Unusual finding of concrescence

Abstract

Concrescence is a rare dental anomaly whereby adjacent teeth are united by cementum. It has been reported to occur in around 0.8% of permanent dental extractions and a correct diagnosis prior to surgical intervention is important to ensure that patients can make an informed decision about their treatment and to reduce the potential for dentolegal action against the responsible clinician. An 83-year-old woman was referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at the Wirral University Teaching Hospital, for extraction of her upper left first molar tooth. The operator noted that, when the upper left first molar was extracted, the upper left second molar tooth was also removed. Clinically, the roots of the adjacent teeth appeared fused and a diagnosis of concrescence was established. The patient was informed of the complication and provided with a 1-week review appointment, at which stage she was discharged.

Figure 1

Orthopantomogram of the upper left quadrant.

Figure 2

Concrescent left maxillary first and second molars postextraction.