Understanding Macrodontia: What It Is And How To Treat It

Macrodontia is a condition where one or more teeth grow at a different rate from the others and exceed the average size. The result is an abnormally large tooth or teeth that can cause challenges for the patient, such as teeth misalignment, overcrowding and confidence issues. It may also be a symptom of an underlying medical problem, especially in children with other distinctive symptoms.

Types and Causes

Macrodont teeth may be caused by a variety of conditions and rarely appear on their own without another genetic or systemic cause. Dental practitioners typically see one of three categories develop in young patients:

1. Solated macrodontia. In these cases, only one tooth grows larger than the others. The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice reports that the isolated form is extremely rare, but is slightly more common in men than in women. Certain genetic and environmental causes, such as insulin-resistant diabetes, otodental syndrome, pituitary gigantism, pineal hyperplasia and unilateral facial hypoplasia, are all linked to a risk of macrodontia.
2. True generalized macrodontia. This form occurs when a patient's teeth all grow larger than normal. This is usually a symptom of a rare disorder called pituitary gigantism, notes a case report in the Pakistan Oral & Dental Journal. The University of California Los Angeles Health notes that pituitary gigantism occurs when the pituitary gland produces excessive growth hormone. The condition is identified in childhood and other symptoms include enlarged feet and hands, enlarged facial features or headaches.
3. Relative generalized macrodontia. This form usually happens when a patient has an undersized jaw but normal or slightly enlarged teeth. The teeth appear larger in relation to the small jaw, giving what the book General and Oral Pathology for the Dental Hygienist calls an illusion of excessively large teeth.

Treatment Options

Your family dentist will be able to identify if your child has any enlarged teeth. The dentist will ask you about any other symptoms you might have noticed and may refer you to a pediatrician for a medical opinion. If an underlying condition, like pituitary gigantism, is the cause, your child's doctor and dentist can collaborate on a treatment plan.

For macrodont teeth that are not caused by a genetic or environmental condition, The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice notes that treatment is often unnecessary unless desired for cosmetic reasons. However, a case report in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research explains that macrodont teeth can sometimes fail to erupt from the gums or need to be extracted.

If overly large teeth cause crowding, your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment to prevent cavities that could form in the hard-to-clean tight spaces between the crowded teeth, says the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research.

If your child shows signs of developing a larger-than-average tooth, don't disregard it just because it appears healthy. Working with your child's dentist and pediatrician can make a world of difference to your child's dental health, overall health and confidence.