MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Tooth

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Tooth - abnormal shape

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Considerations	Common Causes Call your health care provider if What to expect at your health care provider's office

Illustrations

Tooth anatomy

Development of baby teeth

Development of permanent teeth

Alternative names Return to top

Hutchinson incisors; Abnormal tooth shape; Peg teeth; Mulberry teeth; Conical teeth

Definition Return to top

The teeth may be irregular or abnormally shaped.

Considerations Return to top

The appearance of normal teeth varies, especially the molars. Abnormally shaped teeth can result from many different conditions. Specific diseases can have a profound effect on tooth shape, tooth color, time of appearance, or absence of teeth.

Common Causes Return to top

Call your health care provider if Return to top

If the shape of your child's teeth appears to be abnormal, consult a dentist or other health care provider.

What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

Does the child have any disorders that may cause abnormal tooth shape?
At what age did the teeth appear?
In what order did the teeth appear?
Are there other tooth abnormalities (color, spacing)?
What other symptoms are also present?

The physical examination will include thorough mouth examination and examination of the teeth.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed may include dental X-rays.

Update Date: 10/20/2003

Updated by: Michael Kapner, D.D.S., Comprehensive and Aesthetic Dentistry, New Rochelle, N.Y., Editor, Ninth District Dental Association. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.