Anomalies of Tooth Structure
Taurodontism

Taurodonts are molar teeth that present unusual tooth morphology, resembling the teeth of bulls (Figure 37).^10,13,14 This may be a variation of normal tooth formation. Radiographically, taurodonts display elongated pulp chambers and short stubby roots that look like bull’s horns.^7-10 Table 5 outlines three categories used to classify the severity of the deformity, originally described by Shaw in 1928: Hypotaurodontism (Mild), Mesotaurodontism (Moderate), and Hypertaurodontism (Severe).^13-15 The severity is determined by the increasing apical displacement of the pulpal floor.^7,13-15 Permanent molar teeth are more frequently involved than primary teeth with either unilateral or bilateral presentation.⁷ The prevalence is variable but approximates 3% of the U.S. population.⁷ Taurodontism is associated with a number of syndromes indicating possible linkage to chromosomal aberrations in tooth development.^7,13,14