Prevalence of taurodont and pyramidal molars in a German population

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of taurodont and pyramidal molars among a German dental school patient population.

Methods: A total of 800 patients' full-mouth periapical radiographs were screened. The radiographs were evaluated under optimal conditions using double magnifying glasses. A total of 4,885 molars (including third molars) were evaluated. The relative incidence and the correlations regarding the location of taurodont and pyramidal teeth (right versus left side and maxillary versus mandibular) were analyzed using the chi-square test.

Results: Eighteen patients were found to have a taurodont molar (13 women and 5 men [p = 0.097]). Fifteen patients were found to have a pyramidal molar (11 women and 4 men [p = 0.124]). The overall incidence of patients with taurodont molars was 2.25% and with pyramidal molars 1.88%, respectively. The prevalence of taurodont molars from all teeth examined was 0.61%, and the prevalence of pyramidal molars was 0.50%. No significant differences were obtained regarding the location of the affected teeth (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: The occurrence of taurodont or pyramidal molars among this German population was rare.