Teeth are housed in mandible and maxilla and are known to undergo variations in clinical presentation depending on the degree of abnormality during growth and development. It is essential to identify these variations in normal anatomy so that appropriate treatment is initiated to address the anomaly.

This article focuses on the diagnostic radiographic interpretation and strategies to include pertinent differential diagnosis.

The developmental anomalies can range from mere increase or decrease in the number of teeth to that of atrophy or hypertrophy of the entire jaws. These changes might be accompanied by several systemic abnormalities that constitute a “syndrome.” Dentists may encounter such patients in their dental practice and should be prepared to diagnose and manage such cases.

Also discussed is the importance of advanced imaging and its appropriateness in the diagnosis and interpretation.