National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Which teeth have a trifurcation?

1. Mandibular molars

2. Maxillary bicuspids

3. Maxillary molars

4. Mandibular incisors

The correct answer is: Maxillary molars

Trifurcation refers to a tooth possessing three roots. The maxillary molars are well-known for having this characteristic, as they typically have three roots: one palatal root and two buccal roots. This anatomical configuration allows for greater stability and support within the dental arch, which is particularly important given the size and function of maxillary molars in grinding food. In contrast, mandibular molars generally feature two roots, usually one mesial and one distal, which is not trifurcation. Maxillary bicuspids (premolars) typically have only one or two roots, and mandibular incisors are single-rooted. Therefore, the identification of maxillary molars as having trifurcation is based on their distinct three-root system, making them unique compared to the other options listed.