Tooth development and dental anatomy: maxillary second primary molar: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Tooth development and dental anatomy: maxillary second primary molar

Sample item

Which primary tooth most closely resembles the permanent maxillary first molar, with four main cusps, an oblique ridge and sometimes a cusp of Carabelli?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Maxillary second molar

The maxillary second primary molar is a small version of the permanent maxillary first molar and may show a Carabelli trait. The maxillary first primary molar is atypical, and the mandibular second primary molar resembles the permanent mandibular first molar.

Option by option

  • A. Maxillary first molar

    The maxillary first primary molar is atypical, with a distinct form resembling a premolar.

  • B. Maxillary second molar (correct)

    Correct. This tooth is a miniature of the permanent maxillary first molar.

  • C. Mandibular first molar

    The mandibular first primary molar is atypical, with a prominent mesiobuccal bulge.

  • D. Mandibular second molar

    The mandibular second primary molar resembles the lower permanent first molar, not the maxillary one.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, Maxillary second molar. The maxillary second primary molar is a small version of the permanent maxillary first molar and may show a Carabelli trait.

Why is "Maxillary first molar" not the answer?

The maxillary first primary molar is atypical, with a distinct form resembling a premolar.

Why is "Mandibular first molar" not the answer?

The mandibular first primary molar is atypical, with a prominent mesiobuccal bulge.

Why is "Mandibular second molar" not the answer?

The mandibular second primary molar resembles the lower permanent first molar, not the maxillary one.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Tooth development and dental anatomy: maxillary second primary molar in Dentistry. The maxillary first primary molar is atypical, and the mandibular second primary molar resembles the permanent mandibular first molar.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Tooth development and dental anatomy: maxillary second primary molar?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.