Taurodontism

Synonyms

Bull teeth; Bull’s teeth; Bull-like teeth; Prism teeth; Pyramidal teeth

Definition

Taurodontism is a developmental anomaly characterized by an increase in the vertical height of the pulp and body of the tooth at the expense of the individual roots of posterior teeth (Fig. 1). The term was applied by Keith in 1913 (Keith 1913). In bulls (ungulates), the pulp is located below the level of the alveolar bone of the jaws whereas in humans, the pulp lies above the alveolar bone. In taurodont teeth, the vertical extension of the pulp space causes it to be anatomically located within the alveolar bone. There the resemblance to the teeth of cattle ends. Normally in root development, the sheath of Hertwig invaginates to form the separate roots of a multi-rooted tooth. Presumably in taurodontism, this process is delayed or fails to occur. The condition tends to be seen as a trait so that all of the molars of an individual are affected to some degree. At one extreme, there may be no...