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Taurodontism — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)TaurodontismMFDS Part 1

Which radiographic combination is most characteristic of taurodontism in a multirooted tooth?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — An enlarged, vertically elongated pulp chamber with apical displacement of the pulpal floor and root furcation

Taurodontism is defined radiographically by an enlarged, vertically elongated pulp chamber and apical displacement of its floor and the root furcation. This produces an elongated root trunk, relatively short roots and reduced constriction at the cementoenamel junction. Option A describes the opposite spatial relationship. Complete root absence and supernumerary roots are not defining features, excluding C and D. Shell teeth may have markedly enlarged pulp spaces because of thin dentine, but they do not require the characteristic apical displacement of the furcation, so E is not the best answer. Taurodontism may occur alone or in association with conditions such as amelogenesis imperfecta and several genetic syndromes.

Reference: Sethuraman P, et al. Non-syndromic generalised hypotaurodontism in a case of Stage III Grade C periodontitis. BMJ Case Reports. 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37116957/