Dilaceration is a bending or curvature of a tooth root caused by either trauma that displaces the calcified portion during development or a developmental defect. It most commonly occurs in maxillary incisors and is diagnosed radiographically by observing the curved root. Management can be difficult and involves restoring a dilacerated crown to improve function and prevent dental issues, while extraction may require special care due to the root curvature.

1. Dilaceration

2. Aetiology
• Trauma – mechanical trauma to calcified
portion of partially formed tooth results in the
displacement of calcified portion in
dilaceration. The portion formed after
accident is in different direction causing the
dilaceration.
• Development defect – may be form as the
developmental anomaly

3. Clinical features
• Most commonly found in maxillary incisors
• curve or bending occurs anywhere along the
length of root, sometimes at cervical portion
or midway along the root or even just at the
apex of the root
• Sometimes, angles are so acute that the tooth
does not erupt. If the defect is in the Crown of
an erupted tooth, the angular distortion will
be recognised

4. Radiographic features
• There may be inappropriate resorption of
deciduous tooth which will delay the eruption
of permanent teeth
• If the root bends mesially or distally
conditions will clearly appear on radiograph

5. Diagnosis
• Clinical diagnosis is not possible
• Radiological diagnosis will show curved root

6. Management
• Difficulty at the time of extraction
• dilacerated Crown has to be restored improve
aesthetic and function and to preclude dental
caries and periodontal disease