Lobodontia-Affected Teeth Exhibit Compromised Integrity and Enamel Defects: A Deep Phenotyping Study

Lobodontia, a complex tooth disorder characterized by carnivore-like dentition, presents unique clinical challenges. This study aimed to characterize the physical, mechanical, and ultrastructural properties of lobodontia teeth to inform precision treatment strategies.

This study included two extracted teeth (one from each lobodontia patient) and ten control teeth from healthy individuals. Clinical, radiographic, dental impression, and microstructural analyses were performed, including colorimetry, surface roughness, microCT, SEM, EDX, nanoindentation, and histology.

Lobodontia teeth exhibited a distinctive multitubercular occlusal morphology, with deep grooves and multiple cusps. Radiographs showed dens invaginatus and taurodontism. Compared to controls, lobodontia teeth had increased surface roughness and color deviations. Although mineral composition was similar, lobodontia teeth showed significantly reduced hardness, elastic modulus, enamel thickness, and a disrupted dentinoenamel junction with a pronounced gap between enamel and dentin.

Lobodontia teeth exhibit compromised structural integrity, including diminished hardness, elasticity, and enamel thickness, alongside a defective dentinoenamel junction. These characteristics increase the risk of biofilm retention, infection, and malocclusion, necessitating personalized care approaches.