Prevalence and morphometric analysis of taurodontism in first permanent molars: a retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study
Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, cilt.50, sa.4, ss.158-165, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 50 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.22514/jocpd.2026.100
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.158-165
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Cone-beam computed tomography, Morphology, Pediatric dentistry, Permanent molars, Taurodontism
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Variations in pulp chamber morphology associated with taurodontism can complicate clinical procedures. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables detailed three-dimensional assessment of dental morphology and may improve the detection of taurodont characteristics. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and morphometric characteristics of taurodontism in first permanent molars using CBCT. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed CBCT scans of 105 individuals aged 10– 16 years. Maxillary and mandibular permanent first molars were evaluated in sagittal sections. Pulp chamber height (T1) and the distance from the pulp chamber roof to the root apex (T2) were measured. The taurodontism index was calculated as T1/T2 × 100. According to the classification proposed by Shifman and Chanannel, teeth were categorized as normal, hypotaurodont, mesotaurodont, or hypertaurodont. Data distribution was evaluated, and group comparisons were performed using appropriate non-parametric and chi-square tests. A significant level of p < 0.05 was applied. Results: The mean T1 was 3.60 ± 0.76 mm, and T2 was 17.69 ± 2.10 mm, while the T1/T2 ratio was 20.86 ± 6.64. Taurodont morphology was identified in 21.4% of evaluated teeth, including 14.5% hypotaurodont, 6.0% mesotaurodont, and 1.0% hypertaurodont cases. However, pulp chamber height was significantly greater in maxillary molars compared with mandibular molars (p = 0.010). Additionally, the distribution of taurodontism differed significantly between the maxilla and mandible (p = 0.047). Conclusions: CBCT-based morphometric analysis demonstrated that taurodontism was present in a considerable proportion of first permanent molars in children and adolescents. Hypotaurodontism was the most frequently observed subtype. Within the applied inclusion criteria, no significant associations were observed with gender or tooth side. These findings provide CBCT-derived morphometric reference data for first permanent molars in a pediatric population. Furthermore, the results highlight the value of three-dimensional imaging in the accurate identification of taurodont morphology in clinical practice.