superior alveolar arteries (branches of the maxillary, directly or through the infra-orbital), which anastomose; the veins accompany the arteries.

Innervation

Superior dental plexus, formed by the middle superior alveolar branch (CN V2), when present.

Lymphatics

The lymphatic vessels of the tooth and gum drain mainly into the submandibular lymph nodes.

Clinical

The proximity of the maxillary sinus allows oroantral communication in extraction, or sinus infection arising from the tooth (odontogenic sinusitis).

Source: cap. 8, «Dientes»; tabla 8-13 B (erupción de los dientes permanentes)

Other structures in this region

• Maxillary central incisor
• Maxillary lateral incisor
• Maxillary canine
• Maxillary first premolar
• Maxillary first molar
• Maxillary second molar
• Maxillary third molar
• Mandibular central incisor