Sectioning of a double tooth aided by cone-beam computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Double teeth (geminated or fused teeth) pose significant clinical management challenges.
• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has emerged as a valuable tool for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in dentistry.
• Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction from CBCT data enhances pre-surgical planning for complex dental anomalies.

Observation:

• A 14-year-old male presented with an aesthetically concerning double tooth in the maxillary anterior region (tooth 22).
• Diagnostic assessments included clinical examination, conventional radiography, and advanced CBCT imaging with 3D reconstruction.
• The patient's motivation was a key factor considered alongside clinical and radiographic findings.

Findings:

• A treatment plan involving extra-alveolar tooth sectioning, re-implantation, endodontic therapy, and composite restoration was implemented.
• At 12-month follow-up (delayed from 6 months), the tooth was clinically sound.
• Radiographic examination revealed successful bony infill around the re-implanted tooth.

Implications:

• CBCT imaging provides crucial information for planning complex dental treatments like double tooth management.
• Integrating imaging data with a thorough assessment of patient motivation is vital for successful treatment outcomes.
• This case demonstrates the efficacy of a multi-modal approach in managing dental anomalies and achieving functional and aesthetic results.