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Dentistry/double tooth or fused tooth?

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Expert: Dr. Randolph Myerson - 8/15/2007


Question
My 3 yr old son has been diagnosed with a double tooth after pointing out to the dentist that he has an extra insisor.I'm not sure what this is! could it be an extra tooth that has fuse onto the next tooth? it has some decay despite thorough brushing and needs filling. will his adult teeth be affected?

Answer
In some cases we see two teeth...usually incisors...fused together.  In other situations we see two teeth...an incisor and an extra tooth...fused together.  The line of fusion is often a deep crease in the enamel which can decay in spite of the best oral care, simply because a toothbrush can't get down into the crevice.  Cleaning the decay and placing a filling early is essential in order to prevent future damage.
Fusion of primary teeth can sometimes cause problems with the permanent teeth, although not always.  If the fusion involves an extra tooth...such as three normal incisors plus a fourth incisor fused with an extra tooth...these will occupy more space than normal and this could result in a spacing and bite problem when the permanent teeth emerge.  Also, it is important for the child to have regular, twice a year, checkups so that the situation can be monitored, especially when it comes time for the primary teeth to start falling out and be replaced by permanent teeth.
Fusion of teeth is much more prevelant in the primary dentition and is very rarely seen in the permanent teeth.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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