Dental Developmental Abnormalities on Radiographs

Question 1

What is another word for a tooth that is smaller than normal?

Answer 1

Microdont

Question 2

What is another word for a supernumerary tooth that is distal to the dentition?

Answer 2

Distodens

Question 3

What is unusual about this pattern of hypodontia?

Answer 3

it is rare for canines to be developmentally absent

Question 4

Except for maxillary & mandibular third molars, which 2 teeth are most commonly developmentally absent?

Answer 4

Maxillary incisors & mandibular 2nd premolars

Question 5

What dental developmental abnormalities can be seen on this 15 year old pts radiograph?

Answer 5

• hypodontia
• peg-shaped 22
• delayed eruption of 17

Question 6

What is the approximate age range that third molars start to calcify & therefor appear on radiographs?

Answer 6

8-10 years

Question 7

What is the main dental developmental abnormality here?

Answer 7

Infra-occluded 85

Question 8

What is unusual about tooth 45?

Answer 8

Ectopic
- located distal to the 85

Question 9

What dental developmental abnormality can be seen in this case?

Answer 9

Dens in dente

Question 10

What impact does dens-in-dente have on the long term prognosis of 22 & why?

Answer 10

Reduced prognosis
- increased risk of caries & pulp necrosis

Question 11

What is the correct word to describe teeth that are in switched positions?

Answer 11

Transposed

Question 12

What dental developmental abnormality is seen on this radiograph?

Answer 12

Transposition of 13 & 14

Question 13

With knowledge that there are NOT 2 seperate teeth in the 38 region, list 2 types of developmental abnormality that may be present here:

Answer 13

• germination of 38
• fusion of 38 with a supernumerary tooth

Question 14

What is the difference between germination & fusion of teeth?

Answer 14

Germination
- development of 2 conjoined teeth from a single tooth bud

Fusion
- the joining of 2 tooth buds resulting in 2 conjoined teeth

Question 15

What dental developmental abnormality is seen on this radiograph? How do you know it is this anomaly & not another similar anomaly?

Answer 15

Fusion of 11 & 12
- if it was germination there would be an additional incisor present in that region (as germination is 2 teeth forming from same tooth bud)

Question 16

What is Taurodontism?

Answer 16

Abnormally tall pulp chambers

Question 17

What dental developmental abnormality is seen on this radiograph?

Answer 17

Amelogenesis Imperfecta (enamel is very thin)

Question 18

What related dental issues are associated with amelogenesis imperfecta?

Answer 18

• aesthetic concerns
• dentine hypersensitivity
• increased caries
• increased tooth wear

Question 19

What is the correct term for abnormal root curvature of a tooth?

Answer 19

Dilaceration

Question 20

What are the potential causes of dilaceration?

Answer 20

• trauma during tooth development
• apical infection of primary tooth
• impeded tooth development due to supernumerary

Question 21

This 54 year old pt has multiple impacted teeth & multiple supernumerary teeth - what systemic developmental condition do they most likely have?

Answer 21

Cleidocranial dysplasia

Question 22

What is the characteristic, non-craniofacial abnormality associated with cleidocranial dysplasia?

Answer 22

Underdeveloped/hypoplastic clavicles

Question 23

What dental developmental abnormality is seen on this radiograph?

Answer 23

Enamel pearls (well defined, rounded radiopacities located around the roots of the molars)

Question 24

Give 2 potential clinical implications of enamel pearls:

Answer 24

• plaque retentive factor if supra-alveolar
• complicate extraction of tooth if necessary

Question 25

This patient has a genetic condition which has led to severe hypodontia & conical teeth - what condition do they have?

Answer 25

(a form of) ectodermal dysplasia