Diente doble en dentición temporal: reporte de caso clínico / Double tooth in the temporary dentition: case report

ABSTRACT

The term double tooth corresponds to a binding dental anomaly and refers, therefore, to two teeth together, and includes gemination and fusion. Gemination is an attempt to divide a developing germ, without affecting the final number of pieces. Fusion is the pre-eruptive or embryological union of two adjacent tooth germs, resulting in a piece down in the formula of the arcade hit. Both anomalies show similar clinical features and can occur in both dentitions. This report presents a case of double tooth in mandibular anterior dentition, with diagnosis of dental fusion in a 4 years old patient, explains the features of the case and finally identifies the importance of differential diagnosis between fusion and gemination as pathological entities of similar clinical presentation which according to the literature, can involve almost the same teeth, with potential effects on permanent dentition.