What does “Dilaceration / curved tooth root” mean?
A curved tooth refers to a tooth that shows a distinctly curved shape during the process of forming the crown or tooth root. In dentistry, it is also used, especially in the context of describing severe curvature of the tooth root.
This is different from having crooked teeth.
A tooth with a curved shape must be distinguished from a normally shaped tooth that is tilted or overlaps another. Roots can have natural curves, so a slight curve on imaging does not by itself establish a developmental abnormality.
Why does it happen and how do I check it?
Although the effects of developmental trauma are sometimes described, the cause cannot be determined in all cases. We evaluate the position and shape of teeth by checking their eruption status and radiological images. Additional testing is considered when necessary and treatment needs are not determined based on form alone.
For what treatment is it important?
The curvature of the root is used as a reference when planning the path of the instrument in root canal treatment and the position of the tooth during tooth extraction or orthodontic treatment. If there are no symptoms and there are no problems with function, it may be observed. ‘The root is bent’ does not mean that the tooth needs to be extracted immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a curved tooth mean it looks crooked in the mouth?
It is used in the context of describing the curved shape of the crown or root of a tooth. The apparent tooth arrangement and internal root curvature may be different.
If the tooth root is curved, is it absolutely necessary to extract the tooth?
Curvature alone does not determine tooth extraction. We evaluate symptoms, location, and conditions for necessary treatment, such as root canal treatment or orthodontic treatment.
Can you tell the degree of curvature by looking inside the mouth?
It is difficult to check the shape of the tooth root only from the outside. The form and surrounding structures are evaluated through necessary imaging studies, and additional tests are determined based on individual circumstances.
Curved teeth, 3 things to check during treatment
Please review the questions to ask before deciding on treatment and the treatment standards of TU Dental Clinic.
- A choice suited to your condition
Is it possible to distinguish between apparent alignment and root curvature?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic explains the treatment needed based on the current state of tooth decay and the gums. The treatment extent is determined from the diagnosis.
Integrated treatment that examines cavities and gums together - Preservation of natural teeth
Does the clinic review the scope of treatment that can be preserved even if there is a curve?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic monitors the progress of tooth decay and determines the treatment range by considering the tooth tissue that can be preserved.
Integrated treatment that examines cavities and gums together - Sufficient understanding
Does the clinic explain how the difficulty identified on imaging relates to the treatment plan?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic explains why treatment options differ according to the extent of tooth decay. Ask during consultation if you are unsure about a location recorded in your dental notes.
Integrated treatment that examines cavities and gums together
Further reading and references
References
- Dilaceration · Endodontic reviewpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
- AAE · Root canal treatmentaae.org (opens in a new tab)
- Dental developmental alterations in patients with dilacerated teethpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
- Endodontics, Pulp Space Anatomy and Access Cavity of Anterior Teethncbi.nlm.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
- ADA MouthHealthy · Eruption chartsmouthhealthy.org (opens in a new tab)
