Bilateral fusion of primary lower incisors

Abstract

“Double teeth” are one of the most frequent anomalies in dental practice, with fusion defined as the union of two dental germs during development, resulting in a single tooth with an enlarged crown. This condition occurs in both dentitions, with a higher prevalence in the deciduous dentition, mainly affecting lateral incisors and mandibular canines, generally unilaterally; bilateral cases are rare. Besides the aesthetic impact, dental fusion can cause alterations in the interarch space, predisposition to caries, and periodontal compromise. Its etiology remains uncertain, being associated with factors such as viral infections during pregnancy, medication use, hypervitaminosis A, and heredity. This case report describes a five-year-old male patient diagnosed with bilateral dental fusion of deciduous teeth 71-72 and 81-82, identified by clinical and radiographic examination. Given the altered eruption pattern observed, extraction was chosen as the therapeutic approach. This case reinforces the importance of differential diagnosis between fusion and gemination and the individualization of the treatment plan, especially in Pediatric Dentistry, aiming to prevent future complications and ensure appropriate clinical management.