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Updated: May 10, 2026
07:26
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Case report: Macrodont mandibular second premolars, a hereditary dental anomaly
A Kyriazidou1, D Haider, C Mason
1Eastman Dental Institute, University College of London, 256 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8LD, UK, anna.kyriazidou@nhs.net.
Summary
This report details rare cases of macrodontia (abnormally large teeth) affecting bilateral second lower premolars. Evidence suggests this dental anomaly may be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Human Genetics
- Oral Pathology
Background:
- Macrodontia, or megadontia, is a rare dental anomaly characterized by teeth larger than normal.
- Generalized macrodontia can be linked to specific medical conditions and syndromes.
- Isolated macrodontia typically affects single teeth, often incisors, and may result from tooth fusion.
Observation:
- This paper presents two unrelated cases of bilateral macrodontia affecting the second lower premolars.
- Treatment approaches for these cases are described.
- One case involved familial occurrence, with the anomaly present in both the patient and his father.
Findings:
- The observed cases highlight a specific presentation of isolated macrodontia in the second lower premolars.
- The familial occurrence in one case suggests a potential genetic component.
Implications:
- This case report proposes, for the first time in scientific literature, a genetic etiology for this specific type of macrodontia.
- The findings suggest that macrodontia of bilateral second lower premolars may be heritable, potentially as an autosomal dominant trait.
- Further research into the genetic basis of dental anomalies like macrodontia is warranted.
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