INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

Which tooth is most commonly associated with distal eruption of the permanent teeth?

1. Mandibular first premolar

2. Mandibular second premolar

3. Maxillary first molar

4. Maxillary second premolar

The correct answer is: Mandibular second premolar

The tooth most commonly associated with distal eruption of the permanent teeth is the mandibular second premolar. This tooth often erupts after the mandibular first premolar and can cause crowding and other issues if there is not enough space in the dental arch. The distal eruption pattern of the mandibular second premolar is a common developmental characteristic seen in many patients. Option A (Mandibular first premolar) is incorrect because the mandibular first premolar typically erupts before the mandibular second premolar and is not specifically associated with distal eruption. Option C (Maxillary first molar) is incorrect as the eruption of the maxillary first molar is not typically associated with distal eruption of other teeth. Option D (Maxillary second premolar) is incorrect as it does not typically exhibit a distal eruption pattern as commonly seen in the mandibular second premolar.