What is an oblique ridge?

An oblique ridge refers to an elevated area of enamel that extends obliquely across the tooth's occlusal surface. This anatomical feature is commonly found on maxillary molars, where it forms a ridge that runs diagonally, usually connecting two cusps. Understanding this term helps in identifying tooth anatomy and is particularly important during procedures that involve tooth restoration, as it can affect how a restoration sits within the occlusion.

The nature of an oblique ridge sets it apart from other dental features. For instance, a horizontal elevation of enamel would not depict the directional characteristic of an oblique ridge. Similarly, the meeting point of grooves describes an entirely different aspect of tooth structure, focusing on the intersections rather than raised areas. Lastly, the reference to three distinct elevations on an incisor does not accurately represent the unique diagonal quality associated with an oblique ridge. Thus, option B accurately encapsulates the definition and significance of an oblique ridge within dental anatomy.