Authors : Prabhakar M, Singh VP
DOI : 10.18231/j.jco.2018.009
Volume : 2
Issue : 1
Year : 2018
Page No : 61-70
Concrescence is an abnormal union of adjacent teeth involving only the cemental tissues of the affected teeth. It has been previously reported in the region of maxillary molars, posing a hazard to their extraction. However there is no mention of it being seen in the region of maxillary anterior teeth of patients requiring orthodontic treatment. As a clinical diagnosis of concrescence is not possible, special radiographic techniques have to be employed. The following is an unusual case report of a patient in whom orthodontic treatment progress was delayed owing to the inability to detect the concrescent roots of maxillary right central and lateral incisors. CBCT helped in confirming the diagnosis and site of concrescence. Surgical separation of the roots allowed the orthodontic treatment to progress but resulted in severe root resorption in the concerned teeth. Since proper alignment of anterior teeth is essential to produce an esthetic outcome, concrescence, if present, can pose a grave potential hazard to orthodontic treatment.
Keywords: Concrescent roots, Incisors, Orthodontic treatment, Root resorption