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. 2024 May;18(2):687-691.
doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1772248. Epub 2023 Sep 20.

Gemination of an Erupted Mandibular Third Molar: A Short Presentation of an Exceptionally Rare Clinical Occurrence

Hans Ulrich Brauer  1 , Andreas Bartols  1   2
Affiliations

Gemination of an Erupted Mandibular Third Molar: A Short Presentation of an Exceptionally Rare Clinical Occurrence

Hans Ulrich Brauer et al. Eur J Dent. 2024 May.

Abstract

Double teeth, like fusions and geminations, are rare disorders of tooth development. In this short case presentation, we describe the unique appearance of a fully erupted mandibular wisdom tooth in a 72-year-old patient whose tooth exhibited gemination. This was possible because tooth 46 had to be removed from the patient at the age of 20 and the missing molar was not replaced. This geminated tooth of 48 had been in function for almost 50 years and finally had to be removed due to a periodontal inflammation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case presented of this dental anomaly for a fully erupted lower wisdom tooth.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Clinical image of the tooth structure in region 48. The tooth 46 is missing. The suspected diagnosis of geminated tooth of 48 was made.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Anterior view: swelling and fistula (white arrow) in the buccal mucosa.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Detail of the panoramic radiograph showing the geminated third molar 48. The tooth 46 is missing.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Buccal view of the geminated tooth of 48.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Lingual view of the geminated tooth of 48. The large crown is partially separated.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Panoramic radiograph taken 20 years prior to tooth removal shows the geminated tooth of 48. Tooth 46 was already missing at that time. Third molar 38 can be described as normal in size and shape.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
The panoramic scan 2 years after the removal of the gemination is completely ossified in region 48. Tooth 18 appears only slightly elongated. The position of tooth 47 has not changed.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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