Macrodontia

Generalized macrodontia is characterized by the appearance of enlarged teeth throughout the dentition. This may be absolute, as seen in pituitary gigantism, or it may be relative owing to a disproportionately small maxilla and mandible. The latter results in crowding of teeth and possibly an abnormal eruption pattern caused by insufficient arch space.

Focal, or localized, macrodontia is characterized by an abnormally large tooth or group of teeth. This relatively uncommon condition usually is seen with mandibular third molars. In the rare condition known as hemifacial hypertrophy, teeth on the affected side are abnormally large compared with the unaffected side.

Fusion

Fusion is the joining of two developing tooth germs, resulting in a single large tooth structure (Figures 16-4 and 16-5). The fusion process may involve the entire length of the teeth, or it may involve the roots only, in which case cementum and dentin are shared. Root canals may also be separate or shared. It may be impossible to differentiate fusion of normal and supernumerary teeth from gemination. The cause of this condition is unknown, although trauma has been suggested.

Concrescence

Concrescence is a form of fusion in which adjacent, already formed teeth are joined by cementum (Figure 16-6). This may take place before or after eruption of teeth and is believed to be related to trauma or overcrowding. Concrescence is most commonly seen in association with the maxillary second and third molars. This condition is of no significance, unless one of the teeth involved requires extraction. Surgical sectioning may be required to save the other tooth.

Dilaceration

Dilaceration is an extraordinary curving or angulation of tooth roots (Figure 16-7). The cause of this condition has been related to trauma during root development. Movement of the crown or of the crown and part of the root from the remaining developing root may result in sharp angulation after the tooth completes development. Hereditary factors are believed to be involved in a small number of cases. Eruption generally continues without problems. However, extraction may be difficult. Obviously, if root canal fillings are required in these teeth, the procedure is challenging.

Dens Invaginatus

Also known as dens in dente or tooth within a tooth, dens invaginatus is an uncommon tooth anomaly that represents an exaggeration or accentuation of the lingual pit (Figures 16-8 and 16-9).

This defect ranges in severity from superficial, in which only the crown is affected, to deep, in which both the crown and the root are involved. The permanent maxillary lateral incisors are most commonly involved, although any anterior tooth may be affected. Bilateral involvement is commonly seen. The cause of this developmental condition is unknown. Genetic factors are believed to be involved in only a small percentage of cases.

Because the defect cannot be kept free of plaque and bacteria, dens invaginatus predisposes the tooth to early decay and subsequent pulpitis. Prophylactic filling of the pit is recommended to avoid this complication. Because the defect may often be identified on radiographic examination before tooth eruption, the patient can be prepared in advance of the procedure. In cases in which pulpitis has led to nonvitality, endodontic procedures may salvage the affected tooth.

Dens Evaginatus

Dens evaginatus is a relatively common developmental condition affecting predominantly premolar teeth (Leung’s premolars) (Figures 16-10 to 16-12). It has been reported almost exclusively in Asians, Inuits, and Native Americans. The defect, which is often bilateral, is an anomalous tubercle, or cusp, located at the center of the occlusal surface. Because of occlusal abrasion, the tubercle wears relatively quickly, causing early exposure of an accessory pulp horn that extends into the tubercle. This may result in periapical pathology in young, caries-free teeth, often before completion of root development and apical closure, making root canal fillings more difficult. Judicious grinding of the opposing tooth or the accessory tubercle to stimulate secondary dentin formation may prevent the periapical sequelae associated with this defect. Sealants, pulp capping, and partial pulpotomy have been suggested as measures to allow complete root development.

Taurodontism

Taurodontism is a variation in tooth form in which teeth have elongated crowns or apically displaced furcations, resulting in pulp chambers that have increased apical-occlusal height (Figure 16-13). Because this abnormality resembles teeth in bulls and other ungulates, the term taurodontism was coined. Various degrees of severity may be seen, but subclassifications that have been developed to describe them appear to be of academic interest only. Taurodontism may be seen as an isolated incident, in families, and in association with syndromes such as Down syndrome and Klinefelter’s syndrome; it was also seen in the now-extinct Neanderthals. Although taurodontism is generally an uncommon finding, it has been reported to have a relatively high prevalence in Eskimos, and incidence has been reported to be as high as 11% in a Middle Eastern population. Other than a possible relationship to other genetically determined abnormalities, taurodontism is of little clinical significance unless the tooth becomes nonvital, in which case it becomes a challenging endodontic problem. No treatment is required.

Supernumerary Roots

Accessory roots are most commonly seen in mandibular canines, premolars, and molars (especially third molars). They are rarely found in upper anterior teeth and mandibular incisors. Radiographic recognition of an extraordinary number of roots becomes important when extractions or root canal fillings are necessary.

Enamel Pearls

Droplets of ectopic enamel, or so-called enamel pearls, may occasionally be found on the roots of teeth (Figure 16-14). They occur most commonly in the bifurcation or trifurcation of teeth but may appear on single-rooted premolar teeth as well. Maxillary molars are more commonly affected than mandibular molars. These deposits are occasionally supported by dentin and rarely may have a pulp horn extending into them. This developmental disturbance of enamel formation may be detected on radiographic examination. It generally is of little significance except when located in an area of periodontal disease. In such cases, it may contribute to the extension of a periodontal pocket, because a periodontal ligament attachment would not be expected and hygiene would be more difficult.

Attrition, Abrasion, Erosion

Attrition is the physiologic wearing of teeth as a result of mastication. It is an age-related process that varies from one individual to another. Factors such as diet, dentition, jaw musculature, and chewing habits can significantly influence the pattern and extent of attrition.

Abrasion is the pathologic wearing of teeth caused by an abnormal habit or abnormal use of abrasive substances orally (Figures 16-15 and 16-16). Pipe smoking, tobacco chewing, aggressive toothbrushing, and use of abrasive dentifrices are among the more common causes. The location and pattern of abrasion are directly dependent on the cause, with so-called toothbrush abrasion along the cementoenamel junction an easily recognized pattern.

Erosion is the loss of tooth structure through a nonbacterial chemical process (Figure 16-17). Most commonly, acids are involved in the dissolution process from an external or an internal source. Externally, acid may be found in the work environment (e.g., battery manufacturing) or in the diet (e.g., citrus fruits, acid-containing soft drinks). The internal source of acid is most probably regurgitation of gastric contents. This may be seen in any disorder of which chronic vomiting is a part. Self-induced vomiting, as a component of bulimia or, less commonly, anorexia nervosa, has become an increasingly important cause of dental erosion and other oral abnormalities. The pattern of erosion associated with vomiting is usually generalized tooth loss on the lingual surfaces of maxillary teeth. However, all surfaces may be affected, especially in individuals who compensate for fluid loss by excessive intake of fruit juices. In many cases of tooth erosion, no cause is found.