Tooth - abnormal shape
Definition
An abnormally shaped tooth is any tooth that deviates from its regular shape.
Alternative Names
Hutchinson incisors; Abnormal tooth shape; Peg teeth; Mulberry teeth; Conical teeth; Connate teeth; Conjoined teeth; Microdontia; Macrodontia; Mulberry molars
Considerations
The appearance of normal teeth varies, especially the molars. Abnormally-shaped teeth can result from many different conditions. Specific diseases can affect tooth shape, tooth color, and when they grow in. Some diseases can lead to absence of teeth.
Causes
Some diseases that can cause abnormal tooth shape and growth are:
- Congenital syphilis
- Cerebral palsy
- Ectodermal dysplasia, anhidrotic
- Incontinentia pigmenti achromians
- Cleidocranial dysostosis
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Talk to a dentist or health care provider if the shape of your child's teeth appears to be abnormal.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The dentist will examine the mouth and teeth. You will be asked questions about your child's medical history and symptoms, such as:
- Does your child have any medical conditions that may cause abnormal tooth shape?
- At what age did the teeth appear?
- In what order did the teeth appear?
- Does your child have other tooth problems (color, spacing)?
- What other symptoms are also present?
Braces, fillings (bonding), and dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, or bridges may be needed to correct the abnormal shape and improve the appearance and spacing of the teeth.
Dental x-rays and other diagnostic tests may be done.
References
Dhar V. Development and developmental anomalies of the teeth. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 333.
Moore KL, Persuad TVN, Torchia MG. Integumentary system. In: Moore KL, Persuad TVN, Torchia MG, eds. The Developing Human. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.2020:chap 19.
Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Chi AC. Abnormalities of teeth. In: Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Chi AC, eds. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. 4th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2016:chap 2
Review Date:1/24/2022
Reviewed By:Michael Kapner, DDS, General Dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.
Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.
Health Outcome Data
No data available for this condition/procedure.