Abstract
Taurodontism is a dental anomaly defined by enlargement of the pulp chamber of multirooted teeth with apical displacement of the pulp floor and bifurcation of the roots. Taurodontism can be an isolated trait or part of a syndrome. A study was conducted to document the dental and craniofacial aspects of genetic thin bone disorders in South Africa. Sixty-four individuals with Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), one individual with Pyle disease and one with Torg-Winchester syndrome respectively, were assessed clinically, radiographically and at a molecular level. Ten patients with OI XI and those with Pyle disease and Torg-Winchester syndrome had taurodontism. Taurodontism has been identified in several genetic disorders necessitating cognizance of the possible existence and implications of this characteristic when managing patients in the dental environment. Further studies should be directed toward identifying the incidence, etiology, and molecular pathways leading to taurodontism and its relationship to genetic syndromes.
Highlights
Taurodontism is a developmental anomaly of the teeth
In this study we aim to describe the association between taurodontism and genetic disorders of bone in a South African cohort and provide a review of the literature
The age range of the cohort ranged from 3 months to 30 years. This sample consisted of 64 black South African individuals with a clinical diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta type III (OI III), one individual with Pyle disease [OMIM 265900] and one with TorgWinchester syndrome [OMIM 259600]
Summary
Taurodontism is a developmental anomaly of the teeth. The term was proposed to describe the vertical increase in pulp chamber size, mimicking the shape of bovine teeth.[1] It is characterized by enlargement of the pulp chamber of a multirooted tooth with consequent apical displacement of the floor of the pulp as well as the bifurcation of the root.[2] This pattern of molar tooth formation has been described in ancient Neanderthals where the tooth resembles that of a cud-chewing animal the term “tauro” (bull) and “dont” (tooth). A taurodont appears as a clinically normal tooth since its roots lie below the alveolar margin. The distinguishing features of affected teeth can only be recognized from diagnostic radiographs.[3] Taurodontism is classified into three types, i.e., hypotaurodontism, mesotaurodontism, and hypertaurodontism (Fig. 1A).[4]
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