Journal of Conservative Dentistry
Home About us Editorial Board Instructions Submission Subscribe Advertise Contact e-Alerts Login 
Users Online: 2662
Print this page  Email this page Bookmark this page Small font sizeDefault font sizeIncrease font size
 

 
Table of Contents   
CASE REPORT  
Year : 2013  |  Volume : 16  |  Issue : 6  |  Page : 582-584
An unusual occurrence of bilaterally geminated mandibular second premolars resulting in premolar molarization: A case report


1 SRM Dental College, SRM University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2 Sree Balaji Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
3 Thai Mookambigai Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
4 Dental and Medical Centre, Cochin, Kerala, India

Click here for correspondence address and email

Date of Submission05-Jun-2013
Date of Decision22-Aug-2013
Date of Acceptance11-Sep-2013
Date of Web Publication2-Nov-2013
 

   Abstract 

Gemination refers to an attempt by a single tooth bud to divide, with a resultant formation of either a large tooth with a bifid crown or two completely divided teeth throughout the crown and root. This report describes a rare case of bilateral gemination of permanent mandibular second premolar tooth giving rise to molarization of premolars. The mesiodistal width of these teeth is similar to mandibular molars, but the cervicoocclusal width is lesser than that of the molar tooth. This paper also discusses the potential orthodontic, periodontal, and endodontic complications of premolar molarization.

Keywords: Developmental anomalies; gemination; mandibular second premolar; molarization of premolar; single canal; single root

How to cite this article:
Rajesh Ebenezar A V, Venkatesh A, Mary A V, Mohan AG. An unusual occurrence of bilaterally geminated mandibular second premolars resulting in premolar molarization: A case report. J Conserv Dent 2013;16:582-4

How to cite this URL:
Rajesh Ebenezar A V, Venkatesh A, Mary A V, Mohan AG. An unusual occurrence of bilaterally geminated mandibular second premolars resulting in premolar molarization: A case report. J Conserv Dent [serial online] 2013 [cited 2023 Nov 30];16:582-4. Available from: https://www.jcd.org.in/text.asp?2013/16/6/582/120939

   Introduction Top


Developmental dental disorders occurs either due to the abnormalities in the differentiation of the dental lamina and the tooth germs (anomalies in number, size and shape) or to abnormalities in the formation of the dental hard tissues (anomalies in structure). [1],[2],[3] Fusion has been described as a developmental anomaly characterized by the union of two adjacent teeth. This union of two separate tooth germs may be either complete or incomplete. Fused teeth have separated or shared pulp chambers and canals. [4] Gemination is defined as an attempt by a single tooth bud to divide, with a resultant formation of either a large tooth with a bifid crown or two completely divided teeth throughout the crown and root. [5] In fusion, the crowns are united by enamel and/or dentine, but there are two roots or two root canals in a single root. In contrast, in gemination, the structure most often presents two crowns, either totally or partially separated, with a single root and one root canal. In cases where union of a normal tooth bud to a supernumerary tooth germ occurs, the differentiation between fusion and gemination becomes difficult. [6] For better understanding, a tooth was recognized as fused if its crown and root were enlarged and the tooth count was less than one. A tooth was recognized as geminated if its crown was enlarged with a normal root and the tooth count was normal.

Gemination is observed both in the primary and permanent dentition. Gemination when occurs in the anterior region can cause unpleasant esthetic appearance due to irregular morphology. Moreover, if gemination presents with a deep groove, these teeth may be susceptible to caries and periodontal disease. [7] Gemination is more frequent in primary than in permanent teeth. Geminated teeth have a characteristic appearance; the mesiodistal diameter of the clinical crown is larger than normal, and from the incisal edge to the apex of the root a groove of unequal depth divides the tooth into two, usually unequal parts. The frequency of gemination or fusion ranges from 0.01-0.04% in the primary, and 0.05% in the permanent dentition and the bilateral presentation is rare. [3] Gemination rarely occurs in mandibular second premolar region and can cause the appearance of molar-like premolar. This anomaly known as molarization of premolars have been infrequently described in the dental literature. [8],[9] This paper presents an unusual case of bilaterally geminated mandibular second premolar tooth giving rise to molarization of premolars.


   Case Report Top


A 27-year-old, healthy male was reported with the chief complaint of pain in the lower left back tooth region for the past 1 week. Following a clinical examination, molar resembling second premolar tooth were seen in the left mandibular region. A thorough clinical examination confirms the presence of molar resembling second premolar tooth also in the right quadrant due to gemination. This molar resembling second premolar tooth gives the impression of four molars [Figure 1] in both the quadrant. The involved teeth had normal morphology; crowns and roots were significantly developed but smaller in size. The length of the root was normal relative to its crown. The root apex was completely developed. The panoramic radiograph [Figure 2] reveals the presence of single root and single root canal in both the involved mandibular second premolar teeth.
Figure 1: Occlusal photograph showing premolar molarization in both the quadrants of the mandible

Click here to view
Figure 2: Panoramic radiograph revealing premolar molarization in the mandible

Click here to view



   Discussion Top


Fusion and gemination are two different morphological dental anomalies, characterized by the formation of a clinically wide tooth. Gemination occurs when two teeth develop from one tooth bud and, as a result, the patient has a larger tooth but a normal number, in contrast to fusion where the patient would appear to be missing one tooth. [1],[2] Fused teeth arise through union of two normally separated tooth germs, and depending upon the stage of development of the teeth at the time of union, it may be either complete or incomplete. In geminated teeth, division is usually incomplete and results in a large tooth crown that has a single root and a single canal. [6],[10]

