Concrescence is a condition of

teeth A tooth ( : teeth) is a hard, calcified structure found in the jaws (or mouths) of many vertebrates and used to break down food. Some animals, particularly carnivores and omnivores, also use teeth to help with capturing or wounding prey, tear ...

where the

cementum Cementum is a specialized calcified substance covering the root of a tooth. The cementum is the part of the periodontium that attaches the teeth to the alveolar bone by anchoring the periodontal ligament.Illustrated Dental Embryology, Histology, a ...

overlying the roots of at least two teeth join together. It usually involves only two teeth. The most commonly involved teeth are upper second and third

molars The molars or molar teeth are large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth. They are more developed in mammals. They are used primarily to grind food during chewing. The name ''molar'' derives from Latin, ''molaris dens'', meaning "millstone to ...

. The prevalence rate is 0.04%.

Signs and symptoms

Occlusion Occlusion may refer to: Health and fitness * Occlusion (dentistry), the manner in which the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed * Occlusion miliaria, a skin condition * Occlusive dressing, an air- and water-tight trauma ...

problems causing cheek biting and traumatic ulcers. * Involved teeth may have difficulty erupting or may not erupt completely. * May possibly cause localized periodontal destruction due to aetiological factors. * May cause fracture of the tuberosity or floor of the

maxillary sinus The pyramid-shaped maxillary sinus (or antrum of Highmore) is the largest of the paranasal sinuses, and drains into the middle meatus of the nose through the osteomeatal complex.Human Anatomy, Jacobs, Elsevier, 2008, page 209-210 Structure It is ...

Cause

This condition arises as the result of traumatic injury or overcrowding of teeth. True concrescence occurs during

root In vascular plants, the roots are the organs of a plant that are modified to provide anchorage for the plant and take in water and nutrients into the plant body, which allows plants to grow taller and faster. They are most often below the sur ...

formation phase, whereas acquired concrescence occurs after the radicular phase of development is complete.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose clinically.

Radiographs Radiography is an imaging technology, imaging technique using X-rays, gamma rays, or similar ionizing radiation and non-ionizing radiation to view the internal form of an object. Applications of radiography include medical radiography ("diagnos ...

taken at different angles can aid detection of concrescence.

Histological Histology, also known as microscopic anatomy or microanatomy, is the branch of biology which studies the microscopic anatomy of biological tissues. Histology is the microscopic counterpart to gross anatomy, which looks at larger structures vis ...

examination for extracted teeth could confirm diagnosis.

Treatment

If the condition is not affecting the patient, no treatment is needed. Concrescence teeth could be reshaped and replaced with full

crowns A crown is a traditional form of head adornment, or hat, worn by monarchs as a symbol of their power and dignity. A crown is often, by extension, a symbol of the monarch's government or items endorsed by it. The word itself is used, partic ...

. However, if the teeth are having recurrent problems, non-restorable or pain,

extraction Extraction may refer to: Science and technology Biology and medicine * Comedo extraction, a method of acne treatment * Dental extraction, the surgical removal of a tooth from the mouth Computing and information science * Data extraction, the pro ...

should be considered.

References

External links

Developmental tooth pathology {{disease-stub