Dilaceration Common Tooth — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateDental Anatomy & OcclusionDilaceration Common ToothNDEB AFK

Which permanent tooth most commonly exhibits dilaceration (severe curvature or angulation of the root)?

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Correct answer: B — Maxillary central incisor

Dilaceration most commonly affects the maxillary central incisor (permanent), usually as a result of trauma to the overlying primary incisor during root development. The traumatic force displaces the developing tooth germ, causing the root (or crown) to form at an abnormal angle. Dilaceration can affect eruption (impaction), complicate extraction (root fracture risk), and make endodontic treatment challenging (negotiating the curved canal). CBCT is useful for pre-operative assessment of severely dilacerated roots.

Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016