Gemination is usually asymptomatic. The possible complications with geminated tooth are the presence of labial and lingual vertical grooves on the crown surface. These grooves are pronounced in cases of incomplete fusion. Since these grooves are difficult to clean, caries may result. Placement of a sealant or composite material into these grooves decreases the caries risk. [11] If these defects are very deep and extend subgingivally, the possibility of bacterial plaque accumulation is quite high. Strict oral hygiene is imperative to maintain periodontal health. Furthermore, gemination may have an adverse effect on occlusion, causing deviation, and sometimes, delaying the eruption of other teeth with esthetic problems resulting from tooth. Orthodontic and prosthodontics management should be considered to ensure functional occlusion and improve esthetics. [12]

In this case report, we have presented an unusual case of bilateral gemination of mandibular second premolar tooth. This phenomenon has been rarely described in the dental literature and is referred as molarization of premolars. [8],[9] The mesiodistal diameter of the tooth crown is larger than the average size of mandibular second premolar tooth, but similar in size when compared with that of the mandibular molars [Table 1]. The cervicoocclusal width of these teeth is lesser when compared to the molars [Table 2]. Crowding is evident in the mandibular right quadrant due to the unusually large size of mandibular second premolar. This molarization of premolars can be associated with any syndromes or it may be asyndromic. [9] Our patient had no associated syndrome.
Table 1: Comparison of the real values between the mesiomolar and the other molars in the lower left quadrant

Click here to view
Table 2: Comparison of the real values between the mesiomolar and the other molars in the lower right quadrant

Click here to view



   Conclusion Top


The dentist must be familiar with dental anomalies like gemination and fusion, which can influence tooth alignment, and interdigitation, arch symmetry, appearance, and associated periodontal tissues. A multidisciplinary approach comprises of conservative, endodontic, prosthodontics, periodontic, and orthodontic considerations are required for the successful management of these cases.

 
   References Top

1.O Carroll MK. Fusion and gemination in alternate dentitions. Oral Surg 1990;69:655.  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.Terezhalmy GT, Riley CK. Gemination/fusion. Quintessence Int 1999;30:437.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.Duncan WK, Helpin ML. Bilateral fusion and gemination: A literature analysis and case report. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1987;64:82-7.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.Velasco LF, de Araujo FB, Ferreira ES, Velasco LE. Esthetic and functional treatment of a fused permanent tooth: A case report. Quintessence Int 1997;28:677-80.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Bouqout JE. Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. 2 nd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2002. p. 278-9.  Back to cited text no. 5
    
6.Alvarez I, Creath CJ. Radiographic considerations for supernumerary tooth extraction: Report of case. ASDC J Dent Child 1995;62:141-4.  Back to cited text no. 6
    
7.Aguilo L, Gandia JL, Cibrian R, Catala M. Primary double teeth. A retrospective clinical study of their morphological characteristics and associated anomalies. Int J Paediatr Dent 1999;9:175-83.  Back to cited text no. 7
    
8.Hermel J, Yardeni J, Haas N. Bilateral "molarization" of teeth erupted in the region of the second mandibular premolars. Am J Phys Anthropol 1968;28:345-50.  Back to cited text no. 8
    
9.Canut JA, Arias S. Molarization of the lower second premolars. Angle Orthod 1999;69:380-1.  Back to cited text no. 9
    
10.O'Reilly PM. Structural and radiographic evaluation of four cases of tooth fusion. Aust Dent J 1990;35:226-9.  Back to cited text no. 10
    
11.Hattab FN, Hazza'a AM. Unusual case of talon's cusp on geminated tooth. J Can Dent Assoc 2001;67:263-6.  Back to cited text no. 11
    
12.Blank BS, Ogg RR, Levy AR. A fused central incisor. Periodontal considerations in comprehensive treatment. J Periodontol 1985;56:21-4.  Back to cited text no. 12
    

Top
Correspondence Address:
Ajit George Mohan
Dental and Medical Centre, III/351 Koorans Annexe NH-47, Kothakulangara, Angamaly, Cochin, Kerala
India
Login to access the Email id

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/0972-0707.120939

Rights and Permissions


    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2]
 
 
    Tables

  [Table 1], [Table 2]

This article has been cited by
1 A Geminated Mandibular Second Molar—A Case Report
Asha Pandya-Sharpe, James Puryer
Reports. 2021; 4(4): 31
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
2 Case report of a geminated premolar and hypodontia
Paula Sinnott, Sunil Sah, Chris Barker
Orthodontic Update. 2020; 13(1): 30
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
3 PREMOLAR DISTE GEMINASYON: NADIR GÖRÜLEN BIR GELISIMSEL ANOMALI BILDIRISI VE KAYNAK DERLEMESI
Cansu GÖRÜRGÖZ, Poyzan BOZKURT
Selcuk Dental Journal. 2020;
[Pubmed] | [DOI]
4 Endodontic and Clinical Considerations in the Management of Variable Anatomy in Mandibular Premolars: A Literature Review
Denzil Albuquerque,Jojo Kottoor,Mohammad Hammo
BioMed Research International. 2014; 2014: 1
[Pubmed] | [DOI]



 

Top
 
 
 
  Search
 
 
    Similar in PUBMED
   Search Pubmed for
   Search in Google Scholar for
 Related articles
    Email Alert *
    Add to My List *
* Registration required (free)  
 


    Abstract
   Introduction
   Case Report
   Discussion
   Conclusion
    References
    Article Figures
    Article Tables

 Article Access Statistics
    Viewed3441    
    Printed104    
    Emailed0    
    PDF Downloaded177    
    Comments [Add]    
    Cited by others 4    

Recommend this journal