Taurodontism is one of the dental anomalies that most affect the growth, size, shape, tone and composition of teeth.

It consists of a variation of the morphology of the teeth, where the coronary amount of the dental organ is elongated with a widened pulp chamber. For this reason, a decrease in root length and an apical migration of the tooth furca are generated.

If you want to know more about taurodontism, keep reading.

What Is Known As Taurodontism?

Taurodontism is known as that physical alteration that, in some cases, arises without being associated with any syndrome, but, in others, can be linked to chromosomal alterations or even to an autosomal dominant disorder.

This pathology directly influences the internal dental composition of the denture, so its diagnosis will only be possible if a dental x-ray is performed.

However, in this diagnosis it will be essential to determine if it is an isolated anomaly, associated with other dental anomalies or general syndromes.

Types Of Taurodontism

There are 3 types of taurodontism:

• Hypotaurodontism – Mild state

The root may or may not separate at the top of the third dental medium.

• Mesotaurodontism – Moderate State

The pulp chamber of the periapical area exhibits separation at the bottom of the middle third of the part.

• Hypertaurodontism – Severe state

In this case, the separation of the pulp chamber is created in the apical third, causing two or three root bifurcations. However, there may be no such division.

What Does A Tooth With Taurodontism Look Like?

The tooth with taurodontism has an internal morphology that is not adequate, since the tooth root is not in a fixed position, but, rather, will move excessively, causing the pulp chamber to also increase its size and the tooth has a rectangular shape compared to a completely healthy one.

It should be noted that the chamber is responsible for housing each of the nerve endings, as well as blood vessels.

However, in some rare cases, the development of the crown will occur in an improper way, causing an excessive amplification or certain abnormal bifurcations.

Why Is Taurodontism Generated?

Although it arises more frequently as an isolated anomaly, it also occurs associated with other dental anomalies, forming part of different pathologies or syndromes that usually involve an ectoderm defect.

These include the following syndromes and/or conditions:

• Down.
• Klinefelter.
• Toni-Fébre-Fanconi.
• Mohr.
• Ectodermal dysplasia.
• Smith-Magenis.
• Dyskeratosis connatural.
• Epidermolysis bullosa.

However, it is likely that it can influence, mostly, people who have suffered from a malformation in dental development, such as supernumerary teeth or abnormalities in the size of their teeth.

What Complications Can Taurodontism Cause?

Taurodontism, normally, is not evaluated as an aesthetic problem, although its existence causes complications for the person, especially if you must face dental procedures such as endodontics, oral surgeries or installation of prostheses.

This is because these teeth may be less resistant to lateral displacement forces compared to normal teeth when used as an abutment in fixed prostheses.

In this sense, due to its morphology, a great complexity will be generated for the dentist, due to the fact that the ideal location of the root canals and the respective sanitization are hindered.

What Are The Treatments To Solve Taurodontism?

Since it influences the internal dental anatomy, taurodontism does not allow a treatment to be carried out on the shape of the root to make modifications. Therefore, this anomaly will not have a specific treatment.

However, it should never be overlooked and will need to be detected by an X-ray. The purpose is that the dentist always keep it in mind when performing any other dental method if necessary. But in what methods? We talk about the following:

• Subtraction

If the furca suffers from a minimal division with the alveolar bone, you may have to perform an exodontia. Due to the morphology of the periapical area, this is an intervention that can lead to complications in the process.

• Coronectomy

Coronectomy is a much more conservative method and recommended, mostly, by the position of the periapical area.

This is based on the removal of the crown or the outside of the tooth without touching or damaging the roots inside, the essential idea of this method is that the internal roots of the affected tooth remain intact and the extent of the ostectomy is reduced.

What Is The Incidence Of Taurodontism In The Population?

This anomaly has its origin in humans hundreds of thousands of years ago, specifically, by the offspring of the species Homo neanderthalensis, already extinct.

Regarding its incidence, Fisher’s test reveals that 34.8% of patients with hypodontia usually suffer taurodontism in at least one of their molars, increasing the number of teeth in case of more severe agenesis.

According to Abhishek, in 2012, in the world there is an approximate percentage from 2.5% to 11.5% of people who usually present this oral anomaly and, among them, only 0.5% and 5% belong to Spain.

Ruiz De Gopegui Dental Clinic: We Take Care Of Your Oral Health

At the Ruiz de Gopegui Dental Clinic we will offer cutting-edge and state-of-the-art dental technology, such as digital smile design, 3D scanner, odontograms, CAD / CAM technology, among others.

In addition, you will have at your disposal a team of professionals in constant training and specialized in the various dental and orthodontic areas, who will be responsible for providing the best treatments, methods and / or techniques according to your degree of affection, needs and tastes.

Are you afraid to smile because you suffer from taurodontism? Do not worry, request your first free appointment at the Dental Clinic in Madrid and we will advise you in a personalized way. We are waiting for you.