Maxillary second molars

• The maxillary second molar has 3 roots, all of which can be seen from the buccal aspect
• The mesiobuccal cusp is larger and longer than the distobuccal cusp
• Compared to the maxillary first molar, the distolingual cusp is smaller and there is no cusp of Carabelli
• The roots of the second molar are less divergent than the first molar
• The occlusal surface shape is not as prominent as the first molar
• Maxillary second molars may have a 3 cusp or 4 cusp type
• The 4 cusp type has a distolingual convergence
• The 4 cusp type has a similar occlusal outline to the first molar