Classification and Classification Systems
- Taurodontism coined by Sir Arthur Keith
- Derived from Latin and Greek words meaning bull and tooth
- Radiographic characteristics include lack of pulp chamber constriction, enlarged rectangular pulp chamber, and displacement of pulp chamber floor
- Earlier classification systems considered only apical displacement, later systems consider position in relation to cemento-enamel junction and alveolar margin
- Shaw 1928 classification system: classified taurodontism into four categories based on apical displacement of pulp chamber floor
- Shifman & Chanannel 1978 classification system: quantified degree of taurodontism using a mathematical formula based on anatomical landmarks

Clinical Considerations
- Altered morphology of taurodont teeth presents challenges during dental treatment
- Difficulties in removing pulp and filling large pulp chamber and complex root canal system
- Caution needed in using taurodont teeth for dental anchorage
- Taurodont teeth may be easier to extract due to apical displacement of furcation area
- Taurodont teeth may have a favorable prognosis from a periodontal point of view

Anthropology
- Taurodontism seen in Neanderthals
- Common among New World monkeys, apes, and fossil hominins

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Taurodontism (Wikipedia)

Taurodontism is defined as the enlargement of pulp chambers with the furcation area being displaced toward the apex of the root of a tooth. It cannot be diagnosed clinically and requires radiographic visualization since the crown of a taurodontic tooth appears normal and its distinguishing features are present below the alveolar margin. Taurodontism can present in deciduous or permanent dentition, unilaterally or bilaterally, but is most common in the permanent molar teeth of humans. The underlying mechanism of taurodontism is the failure or late invagination of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, which leads an apical shift of the root furcation.

Taurodontism
Specialty	Dentistry