Volume 2 - Issue 2 - IJMD

Fusion – Case Report And ReviewReview articleM R C Rajeswari*, R Ananthalakshmi**AbstractFusion refers to the union of two tooth germs resulting in a single large tooth. Fusion occurs due to union of two separate toothbuds at some stage in their development. Depending on the stage they are united, tooth may have only one pulp chamber asin gemination, or there may be two pulp chambers, with union only of the dentin. This is a rare case of fusion of permanentmandibular central and lateral incisors, with discussion of review ,diagnostic criteria and clinical implications.Key words: Fusion, mandibular incisors, double teethFusion is a developmental anomaly affecting theshape of teeth characterized by the union of twoadjacent teeth. In 1963 Tannenbaum and Alling 1, defined fusion as a union of two separate tooth budsat some stage in their development. Depending on thestage they are united, one tooth may have only onepulp chamber as a gemination, or there may be twopulp chambers, with union only of the dentin. Fusionand gemination are called as double teeth.Case ReportA nine year old girl reported to the clinic forcorrection of malocclusion. On intraoral examination,there was spacing in mandibular anterior regionand missing permanent mandibular incisor of theright side. On careful examination, Incisor presentin the right mandibular region was larger withincreased mesio distal width as compared with thatof the central or lateral incisor of the left quadrant(Fig 1). The single incisor also revealed a prominentmamelon. With detailed interrogation of the motherwe came to know that she had similar joined teethin her deciduous dentition in the same region. Theparent handed over the exfoliated joined tooth. TheIOPA and panoramic view X rays were taken and itrevealed a single mandibular permanent right incisorFig 1. Clinical photograph showing fused mandibularincisors*Professor and HOD, Dept. of Oral Pathology and Microbiology,Priyadharshi Dental College and Hospital, Chennai.**Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, ThaiMoogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai.Address for correspondenceDr. M R C Rajeswari,E-mail: mrcraj@yahoo.co.inFig 2. OPG showing fused mandibular incisorswith large pulp chamber and root canal (fig 2 ). Theclinico radiologic correlation confirmed the fusion ofpermanent mandibular right central and lateral incisors(41 and 42 ).Indian Journal of Multidisciplinary Dentistry, Vol. 2, Issue 2, February-April 2012441