Prevalence of taurodontism in individuals in Northwest China determined by cone-beam computed tomography images

Prevalence and root canal morphology of taurodontism analyzed by cone-beam computed tomography in Northern China

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of taurodontism in northern China by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and assisting the treatment.

METHODS

The study involved CBCT scans of 8112 teeth from 507 participants of northern China, comprising 217 males and 290 females aged 18 to 60. Analysis was conducted using Shifman and Chanannel's criteria to assess the prevalence and attributes of taurodontism, examining differences based on tooth position (maxilla and mandible) as well as gender (P < 0.05). Specific morphology including C-shaped canal was recorded. The curvature of the canals was measured using a modified Schneider method. Moreover, we reported two failure cases with taurodontism referred to a retreatment.

RESULTS

Taurodontism was observed in 113 participants, affecting 23.50% of the males and 21.38% of the females in at least one tooth (P > 0.05). The prevalence was significant higher in maxilla (P < 0.05). The highest incidence of taurodontism was detected in premolars, 9.86% in the maxillary first premolars, and in molars, with 3.94% in the maxillary first molars. Regarding canal curvature, a higher incidence of curved canal could be found in maxillary and mandibular molars of taurodontism (47.50-66.67%), alongside an elevated prevalence of C-shaped taurodontism in mandibular second molars (71.43%). After follow-up, the healing response was satisfactory in both cases.

CONCLUSION

The study highlighted a higher incidence of taurodontism in maxilla, indicating a significant association between taurodontism, C-shaped characteristics, and canal curvature. Dentists are advised to carefully consider the presence of special morphologies during taurodontism treatment.

The relevance of taurodontism in forensic dental age estimation

Taurodontism is a dental morphological anomaly characterized by enlarged pulp cavities repositioned towards the apical region of the tooth, coupled with shortened root structures. Molars are commonly affected by this alteration. Certain populations exhibit up to 48% prevalences for this dental alteration, underscoring its significance in dental age estimation (DAE). In the field of DAE, an individual's chronological age is inferred from specific dental features, frequently employed within the forensic context. The effect of taurodontism on the features of DAE is an unanswered issue. The influence of taurodontism on eruption, mineralization, radiographic visibility of root canals, and radiographic visibility of the periodontal ligament space in mandibular third molars- some of the established criteria for DAE as examples-is currently not systematically examined. Some common staging scales for the dental features of DAE cannot technically be applied to taurodontic teeth. Additionally, given the association of taurodontism with syndromes affecting tooth development, caution is warranted in age assessment procedures. Notably, taurodontic teeth may serve as indicators of syndromes influencing skeletal development, further emphasizing the relevance of taurodontism in forensic age assessment. Presumably taurodontic teeth were included in reference data to some extent due to their partially high prevalence in the past, whereby the influence of taurodontism has been statistically absorbed within the overall spread of the features. Future studies should compare the temporal course of these tooth characteristics in affected and unaffected teeth. Subsequent initiatives should focus on raising awareness among forensic dentists regarding taurodontism, necessitating in-depth exploration of the subject.

An improved diagnostic method for taurodontism and a comparative study on its effectiveness evaluation

OBJECTIVE

The two commonly used diagnostic methods for taurodontism are susceptible to aging changes, mastication wear and other factors. Therefore, this study proposed an improved diagnostic method for taurodontism, and compared it with the previous two methods as a supplement for taurodontism diagnosis.

METHODS

The included patients were aged 10-89 years and admitted to the Department of Stomatology of Hebei Eye Hospital from June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023. Eighty cone-beam computed tomography images were divided equally into 4 groups: 10-29, 30-49, 50-69, and 70-89 years old. The right mandibular first molars were selected as measurement objects. Firstly, |BD| and taurodontism index (TI)-related parameters were measured using Shifman and Chanannel's method and crown-body(CB) and root (R) lengths was measured by Seow and Lai's method. The improved method used the length from the cementoenamel junction(CEJ) to the root bifurcation point(body, B)and the root length(root, R)as the measurement objects. Finally, TI, CB/R ratios, and B/R ratios were calculated according to the formulas given below. One-way ANOVA analysis was mainly used to compare the differences in the values, indices and ratios of taurodontism among different age groups (p<0.05).

RESULTS

With the increase of age, |BD| and TI values decreased significantly (p<0.01). The CB/R ratios of 70-89 years group were significantly lower than those of the other three groups (p<0.01). Ratios derived from the improved method were significantly lower in the 70-89 years than in 10-29 years group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The |BD| and TI parameters proposed by Shifman and channel are significantly influenced by age. The measurements of Seow and Lai (CB/R ratios) were less affected by age compared with those of the former. The improved method(B/R ratios) was least affected by age, which would reduce error and bias in the measurement of taurodontism and obtain more objective results in older patients.

CBCT imaging and root canal treatment for taurodontism in mandibular second molar - A case report and literature review

The mandibular second molar exhibits a wide range of intricate root canal variations, which can present challenges and difficulties in achieving successful root canal treatment. This report focuses on two specific cases involving a root canal variation in a typical taurodontism of the mandibular second molar. To provide a comprehensive analysis and illustration of the anatomical structure of intraoral taurodontism and the important considerations for root canal treatment, we utilized advanced imaging techniques such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a dental microscope. By combining these tools, we were able to gain a deeper understanding of the complex root canal system and make informed decisions during the treatment process.