Taurodontism in maxillary and mandibular molars using cone beam computed tomography in a dental center in Saudi Arabia

[Root canal therapy of maxillary molars with atypical canals: A report of three cases]

Maxillary molar with three roots and 3 to 4 canals is a common occurrence. However, in addition to common root canal anatomy, there may be significant differences in the number, distribution, and morphological structure of root canals. The success of root canal treatment is dependent on ensuring that all the intricate details associated with it are meticulously followed. Failure to locate all canals could have a negative effect on the treatment as it may lead to initiation or continuation of periapical pathology. Missed canals were the main reason for patients reporting back for nonsurgical root canal retreatment. Moreover, the bacteria residing in such canals could also result in persistence of symptoms. Root canal anatomy is complex, and the recognition of anatomic variations could be a challenge for clinicians. This article presents three cases of endodontic management of maxillary molars with atypical canal morphology. In the three cases of this study, the patients underwent cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) examination before root canal treatment. The CBCT images revealed that the maxillary molars in case 1 and case 2 had 5 canals. Case 1: 2 mesiobuccal (MB, MB2), two distobuccal (DB and DB2), and one palatal canal. Case 2: 2 mesiobuccal (MB, MB2), one distobuccal (DB), and two palatal canals (MP and DP). In case 3, CBCT scan slices showed that the maxillary first molar presented as a C-shaped root canal with a rare tooth anomaly of taurodontism. Although C-shaped root canals were most frequently seen in the mandibular second molar, they might also appear in maxillary molars. A literature search revealed only a few case reports of C-shaped root canal systems in maxillary molars. Case 3 described the fusion between mesiobuccal and palatal roots of the maxillary first molar, forming a C-shaped mesiopalatal root canal. The above cases suggest that endodontists should always be aware of aberrancies in root canal system apart from the knowledge of normal root canal anatomy. CBCT as a means of diagnosis can be helpful for identifying and managing these complex root canal systems. This case series also highlights the importance of magnification and illumination. Through using an endodontic microscope, clinicians can identify root canals that are difficult to locate or overlooked with normal vision. A correct access opening is a most important step to locate and negotiate the orifices of root canals. The use of ultrasonic tips can refine the access cavity and allow controlled and delicate removal of calcifications and other interferences to the canal orifices, thereby helping to locate the extra orifices.

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.

Prevalence of Taurodontism in Contemporary and Historical Populations from Radom: A Biometric Analysis of Radiological Data

Taurodontism is a morphological anomaly of multirooted molars characterized by apical displacement of the pulp chamber, shortened roots, and the absence of constriction at the dentoenamel junction. It can negatively impact the outcome of dental treatment plans. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of taurodontism among contemporary and historical populations from Radom, Poland. Five hundred eighty-two panoramic radiographs of contemporary patients and 600 radiographs of historical individuals were analyzed using the Shifman and Chanannel index. Group differences were determined with Pearson's chi-square tests according to sex, site, tooth group, and historical period. The study also evaluated the degree of severity of taurodontism in relation to dental groups, gender, and the periods from which contemporary patients as well as historical individuals originated. In the contemporary population, taurodontism was observed in 34% of individuals. In the historical data, the highest prevalence of taurodontism (31%) was observed among individuals from the 18th and 19th centuries, while earlier periods exhibited considerably lower prevalence rates. Across contemporary and historical populations, the maxillary molars were the most commonly affected teeth. Hypotaurodontism was the most prevalent form of taurodontism. The prevalence of taurodontism has gradually increased from the 11th century to the current day. The results of the research are of great importance for the clinician in terms of planning comprehensive dental treatment.

High prevalence of taurodontism in North China and its relevant factors: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and relevant factors of taurodontism in North China.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of 1025 patients (496 male and 529 female) aged between 10 and 59 years. The crown-body/root (CB/R) ratios of the maxillary and mandibular molars were measured. The prevalence of hypotaurodontism, mesotaurodontism, and hypertaurodontism was then calculated and the incidence of taurodontism along with its relevant factors, was evaluated.

RESULTS

The overall rate of taurodontism in North China was as high as 78.9%. If the third molars (opsigenes) were excluded, which have a big morphological variation from each other, the rate was 52.4%. The mean CB/R ratio of taurodontism differs from tooth position: maxillary mandibular third molars > maxillary third molars > maxillary second molars > maxillary first molars > mandibular second molars > mandibular first molars (P < 0.05). In addition, the 1025 patients were divided into different age groups, and it was found that the mean CB/R ratio decreased with age (P < 0.05). Moreover, the CB/R ratio of the mandibular first and second molars in female patients was higher than males (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that taurodontism is widely prevalent in North China. The incidence of taurodontism increases the closer the tooth is to the back end of the dental arch, and quite a few of the maxillary and mandibular third molars teeth have tapered roots. And the taurodontism is decreased by age, as there were more affected female than male patients.

Frequency of occurrence of taurodontism in the historical population of Radom (11th-19th centuries)

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the work was to trace possible changes in the frequency of taurodontism in individuals who inhabited historical Radom from the early Middle Ages to modern periods.

DESIGN

The research was based on the analysis of X-ray images of 640 molars of individuals from the 11th/12th c. (n = 120), 14th/17th c. (n = 76), and 18th/19th c. (n = 444). Radiological images were made with the use of a portable X-ray machine, and the results were biometrically analysed using the Shiffman and Chanannel index.

RESULTS

The highest frequency of taurodontism was observed in the 18th/19th c. (31 %, 138/444). In the 11th/12th and 14th/17th centuries, this percentage was significantly lower (22 %, 26/120 vs. 16 %, 12/76). In subsequent chronological periods, no statistically significant differences between sexes in the occurrence of taurodontism were observed. The highest number of taurodontal teeth was observed among the second and first upper molars (73 % and 52 %, respectively), and the lowest number was observed among the first and second lower molars (16 % and 23 %, respectively). In all historical periods, hypotaurodont forms were most often observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Variations in the frequency of taurodontism may result from many reasons, for example environmental factors. However, it cannot be ruled out that the observed differences result from the increased migration of people to Radom in the 18th/19th century.

Taurodontism in simultaneous existence with multiple supernumerary teeth: A case report

Supernumerary teeth and taurodontism are both common dental anomalies when found as isolated entities. However, simultaneous presence in the same individual without a syndrome is rarely reported in the literature. This case report describes a 20-year-old non-syndromic male with multiple supernumerary teeth in association with multiple molar and premolar taurodonts and no family history of genetic predisposing factors. Taurodontism was measured and confirmed through cone-beam computed tomography for accuracy of the classification. Early diagnosis with the aid of radiographic imaging and persistent follow-up are crucial to treatment.