Dilaceration

Dilaceration is a disturbance in tooth formation that produces a sharp bend or curve in the tooth anywhere in the crown or the root.

Developmental in nature.

Result of mechanical trauma to the calcified portion of a partially formed tooth.

Most cases are not recognized clinically.
If the dilaceration is so pronounced that the tooth does not erupt, the only clinical indication of the defect is a missing tooth.
If the defect is in the crown of an erupted tooth, it may be readily recognized as an angular distortion.

The condition occurs most often in maxillary premolars.
One or more teeth may be affected.
If the roots dilacerate mesially or distally, the condition is clearly apparent on a periapical radiograph.
When the roots are dilacerated buccally (labially) or lingually, the central x ray passes approximately parallel with the deflected portion of the root and the apical end of the root may have the appearance of a circular or oval radiopaque area with a central radiolucency (the apical foramen and root canal), giving the appearance of a bull ’ s eye.
The PDL space around this dilacerated portion may be seen as a radiolucent halo encircling the radiopaque area.
In some cases, especially in the maxilla, the geometry of the projections may preclude the recognition of a dilaceration.

Occasionally dilacerated roots may be diffi cult to differentiate from fused roots, sclerosing osteitis, or a dense bone island.

The dilacerated root generally does not require treatment because it provides adequate support.
If the tooth is to be extracted for some other reason, its removal can be complicated, especially if the surgeon is not prepared with a preoperative radiograph.
In contrast, dilacerated crowns are frequently restored with a prosthetic crown to improve esthetics and function.