Developmental anomalies in pediatric dentition

Development of the primary and permanent dentition is a complex process wherein there is series of interactions between the ectoderm and ectomesenchyme. A cascade of signaling pathways occur in a spatio-temporal manner resulting in the development and eruption of the human dentition. Any developmental aberrations in shape, size, number, and position can lead to deviations from normal development of teeth. In this book, dental anomalies including gemination, fusion, concrescence, dilaceration, dens invaginatus, DE, taurodontism, enamel pearls, fluorosis, peg¿shaped laterals, dentinal dysplasia, regional odontodysplasia and hypodontia etc. are discussed. Diagnosing dental abnormality needs a thorough evaluation of the patient and careful clinical and radiographical examination is required. Furthermore, more complex cases need multidisciplinary planning and treatment.