Macrodontia (tooth)

Males tend to have larger teeth than females,[1] and tooth size also varies according to race.[1] Abnormal tooth size is defined by some as when the dimensions are more than 2 standard deviations from the average.[1] Macrodontia is when the teeth are abnormally large, and microdontia is when they are abnormally small. It may cause different types of bites and crowding of the teeth. This is best investigated using radiographs.

The usual complications of macrodontia are associated with crowding, malocclusion and impaction unless treated.

Macrodontia of a single tooth is attributed to a disturbance of morphodifferentiation. Generalized macrodontia is usually attributed to some hormonal imbalance (e.g., pituirary gigantism). It can also be associated with facial hemihyperplasia. Macrodontia stems from systematic disturbances. These include KBG syndrome, otodental syndrome, and insulin-resistant diabetes. [4] Ethnicity and gender also factors that influence macrodontia. Asians and males are more likely to be affected.[2]

Before treatment the correct diagnosis must be made which is easily done by a radiograph. It can be seen the tooth/teeth concerned will be larger than normal which can be seen clinically in the mouth or whilst they are unerupted. Teeth affected by macrodontia are either contoured, aligned or extracted. Contouring involves shaving the tooth down to change shape and size. However, the result is minimal change as this could be dangerous for the dentin and dental pulp. Aligning involves the use of braces to straighten, align, and make space for larger teeth to grow. When extracted, they are replaced with an implant or bridge. This is done in cases in which the patient suffers from pain that cannot be treated by other methods.[2]

Teeth with macrodontia can go through treatment using a technique that does not harm the dental pulp. This is done using a tooth coloured filling material (composite resin)