Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of microdontia is not known. It is a developmental disorder. Certain genetic factors play a role in it. The small size of teeth can also be seen secondary to certain conditions like Down’s syndrome or pituitary dwarfism. Facial hemiatrophy is another contributing factor. Administration of radiation and chemotherapeutic agents during the age of development of teeth can also lead to small size of the teeth.
Clinical presentation:
Microdontia is classified into three types – that involving a single tooth, true generalized microdontia, and relatively generalized type. Microdontia can affect a single tooth. This affected tooth is small in size as compared to the other teeth. In relative microdontia, the tooth may be slightly small as compared to the other teeth, but the jaw size is small. In generalized type, the development of teeth is normal, but all the teeth are small in size. Mostly the lateral maxillary teeth and third molar is commonly affected. In cases where a single tooth is affected, it can result in wide space. As a result, the adjacent teeth may shift during its growth. The affected tooth may have abnormal shape of crown. Such a tooth is not strong enough. The small size of the tooth can also lead to abnormal bite and can also hamper the cosmetic appearance.
Investigations:
The complaints narrated by the patient are taken into consideration. Clinical examination is carried out by the dentist. An oral x-ray is done.
Treatment:
Correcting the size to help it grow normally is the main line of treatment. In cases where the teeth are affected and the roots have normal size, placement of crown caps is recommended. This will help the tooth to maintain itself in its normal position.
