Fusing the Gap—Strategic Approaches in Managing Primary Double Teeth: A Report of Two Cases
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Case seriesanomaly in the deciduous teeth is PDT, of which fusion is the most frequent manifestation.5,10,11 Gemination is commonly seen in the maxilla, while fusion is common in the mandible.12 PDT are usually found in the mandibular anterior region involving the lateral incisors and canines.13 There are equal chances for these developmental anomalies to occur in both genders.12 Primary double teeth poses significant clinical challenges, necessitating a comprehensive treatment approach that prioritizes functional and esthetic issues.It is the clinician's paramount responsibility to restore a child's smile with the same diligence as they would for an adult.This case report, according to the CARE guidelines, 14 aims to highlight a proactive treatment strategy for managing primary tooth fusion. IntroductIonOdontogenesis is a coordinated, sequential process characterized by a complex chain of steps ultimately resulting in the formation of a tooth and its surrounding structures.Several progressive stages, such as tooth initiation, proliferation, histodifferentiation, morphodifferentiation, apposition, and bone remodeling, take place during tooth formation and eruption.1 Tooth development is a continuous process that unfolds from embryonic stages to early adulthood, and any disruptions during this intricate journey can lead to developmental tooth anomalies.Developmental anomalies in deciduous dentition refer to irregular number, size, shape, and structure of deciduous teeth, which can negatively impact oral health and function.Recognizing developmental dental anomalies is crucial, as they can lead to malocclusion, increased caries susceptibility, esthetic concerns, and other functional problems, emphasizing the timely need for intervention.2 Prevalence of anomalies in deciduous dentition ranges from 0.4 to 8.1%, 3-5 with fusion and gemination having a prevalence of 0.1-5 6 and 0.1-1%, 7 respectively.Fusion or synodontia occurs when two or more distinct tooth germs merge, resulting in a joined structure involving the enamel or both enamel and dentin.In gemination, a single tooth bud tries to split, resulting in an irregular tooth shape or structure.8 When faced with diagnostic uncertainty between fusion and gemination, the term primary double teeth (PDT) can be employed as a collective descriptor.9 According to a study by Santanu et al., 2 the majority (81.8%) of cases showed unilateral distribution, of which 91.9% were found in the mandibular arch.A bilateral distribution was observed only in 18.2% of cases, typically affecting the mandibular lateral incisors and canines.Thus, the existing literature suggests that the prevalent developmental 1-
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7128713568