Impaction of a mandibular permanent lateral incisor associated with fused primary teeth: a case report

Although anesthetic and functional problems created by fused primary teeth are relatively transient, occlusal development should be monitored to prevent abnormal delays in the eruption of the permanent successors. This report describes an unusual case in which horizontal impaction of the permanent mandibular left lateral incisor was associated with fusion of the primary mandibular left lateral incisor and canine. After the fused primary tooth was extracted, the impacted lateral incisor was able to erupt without the aid of orthodontic forces. Early detection eliminated the need for surgical intervention at a later stage.