Complications associated with dilacerated tooth
Dentigerous cyst formation from an impacted tooth
The site and extent of tooth dilaceration significantly affects the outcome. In a case of dilacerated crown, the tooth may appear unaesthetic due to its altered shape and hence requiring cosmetic dental treatment such as dental crowns or porcelain veneers. Where the root is dilacerated, the tooth may be impacted or fail to erupt due to the sharp curve and get lodged in the jaw. This may cause a problem in the future as the impacted tooth may turn cystic. Dilacerated tooth can sometimes erupt in an awkward position causing crowding or displacement of other teeth. Other associated risks with tooth dilaceration are pulpal death or inflammation as the angled portion of the tooth consist of slightly abnormal structure, acting as a passageway for bacteria to access the pulp.
Intervention and treatment options
In some cases of tooth dilaceration, it may be possible to realign the tooth by surgically exposing the tooth. This can be done with or without the help of orthodontic braces. Due to the angulation of the tooth, realignment by relying solely on orthodontic measures is usually not feasible. Dilacerated areas which are exposed to the mouth, i.e. in crown dilacerations, restorative work such as fillings or dental crowns should be carried out to prevent bacterial ingression which can lead to pulpal problems as mentioned above.
Dilacerated tooth when presented as a problem, is usually difficult to treat especially when it involves the root. Root canal treatment on dilacerated tooth is very challenging and normally requires an endodontist to complete. Extraction or removal of dilacerated tooth is complicated due to the sharp bends that acts as a hook, lodging it firmly into the jaw. It frequently breaks and requires surgical extraction to section it into fragments to ensure complete removal. When nothing is done, careful monitoring of dilacerated tooth is recommended to detect any early signs of changes.
