Sella Turcica Bridging and its Association with Dental Anomalies - An Update

Abstract

: The Sella turcica is an anatomical structure shaped explicitly like a saddle, located within the middle cranial fossa on the intracranial surface of the sphenoid bone. This structure is commonly observed on lateral cephalograms, frequently employed for orthodontic diagnosis. The Cephalometric radiographs utilize various landmarks as reference points to examine craniofacial structures and Sella Turcica (ST) is the most significant and reliable cranial landmark. The Sella point, located at the midpoint of the ST structure, is a cranial base point that accommodates the pituitary gland. The cephalometric analysis relies on this factor to identify pituitary gland-related pathologies, making it a valuable source of information for craniofacial syndromes. Facial structure development exhibits comparable characteristics to the Sella turcica. Glandular abnormalities possess the potential to be linked to functional disorders, which can result in altered hormonal levels affecting dental growth. Comprehensive understanding of the radiological anatomy and variations help assess growth and identify changes in various anomalies or pathological conditions. Additionally, it can assist in predicting the potential outcome of orthodontic treatment. The objective of this review is to determine and update whether a correlation exists between the bridging of Sella turcica and various dental anomalies related to the shape, size, structure, number, and eruption of teeth. In conclusion, it was noted that Sella turcica bridging is frequently observed in orthodontic patients measuring a clear correlation between dental anomalies and Sella bridging. Key words: Sella Turcica Bridging; Dental Anomalies; Genetics; Lateral Cephalogram; Orthodontist.