This study aimed at assessing variation(s) in the buccal surface morphology of deciduous first molars and its/their clinical relevance in Saudi children. Materials and methods. This prospectively designed study involved 262 children (119 females, 143 males with ages from 3 to 9 years) from Saudi Arabia. 514 mandibular first deciduous molars were examined as to variations in their buccal surface morphology and were recorded photographically. Results and discussion. No statistically significant differences in sex-related variance in the type of buccal surface morphology were evident in the sample population. Out of the 262 children, 144 (55%) and 118 (45%) exhibited type A and type BO buccal surface morphology of the first molar, respectively. The maximum type of buccal morphology (i.e., Type A or Type BO) was evident in children 5 and 6 years of age. 95 (37%) children demonstrated variation in buccal surface morphology between the left and right sides. Conclusions. The surface morphology of deciduous teeth crowns must be studied carefully because it may be indicative of pulpal extensions and accessory roots, which require consideration during restorative treatment planning. Clinicians may find children with Type BO buccal surface morphology very challenging because tooth preparation for stainless steel crowns, due to excessive reduction, is required, and the risks for pulp exposure and ill-fitting crowns in cases requiring stainless steel crowns are high
Keywords:- buccal surface
- morphology
- primary molars
- Saudi children