Frequency of dental developmental anomalies in Chennai population- A radiographic study

Dental anomalies may result in problems in maxillary and mandibular arch length and occlusion. The possible etiological factor for these anomalies may be the mutation of genes in the prenatal and postnatal period which may result in anomalies in tooth size, shape, position, number, and structure (Basdra et al., 2000; Baydas et al., 2005; Garn et al., 1965; Kotsomitis et al., 1996; Sofaer, 1979). These anomalies may involve either one tooth or all the teeth or may be present as a part of any systemic disorder (Basdra et al., 2000) Changes in the numberof teeth include supernumerary teeth (hyperdontia), i.e. excess teeth or hypodontia (less number of teeth or missing teeth). Anomalies of shape of teeth include microdontia and macrodontia. Anomalies of shape include gemination, fusion, root dilacerations, taurodontism, and concrescence. Gemination is defined as a single enlarged tooth or joined (double) tooth in which the tooth count is normal when the anomalous tooth is counted as one. Fusion is defined as a single enlarged tooth or joined (double) tooth in which the tooth count reveals a missing tooth when the anomalous tooth is counted as one. Taurodontism is a developmental anomaly of molar teeth in which the body of the affected teeth is very large with short roots and bifurcation near the apex. Dilaceration is any abnormal bend in the root or crown of a tooth. Radiographic and clinical examination will help dentists to diagnose these dental anomalies. The aim of the present study is to determine the presence of various developmental anomalies through examination of panoramic radiographs in a limited population.