This week I wanted to show normal anatomy of a developing tooth; the blunderbuss apex. A blunderbuss apex is an open apex of a developing tooth. It is named blunderbuss due to the similar appearance to a blunderbuss rifle. An open or blunderbuss apex appears as pyramidal radiolucent area. This is seen at the apex of the developing tooth. Below are several examples of developing apices and the open (blunderbuss apex) appearance.
Blunderbuss rifle with open, pyramidal shape at end of barrel
Blunderbuss apex of second molar
Blunderbuss apices of second premolars
Blunderbuss apices on all mandibular incisors.
Enjoy!
