* Dr . Alkesh Godhane ** Dr . Samita Gumber *** Dr . Nitin Jaggi
The Journal
**** Dr . Ashwin Chute
Fusion in deciduous dentition - A case report
Fusion of teeth occurs through union of two normally separated tooth germs , and depending upon the stage of development of the teeth at the time of union , it may be either complete or incomplete . On some occasions , two independent pulp chambers and root canals can be seen . This condition is more frequently seen in permanent dentition . however , when it occurs in primary dentition . it holds the clinical importance of high susceptibility to caries , probability of loss of arch length and missing succedaneous teeth . This article is case report on fused carious primary central and lateral incisors .
Introduction
Fusion represents the union of two normally separated tooth germs [ 1 ]. In 1963 Tannenbaum and Ailing defined fusion as a union of two separate tooth buds at some stage in their development . Clinically , the appearance of the involved teeth may be normal sized or large , depending upon the stage at which e m b r y o l o g i c a l u n i o n o c c u r s d u r i n g development . It is commonly confused with gemination , particularly if it involves a supernumerary tooth [ 2 ]. Fused teeth are more common in primary dentition as compared to permanent dentition [ 3 ]. The prevalence of fusion in the primary dentition for unilateral presentation is 0.1 % to 1.5 % [ 2 ]. However for Indian population it is 0.14 %, as confirmed by Reddy and Munshi [ 4 ]. Males and females are equally affected . Genetics plays an important role when there is an increased incidence [ 5 ]. Few cases corelate fused primary teeth with the agenesis of permanent teeth , as reported by Tsujino et al .
of the child patient gave no history of facial trauma . Thorough intraoral examination showed a primary dentition with enlarged left maxillary bifid crown with carious involvement ( figure-1 ) .
Fig 1 : Enlarged left maxillary bifid crown with carious involvement
Intraoral periapical radiograph revealed that the enlarged bifid crown was due to fusion of the 61 and 62 ( figure-2 ).
Care Report
A three year-old male child reported with the chief complaint of decayed teeth . The medical history of the child patient was non contributory . The family history did not reveal any dental abnormality and the parents had non-consanguineous marriage . The parents
Fig 2 : Intraoral periapical radiograph showing 61 and 62
* MDS , Pedodontics ** MDS , Pedodontics
*** BDS
**** MDS , Endodontics
31 29 Vol . 12 No . 23 May-August Sept-Dec 2016