Endodontic management of a maxillary lateral incisor fused with supernumerary tooth using spiral computed tomography as diagnostic aid

Abstract

Fusion is a developmental anomaly in tooth morphology,which may be due to either union of two separate tooth buds or partial splitting of a single tooth bud. A thorough understanding of root canal anatomy is an essential prerequisite for a successful endodontic treatment. This case report describes successful endodontic management of a maxillary left lateral incisor fused with a supernumerary tooth using spiral computed tomography (SCT) as a diagnostic aid. A patient reported with a painless swelling in the maxillary anterior region associated with a fused maxillary lateral incisor. Spiral CT was performed to better understand the complex root canal anatomy. Endodontic treatment was done using methyl trioxide aggregate (MTA) as apical plug and obturation by thermoplasticized gutta-percha. The tooth was completely asymptomatic at 1-year follow-up showing signs of healing. The present case report emphasizes on the importance of three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques,such as SCT in cases of developmental anomalies having complicated root canal morphology for successful endodontic therapy.