Taurodontism, Root Dilaceration, and Tooth Transposition: A Radiographic Study of a Population with Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate

Abstract

Objectives In an effort to contribute to proper dental planning and define possible dental phenotypes of nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of taurodontism, root dilaceration, and tooth transposition in persons with nonsyndromic CL/P, specifically analyzing the differences among gender, cleft types, and the most affected teeth. Design This retrospective study analyzed 974 panoramic x-rays from nonsyndromic Brazilians older than 16 years and categorized into the following four groups: group 1, 250 persons with unilateral cleft lip and palate; group 2, 250 persons with unilateral cleft lip; group 3, 224 persons with cleft palate; and a control group of 250 persons without clefts. Radiographs were digitalized with a scanner and analyzed. Results In the Brazilian population studied, the prevalence of taurodontism was 60.4% in group 1, 62.4% in group 2, 67.0% in group 3, and 42.8% in the control group. Root dilacerations had a prevalence of 31.2% in group 1, 29.6% in group 2, 26.3% in group 3, and 27.2% in the control group. The teeth most affected by taurodontism were 17 and 27; whereas root dilacerations were most common in teeth 38 and 48. No tooth transpositions were found in any radiograph analyzed. Conclusions Taurodontism is significantly more prevalent in Brazilians with nonsyndromic CL/P than in persons without clefts; whereas the prevalence of root dilaceration no different from that in the control group. However, root dilacerations in anterior teeth were increased in groups 1 and 2 when compared to the control group.