Root length, crown height, and root morphology in Turner syndrome

Abstract

Midtbø M, Hake A. Root length, crown height, and root morphology in Turner syndrome. Acta Odontol Scand 1994;52:303–314. Oslo. ISSN 0001-6357.

Root length, crown height, and root morphology were studied on intraoral and panoramic radiographs in 33 Turner syndrome patients aged 7.0–16.7 years, subdivided on the basis of karyotype. Thirty-three normal girls aged 10.2–16.4 years served as controls. In the 45X patients and, with the exception of a few teeth, also in the isochromosome and mosaic karyotypes, root length and crown height of incisors, canines, and premolars were significantly reduced. Some teeth showed altered crown-root proportions. Maxillary first premolars showed a significantly increased number of two-rooted and three-rooted variants. Mandibular premolars and molars had a complex root morphology, and a classification system was established including four premolar and six molar root types. Premolars had a significantly increased number of root components. Some of the variants, such as a molar-like second premolar, are apparently specific for these patients. On several first molars a radix entomolaris was identified. Two separate mesial and one or two separate distal roots were also frequently seen. Our investigation demonstrates that X-chromosome deficiency influences root formation.