multirooted

Multirooted is an adjective describing a structure that has more than one root. In dentistry, the term is most often used to describe teeth that develop two or more roots. Humans typically have multirooted molars and some premolars; maxillary molars usually have three roots (mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and palatal), while mandibular molars usually have two roots (mesial and distal). There are notable variations, such as an extra distolingual root on some mandibular first molars (radix entomolaris) or an extra buccal root (radix paramolaris). Some teeth may exhibit fused roots, where two or more roots join along their length rather than remaining separate.

Root development and anatomy: The number and configuration of roots are established during tooth formation, largely under the influence of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath. Anomalies can result from deviations in root sheath growth, leading to accessory roots, bifurcation, trifurcation, or fusion.

Clinical significance: Multirooted teeth can present greater endodontic challenges due to additional canals, curved or divergent roots, and potential canal anomalies. Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning rely on radiographs, and increasingly on three-dimensional imaging such as cone-beam computed tomography. The presence of multiple roots also affects extraction techniques and periodontal considerations.

In botany and general biology, multirooted can describe structures in plants or other organisms that possess more than one root, though its dental sense is the most commonly encountered usage.