MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLAR FUSED WITH A SUPERNUMERARY TOOTH: REPORT OF A RARE CASE.

Abstract

Fusion is a developmental anomaly defined as the union of two normally separated tooth buds. Depending on the stage of development, fusion may be either complete or incomplete. The significance of this particular case was that this fusion occurred in a posterior permanent mandibular tooth with a supernumerary tooth which was impacted, while such a manifestation is more reported in maxillary anterior teeth; either in the primary (0.5%) or permanent (0.1%) dentition. The genetic basis for this anomaly is probably autosomal dominant with reduced penetrance. The clinical features, radiographic findings and the various etio-pathogenic possibilities of this unique tooth anomaly are discussed. In addition, the essential findings for differential diagnosis include number of teeth, radiography and clinical features are discussed.